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The Incredible Hercules (Collected Editions)
The Incredible Hercules, Vol. 5: The Mighty Thorcules
In order to protect his father Zeus, now in a child's body, Hercules takes up the mantle of Thor, while Amadeus Cho travels to Utah to find his sister and confront the man who killed his parents.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published May 11, 2010
2 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,649 books583 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 25, 2012
Originally reviewed on The Raving Asgardian
Before Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente got their hands on Marvel’s demigod, Hercules was often misused by other writers as substitute for Thor. Granted, the two have their similarities, both are sons often at odds with their fathers, both have similar skill and power strength, and they have aloofness in them as gods living among mortals. But the Odinson and Lion of Olympus could not be more different and that is explored in this story arc.
The Mighty Thorcules storyline is actually composed of two stories that feature the solo adventures of the mismatch duo of Amadeus Cho and Hercules. The aftermath of their last adventure have led to what would become a temporary parting of ways as Cho seeks to resolve the mystery behind his parents’ death while Hercules is being Hercules, duped into a quest with an Asgardian twist.
I enjoyed the Hecules portion of the hardcover better than Cho’s half since it was consistent with the way Pak and Van Lente treated a stodgy subject like mythology, by infusing it with humor and hijinks that only Hercules could provide. Fellow heroes and gods have always seen him as a buffoon, prone to copious amounts of carousing and wenching. In this arc, Hercules proves to his father that despite his inveterate ways, he is as much a hero as his friend and sometime rival Thor. He just has different way of achieving the desired outcome, whether it is seducing the queen of a hostile nation or pinching Thor’s nipples. At the end of the day Hercules has saved the world, whether through the strength of his sinews or with his clownish charm.
Incredible Hercules was one of those recent titles, though sadly has since been cancelled, that helped me escape from event fatigue; a malaise that affects even the most dedicated comics reader caused by the callous ways comics companies make their money from overhyping storylines that encompass their respective universes. It was something different and it stood out from the comic stand filled with derivative pap. Incredible Hercules had an interesting mix of humor, adventure and a little sex; so it wasn’t hard to like this book.
Before Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente got their hands on Marvel’s demigod, Hercules was often misused by other writers as substitute for Thor. Granted, the two have their similarities, both are sons often at odds with their fathers, both have similar skill and power strength, and they have aloofness in them as gods living among mortals. But the Odinson and Lion of Olympus could not be more different and that is explored in this story arc.
The Mighty Thorcules storyline is actually composed of two stories that feature the solo adventures of the mismatch duo of Amadeus Cho and Hercules. The aftermath of their last adventure have led to what would become a temporary parting of ways as Cho seeks to resolve the mystery behind his parents’ death while Hercules is being Hercules, duped into a quest with an Asgardian twist.
I enjoyed the Hecules portion of the hardcover better than Cho’s half since it was consistent with the way Pak and Van Lente treated a stodgy subject like mythology, by infusing it with humor and hijinks that only Hercules could provide. Fellow heroes and gods have always seen him as a buffoon, prone to copious amounts of carousing and wenching. In this arc, Hercules proves to his father that despite his inveterate ways, he is as much a hero as his friend and sometime rival Thor. He just has different way of achieving the desired outcome, whether it is seducing the queen of a hostile nation or pinching Thor’s nipples. At the end of the day Hercules has saved the world, whether through the strength of his sinews or with his clownish charm.
Incredible Hercules was one of those recent titles, though sadly has since been cancelled, that helped me escape from event fatigue; a malaise that affects even the most dedicated comics reader caused by the callous ways comics companies make their money from overhyping storylines that encompass their respective universes. It was something different and it stood out from the comic stand filled with derivative pap. Incredible Hercules had an interesting mix of humor, adventure and a little sex; so it wasn’t hard to like this book.
March 22, 2011
Let me start out by saying that I had no idea that Hercules even had his own comic book. I happened to see it while I was in the library, and (even though it looked stupid) I grabbed it for my son. Ever since
came out, he has loved all things Greek, so why not give this a chance.
Long story short, he loved it. In fact, he'd been wandering around the house asking me all kinds of annoying questions about Amadeus Cho (I'm thinking, the kid who had a cameo in
?), Zeus (as a kid?), Thor, and Hercules. Well, I dunno isn't an acceptable answer to a question (about comic book characters) to any of my kids, so after about a week of getting the stink-eye form my son, I knew I'd have to read it. Even though it looked stupid. Ahhh, the things you'll do for your children.
And guess what? I actually liked it! Now, maybe I was looking at it through the eyes of a ten year old boy, but it was funny! I mean, Thor kicked Hercules in his nuggets! Bwahahaha! *wipes tear* Hmmm. Maybe I do spend too much time with my boys. Nah.
came out, he has loved all things Greek, so why not give this a chance.Long story short, he loved it. In fact, he'd been wandering around the house asking me all kinds of annoying questions about Amadeus Cho (I'm thinking, the kid who had a cameo in
?), Zeus (as a kid?), Thor, and Hercules. Well, I dunno isn't an acceptable answer to a question (about comic book characters) to any of my kids, so after about a week of getting the stink-eye form my son, I knew I'd have to read it. Even though it looked stupid. Ahhh, the things you'll do for your children.And guess what? I actually liked it! Now, maybe I was looking at it through the eyes of a ten year old boy, but it was funny! I mean, Thor kicked Hercules in his nuggets! Bwahahaha! *wipes tear* Hmmm. Maybe I do spend too much time with my boys. Nah.
