Perhaps the strangest event at Marvel Comics this year was the alteration of The Incredible Hulk series into The Incredible Hercules.
Following in the wake of World War Hulk, the Olympian has usurped both the title of the series and the attentions of the 4th smartest being on the planet, Amadeus Cho. The work of Greg Pak has become legendary with the success of Planet Hulk and the follow up World War Hulk. He has taken the jade giant into a realm of success that has not been seen in quite some time. So why ditch the green angry one and go in this completely different direction?
Who cares?
Introduced in the 1960’s as a fun-loving alternative to the brooding Mighty Thor, Hercules has stumbled about the Marvel Universe for decades with nary a blockbuster in his wake. An interesting character who has never really shone in the universe of super hero stars, it has taken this turn of events to really delve into the character, showing the complexities of his history and the many facets to his personality.
While it is a weird turn of events, it is also one of the most well written Marvel Comics on the stands today. The series follows the decisions of Herc and Cho as they literally stand in the wreckage of Manhattan after the Hulk almost completely destroyed it. Cho clearly wants revenge against SHIELD for attacking his hero the Hulk and Herc… Herc just wants to drink mainly.
Each issue is split between a modern day adventure and retelling of a tale out of Hercules‘ mythology. It makes the series so unique and bizarre that each month is very different from the last. With Cho’s anger at SHIELD reaching such a height that he threatens near global destruction (which frighteningly he is very capable of unleashing), it’s a relief when Herc’s sister Athena steps in to provide some teaching.
With innovative storytelling and superb artwork, you really do have to give this series a shot.
