The Untold Story of Panthor: Skeletor's Feline Companion in Masters of the Universe

What Is Panthor’s History in the Masters of the Universe?

Fans who are interested in the Masters of the Universe franchise often wonder - how did Panthor, one of Skeletor’s companions come to be a fearsome ally in his struggle against He-Man. Panthor was released in 1984 and was seen as an addition to The Masters of the Universe Toy Line, in particular, with those fans looking to collect He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toys - a character that became one of the franchise’s most-memorable pieces of lore - which could be linked back to Mattel's goal of establishing this series as one of the top franchises of the early 1980s, but Panthor was not fully fleshed out. He often appeared by Skeletor's side as a sidekick or a more fierce Skeletor Companion.

Those who are most familiar with the franchise - might note how Panthor often served as the Battle Cat Equivalent for Skeletor in the series. This was seen with the animation. It introduced viewers to his world. But, there wasn't much established regarding his history as viewers sought out more detailed stories in the comic series.

Does Panthor Have a Connection To He-Man?

Panels of young Randor, young Keldor and a kitten version of Panthor Image

It's intriguing to explore the connections between He-Man, Skeletor, and even the relationships they have with their pets and loyal companions - specifically, Battle Cat for He-Man, and Panthor - for Skeletor, both serving as He-Man Ally and the Terrifying Villain's companions. Those who have enjoyed the Masters of the Universe franchise will notice there is a strong parallel that takes shape across those characters.

But what are their origins? One of the more prominent features that has been seen in Dark Horse's new take - Masters of the Universe: Revolution - shows that the connection is much stronger and was established early on: As Prince Adam was growing, Skeletor was often by his side - their stories, their destinies, even the choices they made - had a shared influence, which helped to bring forth a connection that, ultimately, established a key theme of Masters of the Universe: Forge of Destiny.

What is the History Behind Panthor's Transformation?

he-man-revelation-panthor-skeletor Image

Fans who love the Masters of the Universe, especially those following He-Man's adventures against Skeletor. These individuals, have also discovered how Panthor's journey was very different and even very complex.

While a new iteration of his story is given - it's essential to note that his earlier appearances, as one of Skeletor’s companions were very basic and the franchise lacked much information about him, aside from his character and role. Now we have discovered a more unique background that is revealed in Masters of the Universe: Revolution #4 (2023) and is set as one of those early experiences when Keldor (before his transformation into Skeletor ), is introduced in an unusual storyline and offers a powerful, somewhat nostalgic and deeply intriguing scene of him with a young Panthor. However, in the Comic series - we are led to understand just how those events shaped those individuals to take on the identities that they do in Masters of the Universe. A tale of good and evil.

Does Panthor Always Appear Alongside Skeletor?

Masters of the Universe He-Man Sy-Klone Image

Although Panthor is most frequently associated with the Masters of the Universe: Revolution - those who love this franchise know that he doesn’t always remain with Skeletor. For those familiar with the character, it's also interesting to note, how there were times he was forced to work on a solo mission, such as a moment where Panthor is attempting to find those artifacts or to defeat a set of He-Man’s allies - which also showed viewers that this fierce, often loyal companion of Skeletor , had a mind of his own.

There were times that he's gone against his master, especially when it meant the well-being of others or, perhaps, to even stop Skeletor's actions, even giving Panthor a bit of an antihero persona in this world. These actions showed a deep connection to how this world functions, especially since it set the stage for Panthor’s complexities, but it didn’t deter his role as Skeletor’s right-hand man.

What is the History Behind Panthor’s Fate?

Even with his recent appearance as Kitten Panthor - he has had a destiny to face, which was shown in the recent issue of Masters of the Universe: Revolution #4. His storyline is designed to bring those who are following the series into an awareness that he would ultimately be shaped into a beast and forced to accept that he might have a grim destiny to confront, even to the point where he might also embrace a fate of evil, an idea that has often driven Panthor. The narrative highlights just how important those tragic characters - even Tragic Figures are for the Masters of the Universe.

For fans of Skeletor's actions - a Terrifying Villain, Panthor’s storyline is often designed to help solidify those themes of how a character has to grapple with those choices and to accept the dark events of the universe as they unfold. It was only by embracing this Evil Destiny that he could make his stand against He-Man. The Panthor story is in its initial stages of its exploration - but will make those who are seeking to see the evolution of Panthor more interested.

Does Panthor Have A Role in Masters of the Universe: Revolution?

While Panthor does not have a large presence, it’s worth exploring those aspects of his role within the Masters of the Universe: Revolution Comic series, which serves as an extension of those events in Masters of the Universe: Revolution #4.

The narrative provides a glimpse into the storyline of Keldor, and how his relationship to Prince Adam helped shaped him to become the Masters of the Universe Franchise's infamous, dark villain: Skeletor. As the series is expanding - with each issue exploring different elements from Keldor’s youth and, as fans, they will also get a deeper understanding of how Panthor’s role (a creature, a Kitten Panthor) as it stands, is pivotal for giving those who have joined this journey in the Masters of the Universe: Revolution - new information on those characters and the relationships they shared before they became part of those grand, larger Masters of the Universe events - the fight for control of Castle Grayskull - a symbol of immense power, knowledge, and control over the universe.