With a new live-action adventure movie out this June, Mattel announced its Masters of the Universe publishing program launching throughout 2026 from Mattel Press, the company’s own publishing platform, and partners.
Part of a broader strategic plan to expand the franchise to new and diverse audiences worldwide across toys, film, digital experiences, consumer products, and publishing, the slate spans a film-adjacent novel, original middle-grade stories, comics, a graphic novel, and an art book, reinforcing the brand’s storytelling reach for fans of all ages.
Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, said: “Masters of the Universe has always been more than a single format – it’s a mythology that evolves across generations and mediums. With this publishing initiative, we aren’t just retelling the film’s story; we’re expanding the world of Eternia in ways that invite fans to go deeper and discover new facets of the universe.
“Through Mattel Press, we’re partnering with New York Times-bestselling authors and top creative talent to move quickly into diverse formats and reach a broader range of readers, while still delivering rich, meaningful storytelling for longtime fans. From character-driven young adult novels to manga-inspired narratives and fan-centric celebrations of the lore, this slate reflects our ambition to build Masters of the Universe into a fully realised, multi-platform franchise that resonates with fans old and new.”
Timed to the new, live-action adventure movie Masters of the Universe from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios, releasing theatrically in the United States on 5th June 2026, and internationally this June, the publishing program from Mattel Press brings the film to life with titles that let readers go deeper into Eternia:
• Masters of the Universe: The Junior Novel (Cover to be Revealed)
A junior novel retelling the story of the film for younger readers by Steve Behling (Publishing May 5, 2026) | ISBN: 9781640366046
After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia, which has been shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, Adam joins forces with Teela and Man-At-Arms, and embraces his true destiny as He-Man – the most powerful man in the universe. Includes eight pages of full colour images from the film.
Steve Behling is passionate about telling stories for kids. He has written books, comics, articles, puzzles, games, and more for a diverse clientele (including Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Mattel, and DreamWorks, to name a few). As associate creative director for Marvel Entertainment and Comics Director/Executive Editor for Disney Publishing Worldwide, he has worked with incredible brands like Spider-Man, The Avengers, Phineas and Ferb and Disney/Pixar properties too numerous to name. Steve lives in a top-secret subterranean lair with his wife, two human children, and three-legged wonder beagle, Loomis.
• Masters of the Universe: The Power Within and Masters of the Universe: I Am He-Man!
A storybook and early reader based on the film, respectively, written by Eric Geron. (Publishing May 5, 2026) | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | ISBN: 978-1640366060
Eric Geron is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hocus Pocus Spell Book, Poultrygeist, Bye Bye, Binary, and A Tale of Two Princes. He has also written the New York Times bestselling Descendants novelisation under the name Rico Green. He earned his creative writing degree from the University of Miami and spent many years at Disney as an editor of New York Times bestselling books. Eric currently resides in New York City.
• Teela: Daughter of Eternos
An original young adult novel, set in the film universe, written by New York Times bestselling author Mackenzi Lee that expands the story of Teela, Man-at-Arms and Evil-Lyn (Publishing June 2, 2026) | Mattel Press | Ages 13+ | 9781640366084
From New York Times bestselling author Mackenzi Lee comes a thrilling tale set in the world of the Masters of the Universe live-action film, where Eternian warrior Teela must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to save the people – and home – she loves.
A FALLEN KINGDOM
Four years after Skeletor decimated the kingdom of Eternos, Teela and the scattered refugees of Eternia survive by never staying in one place for long. When a brutal storm of acidic rain deep within the Evergreen Forest leaves their camp ravaged and hope at its thinnest, some, like Teela’s friend Locke, begin to plan for a future beyond Eternia. But Teela knows her father Duncan, the once-mighty Man-At-Arms, won’t survive leaving the land he swore to protect.
A FORBIDDEN ALLIANCE
Desperate to save her people, Teela ventures to Darksmoke to bargain with the ancient dragon Granamyr. He bestows upon her a vial filled with a mysterious, powerful elixir—and no instructions on its use. Enter Evil-Lyn, Skeletor’s ruthless second-in-command, who intercepts Teela with a dangerous proposal: an alliance. In exchange for the vial’s secrets, Teela and the Heroic Warriors must someday help the sorceress overthrow Skeletor himself.
A MAGIC THAT COULD SAVE – OR DESTROY – THEM ALL
The vial heals the sick and brings food back to empty tables – until the forest around the camp begins to change. Rivers vanish. Trees peel to bone. Creatures flee. As the land around them withers at an ever-increasing pace, Teela must confront an impossible question: Has the very magic she used to save her people doomed Eternia instead?
Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Simmons College. She is the New York Times best-selling author of the historical fantasy novels Loki: Where Mischief Lies; The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, which won a 2018 Stonewall Honor Award and the New England Book Award; and its sequel, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Bygone Badass Broads, a collection of short biographies of forgotten women from history. In 2020, she was named one of Forbes’s 30 Under 30 for her work in bringing minority narratives to historical fiction. When not writing, she works as an independent bookseller, drinks too much Diet Coke, and naps with her Saint Bernard, Queenie.
