Marvel Comics 2015
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Luke Ross
Coloured by Guru-eFX
Lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino
Hercules began to clean up his act and restore his reputation, but a mysterious threat called The Uprising Storm is descending upon his city. Hercules’ old friend, the blind seer Tiresias, has foreseen that the storm represents the extinction of the old ways of Antiquity and the death of all creatures of Myth. As Hercules prepares to take a stand against the storm, he encounters other old warriors that have emerged into the modern world in response to the Storm: the fearsome Centaurs, old and bitter foes of the Prince of Power….
Can I just say one thing if he’s out to restore his reputation can we start by getting rid of that ridiculous man bun? I mean that alone screams a trend that’s already over oh and bring back his skirt too because that’s an iconic and classic look that in all honesty is so much better than that silly looking military belt and cargo pants he’s wearing. Yeah I get it he’s trying to be updated for a modern world but c’mon this is Hercules and some things just should be left alone.
I have to say though the opening of this issue is pretty magnificent. With a threat so large coming very quickly it’s nice to see that Herc and the Centaur’s battle was short. Ending with them facing a common threat, one they will stand against together should the time come and need arise. Though what Dan does here with the dialogue is phenomenal! Drassus speaks the truth when he tells of what he knows and observes and that I found incredibly telling. Perhaps Hercules is too modern and has lost too much of the old world already.
This coming Storm has me also thinking of Gilgamesh. When last I remember seeing the forgotten hero he too was an Avenger, a fighter and a hero so why now is he so lethargic and out of sorts? Could this coming Storm have already taken it’s toll on him and making him not only forget the past and who he was but changing who he is? Interesting thought process but then that’s what Dan does with his writing he has you seeing what could be and then surprises you with what is.
Dan really is going full tilt with this series so far and while only three issues in we’re already getting an epic story arc that will either change the fate of all the old world’s creatures in this new era establishing a new set of gods or Hercules can rise up and stop the Storm in it’s tracks reclaiming the mantle of hero he’s lost. Either way the story, writing, characters and dialogue, see characterization, is a thing of legend here. I mean the prospect of what’s happening here is fascinating and it really gets to the heart of who Herk and Gil are from their beginnings. Plus the “bromance” they have is pretty spectacular and long forgotten or underused heroes featured prominently do have a habit of making me happy.
I have to say that the supporting cast assembled here makes this book even better. Tiresias for instance being both man and woman, a seer an oracle gives new meaning to gender fluid, though the gods in their infinite wisdom have a wicked sense of humor. Sophia whose role while unclear even now is just as important as a voice of reason in his world. Hopefully this issue’s introduction of Deen and Andie will mean his cast and resources keep growing. He’s such a vital historical figure that has been underappreciated for far too long.
With these utterly stunningly gorgeous cover and Luke & Guru’s interior artwork this series is more than solid. It’s pretty darn epic itself and it helps to redefine the characters and showcase what it was about them that made them so great. This new determination is etched on Herk’s face and comes through his demeanor just as much as his hapless knowledge makes him seem childish.
Here’s hoping that this time around Hercules is going to last a while.