Comic book reviews for Marvel’s Incredible Hercules #140 by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, Agents of Atlas by Jeff Parker, Incredible Hercules #141 by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, and Agents of Atlas by Jeff Parker
Incredible Hercules #140 by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente
The art in this book is a conundrum for me. I can’t decide if I like it or not. And for the first time, I find myself looking at an artist who draws women and their faces much better than he draws men. Delphyne, Hera, and Athena are far better drawn and depicted than either of our two main heroes: Hercules and Amadeus. Hercules is almost there; he’s glinting through. But Amadeus, looks like he’s about 10-years-old. Yes, Amadeus is “young” but he’s not 10. Of course, artists do have trouble when they’re drawing superheros like say She-Hulk, who’s been in comics for 30-years, but doesn’t look 50.
Storyline-wise, I’m okay with Hera coming to the realization that she’s going to stop Continuum when Zeus says he’ll stay with her. Normally, I’d be up-in-arms. However, Hera’s central theme is the jealous wife who really just needs to accept polyamory or dump her husband.
Hephaestus may be constantly underestimated by the god-family, but certainly not by Amadeus or Athena. Which explains his attraction to Athena more than just seeing a beautiful woman. No, he’s actually met someone who respects him and doesn’t think he’s worthless. Granted, he’s now the creepy “Nice Guy” gone overboard with kidnapping. It’ll also be interesting to see how the comic treats him, especially given other men in the Marvel universe who make robotic copies of their obsessions, i.e. Hank Pym with Jocasta being molded with Janet’s brainwaves.
One thing I’m really wondering is what happened to the rest of the heroes? I know they were taken out last issue by Hera’s crew, but they’re viable again now that Hera’s on the “good” side.
Agents of Atlas by Jeff Parker
Have I mentioned lately that I would love these tales to be full-sized issues? Because they’re awesome. So awesome.
I love seeing Atlas fully in action. They do make a great five-man band fighting team. Jimmy’s expression while fighting is priceless. They just look like they’re having fun with what they’re doing.
The humor is great too. They’re all in love with something superficially, and they know it. (Though I don’t wonder if Namora is still actually in love with Hercules. Which has got to feel awful when everyone’s in faux-love.) Though Bob’s attraction to slime and rocks will never not be funny. I really do love this team.
Incredible Hercules #141 by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente
This issue left me colder than it should’ve. I figured Hercules was going to actually die as the twist, and that Athena would most likely have a hand in it. Then Athena could mold Amadeous more easily into whatever hero she wants him to be.
I do think it’s interesting that Marvel’s killed off a lot of the Gods lately — Zeus, Hera, and Hercules in this book and Ares and (maybe) Thor in another. Is there another mega crossover in the works?
Of course, I could’ve gotten that cold feeling from Athena’s jugs in the end scene, which literally are the shape of pepper mills. Especially on the last page when the group’s mourning Hercules’ death.
Hercules’ battle again Thyphon is extremely well scripted. Each blow weaves together a greater narrative. Well done. Not to mention, Hercules fighting against someone who’s theoretically stronger than him is exciting.
The entire ending with Athena letting Hercules died/killing him and her “motherly” speech to him was super creepy. I suppose that’s what the writers were going for. But it doesn’t negate the fact of it being creepy. Serious incest right out of a Greek tragedy.
Agents of Atlas by Jeff Parker
I love this face off between Venus and Aphrodite. I love the team being under Aphrodite’s love whammy and then being like “oh shit.” And M-11 protecting Venus.
Just love. Lots of love for this story.
The singing battle ending in kissing was a nice twist. Clearly, Atlas was outmatched by Aphrodite so she had to give in. I like the idea that the love goddess hasn’t felt love in a very long time and sure she knows Venus’ siren call isn’t real, but it’s enough to get her to think twice. It’s like being a bad mood and then getting a warm cup of tea. Uplifting. Yay, Venus winning a goddess title.
I also think this story made both a nice companion story to Incredible Hercules, but also provided a balance to the death tale there.