Masters of The Universe: Revolution #1 Review
Woven Destiny
The wheel turns in this Netflix series’ debut comic book. Masters of The Universe: Revolution #1 dives into the origin story of this universe’s most exuberating adventures. Before He-Man, there was Hordak on his quest for power, but what he finds is more than he can accept. An invasion, only to be a distraction, leads Hordak to determine that to seize more power than he could ever imagine he is to cross paths with a man who parallels his course of fate. This man would be named Keldor, but to most, he would eventually become to be known as the terrifying Skeletor. Discover how it all began.
For those who enjoyed the previous animated series on Netflix, Tim Sheridan (Flashpoint Beyond, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, Reign of the Supermen) returns to shed some missing details that would expand the mythos of the world of Eternia. Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 is written so well that learning about how Eternia came to be in a way that doesn’t bore a reader is quite fascinating to appreciate. While origin stories sometimes can have their dry moments, this origin story doesn’t do that here. This universe can hold its grasp on the reader as it guides them through what might seem like an uninteresting backstory. However, it’s far from it as this story sets up what audiences are familiar with in the Netflix animated series. If things couldn’t get any more interesting, readers learn where the staff that Skeletor uses throughout most of his battles comes from and what it means. If that’s not cool, then readers and fans are missing out. One key constant in Sheridan’s writing for this comic book is his use of dialogue in the story. It feels natural to read and understand what’s going on rather than to double back to a paragraph to understand the situation fully.
Comparably, Daniel HDR (Barbarella, Lady Death, Green Lantern Corps) as the illustrator did an amazing job on the artwork for Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1. HDR had a lot to work with within this first issue alone. Witnessing the universe’s origin story seemed like a challenge to illustrate, but not for HDR, it seems. From the beginning of where the creation story to the very end of the book, he did very well at capturing the visual expectation of Sheridan’s storytelling. The ability to draw the script from what he has read on paper or a computer screen and creatively make it happen is astounding. HDR’s panel work exceeds some expectations regarding panel execution within the comic book. For example, HDR’s panels are not entirely consistent as they match the atmosphere of what’s transpiring in the comic book itself. This makes for an excellent through a range of emotions in his work.
Speaking of emotions, Keith Champagne (Batman, Catwoman, Ghost) and Brad Simpson (30 Days of Night, All Eight Eyes, Almighty) brought their skills to the test with this story for Eternia. The amount of ink work Champagne applies to the pages with Simpson’s coloring style compliments each other’s specific talent to bring this comic book to life for fans and would-be fans alike to sit and enjoy. Simpson’s coloring adds value that would otherwise fall flat if done wrong. With Champagne’s inks to highlight the overall visual story it’s a unison of creating compatible magic.
The lettering in the comic book was as solid as it could be when writing a story like this. Word balloons were placed in sections of the panels where they didn’t obstruct any details. Sound effects were drawn in nicely and neatly. Andworld Design (Bleed Them Dry, Deathstroke, Green Arrow) was the right choice as the letterer.
The cover art for Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 by Dave Wilkins (Caliber, Vanish) is stunning. I’m not sure how many would agree, but the illustration not only gives readers a peek into the future but also gives a cool pose with a major bad guy. Talk about making villains look cooler.
Overall, Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 is a good read for those who seek to understand how things in the Netflix series came to be. There is a lot to unpack in this issue alone but I can’t wait to see what happens afterward in the next continuation of the story. Be sure to pick this one up at your local comic book store or where copies are sold. Don’t miss out on this.
Comic Details
Writer: Tim Sheridan
Artist: Daniel HDR
Inker: Keith Champagne
Colorist: Brad Simpson
Letterer: Andworld Design
Cover Artist: Dave Wilkins
Editor: Brett Israel
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: May 15th, 2024
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics who resides in the city of Washington, D.C. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he attends popular culture conventions both locally and out of state. Whether he’s searching for rare comic finds or engaging in video games, or reading manga he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandom. Follow along as he explores the worlds of superheroes, sci-fi, and beyond, always with a keen eye for adventure and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.
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