Two storied franchises that are well remembered by people who were kids in the 80’s have come together for DC Universe vs. the Masters of the Universe, a new DC Comics series involving the Man of Steel, Batman, Wonder Woman and other DC superheroes as well as stalwarts of the Masters toy franchise such as He-Man, Teela, Stratos and Man-at-Arms. The first issue debuts in comic shops and digitally Wednesday.
He-Man’s arch enemy Skeletor uses his black magic to travel to Earth from the fantasy realm of Eternia for more power, and in following him there, He-Man and his friends run afoul of the world’s heroes.
The book also introduces a new character design and souped-up armor for the evil Skeletor by artist Ed Benes. The revamp came at the request of Mattel, who wanted an updated baddie for 2013. (The original Skeletor and his hooded getup first appeared in toys and mini-comics in 1981.)
“I think that all the changes that are happening today are a result of public demand,” Benes says. “They understand that these changes bring new life to the characters — it’s like a fresh start.
“It’s very good because it assumes an entirely new concept, giving more freedom to create.”
