He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #11 Review

Written by: Dan Abnett
Art by: Tom Derenick
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 30, 2014

Hssss Story

Okay, last issue ends with a huge cliffhanger.  I mean humongous.  Randor is Hssss?  Hssss is Randor?  This issue clears it up...a bit.  Hsss explains (more like taunts) to He-Man that the man he thought was his Father may have always been the Lord of the Snake Men.  Or maybe it was just for a day.  Or possibly a week.

Hssss is really messing with He-Man's mind and he responds with force.  That gets him nowhere except in "exposition land".  Hsss basically gives He-Man (and the reader) his full history and then reveals his plan.  Surprise, he wants to rule Eternia with his snake men.  It may be long winded, but I'm a fan of anything that expands the mythos.  Then it's time to rumble.



Teela, Moss Man and Stratos are knee-deep in snake men rising from the Circle of Death while Hsss and He-Man get better acquainted.  Then Hsss reveals he is only after the key to unlock the power of the Star Seed.  Spoiler Alert...it's He-Man himself.  Oh snap!

Hssss and his snake army gain the upper hand and with a subdued He-Man open the Gate to Eternity and approach the Star Seed.  Just when it looks like all hope is lost, Teela comes up with a new plan...Kick Snake Man ass!  I love Teela.

While this issue is exposition heavy, I liked what Dan Abnett gives us.  Hssss is bad news and knowing he has let his plan unfold over eons makes him badder.  I love the way he screws with He-Man's mind in a way that would ruin any man who loved his Father.  Teela though is the highlight.  She is taking names and kicking ass and will do that until she saves He-Man or goes down fighting.

Tom Derenick's art is another highlight.  I was not a huge fan of Micheal S. O'Hare's watercolor style in the previous chapters, but Derenick makes this book a joy to look at.  Everything looks so good especially the action scenes which are plentiful.  I hope he sticks around for a long while.

Bits and Pieces:

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #11 may be exposition heavy, but Hssss' history and plan are worth it.  Dan Abnett also gives us plenty of action with Teela leading the way towards next issue and the final battle. The art of Tom Derenick is a welcome addition and this book looks great. I can't wait for next issue.

8.5/10