| Hercules | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | (in shadow)U.S.A. Comics #7 (March 1943) (Golden Age)Young Allies #16 (May 1945) (Silver Age)Journey into Mystery Annual #1 (October 1965) |
| Created by |
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| In-story information | |
| Full name | Hercules Panhellenios (born Alcaeus, later changed to Heracles) |
| Species | Olympian |
| Team affiliations | Olympians Argonauts Avengers Champions Damage Control Defenders Heroes for Hire S.H.I.E.L.D. God Squad Renegades Guardians of the Galaxy |
| Partnerships | Amadeus Cho |
| Notable aliases | The Prince of Power The Lion of Olympus Victor Tegler Harry Cleese Agent 125 |
| Abilities |
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Hercules Panhellenios is a character appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. Debuting in theSilver Age of Comic Books, the character is based onHeracles ofGreek mythology (despite using the name of hisRoman equivalent,Hercules). Since his first appearance, he has been a perennial member of the superhero team theAvengers.
The character has appeared in various forms of media, including television series and video games.Brett Goldstein portrays the character in theMarvel Cinematic Universe filmThor: Love and Thunder (2022).
While several characters named Hercules appeared in Golden Age Marvel Comics,[a] the mythological figure first appeared inU.S.A. Comics #7 (March 1943), in which he appeared in shadow behind a window to give a suit of power to Martin Burns, who becameMarvel Boy.[b] Two issues prior, inU.S.A. Comics #5,Menalaos had similarly given powers to Lon Craig as Roko the Amazing.[1] InYoung Allies #16 (May 1945), Tommy Tyme traveled to Hercules's time and witnessed his battle withAntaeus.
Marvel's modern version of Hercules was adapted from theGreekgodHeracles by writerStan Lee and artistJack Kirby. The character debuted inThe Avengers #10 (November 1964) as a minion ofImmortus, although that appearance was revealed to be an impostor in thelimited seriesAvengers Forever (December 1998–November 1999). The character's first formal appearance in theMarvel Universe becameJourney into Mystery Annual #1 (October 1965), which established Hercules as being a rival of theNorse god ofthunder,Thor.[2]
Hercules became a regular guest star in the titleThe Mighty Thor, appearing in issue #126 (March 1966). The character guest-starred inTales to Astonish #79 (May 1966), and his deadlocked battle with theHulk, as told by Lee, Kirby, andBill Everett, has come to be regarded as a classic. The tale parallels Hercules and the Hulk's titanic strength, short temper, and simple-mindedness, while contrasting their lot in life: Hercules being a beloved hero and pampered celebrity, while the Hulk is a hated and feared fugitive. The character teamed up with theAvengers in issue #38 (March 1967), but was not yet an official member;[3] he was merely a guest of the Avengers during his banishment from Olympus. In issue #45 ofThe Avengers, Hercules became a "full-fledged Avenger" by way of Goliath's announcement to the press during the first annual "Avengers Day". Hercules also guest starred inMarvel Team-Up #28 (December 1974) andMarvel Premiere #26 (November 1975) before starring along with four other heroes inThe Champions which ran for 17 issues (October 1975–January 1978).[4] After this, Hercules made a guest appearance inMarvel Two-In-One #44 (October 1978).
Hercules starred in two limited series by writer-artistBob Layton, with both set in an alternate universe. A 24th century version of Hercules starred inHercules, Prince of Power #1–4 (September–December 1982), which was popular enough to spawn a sequel,Hercules, Prince of Power #1–4 (March–June 1984).[5] The storylines dealt with Hercules'sexile fromOlympus, completion of a series of quests and opportunity to leave his past behind and create a new identity.
Hercules remained a constant guest star in bothThor andThe Avengers, playing a significant role in the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline inThe Avengers #270–277 (August 1986–March 1987), involving supervillain team theMasters of Evil. The story lead directly into the "Assault on Olympus" storyline inThe Avengers #281–285 (July 1987–November 1987), in which Hercules left the team.
The character starred in the self-titled limited seriesHercules vol. 3, #1–5 (June–Sep. 2005), and guest starred in the limited seriesThor: Blood Oath #1–6 (Nov. 2005-Feb. 2006), a retrospective story that depicts the second meeting between the Hercules and Thor.
