"I think the trick for me was drawing this version of She-Ra as not really evil but detached and cold," artist Drew Edward Johnson said. "She wasn't born as this deadly Hordak enforcer but was made one, and over the course of the story, we can see how she's been kept in line and made to do things that are against her nature. I tried to show in a couple of close-up shots that her eyes are not those of a killer, and in those shots, divided her face down the middle with the panel borders to show her split nature."

In creating the planet Etheria, Johnson worked with colorist Kathryn Layno to "create the most infernal atmosphere possible." They surrounded She-Ra with fire, smoke, dead trees and hopeless people to get that bleak, drab, uninviting feel.

An individual dragged down by dire circumstances beyond her control, She-Ra -- in true hero fashion -- rose above those circumstances to become an inspiration to the world around her.

Johnson said he believes She-Ra still resonates with audiences because "like Wonder Woman, She-Ra is iconic. She stood, and stands, as a strong and good-hearted character that anyone of any age can get behind."

The other "Masters of the Universe" comic releases consist of a printed miniseries in which Skeletor -- having rewritten the laws of reality on Eternia -- rules from inside Castle Grayskull.

In addition, there is a digital series of 10-page stories featuring fresh takes on the origins of individual characters that are fan favorites, such as Orko and Trap Jaw. The new She-Ra is one in a series of full-length one-shots showcasing the origin of a particular character. Past comics told the back stories of He-Man and Skeletor. Gift of the Day: He-Man She-Ra ugly Christmas sweater

"The line is diverse," Mattel executive Rob David said, "but every title shares one thing in common: We're not playing things safe. 'Masters of the Universe' isn't just part of our cultural past; it's alive and constantly growing."

For the most part, fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, but some die-hards resist the retooling of classic characters.

"Fans are thrilled to see He-man and the Masters of the Universe back in action," David said. "Not everybody wants to see any changes, of course, but He-Man -- ever since he first premiered -- has evolved. Hey, when he first came out, there was no Prince Adam! So long as you stay true to the core concepts, it's always fun to explore the possibilities."