MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: THE WINGS OF FATE #2 (Dark horse comics)
Big things come in small packages, and this especially true on Eternia. Orko continues his journey to save the Sorceress and get her to Avion before Skeletor, and his minions can get their grubby paws on her. But the wilds of Eternia can be a very scary and intimidating place, especially if you are already skittish. How will Orko continue to make this journey through the Eternian wilderness on his way to Avion?
Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2 - Written By Tim Sheridan – Art By Will Sliney - Colors By Israel Silva - Letters By Andworld Design - Edited By Brett Israel - Published By Dark Horse Comics
Credit: Dark Horse Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
Orko finds himself teleported to the remote parts of Eternia and staring down some very hungry Manticores. It looks like he may be lunch, but then his squink pet jumps into action and scares off the terrifying beasts. Even though this surprises Orko, he must stay focused as the Sorceress is depending on him to get her to Avion so she can recover. The Sorceress is very weak in her Zoar form and Orko keeps a good eye on making sure she is getting proper rest and an adequate water. On their way through the foothills, they come across a ship, this isn’t just any ship its Man-At-Arms ship. He is trying to figure out how to get himself and Teela to safety before Skeletor can find them. However, Goat has tracked them down and plans on bringing them in. Since Man-At-Arms was injured in the invasion of Eternos, it looks like this should be easy pickens. Unfortunately for Goat, the Sorceress has enough energy to pull off some magic to allow for Man-At-Arms and Orko to escape separately. But as they make their escape, Orko finds out that they have jumped from the pan into the fire, as Beastman has tracked them down.
WRITING:
This second issue continues to build on the foundation laid in issue one while also expanding the mythology surrounding the motion picture in a way that feels meaningful rather than forced. Tim Sheridan does a fantastic job of bringing Eternia to life, not simply as a familiar fantasy setting, but as a dangerous, unpredictable world that can overwhelm even someone as magical as Orko. The journey has a real sense of scale to it, and Sheridan makes Orko’s mission to save the Sorceress of Grayskull feel much larger than the character himself. That contrast is a big part of what makes the story work so well. Orko may be small, nervous, and often unsure of himself, but the responsibility placed on him is enormous, and the issue does a strong job of showing how much pressure he is carrying.
The growth we have already seen in Orko is impressive, especially when compared to where he began. In the first issue, he was using magic to make money and survive, but now he has been pulled into a Lord of the Rings-style quest where the fate of one of Eternia’s most important figures depends on him. Sheridan wisely does not turn Orko into a flawless hero overnight. Instead, the issue leans into his awkwardness, fear, and uncertainty, which makes his bravery feel earned. Orko’s mistakes create some genuinely funny moments, but they also make him more relatable because his courage comes from pushing forward despite being scared, not from suddenly becoming fearless.
The use of Man-At-Arms and Teela also works very well because their appearance does not feel like a random cameo. Their situation connects directly to the fallout from the invasion of Eternos and gives readers a better sense of how the larger cast survived the chaos of the movie. Their escape adds urgency to the story while also reminding us that Orko’s mission is only one part of a much bigger struggle happening across Eternia. Beastman’s arrival as the tracker is another smart choice. He brings a real sense of danger because he feels physically imposing and relentless, but Sheridan still allows room for the character’s more bumbling and humorous side. That balance keeps the tone adventurous and fun without removing the suspense.
What makes the writing especially effective is how Sheridan balances high-stakes fantasy with character-driven comedy. The issue never forgets that Orko is funny, but it also treats his journey with sincerity. The danger surrounding the Sorceress, the uncertainty of the wilderness, and the looming presence of Skeletor’s forces all help give the story momentum. Ending the issue with Evil-Lyn adds an ominous final note and suggests that the road ahead will become even more dangerous. It is a strong closing beat that makes the next issue feel important while leaving readers eager to see how Orko will continue to rise to the challenge.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this issue stands out immediately because it does more than simply match the story; it visually strengthens the connection between the comic and the motion picture. Will Sliney brings the movie’s version of Eternia to life on the page with a strong sense of scale, danger, and atmosphere. His character work is especially impressive, as he captures the designs in a way that feels faithful to the film while still allowing the comic to have its own energy. When you compare the characters to their movie counterparts, the likenesses are close enough to feel recognizable, but they never look stiff or overly referenced. Sliney understands how to keep the characters expressive, and that is especially important with Orko, whose nervous body language, small gestures, and reactions carry a lot of the humor and heart of the issue.
Sliney also gets the chance to explore parts of Eternia that the movie can only hint at, and he absolutely takes advantage of that opportunity. The wilderness feels wild, strange, and intimidating, which is exactly what the story needs since Orko is traveling through dangerous territory with the weakened Sorceress in his care. The Manticores look fierce and threatening, Beastman has the right amount of brute force and animalistic energy, and the surrounding landscapes help make Orko feel even smaller against the world around him. That visual contrast adds a lot to the story because it reminds readers just how overwhelming this journey is supposed to be.
Israel Silva’s colors complement the artwork beautifully and help guide the reader’s eye from panel to panel. The colors give Eternia a fantasy quality while still allowing the dangerous moments to feel tense and dramatic. Silva’s choices make the magical elements pop without overpowering the line work, and the color shifts help sell the difference between moments of comedy, danger, and wonder. The result is a book that feels visually exciting from beginning to end.
The lettering by Andworld Design also deserves credit because the issue has a strong sense of movement and rhythm. The dialogue is easy to follow, the sound effects add energy to the action, and the placement never distracts from the artwork. Everything works together to make the issue feel polished and cinematic, which is exactly what a comic tied to a major motion picture should do. The visuals make this world feel bigger, stranger, and more exciting, and they leave me even more curious to see what Sliney and Silva will get to show us as Orko’s journey continues.
Check Out MY REVIEW OF MOTU: THE WINGS OF FATE #1
Final Thoughts:
Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2 does an awesome job of moving the story forward and keeping its ties to the movie, well at the same forging its own path. The way this issue portrays the journey as serious and meaningful but still allows for some fun and humorful scenes really sets an amazing tone that really gets the franchise. With Masters of the Universe hitting the streaming world that should bring an even bigger audience to the franchise. With this series being a direct tie in, that should only mean bigger things for this series. Grab a copy of this book at the shop this week and grab a second copy for the MOTU fan that you know in your life to get them hooked as well.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
Let me know your thoughts on Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
