Writer: Elliot Kalan
Art: Alessandro Ranaldi
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
Release date: September 20th, 2023
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Disney Villains: Hades #2 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Picking up where we left off, Disney Villains: Hades #2 continues to follow Hades and his ragtag group of misfits in their plan to steal the Golden Fleece. This issue presents good characterization of Hades, in keeping with how he is presented in the film, and expands upon the new characters that were introduced in the first issue. This is basically like if Disney’s Hercules movie combined with such films as Suicide Squad or The Italian Job. It really emphasizes the humor amongst the characters as they interact with each other, such as how Hades is able to tame the Minotaur. We also see Charon, Hades’ ferryman. He was seen but not heard from in the film, and here he has some lines, which gives him more personality compared to being a background character. The three fates have a very brief appearance at the issue’s opening, but nonetheless add to the humor of the story by quoting Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
ART
The artwork really stands out in Disney Villains: Hades #2. A number of different panels of Hades’ facial expressions look nearly identical to screenshots from the film. Much of Hades’ personality comes through his facial expressions alone. In particular, the pages showing him angry really pop. There is also a panel showing souls in the Underworld. There is one character cleverly drawn to slightly resemble Yoda from Star Wars. Hades’ crude drawing of his tactical plan to steal the Golden Fleece is reflective of his sarcastic personality. The labyrinth is very detailed, as is the palace of the king.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Disney Villains: Hades #2 continues to expand on this fun storyline, merging elements from the Disney movie with the typical espionage/crime thriller combined with Greek mythology and presented in a comedic style. New characters are also introduced not previously seen in the Disney version of the myth, such as King Aeeta and his daughter, Medea. This is an enjoyable read and it also educates readers on various Greek myths as well, albeit with artistic liberties taken. What will happen when Jason and Hades confront each other?