At the conclusion of the "World War Hulk" storyline, Hercules received a self-titled publication when Marvel changed the name of the third volume of theIncredible Hulk series toThe Incredible Hercules, effective as of issue #113 (Feb. 2008), and written byGreg Pak andFred Van Lente.[6][7][8] The series concluded withThe Incredible Hercules #141 (April 2010), and was followed by the 2-issue mini-seriesHercules: Fall of an Avenger (March–April 2010). The mini-series is scheduled to lead into the relaunched new title,Prince of Power #1 (May 2010), also written by Pak and Van Lente.[9]
WritersGreg Pak andFred Van Lente started a brand new Hercules series, entitledHerc, featuring the hero without powers, but wielding mythical arms.[10]
Marvel Comics continuity has beenretconned so that the character Hercules, introduced inYoung Allies #16 ("Battle of the Giants" by artistCharles Nicholas; summer 1945), was incorporated in the version of Hercules introduced in 1966.[11]
Hercules first appears when pulled from the past by the villainImmortus to battle the Thunder GodThor.[12] This story is not referenced in the character's next appearance, which depicts Hercules and Thor as apparently meeting for the first time.[13] The discrepancy is eventually explained when it is revealed that the first "Hercules" encountered was actually analienSpace Phantom in disguise.[14]
Hercules guest-stars in an extendedThor storyline, defeating a depowered Thunder God (punished byOdin for loving the mortal womanJane Foster).[15][16] Hercules unwittingly becomes the slave of fellowOlympian godPluto when he signs a contract which he thinks is for a film, but actually states that he will now rule the Netherworld instead of Pluto. Hercules is eventually rescued by Thor (now at full strength) who battles and defeats Pluto's underworld minions. Pluto opts to void the contract rather than accept the destruction of his realm.[17] While under the contract, Hercules has a chance encounter with theHulk, fighting him to a standstill.[18]
Hercules reappears as the thrall of theAsgardian villainessEnchantress who is using water from the spring of Eros and tries to use him to destroy the Avengers,[19] but after being freed from the spell by one of Hawkeye's arrows using brimstone, and being banished from Olympus for one year by Zeus for going to Earth without permission, aids the team for an extended period against foes such as theMad Thinker;Namor the Sub-Mariner;Diablo;Dragon Man;Red Guardian;Whirlwind and theTitanTyphon, who has imprisoned the Olympians in the Land of Shades, until leaving forOlympus.[20] The character returns briefly during a storyline set directly after theKree-Skrull War, in which the returning Avengers witness anamnesiac Hercules being abducted by two Titans.[21] After dealing with a disruption inNew York City caused by the OlympianAres, the Avengers travel to Olympus and free both Hercules and the Olympian gods, who have been turned to crystal by Ares using the Ebony Blade. They find out from the Black Knight's spirit he lost his memory after being thrown from Olympus and drifting for six days and nights.[22]
Hercules continues to aid Thor in several connected storylines. Thor mistakenly battles Hercules when trying to rescue an Asgardian goddess from the underworld, but together they defeat instigators Ares and Pluto who are trying to take over Olympus;[23] battle theDestroyer and thenHerald of GalactusFirelord[24] before a confrontation withEgo the Living Planet on Galactus's behalf, as Galactus has been defeated by Ego.[25] Hercules is temporarily possessed by the entity theDweller-in-Darkness[26] and guest stars with heroSpider-Man in the titleMarvel Team-Up.[27] before reappearing in the titleThor, aiding Asgardian goddessSif locate an artifact called the Runestaff of Kamo Tharnn.[28] Hercules also visitsCalifornia and battles old foe Typhon.[29]
Hercules becomes a founding member of the superhero team theChampions, aiding the mortal heroes against the machinations of Olympians Pluto andHippolyta.[30] The character appears during theKorvac saga, and after being kidnapped by theElder of the Universe theCollector is freed (with the other Avengers) by comradeHawkeye to battle the cosmic entity Korvac who has absorbed power from Galactus's ship, giving him god-like power, and traveled from the 31st century to remake the Universe. Although killed in battle, Hercules and many of the Avengers are resurrected by the entity before dying.[31] Hercules also appears in a humorous story withFantastic Four member theThing.[32]
Hercules reappears during the "Celestial saga", joining an invasion force comprising Olympian gods and other allies that storms the realm of Olympia (occupied by theEternals).[33] After acameo appearance with the Avengers,[34] Hercules reappears and aids the heroes of Earth against an invasion of New York City by the legions of the fire demonSurtur.[35] Hercules rejoins the Avengers and aids the team against threats such asMaelstrom;[36] theBlood Brothers;[37] the androidVision when malfunctioning;[38]Terminus;[39] the spacepirateNebula;[40] and the villainsKang the Conqueror andImmortus.[41]
