Warning: contains spoilers for Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1!
Dark Horse’s new Masters of the Universe: Revolutions comic is essential reading for fans of the Netflix show, as it peels back Hordak’s layers, giving him the “Year One’ treatment. The series’ first issue gets off to a roaring start, exploring the origins of multiple characters from across the franchise. However, it shines a new light on Hordak, showing how he became the fearsome villain fans love.
Masters of the Universe: Revolutions #1 is written by Tim Sheridan, from a script by Sheridan, Rob Davis and Ted Biaselli, and drawn by Daniel HDR. The issue follows Hordak as he seeks weapons of power. A prophecy, and a betrayal, lead Hordak to the island of Anwat Gar.
Here, Hordak is thrown on a collision course with Keldor, the man he will take under his wing and transform into the hideous villain Skeletor.
In addition to filling in the gaps in Hordak’s backstory, it also shows the origins of Shadow Weaver and Eternia itself.
Masters of the Universe began in the 1980s as a toy line from Mattel, and soon grew to become one of the decade’s top toy lines. Although the line was closed by decade’s end, it remained alive in the hearts and minds of fans and made a comeback in the early 2000s. Since then, the franchise has gone through several different toy lines, cartoons and comics. Recently, Netflix began a new series of Masters of the Universe cartoons, overseen by Kevin Smith. Dark Horse has gotten in on the act by releasing prequel tie-in comics.
Hordak will be front and center in Masters of the Universe: Revolutions and this comic gives fans a peek into the villain’s past. Hordak has been portrayed as an unstoppable force, who conquered many planets and enslaved countless numbers. Hordak’s evil is so great that Skeletor almost pales in comparison. Yet here, he is still seeking the power that will make him into one of the universe’s most formidable villains. Although he is not as powerful here, his ruthlessness and manipulative nature are on full display here. Hordak caused Shadow Weaver to betray her sisters, and Skeletor to betray Eternia.
All of this makes Masters of the Universe: Revolutions a “must-read” for fans of the franchise. Hordak is key to the show, and this comic series shows how he got there and how he came to be. Sheridan, Davis and Biaselli have created a fun Masters of the Universe comic, one that stands independent of the show. Series artist Daniel HDR brings Hordak and his Evil Horde to chilling life. Dark Horse’s Masters of the Universe: Revolutions #1 is vital, giving Hordak the “Year One” treatment he never got before.
Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 is on sale now from Dark Horse Comics!