Around 50 minicomics were produced for the Vintage era. Origins has not got there yet but is not far off. I have reproduced most of the Origins stories on this site but a few are missing from the Vaults of Grayskull collection.

The comparison to the Vintage line stories is apt because they also varied in quality, both in terms of storytelling and artwork. There are some fine moments but the quantity means plenty of duds too. Themes are often repeated.

EYE OF THE STORM

The premise of this story is reasonably good if not original. Hordak has been exiled to the realm of Despondos but has found a way to build a bridge to Eternia. The heroes fly into the tempest to vanquish their adversary.

After a good start the conclusion is very weak. Orko appears, casts a spell and solves the problem by sending Hordak to his prison. The antagonist is styled after concept art rather than the usual toy design.

PHANTOMS OF DESPARA

The kidnapping and raising of Princess Adora by Hordak was an early POP theme, but the character of Despara – her Horde identity – was apparently a more recent addition. This story is partly a recollection of those events.

Despara apparently reappears to fight She-Ra, but it’s actually Shadow Weaver in disguise. Nevertheless, the story implies that Despara is part of She-Ra’s character forever. It’s hardly an original theme, but it just about works.

SHE-WARRIOR

This is a weak story about Sharella. Once again we have a character disguised as someone else – this time it is the skeletal Great Black Wizard faking it as He-Ro. Sharella volunteers information about He-Ro’s past.

Apparently the wizard’s ploy is to lure He-Ro into a trap by capturing Sharella. She escapes – although it’s not shown how – and heads off in search of the real He-Ro. There’s no substance to this story. It’s a mess.