Incredible Hercules

I wasn't sure where to put this, but this made the most sense:

Assault On New Olympus Prologue #1

Wow. What a delightful surprise! Did anyone else manage to pick this one up? I actually started my Marvel reading this week with this book and only the Team-Up and Reborn came close to giving me the same amount of satisfaction as this prologue. I read someone that this issue was far too much a prologue but lacked enough juice to jump into the story. But let's see, for once, the $4 price tag is justified.

A, because Spider-Man & Incredible Herc have a sweet, lengthful go-at-it for a while over a lucky lady. B, the sense of humor helped level off what promises to be a pretty important and dark age (Gods taking over!) in the Hercules saga. And, C, the Agents of Atlas back-up tied in so well with the previous mini X-Men vs. AOA and into this mini-event. You've got to love that.

A lot of fans have been pushing this series for some time. I get a lot of books every week. For the first time I feel terribly awful for not having a book on my punch list. Incredible Hercules, welcome aboard. But, fear not, newbies. The first page of this prologue explains everything you need to know heading in. This is undoubtedly going to be the most slept-on excellent event of the 09 Marvel campaign.

4.5/5 Bags&Boards - Just Awesome

Ooh can't wait to read it!

I'm lovin' Herc.

Incredible Hercules #138

After months and months of being recommended to this book, I finally jumped on. It's actually the perfect jumping-on issue if you recently pickled up the Assault On New Olympus Prologue (availabla at any fine comic book selling locations near you). And, if you're an Agents of Atlas fan, it's really the only way to follow this fun group with this inclusion of Jeff Parker's backup. The nicest thing about all this is that both stories tie into this war between gods and men, so even if you're not up on AOA, it's worth checking out.

Getting into the particular, this issue strays away from the dynamic that was Hercules and Spider-Man and focuses more on Amadeus's challenge of keeping Big Herc alive and the ever confused and conflicted Ares on which side he should fight for. Being a real life walking god musn't easy. My favorite characters in the issue have to be Athena and Hebe, for these strong-willed, goddess/half-breed babes are the heart and soul of this ongoing tension; as the betrayal of their ancestors, family members and fellow immortals allow these two to help the Avengers at any cost. There's more of a risk for these lovely ladies given the circumstances involved.

The art, well, it's just too good for words. Buschemi's distinguished characters, especially those with as much roar and tarnish as Ares and Hercules, is spectacular. The action panels are heavy on clean detail, the landscapes feel epic, and more importantly, nail the larger-than-life mytological figures you only wonder of; one look at the thousand-eyed god will leave you stunned. It's a wonder what this event would look like on the big screen--since that's how this book feels and more than warrants your attention.

4/5 Shields&Spears - Epically strong

I missed the prologue, so I wasn't exactly sure what was going on at first, but once I got into the issue, I loved it.

Here's my full review on the main site.

http://panelsonpages.com/?p=15511

Best sound effects in comics today.

All time? Quite possibly.

MAMATHOOOOM is going into my lexicon.

Debaser77 wrote:MAMATHOOOOM is going into my lexicon.

Indeed. Up there with CRACKAJAMMA.

Dr. Wade Fucking McNasty wrote:

Debaser77 wrote:MAMATHOOOOM is going into my lexicon.

Indeed. Up there with CRACKAJAMMA.

My favorite was GGREEGGPAKKKAA from World War Hulk.

Bigtymin504 wrote:

Dr. Wade Fucking McNasty wrote:

Debaser77 wrote:MAMATHOOOOM is going into my lexicon.

Indeed. Up there with CRACKAJAMMA.

My favorite was GGREEGGPAKKKAA from World War Hulk.

Ha! I didn't notice that. Pretty darn clever.

Dr. Wade Fucking McNasty wrote:

Bigtymin504 wrote:

Dr. Wade Fucking McNasty wrote:

Debaser77 wrote:MAMATHOOOOM is going into my lexicon.

Indeed. Up there with CRACKAJAMMA.

My favorite was GGREEGGPAKKKAA from World War Hulk.

Ha! I didn't notice that. Pretty darn clever.

So far my favorite has been NERP!