During the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline,Helmut Zemo assembles an army of supervillains to form the fourth version of theMasters of Evil. Courtesy of a paid pawn, Hercules is drugged at a bar in order to incapacitate him. Hercules, however, manages to return toAvengers Mansion and singlehandedly engages the Masters of Evil, being eventually beaten unconscious byGoliath,Mister Hyde, and theWrecking Crew. Although the Masters of Evil are defeated, Hercules remains in acoma as a result of his injuries.[42] The next storyline, titled, "Assault On Olympus" deals with the consequences of Hercules's injuries, as he is taken from the hospital by fellow OlympianHermes and returned to Olympus. The Avengers eventually pursue - also aided by sometime member Namor the Sub-Mariner who is kidnapped by Greek godNeptune - and discover they are being blamed by Zeus for Hercules's condition, as Hercules mentioned them in his coma. As the Avengers battle several of the gods and Zeus himself, the TitanPrometheus restores Hercules to full health using part of his life force, Doctor Druid uses his powers to restore Hercules's sanity, and Zeus accidentally attacks Hercules, after which he stops the fight. He hears from his son that the Avengers are not at fault. After that Zeus decides to ban the Olympians from Earth.[43]
During the "Evolutionary War" storyline, Hercules defeats a misguidedHigh Evolutionary by mutating "beyond godhood".[44] Hercules eventually returns to his normal form and aids Thor against villains such asMongoose[45] andDoctor Doom.[46] After Hercules stars in a Hollywood film of dubious quality as a fictionalized version of himself, Zeus punishes him for this "travesty" by sending him on a mission to restore the lost faith ofMagma, an active worshiper of the Greek gods. Hercules's demonstrations of strength and heroism fail to convince Magma that he is the real Greek god, and Zeus ignores his pleas to show her Olympus. However, she comes to believe Hercules after witnessing his eloquent reaction to a mortal's death.[47]
Together with Thor, Hercules confronts the Wrecking Crew once again, and recovers his confidence and defeats the villains when the Thunder God feigns defeat.[48] After a brief appearance in the "Black Galaxy" saga, where he is trapped inside a Celestial,[49] Hercules rejoins the Avengers as a reserve member[50] and is upgraded to active status during the "Collection Obsession" storyline, aiding the team against Thane Ector and theElder of the Universe theCollector[51] and then during theOperation: Galactic Storm storyline.[52]
The other gods continue to feud with Hercules, with Ares - possessing the body ofEric Masterson who currently wields a missing Thor's power - launching an unsuccessful attack.[53][54]
Hercules is summoned to Avengers Mansion along with all other active Avengers. They learn that the U.N. has forbidden them from interfering with the civil war unfolding in Genosha. The heroes are confronted by an army of S.H.I.E.L.D agents who attempt to confine them to the mansion.[55] Hercules throws a massive piece of debris at the Helicarrier, clearing a path for some of the other heroes to escape in a Quinjet.[56] He and the remaining Avengers storm into an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council where they demand to take an active role in ending the conflict.[57]
When Hercules falls in love with a mortal woman called Taylor Madison, the goddessHera intervenes and attempts to kill her, although this is prevented when Ares warns Zeus. Hercules discovers that Madison was actually a construct created by Zeus to lure out Hera, and attacks his father. Zeus is angered by "his son's lack of respect", and strips Hercules of his immortality and half his strength, forbidding him from ever returning to Olympus.[58]
The Avengers confront Nefarious during an escape attempt at the Vault, but Hercules is overpowered due to his diminished strength. He and Giant-Man throw the Vision like a projectile, knocking Nefarious unconscious.[59]
A despondent Hercules helps theShi'ar warriorDeathcry return to her homeworld.[60] Upon returning to Earth, he is devastated[61] to learn that the Avengers and theFantastic Four have apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the entity known asOnslaught.[62]
Hercules begins to seek out the remaining Avengers. He meets with Black Widow and learns the Hulk was one of the only survivors of the fight against Onslaught. He tracks Hulk down and appeals to him as a founding Avenger, asking for help to "save them, if they can be saved." The Hulk responds by punching Hercules through a wall and nearly beating him to death. A last second intervention by Zeus saves Herc's life, and both he and the Hulk are teleported to Olympus. They make peace but fail to learn anything new about the missing heroes. Hercules rejects Zeus' offer to restore his immortality before he and the Hulk leave together in search of new adventures.[63]
Hercules next travels to the Xavier Institute looking for Quicksilver. He asks Beast if Professor X was indeed responsible for the disappearance of the Avengers, and Beast does his best to explain how Onslaught was created. Hercules consoles Quicksilver over the apparent deaths of Crystal and Wanda, advising him to let go of his anger toward Magneto. They depart together in an Avengers Quinjet,[64] but soon turn back towards New York after Quicksilver has a change of heart. They fly to Avengers Mansion so that Pietro can be with his daughter.[65] Quicksilver quits after the U.N. engages in anti-mutant scapegoating, leaving Hercules and Black Widow as the last two active Avengers. Natasha officially suspends operations at the mansion and disbands the team.[66]