October 24, 2011
Even if the rest of the book were utter crap, page one kills it and makes me a fan of the Pak/Van Lente team 4ever.
Jumping on board this series with this book, however, makes me feel like I've missed out terribly on a whole lot of backstory and previous adventures that would make this story much richer and more satisfying. Without that, this story is amusing and briskly paced, but every few pages I feel some regret that I'm such a noob. That's probably not the best way to keep your readers enjoying the work they have in front of them, eh editor?
The book overall feels a little inconsequential, though that may be because I haven't read the previous 130-odd issues. I'm also not sure whether I like the significant focus on Amadeus Cho. He's a potentially complex character but his "crazy amazing MacGuyver-level thinking-out-of-any-situation" doesn't create a whole lot of dramatic tension.
Jumping on board this series with this book, however, makes me feel like I've missed out terribly on a whole lot of backstory and previous adventures that would make this story much richer and more satisfying. Without that, this story is amusing and briskly paced, but every few pages I feel some regret that I'm such a noob. That's probably not the best way to keep your readers enjoying the work they have in front of them, eh editor?
The book overall feels a little inconsequential, though that may be because I haven't read the previous 130-odd issues. I'm also not sure whether I like the significant focus on Amadeus Cho. He's a potentially complex character but his "crazy amazing MacGuyver-level thinking-out-of-any-situation" doesn't create a whole lot of dramatic tension.
July 29, 2014
I picked this up for $2 or so last week in Louisville. Wow, did I enjoy it. It was very funny. I recall that Greg Pak is the guy that wrote the Planet Hulk/WWHulk storyline which I enjoyed, but his take on Hercules has been another level of awesome.
Actually, I have no idea. I read one Hercules story last year and it was pretty good I think, this one takes place about 10 or 12 issues later, and was super great. Apparently, there is a plot to destroy the earth, and since (at the time) Thor was banned from Asgard. So Hercules is asked to dress up as Thor in order to prevent an apocalypse.
Sounds great, but Herc isn't like Thor at all, he's more like the Hulk with a bit less rage. He turns any moment with a lady into an attempt at seduction... and he tends to really run Thor's name through the mud.
This was some A level storytelling with a real B-lister of the Marvel catalog. I think I'll try to pick up the rest of these that I can find for cheap.
Actually, I have no idea. I read one Hercules story last year and it was pretty good I think, this one takes place about 10 or 12 issues later, and was super great. Apparently, there is a plot to destroy the earth, and since (at the time) Thor was banned from Asgard. So Hercules is asked to dress up as Thor in order to prevent an apocalypse.
Sounds great, but Herc isn't like Thor at all, he's more like the Hulk with a bit less rage. He turns any moment with a lady into an attempt at seduction... and he tends to really run Thor's name through the mud.
This was some A level storytelling with a real B-lister of the Marvel catalog. I think I'll try to pick up the rest of these that I can find for cheap.
June 7, 2022
This title continues to be a puerile oddball and as it goes on, whether the story is improving somewhat or I’m settling into the juvenile nature of the book, I’m able to have more fun with it. The book is split into two tales, but the Herc stuff is significantly better than the Amadeus Cho stuff. Cho’s story improves at the tail end as it explores his backstory further, and they eventually reunite to take on the threat Athena has been preparing for all this time. The overarching plot isn’t the draw though, it’s the humor and wild entertainment of the drama of the gods. The plot is messy at times, but if you’re into silly comic-goofiness or Greek god popcorn entertainment, this may be for you.
March 10, 2018
Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente craft such a fun tale in this collection telling the story of Hercules and Amadeus Cho's separate journey. Herc's story is fall down hilarious. Impersonating Thor, dealing with young Zeus, and his pursuits of Alflyse are all a treat to read. This was my favorite Herc/Thor confrontation ever. On the Cho side, we get to see Amadeus and his journey into his past and realization. It was fantastic. The art by Reilly Brown and Rodney Buchemi was perfect for this, especially the Herc chapters. Overall, a truly fun book.
February 11, 2022
This was a genuinely surprising book. Being honest, I figured a Hercules book would be slightly amusing but little more. I like him, but he’s a one trick pony. Well, Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente certainly squeezed every ounce of story out here, perfectly balancing a genuinely interesting story and characters with some at times laugh out loud humour. I’ll excuse the fact that at times it slightly overdid the slapstick.
It probably helped that Herc wasn’t the star as such, just the lead character in an ensemble, but he did shine. Recommended.
