Masters of the Universe

The Masters of the Universe media franchise has appeared in several comic book series. Most were small publications (known as "minicomics"), which were included as bonuses with action figures. Standalone comic-book series were also published by DC, Marvel Comics, London Edition Magazines and Image Comics. Publication history Original Mattel minicomics (1981) The original action figures were packaged with minicomics, with stories about the characters. Written by Don Glut and illustrated by Alfredo P. Alcala, these first 4 stories in booklet form had one image per page with text underneath. In the early comics He-Man is a wandering barbarian on Eternia, a world dealing with the aftermath of a war which devastated its civilizations and left behind fantastic machinery and weapons. The war opened a rift between dimensions, allowing the evil warlord Skeletor to travel to Eternia. Skeletor has set his sights on the ancient Castle Grayskull, a fortress of mystery and power; whoever controls Grayskull will become Master of the Universe. To prevent Skeletor from achieving his goal, He-Man has received special powers and weapons from the Sorceress and defends the castle from Skeletor. To distinguish these stories from the minicomics which were released as tie-ins with the TV series, fans called this first version of Eternia "mini-Eternia" (or "Min-Eternia") or more commonly "savage Eternia" DC Comics minicomics (1982) When the "Wave 2" minicomics were produced by DC Comics. They changed many aspects from original 4 booklets. Written by Cary Cohn and illustrated by Mark Texeira. He-Man no longer is a wandering barbarian, but resides at the Royal Palace and is supported by allies such as Man-At-Arms (the Eternian master of weapons) whom DC changed to be the adoptive father to Teela. Skeletor finds one half of the Power Sword, the key to Castle Grayskull. He-Man received the other half from the Sorceress, and must prevent Skeletor from linking the two halves and gaining access to the castle. DC Comics introduced many new elements like a King and Queen, the Royal Palace as well as more scifi-themed villains Trap Jaw to the stories.