ACROSS THE CRYSTAL LIGHT BARRIER is the first mini comic of Wave 2 of the original Princess of Power toy line. It introduces Starburst She-Ra, Crystal Swiftwind, Crystal Sundancer and Crystal Moonbeam. Though he didn't receive a figure Josh is introduced as a prominent character as well - he has gone on to have a fan following.
The story starts with Adora, Bow, Glimmer and Josh having a picnic. Spirit and Arrow are there too - interestingly, Arrow is not a pegasus, just a regular powder blue horse - I wonder if he requires a magical change. Adora and Glimmer race on Spirit and Arrow respectively. Suddenly, a mysterious portal randomly appears. Adora and Spirit walk through, and emerge in Crystal World. After some time, they encounter a herd of crystal pegasi - The Guardians of Crystal World.
Adora meets Crystal Moonbeam, who warns of the difficulty of recrossing the Crystal Light Barrier, and that soon both her and Spirit will turn into crystal themselves. Adora is spared the fate, since she rides on Spirit's back, and hasn't touched Crystal World as Spirit has. Moonbeam introduces the newcomers to Crystal Sundancer - his sister. She advises that in order to cross the barrier, one must have the ability to fly across a deep chasm.
Adora, still on Spirit's back, raises her sword and transforms into She-Ra and Swiftwind. This is the FIRST time in the mini comics that "For the Honor of Grayskull" is used - this is from the cartoon, and replaces the mini comic's "By the Honor of Grayskull" from the first wave. Transforming on Crystal World augments She-Ra, who's now in her Starburst attire. Swiftwind is crystalized. With Moonbeam and Sundancer, She-Ra and Swiftwind fly over the chasm - effectively crossing the barrier. Bow, Josh and Glimmer were searching worriedly. She-Ra changes back into Adora and Spirit - not wanting to reveal her secret. She introduces her friends to Moonbeam and Sundancer.
OBSERVATIONS:
REVIEW:
This issue is strongly lacking in story. Though the mini comics are for kids, and are meant to market the toys, there's very little going on here. There's no explanation for what the Crystal Light Barrier is, why it appeared, and why Adora would thoughtlessly walk through it. Catra's presence is sourly lacking, but I don't think there's much room for her with having to introduce 4 new toys.
The story starts with Adora, Bow, Glimmer and Josh having a picnic. Spirit and Arrow are there too - interestingly, Arrow is not a pegasus, just a regular powder blue horse - I wonder if he requires a magical change. Adora and Glimmer race on Spirit and Arrow respectively. Suddenly, a mysterious portal randomly appears. Adora and Spirit walk through, and emerge in Crystal World. After some time, they encounter a herd of crystal pegasi - The Guardians of Crystal World.
Adora meets Crystal Moonbeam, who warns of the difficulty of recrossing the Crystal Light Barrier, and that soon both her and Spirit will turn into crystal themselves. Adora is spared the fate, since she rides on Spirit's back, and hasn't touched Crystal World as Spirit has. Moonbeam introduces the newcomers to Crystal Sundancer - his sister. She advises that in order to cross the barrier, one must have the ability to fly across a deep chasm.
Adora, still on Spirit's back, raises her sword and transforms into She-Ra and Swiftwind. This is the FIRST time in the mini comics that "For the Honor of Grayskull" is used - this is from the cartoon, and replaces the mini comic's "By the Honor of Grayskull" from the first wave. Transforming on Crystal World augments She-Ra, who's now in her Starburst attire. Swiftwind is crystalized. With Moonbeam and Sundancer, She-Ra and Swiftwind fly over the chasm - effectively crossing the barrier. Bow, Josh and Glimmer were searching worriedly. She-Ra changes back into Adora and Spirit - not wanting to reveal her secret. She introduces her friends to Moonbeam and Sundancer.
OBSERVATIONS:
- Adora continues to appear as a dressed down de-powered She-Ra - strange that her friends can't tell the difference.
- Josh is a rare occurence of the mini comics introducing characters that are not in the toy line. The Wizardess is another example.
- The portal to Crystal World appears without any narrative explanation. The only purpose it serves is introducing new toys.
- The Wave 2 mini comics begin taking more cues from the cartoon series - in this first issue of Wave 2, She-Ra's tiara looks like the cartoon version; she uses "For the Honor of Grayskull" to transform; She-Ra shows concern for her secret identity - all new concepts derived from the cartoon.
- Spirit/Swiftwind is presumably permanently crystal due to exposure on Crystal World. We'll see what leads to Royal Swiftwind - if anything.
- This is the first mini comic to not feature Catra in a villainous roll. The conflict comes from finding a way to return from Crystal World to Etheria.
REVIEW:
This issue is strongly lacking in story. Though the mini comics are for kids, and are meant to market the toys, there's very little going on here. There's no explanation for what the Crystal Light Barrier is, why it appeared, and why Adora would thoughtlessly walk through it. Catra's presence is sourly lacking, but I don't think there's much room for her with having to introduce 4 new toys.