Writer: Elliot Kalan
Art: George Kambadais
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 10th, 2024
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THE DISPATCH
After the success of the miniseries about Hades, Dynamite has decided to make a comic about the main hero from the same Disney movie. Hercules #1 is written by Elliot Kalan, who also was the writer of the Hades comic. He captures the personality of the characters well. The story is set after the events of the film, as Herc is an adult and is with Meg. The dialogue is fitting for the characters and readers who are fans of the Disney film can imagine the voices of Tate Donovan, Susan Egan, Danny Devito, Rip Torn and others saying the lines as they read.
This is especially true of Meg, and her sarcastic personality is perfectly captured though her dialogue. Although Hades is not seen, an unseen character speaks dialogue over Hercules in a flashforward in the opening page and mentions “my Underworld”, so it could be Hades, though the dialogue doesn’t exactly sound like how he would speak. It’s entirely possible that the lord of the Underworld may have returned from the River Styx and may show up in future issues. There is also some clever humor befitting the world of Greek mythology, such as when Herc exclaims, “By Apollo’s Creed!” Fans of a certain movie will appreciate that reference.
ART
If you’ve read the recent Gargoyles comic from Dynamite based on the animated Disney show from the 90’s, you’ll recognize the art style, as George Kambadais continues that same style in Hercules #1. He captures the animation style of the film well, though not perfectly. The characters are still very recognizable to how they appeared in the movie. The opening page really will hook readers, as we still don’t know what’s going on or who is speaking. It appears that Hercules is falling, but it’s not clear whether that’s some sort of dream, or where it’s happening if it is real. That will most likely be revealed soon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Great story so far! Hercules #1 really expands on the story where the film left off, as even Zeus hopes Hercules will reconsider and join him and his fellow Greek gods, but Herc makes it clear he wants to stay mortal for Meg’s sake. There is mystery and adventure that awaits our noble hero, as he learns he must rescue a kidnapped goddess! The question is, who took her and why?