Warning: contains spoilers for Masters of the Universe: Masterverse #1!Masters of the Universe: Masterverse from Dark Horse Comics explores He-Man variants from across the multiverse - including one that draws on a dark source for his powers. This new vision of He-Man is as terrifying as he is brutal, ruthlessly dispatching one of his classic foes.
The Masterverse anthology title sees Zodac doubting Prince Adam's suitability to possess the Power of Grayskull. To prove Adam is worthy, the Sorceress shows Zodac several alternate realities, seeking to convey the core of Adam's character and why he is the only suitable choice to act as He-Man. The series uses this premise to showcase different He-Man variants, such as a pirate He-Man, as well as a noir-tinged world of hard-bitten detectives. In issue one, readers meet a horror-themed, nightmarish take on the character, one who makes Skeletor look friendly in comparison.
The Horror of Grayskull Inverts All That is Good About He-Man
The story, titled 'The Curse of Grayskull,' is written by Tim Seeley and drawn by Kelley Jones. In this world, Half of Eternia has been plunged into darkness thanks to Skeletor, while Prince Adam, Teela and Orko have been dispatched to offer aid to a border community. They are ambushed, and Adam is separated from the party. He wanders the landscape, fighting off Skeletor’s minions. After a while, Adam finds Orko, who is about to be attacked by Scare Glow. Lifting his sword, Adam draws on the "Horror of Grayskull," turning into a green, demonic-looking entity. He then attacks Scare Glow, killing the villain by absorbing its spirit. While Adam wields this power heroically, the story ends on an ambiguous note. Narration reveals that Castle Greyskull has "fed" and will grow only stronger "as the light of the single soul keeping it in check fades."
The Masterverse Is He-Man's Ultimate Test
Since his debut, He-Man has been a bright and noble force for good, but the version seen in 'The Curse of Grayskull' is a dark and twisted mirror. This incarnation is a haunted man, one who knows he can help people - but it comes at an enormous cost. As Adam searches for his friends, he fights both Webstor and Batros - two of Skeletor’s most powerful henchmen, yet he never once transforms, out of fear of the Curse of Grayskull. It is only when his friend Orko is threatened that Adam finally transforms, unleashing a terrifying monstrosity that makes short work of Scare Glow, who is extremely powerful as well. The Sorceress uses this extreme case to prove Adam can be trusted, since in this world, he responsibly wields a far darker powers.
He-Man’s terrifying new form makes other bad guys like Skeletor and Hordak look friendly. The Horror of Grayskull variant kills its opponents, something He-Man would never do - indeed, this new variant’s morality is more in line with Skeletor’s murderous nature. The only thing separating them is Adam’s moral center; his reluctance to transform into the Horror of Grayskull just might be all that stands between Eternia and total destruction. The Horror of Grayskull is a nightmarish vision of He-Man, showing that even the family friendly Hero of Eternia has his dark side.
Masters of the Universe: Masterverse #1 is available now from Dark Horse Comics
