MTV Geek reports that DC Comics will launch a new six-issue comic series based on the He-Man & The Masters Of The Universe in July. The series will be written by James Robinson and drawn by Phillip Tan and inks from Ruy Jose. The plot sees that "the skull faced arch-enemy of He-Man [Skeletor] has figured out a way to rewrite the reality of Eternia, casting himself as the ruler of Castle Grayskull, and our heroes - including He-Man - as regular peasants with no memory of their previous life. And while simple woodsman Adam may dream of wielding a massive sword, and fighting in battles, he thinks they're just dreams. That is, until a mysterious sorceress approaches him, and sends him on an epic journey to save all of Eternia." MTV Geek scored an interview with Robinson, who discusses reinventing the He-Man mythology and keeping true to what made the fans fall in love with the franchise to begin with. For much more from the writer, click the link below to read the entire interview.
Why Masters of The Universe? I think most people nowadays know it from a somewhat cheesy cartoon, and a somewhat cheesier movie - what draws you to the property? Is it a chance to really go back and reinvent from an almost blank slate, in a way?
I agree to some people Masters of the Universe is considered a cheesy cartoon. However, I know for a fact that a certain generation of people, who grew up at the right time, hold genuine affection for Masters of the Universe. The challenge is to write something that raises the standard for the series, with a cool, modern story that nevertheless honors the fans of the animated series and toy line.
He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe #1
How much reinvention versus continuation are we going to see in the book? It seems, like a lot of these '80s properties, your approach is a way of honoring the old fans, while allowing an easy access point for new ones.
As I say, that's the challenge. Let's just say I've come up with a series concept that introduces the line of characters to new readers in what I hope is a fresh, dynamic and compelling way while honoring what the series has been prior.
Concerning the possibility of the comic series being a testing ground for the franchise, Robinson says, "Mattel has been very supportive to my ideas, I do know that. I'm sure as a company they've got their eye on all their franchises for the best way to make the most of them. I know I would."
Do you plan on checking out He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe this summer?