Warning: contains spoilers for Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1

In Masters of the Universe lore, Hordak was Skeletor’s mentor, and a new revelation shines light on their contentious relationship. Dark Horse’s Masters of the Universe: Revolution comic, a tie-in to the Netflix show of the same name, follows Hordak as he consolidates power and becomes the terrifying villain fans know. In the first issue, Hordak’s ambitions put him in the path of the man who would become Skeletor.

Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 is written by Tim Sheridan, from a script by Sheridan, Rob David and Ted Biaselli and drawn by Daniel HDR. Hordak enters the Fright Zone, seeking the mysterious coven dwelling there. Future Hordak ally Shadow Weaver gives Hordak a ram-headed staff, called the Ha’Vok.

Shadow Weaver tells Hordak he can wield the staff–but only if it is in the hands of another, one born in its fires.

Hordak learns the person he seeks is Keldor, the future Skeletor.

Hordak is a Foe to Both He-Man…and Skeletor

Hordak Was Merely Using Skeletor to Gain Power

Hordak is one of He-Man’s most horrifying villains. Among his list of crimes are kidnapping Prince Adam’s sister Adora, whisking her away to Etheria, where he raises her to be a soldier in his army. Hordak’s legacy of evil goes much further back, however, and at one point involves Skeletor. Although the specifics have changed across different incarnations of the franchise, Skeletor betrayed Hordak and absconded back to Eternia, where he would become He-Man’s archnemesis. As such, Hordak not only sought to destroy He-Man, but his former apprentice as well.

Yet the developments of Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 redefines the dynamic between Hordak and Skeletor. Hordak’s reasoning for taking Skeletor under his wing has changed over the years. Here, Hordak is using Skeletor. Skeletor alone can wield the Ha’Vok Staff, an object which Hordak covets. Not only is Hordak using Skeletor, but he will no doubt take out his anger and frustration over the Ha’Vok Staff on his apprentice. Hordak will subject Skeletor to nonstop abuse. The mental trauma Keldor will suffer at Hordak’s hands will shape him into Skeletor.

Hordak Manipulated Skeletor, Taking Away His Humanity

Hordak Is Responsible For So Many of He-Man’s Problems

All of this adds a tragic layer to Skeletor’s origin. In many incarnations of the Masters of the Universe franchise, Skeletor selfishly sought power and Hordak was a means to an end. Yet other versions of the franchise have hinted Skeletor was more tragic in nature, and issue one of Masters of the Universe: Revolution seems to confirm this. Skeletor has not yet been molded into a villain. There is still a spark of decency in him, but Hordak will stomp it out. Hordak took Skeletor in–and then took his humanity, cursing Eternia in the process.

Masters of the Universe: Revolution #1 is on sale now from Dark Horse Comics!