One of my earliest obsessions, Masters of the Universe has been an IP which has fluctuated wildly in popularity and, frankly, quality over the decades since it debuted in the early 80s. One of those 80s cartoons primarily created to sell a toy line, like many others it transcended those overtly commercial origins to become a fun, enjoyable and long running saga.

In more recent years, it’s been rebooted and received legacy sequels in the form of Netflix animated shows, but it’s been most consistently well adapted in comic book form. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Masters of the Universe crossover, Turtles of Grayskull, for example, was an excellent example of smashing together two toy-based cartoons in a very modern way. Though that series was eventually crushed under the weight of its confusing, multiversal and time travel shenanigans, the same creative team has returned with a back-to-basics approach, featuring just the Masters of the Universe cast.

And what an amazingly strong start this first issue is, with a highly accessible tale even for newcomers to the weird sci-fi/fantasy mashup of the Masters of the Universe, well, universe.

We’re introduced to the cast and the lore at breakneck speed, and even get a fantastic, extended action sequence that’s gloriously rendered in Freddie E. Williams II’s trademark detailed style. The character designs, honouring the past but with gentle, contemporary updates, are fantastic (again, a typical touch for this artist), and Tim Seeley’s script keeps things moving at an excellent pace without getting bogged down in narrative nonsense, as was the case with Turtles of Grayskull.

It’s a fantastic comic for fans of the original series, and it’s perfect for all ages too. I’m very impressed with this first issue of The Sword of Flaws, and hopefully it can maintain this level of quality as the series continues.

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