Mattel - Masters of the Universe: Mattel Rolls Out an Expansive Publishing Program Ahead of the 2026 Film

By Mulder, 19 february 2026

As the global theatrical release of the live-action Masters of the Universe approaches, Mattel, Inc. has unveiled a sweeping, multi-format publishing initiative designed to amplify the film’s impact well beyond the cinema. Announced on February 19, 2026, the program, led by Mattel Press in collaboration with key partners, signals a deliberate effort to transform the franchise into a fully integrated storytelling ecosystem spanning novels, comics, manga, picture books, and a premium art book. Timed to align with the film produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios, scheduled for U.S. release on June 5, 2026, the slate reflects Mattel’s broader strategy to engage both legacy fans and new generations through synchronized narratives, consumer products, and digital experiences. Rather than functioning as simple adaptations, these titles aim to deepen the mythology of Eternia, extend character arcs, and create multiple entry points for readers of all ages.

Central to the initiative is a cluster of film-adjacent releases arriving on May 5, 2026, exactly one month before the movie’s U.S. debut. Masters of the Universe: The Junior Novel, written by Steve Behling, targets readers aged 8–12 with a prose retelling designed to bridge cinematic spectacle and independent reading. Launching simultaneously, Masters of the Universe: The Power Within and Masters of the Universe: I Am He-Man!, both authored by Eric Geron, focus on early readers and younger children, introducing core characters and themes in accessible formats. This synchronized release strategy is far from incidental: by seeding bookstores and libraries ahead of the film’s international rollout later in June, Mattel effectively primes younger audiences to recognize characters, iconography, and narrative stakes before they encounter them on screen. Complementing the youth-focused titles, Masters of the Universe: Retro Power! Coloring Book embraces nostalgia with restored artwork inspired by original 1980s coloring books, appealing simultaneously to collectors, adult fans, and families. Meanwhile, Masters of the Universe: Skeletor Has No Friends, penned by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Andrew Kolb, injects humor into the lineup, reframing Skeletor through a comedic lens that highlights Mattel’s willingness to diversify tonal approaches within the brand.

A particularly notable pillar of the program is Teela: Daughter of Eternos, an original young adult novel written by Mackenzi Lee and scheduled for June 2, 2026. Positioned squarely within the continuity of the live-action film universe, the novel promises to expand the roles of Teela, Man-at-Arms, and Evil-Lyn, underscoring Mattel’s intent to foreground character-driven storytelling rather than rely exclusively on plot retellings. The choice of Mackenzi Lee, known for blending emotional depth with genre narratives, suggests a strategic pivot toward readers seeking layered character exploration and contemporary thematic resonance. Industry observers have increasingly noted that franchise longevity now depends on narrative elasticity stories must evolve across formats, tones, and demographics without diluting brand identity. In that context, Teela’s expanded literary presence hints at a broader recalibration of the franchise’s character dynamics for modern audiences.

Later in 2026, Mattel Press widens its generational reach with Skeletor Ate My Homework (The Adventures of He-Man and Porter #1) by Stephan Pastis, illustrated by Will Henry, arriving September 1, 2026. Introducing Porter, a contemporary boy transported from Fort Lauderdale to Eternia, the novel leverages a classic narrative device placing a modern protagonist inside a fantastical universe to maximize reader identification. The approach mirrors successful middle-grade franchise expansions where accessibility and humor serve as onboarding tools for younger demographics. In November, Mattel breaks new stylistic ground through Masters of the Universe: Legends of Eternia, a manga-style graphic novel developed with TOKYOPOP and written by Amanda Deibert. This marks the franchise’s first deliberate embrace of manga aesthetics, a move aligned with the sustained growth of manga readership in Western markets and the format’s cross-generational appeal.

Graphic storytelling also plays a major role through Mattel’s partnership with Dark Horse Comics, which will publish Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate, a four-issue comic series written by Tim Sheridan, illustrated by Will Sliney, colored by Israel Silva, and lettered by AndWorld Design, rolling out between June and October 2026. By situating the series within the film universe, Mattel and Dark Horse effectively fill narrative gaps, sustain engagement between major releases, and create continuity threads that reward dedicated fans. Complementing the comics line, Masters of the Universe: The Art of the Film, due September 22, 2026, offers a premium, large-format visual exploration of the film’s creative design, from costumes and environments to character interpretations, an increasingly essential component of blockbuster-era franchise publishing.

Beyond individual titles, the publishing slate reveals a significant structural evolution within Mattel, Inc.: the company continues to consolidate its identity as a cross-media entertainment powerhouse rather than solely a toy manufacturer. Following the industry-shifting success of Barbie in 2023, Mattel’s franchise strategy has leaned heavily into narrative expansion, where books, comics, film, animation, and digital experiences operate as interconnected pillars rather than promotional afterthoughts. With Masters of the Universe, Mattel faces a distinct challenge revitalizing a heritage property deeply rooted in 1980s pop culture while ensuring relevance for audiences raised on modern superhero universes, anime, and high-concept fantasy. The 2026 publishing initiative functions not merely as support content, but as a narrative infrastructure capable of sustaining momentum, broadening demographic appeal, and reinforcing brand mythology regardless of box office outcomes.

Taken as a whole, Mattel’s editorial offensive suggests strong internal confidence in the upcoming film’s cultural and commercial potential. By weaving nostalgia, humor, YA depth, manga experimentation, and comic-book continuity into a unified publishing vision, Masters of the Universe appears poised to reclaim a prominent place in contemporary franchise storytelling. The ultimate test, however, will unfold in theaters: whether the film can balance reverence for the original mythology with the expectations of a global, multi-generational audience. One certainty already stands Mattel has ensured that Eternia’s story will extend far beyond the screen.

                
(Source : press release)