You’ve watched the movie (possibly twice, possibly three times), you loved what was on offer, and now you seek more Masters of the Universe fun. Well, you’re in luck, because Dark Horse Comics has just published issue #1 of tie-in comic, Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate, by Tim Sheridan and Will Sliney.
The comic is the opening chapter in a four-issue mini-series which acts as a prequel to the main events of 2026’s Masters of the Universe. Picking up straight after the fall of Eternos, Skeletor has taken Grayskull, and the first issue of the comic depicts what happens next.
And you might be surprised to know the story follows fan-favourite Trollan, Orko! He may not have featured in the main events of the movie, but according to the comic Orko was present mere moments before Skeletor arrived, and issue #1 takes things from there.
What was Orko doing in Eternos? Trying to make money from performing magic tricks (which he’s not very good at).
So, what else is learnt from this first issue? All this…
- Orko leaves just as Skeletor and his cronies attack. The story follows Orko’s journey, moving the focus away from the chaos at Castle Grayskull.
- Orko finds an injured Sorceress, who is in her bird form, aka Zoar. The Sorceress escaped from Grayskull but now requires assistance.
- Skeletor is less than impressed with Castle Grayskull and would rather be back home at Snake Mountain.
- The comic retains Skeletor’s humour from the movie, as well as the fun interplay he has with Evil-Lyn.
- Orko is living in a ramshackle camp with his family. They are on Eternia after escaping trouble on Trolla.
- The trouble Orko and his family encountered is somewhat vague, but Orko refers to the invaders as a “horde of villains”, suggesting it may be Hordak and his minions.
- Zoar/Sorceress wants Orko to take her to the Avionians in the Mystic Mountains. This hints that maybe Stratos could appear in a future issue.
All-in-all, not a bad start. The issue manages to get around the problem of He-Man’s absence, by simply pointing its attention elsewhere, plus it gives fans what they’ve been asking for – more Orko!
The comic also sums up why Orko was perhaps relegated to a credit scene cameo in the movie. To put it simply: He’s a bit too fun and ineffective at combat for the film.
During the course of the comic, when Evil-Lyn and Trap Jaw raid the Trollan camp, Orko briefly takes on Trap Jaw. It’s only a couple of quick panels, but in the scene, Orko conjures up a flower to cause Trap Jaw’s weapon to backfire.
The flower scenario fits in perfectly with the lighthearted version of Orko from the ‘80s TV show, but perhaps not so much in the world the film exists in. Masters of the Universe includes lots of explosive action and a fair few punch-ups, and unless Orko levels up his fighting skills between now and the time Prince Adam returns, his simple magic tricks would look a bit out of place on screen.
So yes, it’s probably best Orko became the lead in this comic, rather than a main player in the movie. Either way, those who wanted more Orko can now have him.
As for the overall impact of the comic, it sort of depends on how you feel about movie tie-in stories. Some readers love them because they expand upon the film, others hate them because they seem superfluous.
In the case of The Wings of Fate issue #1 it’s a little too early to tell if this tie-in comic will ultimately prove fruitful. However, positioning Orko as the main character is an interesting choice; Skeletor stealing the few panels he’s in is fabulous; and there is potential for more to come from the world of Eternia.
So, an enjoyable start. Not a must-read, but if you liked the movie and want to spend more time in this world, The Wings of Fate issue #1 could be the best way to do it.
—
—
Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Masters of the Universe. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment