Art by: Pop Mhan and Eduardo Francisco
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 26, 2014
Cracking Skulls
I have enjoyed the DC Universe/Masters of the Universe mashup that Giffen and Bedard have given us. While it will never be mistaken for a cerebral read with layers and hidden meanings, it has been good, exciting fun. I don't know about you, but that's something I look for in comics and unfortunately in our gritty is better world, it is sometimes hard to find. After the ending of last issue, I couldn't wait to see the final battle between Orko's mind controlled minions and the combined forces of The Masters and DC Universes. Well here it is, but was it worth the wait?
Everybody is kung-fu fighting...and sword fighting...and fist fighting. Seriously, everybody is fighting someone and it's great. Where else can you see Skeletor, Swamp Thing, Blue Beetle and Man-at-Arms kicking the crap out of each other? Nowhere. I mentioned it in past reviews, but a book like this succeeds by throwing tons of characters at the reader. Then make them fight. Then make them fight some more.
Of course the book can't be just fighting. It is the last issue and things have to resolved. That's where He-Man comes in. While the battle rages, he is in Trolla trying to save Superman from Orko. He knows his old friend and uses his knowledge to find Superman. Then the best part of the book happens. Superman wields the Sword of Power. That's the sort of thing that makes a crossover like this awesome.
Back on Earth, the Battle isn't going so well for the heroes and they realize they must destroy the magic syphons Skeletor placed around the World. Unfortunately, they are being guarded by some of the most powerful Orko controlled heroes including the likes of Black Adam and Wonder Woman. So far this issue is hitting all the right notes.
Then it takes a turn down "we gotta wrap this thing up quick" avenue. Batman talks to Black Alice and convinces her to break Orko's mind control. So, she does it. Yep, just like that everyone is themselves again. It is such a let down.
Then to wrap things fully up, He-Man and Superman are joined against Orko by Skeletor and pretty much everyone else. Skeletor reveals his true colors and He-Man and Superman use the Sword of Power to coordinate an attack that severs Orko's connection with Horde Prime's skull. As Orko and Skeletor continue fighting, Constantine uses a spell that sends them away forever (yea right). Everyone says their goodbyes and Batman remarks that the Masters of the Universe overstayed their welcome. He might just be right. In fact, Batman is always right.
This issue's art duties were split between regular Pop Mhan and Eduardo Francisco. I have enjoyed Mhan's art in this series, but unfortunately he didn't save the best for last. I didn't like his art or that of Francisco either. It had a not quite done look throughout. I expected more for a series finale.
Bits and Pieces:
It's such a shame when a finale just happens to be the worst issue of a series. Unfortunately, that's the case here. DC Universe vs The Masters of the Universe #6 seemed like a sprint to the finish line with a hurried conclusion and sub par art. I really liked this mini overall, but was really disappointed with this issue.
6.0/10
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