Masters of the Universe Masterverse #2 Review
Writer: Tim Seeley
Letterer: Deron Bennett
Framing Story
Artist: Eddie Nunez
Colorist: Rico Renzi
East Of Eternos
Artist: E. J. Su
Colorist: Michael Wiggam
Man-At-Arms-For-Hire
Artist: Victor Santos
Cover Artists: Eddie Nunez with Rico Renzi; E. J. Su; Victor Santos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 15, 2023
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. So Zodak, the Cosmic Enforcer, contends. Should Adam continue to wield the sword of power? Is he worthy? Let’s gaze into our multiverse portals at Masters of the Universe Masterverse #2 and find out!
FRAMING STORY
Story
Zodak contends that Adam has it easy. The Sorceress gave him the sword of power and guided him in its use. Thus, he must look to other versions of Prince Adam—other realities—before being convinced that Adam will not tip the cosmic balance between good and evil. Unlike the last issue, this two-page story suggests that Zodak not only weighs Adam's worthiness to wield power but also that of the Sorceress. I wonder: is Zodak on the level?
Art
The Sorceress, clad in her Falcon attire, stands upon a rocky outcrop and gazes at portals that float in space. She looks up at Zodak, seated like Thanos upon his hovering throne. In addition to his clawed feet, he also bears a gun. He raises the latter when proclaiming his intention to test Adam. Vibrant coloring enlivens this cosmic scene. While paying homage to the 1980s Filmation TV series, all the white stars shining in space and the intense purple void that gradually shifts from ultraviolet to magenta surpass the original animators’ capabilities.
EAST OF ETERNOS
Story
King Randor's Vizier, his blue-skinned brother Keldor, advised that a sword of power might aid Randor in conquering all of Eternos. Haughty general Prince Adam demands respect from Captain Duncan as they sail in search of this fabled artifact. He brings the thief Jitsu as a guide to the mythical isle of Grayskull. But those aboard ship--and ningyo fish that leap above the waves--are not alone in these uncharted waters.
Art
The Dreadnought Marlena Glenn sails upon rough, brown waters. Streaks of light pierce brown swirling clouds. A trace of red, low to the horizon, contrasts with the sea, sky, and the warship. The figurehead of a roaring Battlecat adorns the bow. Wind pushes the beige sails hung from three masts into convex shapes. Prince Adam, clad in plate armor, stands on the deck. He writes on parchment with a feather quill. Surrounding him--and beneath his feet--the wood gleams. Do the sailors scrub and oil all the woodwork daily to reveal such natural luster and grain?
As the story continues, colors grow more vibrant. Keldor’s intense blue skin outshines all else in Adam’s memories of the throne room. Pointed blue ears remind us of the Na’vi in Avatar, but the men's postures suggest Loki advising Odin or Wormtongue and Theodin. In the present, Captain Duncan attends Prince Adam, adorned in his traditional blue helmet and yellow. The few light rays piercing the clouds illumine Jitsu, clothed in red and gold. He wears a thick gold gauntlet like Thanos. Prince Adam and Jitsu emerge as larger-than-life gods among men.
Like the two stories in the previous issue, this first tale in Masters of the Universe Masterverse #2 reminds us of another popular Fantasy genre. After the Michael Moorcock/Robert E. Howard Swords & Sorcery tale, and the MAD Magazine spoof of issue #1, readers enjoy a Sinbad or Jason of the Argonauts-style legend. Superior art fuses with vibrant color in this beautifully told story.
MAN-AT-ARMS-FOR-HIRE
Story
Our narrator Duncan is no longer Man-At-Arms. Now he operates as a private eye. His assistant, the beautiful Ms. Powers, was once known as Evil-Lyn. Now she aids him in his cases. Darkness has fallen upon Castle Grayskull since Prince Adam disappeared while fighting Skeletor. Now King Randor has also disappeared. Orko blames himself for this latest mishap and hopes Duncan can find the king and return Randor to the throne. Duncan agrees to take the case, assuming Orko can pay his fee.
Art
Stark Black and White imagery remind us of the 1980s B&W indie revival. Lines and dots provide shading. Generous inking surround characters, form silhouettes, and shape backgrounds. Excellent composition and dramatic panel angles evoke classic Film Noir. A touch of humor shines light upon this dark tale. At times, scenes of High Fantasy blend with Judge Dredd-style imagery. After the rich color of Prince Adam's sea adventure, this striking B&W story blew me away. Dashiell Hammet and Raymond Chandler would be proud.
Final Thoughts
After a Filmation-style framing story, Masters of the Universe Masterverse #2 brings us a magical Ray Harryhausen sea adventure and a classic film noir detective story. Easy-to-read lettering, gorgeous art, and engaging stories make this issue a Must Read. Once again, Tim Seeley and company reveal the richness of Eternia and its characters in diverse and compelling ways.
Rating 9.6/10
To preview the Framing Story and East Of Eternos see my review at Comic Book Dispatch
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