Hercules: Prince of Power - Full Circle

Marvel Graphic Novel #37

by Bob Layton

Book by Layton, Bob

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book

78 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Playfully dorky, Marvel space-opera nonsense that tries to capture the cinematic space-opera vibe of the early 80's. It's entertaining to see Hercules -- in space! -- with a motley crew of allies and hangers-on, but the cliches run a little deep, and most of the new characters lack charm and depth. It reminds me of one of those comic book adaptations of a movie that never quite captures the pace and drama of movies themselves. [I read this on Marvel Unlimited, which is thankfully now adding their series of graphic novels from the 80's. There are some real gems there, but this is pretty middle-of-the-road.]

[Rob McMonigal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bob Layton returns to the character he loved working on, Hercules, picking up where a mini-series left off. This time, Herc finds out that he's had a child, and that child doesn't like him one bit. Now the Prince of Power must provide his son with the gift--both one of physical blows and knowledge.

Reading this book in 2017 is a bit weird, given Herc's actions aren't exactly noble. But the idea of him being a well-meaning buffoon that tries to make things right--while seeking adventure--is a lot of fun to read, even know. And Layton's art is spectacular, of course, full of rich detail, characters who are very easy on the eye (both male and female), and a good sense of space scope.

Taking Herc into space is an interesting idea, but Layton made it work. This is a fun romp, but probably one that only older Marvel fans would enjoy at this point. I liked it, but it doesn't hold up as well as some other Marvel graphic novels from the same time, like Death of Captain Marvel.

[Ángel Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otro tebeo entretenido de Layton. Se trata de la continuación directa de sus series limitadas de los ochenta con Hércules como protagonista, solo que un pelín más seria (aunque tengo que reconocer que el gag del Galactus hinchable me hizo gracia) y un pelín peor dibujada, pero como Layton nunca fue, ya de base, un artista muy dotado que se diga, apenas se nota el que haya ido perdiendo facultades con los años. Por lo demás, cierra efectivamente el círculo que empezó en las series ochenteras, pasando de hijo díscolo y un tanto capullo, a ser el padre de otro hijo díscolo y un tanto capullo. Está bien eso de que se dé lo que se promete en el título.

Pues ya estaría.

[Glenn Proven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid story. Usually Marvel’s Hercules is too egotistical and loses some charm by being so. This storyline he is not and he is much more fun to follow because of it.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hercules was to me always the most unfortunate part of the Marvel universe. Even in a universe that includes Thor.

[Nicolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad this graphic novel came along to finish off the story. What a trip this series was.

We discussed this series more on an episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...

[Andrei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story: ★★
While frolicking about in space adventures, Hercules finds out he has a son with similar power who has a grudge on him. It took some very tedious dialogue to get to finding this out, and some more tedious dialogue to find out how this ends. Luckily, there was more action towards the second half, so I could at least enjoy something. Space Hercules is definitely not for me.

Art: ★★★★
Unlike the writing, Bob Layton's art is just awesome. His character expressions and action sequences were a joy to look at, and helped me push forward through the story.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of Bob Layton's Hercules trilogy is the most serious of the three, but still lots of fun and likable characters, as the Lion of Olympus has to deal with an ex-girlfriend, a son he never knew about, another appearance by Galactus and lots of action.

Even being the weakest of the three, this is still a fun read and clean, solid art.

Most people know Layton from his work on Iron man, but to me Hercules his his best work.

[Leila Anani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hercules in the 24th century - Herc finds out he has a son from a woman he had a one-night-stand with. She's bitter and has turned the boy into an evil megalomaniac intent on killing his father - Hercules has to come and diffuse his son's arrogance, in much the same way Zeus did for him thus bringing his story full circle.

This one's great fun, but being a classics nut I would have preferred more Greek myth in there. Classic Marvel, but not one of my favourite characters/heroes.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hercules in space continues. This time he finds a son he never knew he had, who has been brought up to hate him. This is another fun book, though it does seem significantly shorter than the first one. There are some interesting interviews with the creator about his philosophy behind Hercules. A good read.

[Jdetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob Layton's art is great and he writes a fine story, one that actually makes me like Hercules, which isn't easy. However, I'm not a big fan of the title character and the book has a ton of exposition, more than it really needs. Good, perhaps,but not for me.

[Kris Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top notch stuff by Bob Layton. I read the old Hercules- Prince of Power trade years ago and loved it, and this hardcover picks up where that left off. This has a light-hearted tone to it, and even though Hercules is an arrogant buffoon, you can't help but root for him.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Hercules story. Nice art and story. Recommended