“Yesterday’s” Comic> Masters Of The Universe #7 (Star)

I’m going with “variant figure”.

Masters Of The Universe #7

Star Comics (Marvel; May, 1987)

Randor is starting to worry that he isn’t the Heroic Warrior he used to be, and his bodyguard, Clamp Champ, wishes he could have more action as well. They get their chance when Skeletor calls on the forces of evil for help and get sent Ninjor and Blast Attack plus the return of Scare Glow and Faker. Skeletor’s plan allows him to draw He-Man away and use Faker to take control of the palace. When Randor knocks out Faker thinking he’s He-Man, he gets the confidence he needs to help chase Skeletor’s forces away.

What they got right: I like seeing a story where Randor has to overcome his confidence issues and prove himself to himself. It’s a bit of character development for him. While they didn’t make a Queen Marlena figure at the time Randor did have one (I just checked, and both now have one in the “Classics” line) so it makes sense to use him. Carlin also snuck in the Beam Blaster and Artlierray set, the Jet Sled, plus all of the figures listed above. And this time it all works together for a good story. He’s getting better. He also knew Faker’s skin was blue with Skeletor’s harness (even Filmation forgot that in his one appearance) and at least knew to have the skin change happen in-story.

What they got wrong: The Sorceress finally shows up and it’s just to turn into Zoar, who now can’t communicate with He-Man in that form like she usually can. And then she just disappears as He-Man and Orko chase Scare Glow. Clamp Champ doesn’t do much in this episode but look like a dimwit.

Recommendation: Another decent story, and it’s nice that Carlin is getting used to showing off a lot of toys while still telling a decent story. Pick this one up.