In 1982, a franchise made its powerful debut on pop culture. “He-Man and The Masters Of The Universe” made its way into toy stores via Mattel. The saga of Eternia spawned into a hit animated show in 1983. Since that point, fans have flocked to this line ever since. The brand has crossed over into live action (1987) and comics. Even as times have changed, the animated show is a huge part of many people’s fandom.
Recently, He-Man has made the return to the small screen via Netflix. Masters of the Universe: Revelation ignited a new spark in the franchise. Its’ sequel MOTU: Revolution carried that new momentum forward.
This movement is thriving at the comic shops as well. Joining their ranks of stories is one written by someone with a little bit of knowledge on Eternia. Who is more suited to write the new Man-At-Arms: Andra than the voice actress from the show?
Masters Of The Universe: Andra #1 by Tiffany Smith (Voice of Andra), Adriana Melo, Giuliano Peratelli & AndWorld Design brings forth a new MOTU story that can’t be missed.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening here.
Masters Of The Universe: Andra #1 by Tiffany Smith, Adriana Melo, Giuliano Peratelli & ANDWORLD DESIGN (DARK HORSE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Smith welcomes readers into a detailed side of Andra with this one-shot. The opening pages spotlights her struggle to accept her new role. There’s never a sense of doubt but more of anxiousness. It’s perfectly understandable being in this position. This moves into her first day of training cadets. The writing shows her nervous nature. There’s a few comical moments placed in to break up the overwhelming nerves. It provides a great segway to the true test of this adventure.
Orkas Island sends a distress call & Andra takes charge. Once on the island, readers are hit with many different plot points. There’s a heart-warming moment paired against the threat who’s been looming in her past & dreams. It allows Andra to be vulnerable during her new role. Smith opens her emotions up just enough to capture the pressure of this threat. Readers will be locked in on how she’s handling this along with the emotional connection of family.
It leads into a showdown of top billing. This isn’t your standard fight. Smith showcases Andra’s strategy along with her tech. The results is a fantastic last stand. Readers watch as Andra maneuvers through the battle of tech vs. Magic. It leans into many superhero themes while forging its’ own feel. This moves events into the closing portion. It is a great closing to a very entertaining read.
Melo & Peratelli craft great images to take Andra on this journey. The opening sparring session is light hearted. It also conveys the growing worry of Andra’s new role. The self confidence shines in a full page mirror shot. This moves into the main story easily. Working with the cadets leads to a few comical scenes. Even as serious as her doubt gets, the art never lets Andra slip to far. This helps when the main conflict arrives.
The dream sequence is solid as it teases more coming later. While brief, it makes the mark. This allows the story to transition to Orkas Island. The art mixes in the key emotional panels before letting the main villain take hold. A full page image gives a grand entrance. this is matched equally by one of Andra armored and ready. The first round is a great build for later. Readers watch as the lessons learned here carry over to the eventual next round.
Panels reflect what the supporting cast is processing. There are many various looks given here. This helps to build up the rally of hope for later. The two page spread locks in on the action when time. Readers watch as Andra’s planning comes to fruition. It is capped off with some great panels to usher in the final act. A strong two page splash gives some much needed validation to the lead hero. It moves events to the final pages where everything is wrapped up perfectly. A final full page shot outshines the last page as this chapter closes on a high note.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
Can Andra carry the weight of being the new Man-At-Arms? That is the question posed in the latest MOTU spin-off. Smith guides readers through the journey of self belief with the writing. Melo & Peratelli balance the action with well-timed drama. By the power of Greyskull, fans will want to give this a read on NCBD!
Let me know your thoughts on Masters Of The Universe: Andra #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!