He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1

Writer: James Robinson

Artist: Phillip Tan

One of my very first heroes was He-Man so to say I’m thrilled with this new series is an understatement, I’m ecstatic! DC comics present a new take of the most powerful man in the universe. This comic opens with Adam as a logger living in the woods with his ailing father. Notice Adam is not a prince, his father is not a king and instead of wielding the sword of power Adam simply has an axe to cut trees with. Adam keeps having visions of power warriors, masters of the universe, battling the forces of Snake Mountain. A mysterious falcon keeps a watch over Adam, often triggering these memories. Adam realizes he has to find answers to these visions and decides to depart the forest and explore the rest of Eternia. After arranging someone to stay with his father Adam begins his journey only to run upon the Beast Man. The creature immediately threatens Adam to go back home and a battle ensues. Adam is impressed that he holding his own despite being a simple logger and finally the tables turn on Beast Man and he is defeated. Far away on Snake Mountain Skeletor sends a message to all his warriors: find and stop Adam, dead or alive.

WOW! This issue was a fun twist on the He-Man legend. Apparently evil has taken over and Adam and the masters have no idea of who they are. Skeletor and Beast Man either know Adam’s real identity as He-Man or they know he is somehow going to bring He-Man back to restore light to Eternia. Watching Adam experience the memories of his true life and trying to put the pieces together was great, making the tension build with every page. The art by Phillip Tan was gorgeous, loved his full page reveal of the Beast Man. Adam is truly out of his element with no sword of power, no Cringer (hope he shows up soon, love Cringer!) no Man at Arms or Teela, no Castle Greyskull, basically nothing. But that’s what makes me want more. Great set up to a great miniseries, here’s hoping next issue Adam gets to transform into He-Man and start getting things back on track. Solid A all the way!