Has there ever been a time where Greek mythology mixed with Norse mythology? Maybe in the real world one Vikings were influenced by the Greek (and other cultures) in terms of Gods. I question this because seeing Hercules and Zeus mix up with Goblins and Elves is pretty fun. Maybe it’s because I like Thor right now or maybe it’s because I am a nerd for Lord of the Rings; but this was a very fun issue to read.

Opening the book you got possibly the best ‘recap’ page ever. I say recap with quotes because it’s not a recap; more of a MST3K riff of Thor’s origin with Herc as commentator. Seriously read this in your LCS if you haven’t picked this title up yet and you’ll laugh your ass off. With the story itself; it’s basically Hercules taking on a side mission for Baldor since Thor has been banished with what JMS has been doing. So Hercules has to save the world from a race of dark elves and he has to do it disguised as Thor because it freaks the Elves out. The action is packed and there is a good amount of humor. Not so much slapstick humor; but the interactions with kid Zeus is good for laughs. Then you get the big twist at the end so you know there’s more to this story then what meets the eye.

My boy; Ryan Stegman, is not on this series anymore. It’s a shame for Marvel and I’ll cry myself to sleep every night because of this lack of Stegman. We now have Reilly Brown on art and maybe I won’t weep as much because his pencils are fucking awesome. Maybe because it’s the inking by DeCastro or coloring by Mari; but this looks really sharp. The background are absolutely amazing to look at, especially when we get into the relam of the elves. Other moments with Herc using a Hummer on a big goblin or Zeus standing like a badass holding a lighting bolt is just fun to look at. So I guess I’m a whore and not I will follow Brown as artist. Still….I’ll miss you Stegman *sniff*

Another great issue for Hercules and I’m still shocked more people STILL AREN’T picking this up. What do we need to do to get you guys to just try it? Do I have to bribe the iTrinity to give it somewhat of a chance? Or do we need a big time event that’ll effect the whole Marvel Universe and it’s squarely involving Incredible Hercules? *reads news notes on Chicago Comic Con* Oh I guess the latter will do.