• Masters of the Universe: The Art of the Film
A coffee table book offering in-depth visual celebration of the cinematic world of the film (Publishing from Mattel Press, September 22, 2026) | Mattel Press | Ages 12+ | 9781640366220
The deluxe, official art book companion to Masters of the Universe. Includes a foreword from director Travis Knight, exclusive crew interviews, and unprecedented behind-the-scenes visuals.
This definitive visual chronicle invites fans into the world of Masters of the Universe 2026 film — from its earliest conception to its vibrant, action-packed final form. Perfectly giftable in its stunning foiled and jacketed hardcover format; it’s the missing piece to any collector’s library.
Author Dan Jolin documents every major stage of production: from initial conversations with the producers about how to honor the legacy of the classic toys and animated series; to the design studios where the re-imagined costumes for Prince Adam / He-Man, Teela, and their allies were forged; to the dark citadels of Skeletor and his sinister entourage.
With rich, full-colour imagery and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, learn how the world of Eternia was rebuilt for the 21st century — from the hulking arm-cannon of Trap Jaw to the swirling mystic forces of The Sorceress.
With exclusive testimony from costume designers, concept artists, cinematographers and VFX teams, Masters of the Universe: The Art of the Film offers the definitive guide to the making of a modern mythology.
Dan Jolin is the author of The Complete Unofficial Guides to James Cameron, the Coen brothers, Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, as well as The Toxic Avenger: The Art and Making of the Movie, published last year. He is a contributing editor at Empire, the world’s biggest film magazine, and is the editor and co-founder of Senet magazine, about the craft and culture of modern board gaming.
Working with partners Dark Horse Comics and TokyoPop, comics and graphic storytelling play a major role in the program’s breadth:
• Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate
A new four-issue comic series set in the film universe of Masters of the Universe, from Dark Horse Comics. Written by Tim Sheridan, illustrated by Will Sliney, coloured by Israel Silva, and lettered by AndWorld Design (Publishing beginning 10th June through October 2026)
• Masters of the Universe: Legends of Eternia
A manga-style graphic novel set in the film universe, a first for the brand, from TOKYOPOP and written by Amanda Deibert (Publishing November 1, 2026)
The program also delivers strong evergreen and fan-favourite content beyond the film from Mattel Press:
• Retro Power! Coloring Book
An adult colouring book featuring original 1980s colouring book art for He-Man and She-Ra (Publishing May 5, 2026) | Mattel Press | | Ages 4 to 94 | ISBN: 978-1640366022
• Skeletor Has No Friends
A humorous picture book where Skeletor learns that even evil villains need to be a little bit nice written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Andrew Kolb (Publishing May 5, 2026) | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | 9781640366015
Bad to the Bone… But Not Great at Teamwork!
Even the evilest overlords need a little help from their friends! In this hilarious and heart-filled picture book, Skeletor is learning the hard way that being bossy, sneaky, and dramatic might just cost him his crew.
With a bold, fresh art style and laugh-out-loud moments for kids and longtime fans, this story brings the iconic villain of Masters of the Universe into a whole new spotlight. Whether you’re introducing your little one to the magic of Eternia or just want a delightfully evil bedtime read, this is the perfect gift for fans of all ages.
Robb Pearlman is a #1 New York Times bestselling pop culturalist and author of more than 80 books for grown-ups and kids. As an industry-leading writer and multifaceted innovative creative, Robb has ideated, written, art directed, and edited books based on his own original concepts. He has also authentically and effectively translated many of the world’s biggest pop culture brands and media properties into bestselling fan-favorite books.
Andrew Kolb is an illustrator, author, and designer. He’s written two picture books, illustrated a whole bunch of other books, and most recently created the OZ Tabletop Role-Playing Setting. He’s lived in a few different places (some in Canada, some beyond) and currently calls Ontario his home. He is also writing this biography.
• Skeletor Ate My Homework (The Adventures of He-Man and Porter #1)
A laugh out loud original middle-grade book about a boy named Porter (from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) who is transported to the world of Eternia written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephan Pastis and illustrated by Will Henry (Publishing September 1, 2026) | Mattel Press | Ages 8-12 | 9781640366039
Beyond publishing, the franchise will roll out additional announcements throughout 2026 with consumer products, digital games and more.
• Masters of the Universe: The Power Within
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 | Mattel Press | Ages 3-7 | 9781640366053
This illustrated picture book is perfect for the youngest fans of the franchise – an illustrated retelling of the live-action movie.
Working alongside writer Eric Geron is artist Shane Clester is a dedicated, passionate, and trusted illustrator primarily focused on children’s books.
Shane has been fortunate to collaborate with amazing people on iconic properties such as Sesame Street, Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, Illumination, and Nickelodeon, among others. Shane is also the proud father of two incredible kids who inspire and motivate him every day.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
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