ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation,’ Issue #3

Masters of the Universe: Revelation #3 is written by Tim Sheridan, based on a story by Kevin Smith and Rob David, illustrated by Mindy Lee, colored by Rico Renzi, and lettered by Deron Bennett. It is published by Dark Horse Comics. At Snake Mountain, Skeletor continues to use his connection to the Orlax in order to gain access to the power of Greyskull as he grows frustrated with his cohorts after repeated failures. Flashbacks also reveal Evil-Lyn’s origins as a sorceress and how she first encountered Skeletor as a child.

In the same way that the second issue delved deep into Skeletor’s past and showcased his rise as the “Lord of Destruction,” this issue puts the focus on Evil-Lyn and shows how she earned her name. Evil-Lyn was one of my favorite parts in the first half of Revelation, due to Lena Headey’s vocal performance and her surprising connection with Orko during the “Land of the Dead” episode. Sheridan, who penned “Land of the Dead,” digs back into the same emotional well in order to showcase why Lyn became the way she did. And it’s horrifying.

Sheridan also writes the issue as a meditation on the nature of evil, and what leads people to commit evil acts. “No one is born evil,” the opening caption reads. “Only cruelty makes one cruel, only wickedness turns one wicked.” Those words turn out to be frighteningly true; though Lyn is told to use her magic for good by Magestra, fans of Revelation and the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe will know that she goes down a darker path. And even though she’s dedicated her life to Skeletor’s cause, she still has to weather his abuse. In attempting to escape a life of abuse, she wound up in a similar situation; the irony of the situation is not lost on me-and it’s rather dark, to be honest.

Lee and Renzi’s artwork jumps between past and present, providing a striking contrast between past in present. In the present, Lyn’s home is shown as a desolate place, colored in shades of grey and brown. Lyn herself is shown as a child and teenager wearing torn rags and looking malnourished; a far cry from the way she carries herself as Evil-Lyn and the dark blue garb she wears in the present. Similarly, Snake Mountain’s inside is a bright acidic green that burns itself into the eyeballs and screams evil. Skeletor and Beast-Man are also a recurring presence throughout the issue, with Skeletor drawn to look like he’s perpetually screaming. Beast-Man also lives up to his namesake, as Lee draws him as a hulking mass of fur and muscle.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation #3 unveils the secret origin of Evil-Lyn, which takes some unexpected yet tragic turns. Only one issue remains, and it promises to lead right up to the premiere episode of Revelation. If the series ends as strongly as it began, it will make the perfect compliment to the animated series.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation #3 is available wherever comics are sold.