Maze of Doom is a
1985 Masters of the Universe
children’s book written by Roger McKenzie and illustrated by Al McWilliams.
Here, Skeletor conjures up a “maze” of jungles and rocky barriers around the
Royal Palace.
Writers have saddled Skeletor with some needlessly
convoluted plans in the past, and this one’s toward the top of the list.
Unbeknownst to He-Man, Skeletor has already captured the Sorceress, yet,
inexplicably, this doesn’t seem to get him anywhere as far as capturing Castle
Grayskull is concerned. Naturally, his next move is to enact the most elaborate
diversion ever to lure He-Man away from the palace. It’s good to see King
Randor and Queen Marlena getting in on the action with some knife fighting, but
this is just silly. McKenzie also prominently includes a moral about the value
of freedom even though it has nothing to do with the story. Oh, and don’t put
mustard on the cat.
McWilliams’ art is fair; his work on previous He-Man books is
superior. He has a number of perspective issues, for one thing, plus Orko’s
wearing some kind of hood and He-Man sometimes looks like he’s wearing a sports
bra and furry granny panties. There are coloring problems as well, the worst
being Skeletor, who looks like a green muskrat.
It’s not all bad, but Maze
of Doom feels largely pointless.
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
Read it HERE
