Writer: Elliot Kalan
Art: Alessandro Ranaldi and Dearbhla Kelly (colorist)
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
Release date: November 22, 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 #4 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Disney Villains: Hades #4 continues the story of the heist of the Golden Fleece, and Hades’ competition for it with Jason of Iolcos. It presents the story well with humor and really nails the sarcastic personality of Hades, as well as his craftiness and cunning to get what he wants at all costs. The dialogue for Hades is very fitting for his character and it’s easy for readers to imagine James Woods’ signature sarcastic delivery coming through his dialogue. There’s even a cameo from Zeus. Although the other characters didn’t appear in the movie, it’s easy to imagine these new characters fitting right into the continuity of Disney’s Hercules. Yes, some of them like Medusa and Jason appeared in the Hercules animated series, but it is debatable about whether that show is in continuity. Plus, the versions of those characters seen here are very different from how they were portrayed in the show.
ART
The artwork in Disney Villains: Hades #4 matches the Disney animation style well. There are many facial expressions of Hades that are practically identical to expressions he made in the film. The panels where he blows his top really encapsulate his hot-headed, short-tempered personality, and are illustrated well with bright colors that highlight his rage. The cameo of Zeus looks exactly how he appeared in the movie too. The panels with the lightning strikes while Hades and Medusa and other characters are falling from the sky is very well done. The minotaur, who once was thought to be a fearsome creature, is portrayed more as a lovable goof, and that is reflected in the art as he and Arachne the spider-girl are portrayed in a chibi type of style in one panel. The most surprising thing is when more anachronisms show up, such as an airplane, but one can argue that it isn’t a problem because of magic.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Disney Villains: Hades #4 helps to flesh out the characters more. We see more of the personalities of characters like Jason and Medea and the drama between them. The motley crew that Hades assembled soon discover that they’re now able to work as a team, united with a common goal. Hades again proves himself to be a master manipulator. One can only wonder what his plans are next and if we will learn where this story fits within the timeline of the movie.