Roboto as seen in the Mike Young Productions animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002).
History[]
Roboto was built by Man-At-Arms as a simple chess-playing robot. Desiring to apply his chess skills to the real battle around him, he upgrades himself to a warrior robot and effectively transfers his skills into the Masters' combat.
However, Teela refuses to let him join the fighting forces since he is not specifically designed for battle. However, during the prevailing incident of battling an army of small bone monsters controlled by Tri-Klops, which doubles its numbers every time it is destroyed, it is Roboto's analysis that determines the only way to defeat it is to attack Tri-Klops directly. To do so, Roboto advises He-Man of his idea and uses himself as a self-sacrifice to draw the enemy's attention to allow the superhero to approach his target. While He-Man is successful, Roboto is overwhelmed and seemingly destroyed before the enemy can be neutralized. Teela mourns his destruction and berates herself for not appreciating his courage and skills when offered. However, to her relief, her father then announces that she will have that opportunity as he presents the fully repaired Roboto who is ready to assume the duties Teela gladly offers. Subsequent episodes see him serving as the Masters' combat analyst.
A notable point about Roboto in the new series is that his portrayal, as well as his voice, seem to differ between episodes. Although portrayed as strong and confident in his debut appearance, subsequent appearances in The Sweet Smell of Victory and Separation show him as lacking in confidence, while his understanding of the human world around him often comes across as amusingly simple rather than intelligent. He is also given a lighter, softly-spoken voice in these episodes, which some fans have compared to Michael Jackson. However, most episodes in season 2 restore him to his original personality and voice.
Appearances[]
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002)[]
Season One (2002-2003)
- Roboto's Gambit
- The Sweet Smell of Victory
- Separation
- The Council of Evil, Part 1
- The Council of Evil, Part 2
Season Two (2003-2004)
- The Last Stand
- To Walk With Dragons
- Out of the Past
- Rise of the Snake Men, Part 1
- Second Skin
- Rattle of the Snake
- Awaken the Serpent (non-speaking role)