LOOSECANNON wrote:I wasn't sure where to put this, but this made the most sense:

Assault On New Olympus Prologue #1

Wow. What a delightful surprise! Did anyone else manage to pick this one up? I actually started my Marvel reading this week with this book and only the Team-Up and Reborn came close to giving me the same amount of satisfaction as this prologue. I read someone that this issue was far too much a prologue but lacked enough juice to jump into the story. But let's see, for once, the $4 price tag is justified.

A, because Spider-Man & Incredible Herc have a sweet, lengthful go-at-it for a while over a lucky lady. B, the sense of humor helped level off what promises to be a pretty important and dark age (Gods taking over!) in the Hercules saga. And, C, the Agents of Atlas back-up tied in so well with the previous mini X-Men vs. AOA and into this mini-event. You've got to love that.

A lot of fans have been pushing this series for some time. I get a lot of books every week. For the first time I feel terribly awful for not having a book on my punch list. Incredible Hercules, welcome aboard. But, fear not, newbies. The first page of this prologue explains everything you need to know heading in. This is undoubtedly going to be the most slept-on excellent event of the 09 Marvel campaign.

4.5/5 Bags&Boards - Just Awesome

LOOSECANNON wrote:Incredible Hercules #138

After months and months of being recommended to this book, I finally jumped on. It's actually the perfect jumping-on issue if you recently pickled up the Assault On New Olympus Prologue (availabla at any fine comic book selling locations near you). And, if you're an Agents of Atlas fan, it's really the only way to follow this fun group with this inclusion of Jeff Parker's backup. The nicest thing about all this is that both stories tie into this war between gods and men, so even if you're not up on AOA, it's worth checking out.

Getting into the particular, this issue strays away from the dynamic that was Hercules and Spider-Man and focuses more on Amadeus's challenge of keeping Big Herc alive and the ever confused and conflicted Ares on which side he should fight for. Being a real life walking god musn't easy. My favorite characters in the issue have to be Athena and Hebe, for these strong-willed, goddess/half-breed babes are the heart and soul of this ongoing tension; as the betrayal of their ancestors, family members and fellow immortals allow these two to help the Avengers at any cost. There's more of a risk for these lovely ladies given the circumstances involved.

The art, well, it's just too good for words. Buschemi's distinguished characters, especially those with as much roar and tarnish as Ares and Hercules, is spectacular. The action panels are heavy on clean detail, the landscapes feel epic, and more importantly, nail the larger-than-life mytological figures you only wonder of; one look at the thousand-eyed god will leave you stunned. It's a wonder what this event would look like on the big screen--since that's how this book feels and more than warrants your attention.

4/5 Shields&Spears - Epically strong

Totally agreed. I just read these two issues together, and they were just damn good! Pak and Van Lente make for a great writing team and Buchemi's art is just spot on. The Spidey mackin on Herc's wife bit was worth the price alone

I'm also loving how we're getting the Greek pantheon with a modern twist in this. I really liked how Athena explained how the Marvels are essentially modern day mythological gods, in many ways they are. Plus the Agents of Atlas backups are really good too, especially since they tie in to the main story a bit.

Anyone else really dig on US Agent's tangent about gods being nothing more than supers and calling them all blasphemers? Man, strong dialogue work that actually hit his character head on, been a while since I've liked they way he was written, but Pak and Van Lente nailed him.

The series will end with issue #150.
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/12/16/two-books-for-the-chop-doctor-who-and-incredible-hercules/

Well, that's about a year to prepare for this... And people already speculate there'll be a Hercules #1 after that, so who knows?

Tomer Soiker wrote:The series will end with issue #150.
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/12/16/two-books-for-the-chop-doctor-who-and-incredible-hercules/

Well, that's about a year to prepare for this... And people already speculate there'll be a Hercules #1 after that, so who knows?

That news makes me sad...unless we get a Hercules #1 out of it! *crosses fingers*


This ending may also tie in with news I’ve heard of a two part funeral storyline starting in March related to the outcome of the current Assault on New Olympus. Which sounds terribly foreboding.

This worries me too...it better not be Amadeus or something...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

**Deep Breath**

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

We had better get a Hercules #1 out of the deal or I swear I'm going to find the executive responsible for this and do something unimaginable...

