Hercules: The New Labors of Hercules

Hercules (2005) #1-5

by Frank Tieri

Reeling from the tragic death of Thor, the Prince of Power knows his star is fading fast. So what better way to pump up his Q-rating than to relive his defining moment? When his most bitter foe throws down the gauntlet, Hercules agrees to the challenge: twelve labors, each more perilous than the one before it - and each updated for reality-TV consumption. Zounds Collects Hercules #1-5.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels Comics

120 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2005

Reviews

[Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something to pass the time... And I do like the story line.

[Devero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una mini di 5 albi su Ercole, dopo Avengers Disassembled. Si apre con il funerale ai Vendicatori caduti, ed Ercole, sbronzo, irrompe incavolato perché Thor non è commemorato. Cap cerca di spiegargli che non sono affatto certi che Thor sia deceduto, c'è uno scontro, Ercole se ne va e viene avvicinato da Euristeo, che era colui che gli aveva imposto le mitiche 12 fatiche.
Ecco, la storia, decisamente molto diveretnte, ben disegnata da Mark Texeira e con un cast di coprotagonisti che accentuano il lato comico senza per questo togliere troppo spazio alla tragedia, parte da qui ed è tutta da leggere.
Magari, prima, vale la pena rileggersi qualcosa sull'Ercole del mito greco, per capire, o meglio, ricordare, i motivi dell'acredine di Euristeo e Acheloo verso Ercole. O anche quello di Era verso il figlio illegittimo del suo legittimo marito, Zeus.
4 stelle e mezza.

[Michael Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read this a few years ago and it made me laugh. Happily it still has the ability to do that. The story begins with Hercules at his lowest point. He's a washed up hero, and spends most of his time drunk. In order to redeem himself, Hercules will once again take on twelve labors, only this time they'll be televised as a reality show. A lot of the book feels pretty dated. There are a few pop culture references that just don't work anymore. The silliness is still there though. The labors include things like stealing Captain America's shield, and stealing a Doombot from Dr. Doom. The whole thing is completely irreverent, but that's not a bad thing.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hercules tries to become more than an old drunken hero. He becomes a reality star, and tries to do new versions of his old labors. It's a really clever story that is steeped in mythology. There's some really touching moments where Hercules resolves some feelings. His friendship with Captain America is well portrayed. A very good read.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

completely out of character for hercules and full of sleezy side characters and poorly drawn women. wish I hadn't bought it even at half off.