Remarkably reader friendly, Herc by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente give you everything you need to know about Herc in an opening skirmish that occurs on the subway. He likes to save the innocent. He has no patience for idiots, even if he has been accused of practicing idiocy, and he is one hellacious fighter.
Artist Neil Edwards channels post-apocalyptic exploitation cinema for the visual characterization of the Warhawks and relies on tradition for Hercules. He’s a big, brawny, bearded bloke.
Edwards illustrates Hercules with a nod to realistic art. Hercules is taller and more muscular than everybody else but he’s in proportion and when alone he simply looks like a well-built individual. Mind you, the dude’s got some wicked neck muscles, comparison or no.
Part of this scaling can be attributed to Edwards’ skill when rendering real people. Each of the characters is unique and based on persons you might meet while walking down the street. Scott Hanna brings out all the detail in Edwards’ designs, and Alberto keeps the colors subdued but also warm and welcoming.
The story’s narrative moves quickly, and if you think that Hercules’ luck appears to be too good, don’t worry. A surprise villain manifests for a bigger brouhaha that leads to an enticing cliffhanger. In short, I’m interested to see where this story goes and in the new adventures of Hercules. Make mine Marvel.