Herc #1

Title: Herc #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Artist(s): Neil Edwards
Inker(s): Scott Hanna
Colorist(s): Jesus Aburtov
Letterer(s): Simon Bowland
Cover Artist: Carlo Pagulayan

Story/Concept: (10/10) Hercules, formerly known as the Greek demigod Heracles, fought mightily against the onslaught of Mikaboshi, also known as the Chaos King, who set out to destroy all of reality. Although he eventually triumphed over the malevolent Mikaboshi, it came at a great cost: he had to forsake all his godly powers.

Now, fully mortal for the first time in his long, long life, Herc strikes out on his own in the streets of Brooklyn to carve a new path for himself. Herc may have lost his god-like status, but with his massive strength, mystical arsenal, and big heart, he aims to prove that he’s still a hero.

Writing: (10/10) Perfect pitch writing from top to bottom loving the setup of the book and bringing Herc up to date in style. Pak & Van Lente know the character well and it shows throughout the issue, and you truly feel his plight now as he learns humility as he still tries to be a hero though he is mortal. It takes Hercules out of the realm of being a boorish oaf to display his intelligence and show him as a strategist and actual threat. Also I loved the writers taking time by having an appendix “Hercules Saga” at the back of this issue that allows you to get up to date with the character and even refers you to the trades that you can pick up to get the back story associated with the synopsis in Hercules Saga. I think that was a very useful tool and I would like to see this implemented more in comics to help new readers find other material on a character they may like but otherwise wouldn’t know where to go next to find it.

Art: (8/10) Very solid and smooth line work through out this book by Neil Edwards. He does great action framing and also the story telling is done well also. I’m not familiar with Neil Edwards beyond this issue but I’m on board this book for at least the first story arc and look forward to enjoying more of his artwork going forward.

Cover: (7/10) I just love the moody atmosphere of the cover, and seemingly show Herc with his back against the wall I love it!

Overall: (9/10) Good writing, art, and story telling I can’t find anything bad to say about this book I just hope people support this comic so it can stay around for the long haul.

Bottom Line: For anyone that is a fan of mythological characters or stories of redemption this is a book to give a try. I have a feeling that this book has the potential to be a sleeper hit.

Comic Book Savant