He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1

There have been tons of '80's cartoon remakes in comic form over the past decade or so. Some have been extremely well done, and some should have been left in the era of my childhood. While it might be too early to say which category this remake falls into, He-Man is at least off to a great start.

Everything you knew about Eternia and it's heroes is thrown out the window in this first issue. Adam is not the Prince of the most powerful kingdom on the planet. He is now a meager woodsman, tending to his sickly father. The shadow of great evil falls over the land, and the closest we see of any heroics is in Adam's dreams. Or are they more than just dreams? That is something Adam tends to find out, so he heads out on a journey to discover answers.

James Robinson has done an excellent job of breathing new life into the fantasy world of Masters of the Universe. He gives us hints of what made the franchise great back in the day, but at the same time, he makes us feel that there's a chance even we could be Adam. Eternia feels more real that it ever has. A world that needs He-Man more than ever. Much like our world today.

Philip Tan's artwork is decent. His scenes bring out a realism in Eternia that makes it seem like it could possibly happen in our world, if we had beastmen and strange mystical beings in our world. The dream sequences are a drawback, though. The art is so rough and unfinished looking that it brings the quality of the book down a bit. I understand it's probably signifying the difference in that universe's fantasy and reality, I just feel it could've looked a bit more refined.

All in all though, He-Man is a great retelling of a classic childhood franchise. Easily enough for a new generation to enjoy as it is for those of us who grew up with it. A real treat!