Mekaneck as seen in the Mike Young Productions animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002).
Character history[]
Gadget Neck
Mekaneck features in the contemporary relaunch of the Masters of the Universe toy line and cartoon series in 2002. His abilities are altered slightly, with his neck able to bend and twist around corners despite being made of metal, and it can also seemingly stretch to infinite heights. Mekaneck is shown as a formidable warrior, able to hold his own alongside the other masters. He is often paired in battle with Ram-Man. He also can use his flanged helmet as a weapon by extending his neck and hitting enemies with his head. His goggles are presented as night vision as well as telescopic. They may be cybernetic as well, like his neck, but this is not revealed.
His personality in the new show is insecure and paranoid, feeling his power of extending his neck is useless and giving him an inferiority complex aside his battle comrades. This is brought to the forefront in the episode "Mekaneck's Lament" in which, after an injury, he makes a deal with an old man who promises to grant him better powers if he recovers a magic amulet for him. The old man turns out to be Count Marzo, who wants the amulet to recover his own powers and intends nothing for Mekaneck. Realizing his insecurity has placed his friends in danger, Mekaneck sets about overcoming Marzo's attempt on Eternia and realizing the true benefits of his powers.
The old storyline of Mekaneck's son seems to be abandoned for the new series, although he develops a rivalry with Marzo, which is clearly influenced by the old episode Search for a Son, and is elaborated on in the Council of Evil 2-parter, in which Marzo takes Mekaneck prisoner.
Appearances[]
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002)[]
Season One (2002-2003)
- The Beginning Part 1
- The Beginning Part 2
- The Beginning Part 3
- The Deep End
- Lessons
- Siren's Song
- The Ties That Bind
- Dragon's Brood
- Turnabout
- Mekaneck's Lament
- Night of the Shadowbeasts
- The Mystery of Anwat Gar (non speaking role)
- The Monster Within
- Roboto's Gambit (non speaking role)
- Trust
- Orko's Garden (non speaking role)
- Snake Pit (moral only) (non speaking role)
- The Sweet Smell of Victory'
- Separation (non speaking role)
- The Council of Evil, Part 1
- The Council of Evil, Part 2
Season Two (2003-2004)
- The Last Stand
- To Walk With Dragons
- Rise of the Snake Men, Part 1
- Rise of the Snake Men, Part 2
- Of Machines and Men
- Second Skin
- Web of Evil
- Rattle of the Snake (moral only) (non speaking role)
- Awaken the Serpent