Dark Horse, Mattel Celebrate ‘The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse’

In the toy industry, product packaging can make or break a line, and in some cases, the artwork becomes just as important — and iconic — as the toys themselves.

For more than 40 years, Mattel‘s Masters of the Universe (MOTU) franchise has been powering epic adventures for kids and collectors of all ages. While the brand has seen several reinventions throughout the decades, the current MOTU Origins and MOTU Masterverse lines have connected with collectors by offering two distinct scales (5.5 inch and 7 inch, respectively) and form factors that not only celebrate the past, but move the brand into the future.

Since the start, fantasy-based art and package design has been a cornerstone of the MOTU experience, and with that in mind, Dark Horse Books and Mattel are unleashing The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse, a definitive volume that invites readers to explore the lore and background behind these lines.

Penned by author Alex Irvine (The Comic Book Story of Baseball, Marvel Phase One through Phase Three), the book includes insights from the creators and designers of the action figures alongside full details and artwork on each character.

The Toy Book and The Pop Insider have your exclusive first look at a preview of pages from the book before it hits stores on December 12.

The Art of Masters of the Universe: Origins and Masterverse is available in Standard ($49.99) and Deluxe ($99.99) Hardcover Editions, each packed with 192 pages information and artwork. The Deluxe Edition also includes an artwork portfolio and two lithograph prints that store alongside the book in a hardcover slipcase.

Retailers can order the book through PREVIEWS or their regular book distributor while consumers can preorder online or through their favorite local comic shop, bookseller, or specialty retailer.