Warning: contains spoilers for Masters of the Universe: Revolution #2!

Masters of the Universe just confirmed a popular fan theory surrounding Hordak. One of the franchise’s premiere villains, Hordak, is a genocidal warlord who wishes to subjugate the multiverse. Assisted by the Horde, Hordak’s legacy of evil cannot be matched. Fan theories have swirled for years about Hordak’s relationship with Horde Prime, and in Masters of the Universe: Revolution #2, this mystery is seemingly laid to rest.

Masters of the Universe: Revolution #2 is written by Tim Sheridan, from a plot by Sheridan, Rob David and Ted Biaselli and drawn by Daniel HDR. The issue continues its exploration of Hordak’s backstory, including his rise to power as well as him mentoring Keldor, who will one day become Skeletor. Horde Prime is mentioned throughout the issue, and during a sparring match between Hordak and Keldor, the truth comes out: Horde Prime is Hordak’s brother.

Keldor threatens to go over Hordak’s head, and straight to Horde Prime, but Hordak makes him think twice about it.

Hordak Shook Up The Masters of the Universe Franchise

Hordak’s Backstory Is Still Largely Unexplored

Hordak debuted mid-way through the original run of Masters of the Universe, with the first toys hitting shelves in time for Christmas 1985. Hordak and his “Evil Horde” were intended to shake up the franchise by introducing a new villain that could antagonize both He-Man and Skeletor. Hailing from an alternate dimension, Hordak had once been a mentor to Skeletor. Skeletor betrayed Hordak, instigating a long-standing rivalry. Hordak made sporadic appearances in the Masters of the Universe cartoon, and was also integral to its spin-off: She-Ra, Princess of Power.

In the original Masters of the Universe timeline, of which She-Ra was also a part of, several mentions were made of Horde Prime. Horde Prime was the true leader of the Horde, and sat at the center of its empire. The original cartoons rarely provided detailed backstories for the characters, and Horde Prime was no exception. However, a long-held Masters of the Universe fan-theory postulated that Hordak and Horde Prime were brothers. Clues throughout the show pointed to this relationship. Mattel released a Horde Prime action figure in 2012, and the resemblance to Hordak was uncanny.

Hordak Had a Brother in Masters of the Universe This Whole Time

This Gives New Layers to Hordak

Hordak’s remarks in Masters of the Universe: Revolution #2 confirm that Horde Prime is indeed his brother. The comic is a tie-in to the Netflix cartoon of the same name, which continues the continuity of the 1980s show, the same one that first put forth a relationship between Hordak and Horde Prime. Horde Prime was rarely seen in the original cartoons, and it remains to be seen if he will appear here. By finally making the connection clear, Masters of the Universe has just given Hordak a terrifying new depth, revealing that the evil that drives him runs in the family.

Masters of the Universe: Revolution #2 is on sale now from Dark Horse Comics!