Incredible Hercules #139

For a book so many fanboys love, this hardly gets any press. It baffles me that this book gets it's clippings out there during the weirdest of times. This is it! This is the Assault On New Olympus! Do I see any reviews out there? Do I see any fans stepping forward to promote what's been arguably better than the following "crossovers": Utopia, Nation X, Necrosha...hell these books are better than all of Blackest Night's tie-in's (this side of any GL-related books).

Yet, if people are buying, no one's talking.

This book coincides nicely with that of Mighty Avengers, maybe feeling either a little older or a little less relevant due to that big thing we call Seige. Who knew that in 2009 Norman would be the main selling point for Marvel? It's Gods fighting superheroes--many of them of the famous kind, you know, Spidey, Wolvie, Hank Pym (ha)--so why this isn't being pushed by Marvel any further than it has beats me.

I understand Incredible Hercules (and Amadeus Cho) has their cult fan base. These are the people "spying" on forums, quietly going about their day. If you want to see the Avengers get their ass kicked by some Greeks, some gorgeously-detailed artwork (these faces are as priceless as the sound effects accompaning them), rompy yet dramatic dialogue, and some excellent storytelling, please pick this series up.

And you don't even need any prior history before the prologue to "get it."

4.5/5 Stoned Goddesses - Sleeper Event of the Year

Incredible Hercules #139

This storyline is just pure win. Perfect mix of action, drama, and humor. Pak and Van Lente are not only spot on in their writing of Herc, Cho, Hera, etc as usual...but they're doing a great job with guys like Wolverine, Spidey, and USAgent as well. And I'm really liking the analogies to the "Marvels" and the gods, makes total sense. Overall great stuff.

Also enjoying the Agents of Atlas backups. The ruse they tried to pull was pretty hilarious...so was the end with a worn out Ares in Aphrodite's bed.

oh yeah, I didn't even mention the backup..that was great too..love the different art.

Inc. Herc. #140

I'll make it quick since I have some studying to do. This issue takes a backseat to the ones that precede it. Does this mean it's not good? No, it's a barrel of laughs and a barrel of brawls. This ish further expands on the bond that Amadeus and Herc have, adding to the depth of emotion to what likely appears a bad ending. That's if solicits have any say in this. The artwork again is underrated. Really, I don't understand why the title isn't mentioned among the best looking. And much like the ROK: Inhumans issue that dropped this week, the Avengers take a backseat to the main characters in the stroy. Perhaps this is the element that made this issue a tad weaker than the last few, but in all it allows the villainous gods more exposure and further depth.

Again, the AOA backup is enjoyable. Can't wait to see Venus battle her Greek Idol.

3.5/5 - Assault On New Olympus still going strong.

Yeah, I'm going to be sad to see this one go, it really is one of the best books out there, it's pretty amazing that you can go from worry to laughing your head off from panel to panel.

The character work is outstanding, the art is phenominal, and then you get the sound effects, seriously if you aren't laughing the first time they throw one at you you aren't human.

Issue 140 was more of the same, meaning really, really good. It didn't have the shocker ending like last issue did particularly since you got a glimpse of what happened a few issues back, dang traitorous Titans.

The back up with AoA was pretty amusing, next issue looks to be frickin awesome though.

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Prince-of-Power-Pak-Ven-Lente-Brown-100211.html

Heroic Age: Prince of Power News, sounds like more awesome stuff mixed with some very sad news we all pretty much knew was coming.

Incredible Hercules #141

You’ve got to be careful when writing a review for something so highly praised that comes to an end. It can also be difficult to assess comic books when they are constantly spoiled ahead of time, released out of order, or as we’ve witnessed with some artists, terribly, terribly late. As a critic, or a fan, you have no other choice but to place those elements in motion.

If you've been lucky enough to be a part of the Incredible Hercules following these past few years, particularly with this epically splendid Assault On New Olympus mini-event, then Wednesday proved to be a sad day. It's fairly easy to assume what happens in this book, as the usual Previews solicits and several interviews about Prince of Power pretty much spoil it. That's just the way it is.

With so many Incredible Hercules fans able to figure the final few pages without witnessing the action at hand, how does this finale stand up?

Superb.

