Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: 4th December 2024

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On sale this week from Dark Horse Comics, this new Masters of the Universe hardcover release is packed with artwork from ‘Revolution’, the second season of Kevin Smith’s Netflix MOTU animated series. The series, which launched on the popular streaming platform back in January, managed to almost completely erase the bulk of the criticism that was levied at its ‘Revelation’ predecessor, delivering what we called “a story that is packed with action, humour and glorious fan service.” It also boasted some truly amazing visuals and character designs courtesy of Powerhouse Animation Studios, and in classic Dark Horse fashion we’re now being treated to a lovingly curated hardcover art book for the series

The 192 oversized (9″ x 12″) pages are broken down into five sections: Heroes, Villains, Vehicles & Artifacts, Locations, and Storyboards & Animation. Your individual interest in each of these chapters will no doubt vary, but whether it’s basking in the character designs of the brilliantly realised Horde, appreciating the detail and thought that went into almost every vehicle, weapon or piece or armour, or soaking in the lusciously rendered backdrops, there’s likely to be something here for everyone.

For me personally, I really got a kick out of the Storyboards and Animation section (I do love a good storyboard!), and seeing the stripped-back linework and layouts that were eventually built up into the stunning sequences of the cartoon was a real treat. Like I said though, your individual mileage will vary, and admittedly not everyone is as much of an animation nerd as I am.

As you’d likely expect, the production value is of an extremely high standard, with bright colours and beautiful glossy pages aplenty, and the overall layout is very pleasing on the eye. I know quite a lot of them have been released online previously, but the character designs in particular – which show different angles, costumes and details – are a real visual treat.

It’s also worth clarifying that, much like The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse, this is an art book in pretty much its purest form, without much in the way of text for the most part and only a few captions included to supplement rather than overshadow the artwork. That said, there are a few tasty morsels of info and trivia contained within the captions, including the thought process behind several of the design choices and some intriguing technical info regarding the animation techniques that were used.

While the almost twelve-month delay between the release of the animated series and this book may have diminished the hype just a little, in terms of the actual contents, this is yet another sterling Masters of the Universe offering from the fine folks at Dark Horse. If you hold any sort of affection for the Revolution animated series, or for MOTU in general, this will make a cracking addition to your bookshelf or coffee table.

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The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson-Adams (aka Ceej)
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