It probably helped that Herc wasn’t the star as such, just the lead character in an ensemble, but he did shine. Recommended.
May 3, 2021
Hercules is asked to pretend to be Thor by Heimdall on a mission to stop a war. Hilarity ensues especially when Thor has to pretend to be Hercules. Meanwhile, Cho is looking for his sister and discovers what really happened to his parents.
A fun read, that intersperses the funny with the serious storyline. The Hercules story is very entertaining, but it is the Cho story that stays with you after you've read it. A good read.
A fun read, that intersperses the funny with the serious storyline. The Hercules story is very entertaining, but it is the Cho story that stays with you after you've read it. A good read.
December 13, 2025
By far the funniest, most rambunctious, unhinged arc of The Incredible Herc, and thus it's best. To balance out the silliness, Cho discovers those behind his family's death and leaves no dark corner uninvestigated.
October 9, 2017
💕 hercules
February 14, 2018
I never knew Marvel's version of Hercules had such an annoyance with Thor. Watching his insecurities lead to a fight with the thunder god is hilarious and this whole series has been too much fun.
August 27, 2022
Good fun. Surprisingly rude for a Marvel comic.
June 30, 2018
This book is hilarious. Kid Zeus, Thor-cules amd Hercu-thor, hijinks, it's a good time.
October 24, 2011
Even if the rest of the book were utter crap, page one kills it and makes me a fan of the Pak/Van Lente team 4ever.
Jumping on board this series with this book, however, makes me feel like I've missed out terribly on a whole lot of backstory and previous adventures that would make this story much richer and more satisfying. Without that, this story is amusing and briskly paced, but every few pages I feel some regret that I'm such a noob. That's probably not the best way to keep your readers enjoying the work they have in front of them, eh editor?
The book overall feels a little inconsequential, though that may be because I haven't read the previous 130-odd issues. I'm also not sure whether I like the significant focus on Amadeus Cho. He's a potentially complex character but his "crazy amazing MacGuyver-level thinking-out-of-any-situation" doesn't create a whole lot of dramatic tension.
Jumping on board this series with this book, however, makes me feel like I've missed out terribly on a whole lot of backstory and previous adventures that would make this story much richer and more satisfying. Without that, this story is amusing and briskly paced, but every few pages I feel some regret that I'm such a noob. That's probably not the best way to keep your readers enjoying the work they have in front of them, eh editor?
The book overall feels a little inconsequential, though that may be because I haven't read the previous 130-odd issues. I'm also not sure whether I like the significant focus on Amadeus Cho. He's a potentially complex character but his "crazy amazing MacGuyver-level thinking-out-of-any-situation" doesn't create a whole lot of dramatic tension.
March 4, 2015
Questo volume raccoglie le storie inedite in Italia di Incredible Hercules, che seguono la WWH. Sono rimaste inedite in quanto, tutto sommato, di qualità inferiore alle precedenti e successive, ma nel complesso sono godibili e molto divertenti sotto diversi aspetti. I momenti in cui padre Zeus, bambino, ha diverbi con Ercole, figlio e adulto, sono decisamente comici, come comico è lo scambio d'identità tra Ercole che si finge Thor e Thor che si deve fingere Ercole, con tutto quel che ne consegue.
July 7, 2010
I'm not surprised this has only gotten five-star ratings so far - this book is brilliant and definitely the best of the series I've read. It could be because not only does this one feature my new favorite Olympian hero, the Incredible Hercules but also my very favorite Asgardian, the mighty Thor. First, Hercules has to impersonate Thor, then Thor pretends he's Hercules and then they fight! And it's awesome! Seriously, I don't think I've laughed this hard while reading a book *ever*.
April 2, 2015
I never used to appreciate Hercules before I read this book, and I've gotta say this got me interested to purchase and read the other collections available on Comixology.
Amadeus is quite an interesting character. And I rather liked the resolution of his origin story.
I found myself appreciating the humour mixed in with some unexpectedly serious moments. So this was a really enjoyable bit of fluff reading.
Amadeus is quite an interesting character. And I rather liked the resolution of his origin story.
I found myself appreciating the humour mixed in with some unexpectedly serious moments. So this was a really enjoyable bit of fluff reading.
February 7, 2010
Pak and van Lente keep on hitting home runs with this book. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I never thought the adventures of a mythical Greek hero in a skirt (toga, whatever) who took over a book from the Incredible Hulk could be such fun to read.
October 11, 2013
After the heroics of previous numbers and the final match with new olympus in the next ones, Pak takes his time in this series to gives us some comedy and show us more about the personality of the characters.
June 5, 2010
Best sound effects in a comic book fight EVER. That is all.
February 28, 2013
Big bounceback. Lots of fun stuff happened. Two fun stories. Fun in his book.
Hercules' story is better than Cho's but this is just a fun read throughout.
Hercules' story is better than Cho's but this is just a fun read throughout.
April 15, 2015
Good ol' Marvel Comics
December 15, 2017
I love books like this that tie everything together and give such a rich backstory to already wonderful characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews