He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2012 DC comic)

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a comic book series by DC Comics, based on the Masters of the Universe. The series is made up of two ongoing series, two standard mini-series, a digital mini-series and several origin one-shots.

The series

Masters of the Universe

In June 2012, DC began publishing a weekly digital-first title, Masters of the Universe, with the first chapter written by Geoff Johns, with art by Howard Porter and John Livesay.^[1] The title explored the world of Eternia and tied directly into DC Comics' print title, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The digital series lasted eight issues and ended in December 2012.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Volume one)

In July 2012, a six-issue mini-series started titled He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The series lasted until January 2013. In the story, Skeletor succeeds in capturing Castle Grayskull but ultimately fails at unlocking the secret of its power. In the course of the adventure, Skeletor murders the Sorceress before being brutally defeated by He-Man and transported to the side of an unseen villain who reveals he has been manipulating Skeletor all along.^[2]

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Volume two)

On April 24, 2013, the second volume, an ongoing series, started with the aftermath of the first volume. 19 issues were released, consisting of 3 story arcs of 6 issues and one prelude to the next ongoing series. At the start of the first arc, a celebration of the Sorceress’ life is interrupted by an invasion of the Horde, the army of Hordak himself. Leading the charge is a human woman called Despara. He-Man’s friend Teela soon recognized Despara as her forgotten childhood friend Adora, who is destined to become She-Ra, the Princess of Power.^[2] The second arc, entitled "What Lies Within" (issue 7-12) sees King Randor lead He-Man, Teela, Stratos and Moss Man into Subternia to attempt to bring the Sorceress back to life. Along the way they face the reborn Snake Men. The third arc, "The Blood of Grayskull" (issues 13 to 18) explains the origin of She-Ra. The final issue, #19, features a flashback to the youth of Prince Adam and serves as a prelude to the Eternity War.

DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe

Starting August 28, 2013, a six-issue mini-series titled DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe began publishing. It takes place between Volume two issues six and seven. Skeletor, last seen at the end of Volume one, has been sent to Earth by his mysterious ally. Once there, he sets a plan in motion to siphon off Earth's core magic. He-Man and the Masters follow Skeletor to Earth but are confronted with the heroes of the DC Universe, the various factions of the Justice League.^[3]

Origin one-shots

A series of one-shots detailing the origins of different characters have also been published. The origin stories of Skeletor, He-Man and Hordak have been explored.

He-Man: The Eternity War

A second ongoing series, that continues from Volume two, started publishing in December 2014, and ended in February 2016, after 15 issues.

He-Man / ThunderCats

In 2016, DC Comics announced a crossover with ThunderCats.^[4]

Collected editions

The series has been collected in the following titles:

References