Recommended music: Daniel Pemberton – The Battle for Eternos
It’s #MastersMonday, and I’m excited to share something new. Since my action figures are still packed away, waiting for a new display, some recent comics will be coming out to play. This week, we have a book called Masters of the Universe: Wings of Fate #1!
Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate, published by Dark Horse Comics, is a four-issue miniseries that fills in some timeline gaps from the recent movie. Writer Tim Sheridan made this more than a typical movie tie-in or prequel. I was able to speak with Tim before the comic and film were released, when he was at FanExpo Denver in May. He also joined Filmation’s Tom Cook for a panel there where he explained that the film’s 15-year story gap gave him a chance to explore what else might have been happening in the universe during that time.
Though Sheridan is well experienced with the MOTU property, having written for both the Revelation and Revolution animated series and the tie-in comic miniseries for these Netflix productions, the art department brings a pair of new faces to Masters of the Universe. Will Sliney has been an in-demand Irish comic book artist for 15 years with Marvel and DC titles, but his cover and story art in this series are his first official involvement with the property. Colorist Israel Silva has also been in the industry for over a decade, and his work in this issue helps bring you into the aesthetic of Travis Knight’s film.
Rather than create a prequel that doesn’t pay off, or rehashing the film’s main narrative beat for beat, Sheridan shifts the focus from Prince Adam to a character barely seen on screen during the film, Orko. I’m not going to give much of the story away and have removed the text from the pages, but if you loved the film, you’ll enjoy seeing more of the story in book form. I’m not certain Amazon/MGM will ever share much additional footage beyond the theatrical cut, so seeing more Orko and Zoar in comic form may be as good as it gets. The introduction of new Trollans beyond Filmation characters like Dree Elle, Montork, or Yukkers adds a genuinely fun element to the story. Though none of the Heroic Warriors on the first issue’s cover appear in the story, we get additional dialogue from Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, and Trap Jaw among other villains, and it is easy to hear their words in the voices of the actors from the recent film.
Ultimately, this issue and miniseries serve as a clever tie-in that enhances the movie’s lore without feeling like mandatory homework or a cheap cash-grab. If you pick this up expecting a typical He-Man versus Skeletor battle, you may be disappointed by the tight focus on Orko’s side-quest. Overall, it stands as a character-driven start to the miniseries, offering a rewarding deep dive into Eternian side-lore for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Since this issue debuted the week after the film, it will be harder to find at your local comic shop. Multiple stores told me they hope for a restock, but you may have to find this one online to enjoy the beginning of the story. Issue number two was released last month. I’ll be back next week to discuss it.
Good journey! – DM
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