INCREDIBLE HERCULES #115 REVIEW

[Adam Chapman]

Review by: Adam Chapman adam.chapman@sympatico.ca
Quick Rating: Outstanding
Title: The Incredible Herc Part Four: Glory of Hera
Rating: A

Hercules vs. Ares!

Writer: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Artists: Khoi Pham, Paul Neary, Danny Miki & Dennis Calero
Letters: Virtual Calligraphy's Joe Caramagna
Production: Anthony Dial
Assistant Editor: Nathan Cosby
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Cover Art: Arthur Adams & Guru eFX
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Once again, Pak and Van Lente have delivered the goods, with yet another excellent script which proves that this team is one of the best writing teams that Marvel currently employs. A year ago, if you had told me that one of the best-written books at Marvel right now would be Incredible Hercules, I would have scoffed at you, and with good reason. A year ago, no one could have anticipated Hercules being the breakout character of late 2007 and 2008, having been revitalized during World War Hulk and awarded Hulk's own book upon the end of that event. And yet here we are, four issues into the Incredible Hulk, and its now one of Marvel's very best books. Its got one of the most unlikely yet likeable buddy-casts in comicdom, and I'm sure will soon be up there with great combos like Iron Fist & Power Man, and Booster Gold & Blue Beetle. A team-up which is so much more than you would think, based on their individual parts. But as a combo, they are a great team to read about, bringing brains and brawn, wit and honor.

As Hercules tries to convince Amadeus Cho to stop the computer virus infecting SHIELD, Ares comes to defeat Hercules, now that Ares is the one on the side of the right, with the Avengers, and Hercules is on the side of the wrong, after his choices during World War Hulk.

This issue, although an action-based one, is also a character-building exercise. What we've been seeing of Cho is that he's intelligence without a moral compass, because of his being orphaned and on his own. He has no morals, no concept of morality at all, and its interesting to see that addressed, with Hercules dispensing his own wisdom, that he has gained throughout the ages. Its a profoundly affecting scene, for both Hercules AND Cho, as they bond over their losses, and the mistakes they've made. It shows how far Hercules has come, and shows the crossroads that Cho was at. Its elegantly scripted, and Ares' part in it all makes a lot of sense, as its through his words that Hercules realizes just what to say to Cho, to get through to the child, to have him stop catastrophe, and to prevent himself from becoming a villain.

The art by Pham is excellent, and he will be greatly missed on this title, because his visual style was just perfect for this book, for its atmosphere, for the characters and their own styles... it just fit. His art will indeed be missed, but I hope that the next artist is able to fill his big shoes.

A fantastic issue, I'm interested to see just what is up next for Hercules and his newest sidekick. Its bound to be fascinating, if this arc is any indication. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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[Ryan Broussard]

good issue but I felt it has been the weakest so far in the herc issues so far....still an awesome book though

[Mark Blicharz]

Absolutely the BEST title Marvel is putting out right now and it's close to being the best book on the market period. I loved Herc explaining to Amadeus what actually happened in his past.

[PinchyWearO]

Originally Posted by Mark Blicharz

Absolutely the BEST title Marvel is putting out right now and it's close to being the best book on the market period. I loved Herc explaining to Amadeus what actually happened in his past.

That was a great scene. There's some very effective humor sprinkled out through the series as well. The "advocate" scene in this issue made me literally laugh out loud.

[Mark Blicharz]

Originally Posted by PinchyWearO

That was a great scene. There's some very effective humor sprinkled out through the series as well. The "advocate" scene in this issue made me literally laugh out loud.

Likewise. I always liked Greek mythology, but damn Pak is pulling out all the stops on this book.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Mark Blicharz

Absolutely the BEST title Marvel is putting out right now and it's close to being the best book on the market period. I loved Herc explaining to Amadeus what actually happened in his past.

...not to mention one of the best action sequences in comics in a while with that fight between him and Ares. Probably the best issue of Herc so far IMO....and I'm officially a fan of Khoi Pham's. Can't believe I was ever criticial of the guy looking back.

[PinchyWearO]

Originally Posted by Mark Blicharz

Likewise. I always liked Greek mythology, but damn Pak is pulling out all the stops on this book.

He even explains why Herc goes by his Roman name rather than Greek (as most of the others Greek gods in Marvel do.) Very thorough.

[Ryan Broussard]

am I the only one that hopes that hulk does not return to "His" title here?

[Mark Blicharz]

Originally Posted by Ryan Broussard

am I the only one that hopes that hulk does not return to "His" title here?

Probably. I would love to see Pak write a Cho/Herc book though.

[Ryan Read]

This book is amazing. I never thought Herc could truly hold his own book and here I am eating my own words. Pak and Lente have Hercules and Ares' relationship down pat. I also love how they've developed Cho's character. He finally doesn't come off as a spoiled smart kid who thinks he knows better. He has motivation and reasons why now.

[Ben Lehnsherr]

Originally Posted by Ryan Broussard

am I the only one that hopes that hulk does not return to "His" title here?

I hear Pak supposed to have this going with Herc/Cho for a year minimum...so there's that. If the new "Hulk" book was better, it'd be cool. But I'm very happy with this title as it is....