The race for the sword.

Issue sixty-six of the UK Masters of the Universe comic features a very entertaining story in which Skeletor and Hordak both seek a sword which will rival He-Man's own Sword of Power. This fantastic action-packed panel is the moment in the story where Skeletor and Hordak have the sword within their grasp. But who is that in the background? Yes, it is He-Man. It does not take a genius to figure out what happens in the next panel...


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What happened to Dylamug?

For ardent fans of the She-Ra series the character of Dylamug was most impressive upon his first appearance. In "Duel at Devlan" the character's robot-like persona gave him an edge over the other villains of the Evil Horde; it always felt like he could be unpredictably cold-blooded at any second. However, when the character shows up again in the season two episode "Shades of Orko" he is portrayed as nothing more than a buffoon; easily one of the stupidest members of the Evil Horde. Did someone reprogram him?


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The heroes depart...

Here is a fantastic panel from issue sixty-two of the UK Masters of the Universe comic. If this was colored any other way the image would probably become a little flat. But due to the fact that the colorist gives each layer a strong flat color we get an amazing sense of depth with this image. The illustration itself is impressive with the Heroic Warriors looking back towards an exploding volcano. And one has to laugh how pretty much every single vehicle released as a toy is featured in this panel!


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Rio-Blast explained!

Colonel Blast, a villain that appeared in the She-Ra season one episode "The Wizard" was clearly inspired by the Masters of the Universe action figure Rio-Blast. But many often ask why Rio-Blast, who was a Heroic Warrior in the toyline, became Colonel Blast, a member of the Evil Horde. The fact is much like Acrobad, Rio-Blast was still a character in development when Mattel gave the concept artwork to Filmation. Filmation were informed that the gun-toting character was evil and turned the concept illustration into a character who was a member of the Evil Horde.


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Never surrender!

Here is one of my favorite pieces of direction from the She-Ra season one episode "Anchors Aloft" Part 1. The low angle makes for an incredibly dramatic image, as does the way in which Swen defiantly holds aloft his laser rapier! In the context of the story this image works perfectly, as Swen and his allies are flanked by mountains, on top of which are Horde Troopers with their stun beams pointed at them.


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Campfire villains.

Issue fifty-three of the UK Masters of the Universe comic features an awesome illustration showing the forces of evil preparing for their combined attack on the heroes. Even though the yellow may be a little overpowering I do love the atmosphere throughout this image. It is not often that we get to see the villains relaxing. Also notice that the villains have separated into their respective groups; though it appears that the toy accurate Modulok is off for a wander...

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Into Modulok's mouth!

The She-Ra season one episode "Just Like Me" has many fantastic directorial touches from Tom Tataranowicz. Most notably during the scene that ends act one. Instead of a simple fade to black as would often be employed, the villainous Modulok flies towards the camera, and we the viewer enter his mouth. At which point the screen fades to black! The creativeness of Tom Tataranowicz here is something to behold!



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Out of a job.

This artist, during his run on the UK Masters of the Universe comic, would always finish a story with a lovely panel which either sums up the story or shows the heroes relaxing after another hard day's work. Issue fifty-eight features the heroes relaxing, outside of the Royal Palace grounds, as Orko reveals that Prince Adam cannot be like He-Man, otherwise he would put the champion of Eternia out of a job! Again, like so many of these stories from this artist's run, the colors are beautiful throughout the panel.


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Making an entrance.

Here is a pretty powerful action-packed illustration from issue fifty-eight of the UK Masters of the Universe comic. Just when all seems lost for the heroes in their competitive battle with evil, He-Man and Battle Cat dramatically leap into the arena! Battle Cat's pose in this illustration is terrific, as is He-Man's, with his Sword of Power raised skyward.


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At Skeletor's mercy...

Although I was not a fan of the way in which the artists drew the backgrounds during the Mike Young Productions version of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, this background from "The Price of Deceit" is beautiful to behold. Larry DiTillio originally wanted to make this location the ruins of Shokoti's temple from the original Filmation series, but that idea was vetoed by those in charge of the show. I love how tiny Evil-Lyn and Skeletor are when compared to the evil that clearly lurks throughout the vast structures of the ruins...


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