GREAT ETERNIAN TALES

Here you will find half a dozen scans of the artwork from a selection of Series One and Series Two minicomics. These series represent the inspiration upon which all the great MOTU fan fiction is based (see the links page). While a few later comics covered some interesting ideas, such as the Keldor story in The Search For Keldor, it is the first two series that effectively created and established the world of Eternia. A full review of all the minicomics may be found by visiting the Good Old Days website, so I'm not going to duplicate that work here. Yet there are some points I wish to make!

Series One probably achieved most through its artwork. The picture of Man-At-Arms falling from Wind Raider is probably the most dramatic MOTU minicomic image ever. The picture of Skeletor and his cronies gazing wondrously at Castle Grayskull evokes thoughts of ancient gods and is gloriously reminiscent of folk myths from across the ages.

Series Two's strength lay in the writing talents of Gary Cohn, although the team of artists who illustrated Gary's work created some wonderful images. The terrifying, four-armed glorm shown above remains the best MOTU creature. The tales continued the themes of demons and monsters, elemental power in the landscapes and mighty heroes who faced their adversaries fearlessly. Look at the menace on Skeletor's face in the scan below. This is no feeble ne'er-do-well who runs at the first sign of trouble. This is a living demon, fuelled by hatred and determined to crush his enemies at any price.

Don't for one moment think that the cartoon series was a true reflection of the original MOTU influences. Eternia had been imagined and described in these tales long before the arrival of Prince Adam. He-Man was a blond Conan, fighting against evil in a world of swords and sorcery, entrusted by the goddess Teela to defend the realm. It is the duty of all true fans to preserve the real Eternia. Look over these scans once again, and remember that Zoar is male and not linked to the Sorceress. Man-At-Arms doesn't have a moustache. And Skeletor is the meanest bad guy you're ever going to meet.