Sure, penciler Rodney Buschemi's cleaner line fillings and often overly-roaring Olympians are not everyone's cup of tea. But other than maybe John Romita Jr., I don't see too many artists who would match this title fist-for-fist. Buschemi's explosive panels, along with the often hilarious signature sound effects, shoot this finale off into a thrilling sunset...or gloom.

Co-writers Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak give us enough substance in this finale to ponder, all the while tying up the numerous threads since the mighty Herc took over for the Hulk in issue #112. I just love the recap page in the beginning that codifies the entire run, as it's really the only place where humor takes part in the issue; surprisingly understood. The Avengers and Agents of Atlas (in the backup) also take part of the finale, but, respectively, do little to provide stability other than a Athena narrated flashback and underground battle of sultry singing. Van Lente and Pak make it very clear in showing the audience that this swan song was all about Hercules, rightfully so.

4/5 Bags&Boards - Certainly, I'm not going to sit here and pretend in being the ultimate Hercules connoisseur, as the only trade in my bookcase is the Secret Invasion crossover (although the rest will be purchased at a convention someday), and didn't start picking up this title until this event began. But, thanks to Van Lente, Pak and Buschemi, the last six months have been a thrilling ride towards Olympus. Let's hope this epically underrated series doesn't falter with Prince of Power.

LOOSECANNON wrote:Incredible Hercules #141

You’ve got to be careful when writing a review for something so highly praised that comes to an end. It can also be difficult to assess comic books when they are constantly spoiled ahead of time, released out of order, or as we’ve witnessed with some artists, terribly, terribly late. As a critic, or a fan, you have no other choice but to place those elements in motion.

If you've been lucky enough to be a part of the Incredible Hercules following these past few years, particularly with this epically splendid Assault On New Olympus mini-event, then Wednesday proved to be a sad day. It's fairly easy to assume what happens in this book, as the usual Previews solicits and several interviews about Prince of Power pretty much spoil it. That's just the way it is.

With so many Incredible Hercules fans able to figure the final few pages without witnessing the action at hand, how does this finale stand up?

Superb.

Sure, penciler Rodney Buschemi's cleaner line fillings and often overly-roaring Olympians are not everyone's cup of tea. But other than maybe John Romita Jr., I don't see too many artists who would match this title fist-for-fist. Buschemi's explosive panels, along with the often hilarious signature sound effects, shoot this finale off into a thrilling sunset...or gloom.

Co-writers Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak give us enough substance in this finale to ponder, all the while tying up the numerous threads since the mighty Herc took over for the Hulk in issue #112. I just love the recap page in the beginning that codifies the entire run, as it's really the only place where humor takes part in the issue; surprisingly understood. The Avengers and Agents of Atlas (in the backup) also take part of the finale, but, respectively, do little to provide stability other than a Athena narrated flashback and underground battle of sultry singing. Van Lente and Pak make it very clear in showing the audience that this swan song was all about Hercules, rightfully so.

4/5 Bags&Boards - Certainly, I'm not going to sit here and pretend in being the ultimate Hercules connoisseur, as the only trade in my bookcase is the Secret Invasion crossover (although the rest will be purchased at a convention someday), and didn't start picking up this title until this event began. But, thanks to Van Lente, Pak and Buschemi, the last six months have been a thrilling ride towards Olympus. Let's hope this epically underrated series doesn't falter with Prince of Power.

Agreed. Assault on New Olympus has been amazing, but a downer at the end...

Incredible Herc 141:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!111!!!!!!!!

Incredible Herc 141

**Picks up the pieces of Fresh's shattered psyche**

This was a great read. I didn't see 1 of the deaths coming, and didn't think that

Spoiler:

and the way they did it actually meant something. I don't want to give away too much, for people that haven't picked up this book yet, but man was it good. I did miss all the flavorful sound effects that we are used too in Herc books, but it was still a good read. I actually teared up a bit at the last panel... Then I got pissed off that US Agent was saluting with his left hand. Sorry he was army not a boat rider, that just doesn't happen, soldiers and Airmen never salute left handed in the US.

The Agents of Atlas story was also good, and I didn't see it coming, but I can see how they are starting the whole Age of Heroes thing on many different levels.

Spoiler:

and even has Dianisys back-up the call.

Good read, sad to see it go. Bring on Amadeaus Cho, Prince of Power!