He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2012 DC comic) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Volume 1
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
Schedule	Monthly
Genre	Science fiction
Publication date	June 2012 – March 2017 July 2018 – May 2020
Number of issues	75

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a series of comic books from DC Comics. These comics are based on the popular Masters of the Universe stories. The series started with digital comics, then moved to printed mini-series.

Later, two longer comic series were made: 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' and 'He-Man: The Eternity War'. Both of these series have now finished. There were also special comics where He-Man met heroes from the DC Universe and even the ThunderCats. Some comics also told the origin stories of important characters.

The World of He-Man Comics

Early Adventures: Digital and Mini-Series

In June 2012, DC Comics began a new digital comic series called Masters of the Universe. New chapters came out every week. The first chapter was written by Geoff Johns. It showed more about the world of Eternia. This digital series was connected to the printed comic series. It had eight issues and finished in December 2012.

He-Man's Main Comic Series (Volume 1)

A six-issue mini-series called He-Man and the Masters of the Universe started in July 2012. This series ran until January 2013. In this story, Skeletor manages to take over Castle Grayskull. But he cannot unlock its secret power. During his evil plan, Skeletor sadly kills the Sorceress. He-Man then defeats Skeletor. An unknown villain, who was controlling Skeletor all along, takes him away.

Continuing the Story (Volume 2)

The second volume of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe began on April 24, 2013. This was an ongoing series, meaning it had many issues. It continued the story after the first volume. A total of 19 issues were released. These issues included three main story parts and a preview for the next big series.

What Happens in Volume 2?

The first story part begins with a celebration for the Sorceress. But the evil Horde army, led by Hordak, attacks. A human woman named Despara leads the attack. He-Man's friend Teela soon realizes Despara is her childhood friend, Adora. Adora is meant to become She-Ra, the Princess of Power.

The second story part is called "What Lies Within." It covers issues 7 to 12. King Randor leads He-Man, Teela, Stratos, and Moss Man into Subternia. They go there to try and bring the Sorceress back to life. On their journey, they have to fight the reborn Snake Men.

The third story part is "The Blood of Grayskull." This part is in issues 13 to 18. It tells the secret origin story of She-Ra. The very last issue, #19, shows a flashback to Prince Adam's younger days. This issue also sets up the next big comic series, the Eternity War.

He-Man Meets Other Heroes

He-Man vs. DC Superheroes

A six-issue mini-series called DC Universe vs. Masters of the Universe started on August 28, 2013. This story happens between Volume two issues six and seven. Skeletor, who was last seen in Volume one, is sent to Earth by his secret helper. On Earth, he tries to steal Earth's magic. He-Man and his friends follow Skeletor to Earth. There, they meet the heroes of the Justice League.

He-Man and the ThunderCats

In 2016, DC Comics released a special crossover comic with the ThunderCats. This was a six-issue series that ran from October 2016 to March 2017. Unlike other He-Man comics, this one takes place in a different universe. In this universe, Battle Cat can talk, which is different from the main He-Man comics.

He-Man and Injustice Heroes

This series continues the story from He-Man/ThunderCats. It crosses over with DC Comics' Injustice Storyline. The first issue came out on July 18, 2018. The last issue was released on January 2, 2019. After the events of He-Man/ThunderCats and Injustice 2, He-Man and his friends are asked for help. They join a group called the Insurgency to fight against Superman's unfair rule.

Character Origin Stories

There are also special one-shot comics that tell the origin stories of different characters. These comics explain how characters like Skeletor, He-Man, and Hordak became who they are.

The Eternity War

A second ongoing series, He-Man: The Eternity War, started in December 2014. This series continued the story from Volume two. It finished in February 2016 after 15 issues.

Many He-Men: Masters of the Multiverse

This is a 6-part mini-series that started on November 20, 2019. A big threat called Anti-Eternia is taking over different versions of Eternia across the multiverse. A group of He-Men from different universes team up to save everyone. They need help from Prince Keldor, who is the man who will become Skeletor.

Collecting the Comics

You can find these comic series collected in special books. These are called trade paperbacks or omnibus editions.

Trade Paperbacks

Here are some of the collected trade paperbacks:

Big Collected Books (Omnibus)

Most of the series are also put together into one very large book called an omnibus. The only series not included in this big book is Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe.