Geez, more Fear Itself references in this issue. I guess Marvel didn’t think Pak and Van Lente ‘hammered’ (ha!) the point across last time. That’s all I’m gonna say there because I don’t feel like going on a rant on how ‘Fear Itself’ is blastered in big letters on the title when it’s only mentioned in the beginning. The last issue was definitely a high point for the series so far. Can Pak and Van Lente continue the trend this week?

It definitelty feels like Pak and Van Lente want to break out of this ‘grim and gritty’ tone and be funny again. There are a few times they are able to put in a perfectly timed joke when the situation gets serious. Man-Bull has become one of my favorite characters in the course of these two issues. I also like how these two guys can make Herc a mortal a serious problem. If he was a full God again, this wouldn’t be a problem for Herc. But as a mortal he’s clearly in over his head on how to get the job done. The stuff involving his new friends though isn’t interesting me at all I gotta admit. I hope this ‘Fear Itself’ tie-in will get him out with these guys in the end.

Can’t really say much about Neil Edwards at this point. It’s more of the same. Sometimes it looks really good, other times it looks too stiff, and other times it’s like I’m looking at a poster. He’s able to handle effects pretty well, like magic powers or a mist that is shown at the end of the issue. But other times it really looks like a pose for a picture when a fight is going on. I really don’t think Edwards is right for the job for this book. Let’s hope we see someone new when this event ends too.

It’s looking more and more like Pak and Van Lente want to bring Herc back to his old ways. Jokes a plenty in this issue and also a good amount of mythological characters are returning. It’s just a shame that the ‘grim and gritty’ tone is sort of hampering this title and also Neil Edwards so-so pencils.