DC: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1

Written by: Kevin Hunter, Special to CC2K

What better way to celebrate last week’s feminist week than with one of the most misogynistic names in the animated universe – He-Man! He’s back and better than ever in “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” #1 by DC Comics and the team of James Robinson, Philip Tan and Ruy Jose. He-Man is celebrating his 30th anniversary as the incredibly popular toy by Mattel, which resulted in a popular animated television series that ran from 1983-85 with 130 episodes, which you can still catch on cable TV today. There was also a live-action movie featuring Dolph Lungren in 1987, and an animated movie in 2002.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1

Writer: James Robinson

Penciller: Phillip Tan

Inks: Ruy Jose

We all know He-Man as the Power Sword-wielding hero, whose very words, ” By the power of Grayskull, I HAVE THE POWER!” transformed him into the most powerful man in the universe as he battled the maniacal Skeletor. I’m sure we’ll see all of that later, because in this new storyline we see He-Man in his early beginnings, which will no doubt set him up for his ultimate encounter.

This version of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a little different from the one many of us grew up with. In “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” #1 and a story titled “The Seeker,” we find He-Man as woodsman Adam instead of Prince Adam. As he is going about his business doing the things that woodsmen do, as well as caring for his ailing woodsman father, Fedor, Adam has recurring dreams about being the He-Man that we all know and love. He doesn’t know what to make of the dreams, but admits that it may be some sort of calling. After a intense fight with Beast Man, young Adam knows that he must venture from the forest to seek his true destiny, which I’m sure we’ll find out what that is in later issues.     

I know that I’ve given DC Comics a hard time with the constant retelling of classic characters and stories, but I’m going to cut them some slack on “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” #1. I was never a big fan of the original series or the character, but DC does what DC does best in telling a great story from the main character’s point of view. Who knows where this will go? Maybe a new toy line of He-Man stuff from Mattel that a new generation of kids will drive their parents crazy for this Christmas, or another live-action and/or animated movie. Either way, like it or not He-Man is back and DC Comics has him and his Masters of the Universe in what looks to be a very good ongoing series. And ladies fear not! I’m sure that if this new version of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is successful, I’m sure we’ll see his sister, She-Ra: Princess of Power on comic books shelves in the near future.