Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #1! The He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Not only are these upgrades visually stunning, but the real-world story of how they came about is fascinating.

Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #1 by Tim Seeley and Freddie E. Williams II finally brings the TMNT and the Masters of the Universe together in an epic showdown against Skeletor, Shredder, Krang, and even a corrupted He-Man himself - and it’s just getting started. This first issue fires on all cylinders, from nostalgic payoffs to captivating world-building. The artwork and character designs are perfect, with gorgeous splash pages of action and exposition that pull the reader into this shared TMNT/He-Man continuity.

Overall, Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #1 is an absolute accomplishment, giving readers a satisfying first issue while leaving them wanting more. The obvious standout is Williams’ artwork and character designs, including and especially each of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as he expertly combines their classic weapons and colors with the aesthetic of Masters of the Universe. And, interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time the artist has brought these TMNT/He-Man Turtles to life.

Artist Freddie E. Williams II was Attached to a Canceled TMNT/He-Man Crossover Years Ago (& Released His Original Sketches)

He-Man/TMNT The Crossover that almost was Behind the scenes sketchbook by Freddie E. Williams II

Back in 2019, Nickelodeon and Mattel (which own the rights to TMNT and MOTU, respectively) planned a TMNT/He-Man crossover miniseries that would have been collaboratively published by IDW Publishing and DC Comics, and Freddie E. Williams II was the artist attached to the project. However, due to some behind-the-scenes circumstances (including the publishing rights for MOTU going to Dark Horse Comics around that time), the original crossover never happened.

Though just because the original TMNT/He-Man crossover didn’t happen, doesn’t mean Williams didn’t put a fair amount of work into it. In fact, the artist drew a ton of concept sketches in preparation for the crossover, a number of which feature the original concepts of the Ninja Turtles sporting Eternian armor and weapons. Thankfully, this work wasn’t a complete waste, as Freddie E. Williams II compiled his sketches into a book (which is currently for sale on his website).

Fans can buy He-Man/TMNT The Crossover that almost was Behind the scenes sketchbook by Freddie E. Williams II right now over on his website: freddieart.com

Upon looking at these original sketches, and comparing them to what fans finally get in Turtles of Grayskull #1, readers will notice a great number of similarities and differences. For instance, in the Sketchbook, Leonardo is duel-wielding both halves of the Power Sword, and Raphael is riding Battle Cat, two things that are not present in Turtles of Grayskull #1. However, the official crossover comic does feature the Ninja Turtles wearing Eternian armor that looks identical to Williams’ original vision.

Turtles of Grayskull #1 isn’t the Only Place Where Freddie E. Williams II’s Vision Comes to Life

Mattel has Launched a Turtles of Grayskull Toy Line Complete with Canon Minicomics

While there are certain aspects of the Turtles of Grayskull’s designs in the Sketchbook that don’t appear in the official comic (at least, not yet), the overall aesthetic is identical, which is a consistency that’s also found outside the realm of 2-D artwork. Turtles of Grayskull designs are currently being used as action figures by Mattel. Right now, four figures are available (Donaltello, Leonardo, Man-At-Arms, and Mutated He-Man), with many other Turtles of Grayskull figures planned for later releases.

Fans can buy Mattel’s Turtles of Grayskull figures/minicomics over on its website: mattel.com

Not only that, but every figure comes with a minicomic set in the universe of Turtles of Grayskull. In fact, reading these minicomics only enhances fans’ understanding and enjoyment of the official Turtles of Grayskull comic series, as they’re set in the same continuity. And, just like with the Sketchbook, the main series, and the action figures, the mini comics also feature the breathtaking artwork of Freddie E. Williams, who has found a way to merge both franchises into outstanding crossover redesigns for each and every character.

The clear standouts are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themselves, sporting all-new costumes and weapons thanks to this official crossover with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

No matter where fans see them, whether that be as a sketch, as a full-color splash page, or as a real-world action figure, these Turtles of Grayskull redesigns are undeniably awesome. From the costumes to the weapons, everything about these mashup characters is a treat for everyone who grew up loving He-Man and TMNT - and even for new fans of either franchise (or both). However, the clear standouts are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles themselves, sporting all-new costumes and weapons thanks to this official crossover with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #1 by Dark Horse Comics is available now.