When the U-Foes attack the United Nations alongside the Hulk, a drunken Hercules rushes in to help. He teams up with White Tiger and Iron Fist, and together they are able to stop the villains and free Hulk from mind control. Iron Fist then invites Hercules to join the commercial superhero team Heroes for Hire. He briefly accepts, but soon quits the team when his heavy drinking becomes a liability. He expresses survivors guilt over not dying alongside his fellow Avengers and acknowledges that he needs to stop running from his problems. [67]
Hercules gives Spider-Man a ride to Greece where they face the threat of Dr. Zeus.[68] Ares and his Warhawks return, leading to Hercules being recruited as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ares had recently found a powerful artifact known as the Heart of Athena, which he uses to create a superweapon called the "Gabriel Horn." S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 125 (Hercules) ultimately defeats Ares by throwing him into the barrel of his own giant weapon.[69]
Hercules confronts the Hulk in Central Park during the events of Heroes Reborn: The Return. The strange rainstorm covering the globe seems to protect the Hulk, causing Hercules to be swept away.[70] Following these events he reunites with the missing Avengers, aiding the team againstMorgan Le Fey,[71] before choosing to remain an inactive member.[72]
Hercules temporarily rejoins the Heroes for Hire to help stop the Master of the World from releasing a powerful bioweapon. They confront evil clones of themselves aboard the Master's spaceship, including a clone of Hercules named "Demi-God". After defeating the master and his minions, Hercules and the others crash-land back to Earth in escape pods.[73]
After a misunderstanding, Hercules is manipulated into fighting Thor,[74] but aids the Thunder God (together with the Asgardian entity theDestroyer) against the Dark Gods, who have conquered Asgard.[75]
Hercules decides to locate Erik Josten - now reformed and renamed "Atlas" and a member ofThunderbolts - who as "Goliath" participated in the beating of Hercules by the Masters of Evil. Hercules finds and attacks Josten until former Avenger Hawkeye (now leader of the Thunderbolts) convinces him to stop, although at the cost of their friendship.[76] Hercules also aids the Avengers against theavatar group, theExemplars.[77]
Hercules becomes a drunkard, dismayed at the dissolution of the Avengers during the "Disassembled" storyline,[78] and the destruction ofAsgard and disappearance of Thor.[79] Hera takes advantage of Hercules's vulnerability and via her pawnEurystheus (an ancient rival of Hercules during the Twelve Labors) proposes he complete a modern version of the classic Labors for areality television show. Despite opposition from villains such as theAbomination, the organizationHydra, and awkward tasks such as retrieving the shield ofCaptain America, Hercules is successful. Hercules is also forgiven by former wifeMegara, who Hercules accidentally killed - a deception revealed by a humbled Hera.[80]
Hercules encounters Thor for the second time in a retrospective story;[81] and guest stars in a humorous story with heroineShe-Hulk, Hercules being successfully sued by the villainConstrictor for injuring him.[82] Hercules also aids fellow Greek godAres against theJapanese gods when they attempt to overrun Olympus.[83] Hercules eventually wins back his lost fortune in a poker match with the Constrictor.[84]
During the "Civil War" storyline Hercules is depicted as an opponent of theSuperhuman Registration Act, and calls the pro-registration heroes "traitors". Taking the alias of "Victor Tegler" - an information technology consultant with help fromNick Fury - to hide from pro-registration forces,[85] Hercules is dismissed byIron Man, believing he cannot even spell 'registration'".[86] Hercules helps the Secret Avengers escape after thecyborg Thor clone is first released. Hercules, however, kills the cyborg Thor clone in the final battle between the two sides, claiming that it is an insult to the Odinson, before smashing its head open with a hammer while yelling 'Thou art no Thor.[87]
Hercules also stars in the "World War Hulk" storyline, featuring a flashback to a period when the superhero team the Champions are still together. In the flashback the team mistakenly attack theHulk, with the delay almost killing a gravely illJennifer Walters. Hercules and former Champions teammateAngel reconcile with the Hulk.[88] Together with several other super beings, Hercules forms a loose-knit group called the "Renegades" to attempt to stop the Hulk when he invades New York City,[89] then helping with rescue and recovery operations in the ruins of the destroyed city then departing before being apprehended.[volume & issue needed]
After the conclusion of World War Hulk, Hercules embarks on series of adventures withAmadeus Cho, a teenage genius and "sidekick".[90] Hercules encounters long-time foe Ares, who poisons the hero with venom from the mythicalHydra. After being driven mad by the venom and embarking on a destructive rampage, Hercules is eventually stopped by former Champions teammate theBlack Widow (who also neutralizes Cho when he attacks spy organizationS.H.I.E.L.D.).[91]
Hercules plays a pivotal role in the "Secret Invasion" storyline, forming a team called theGod Squad (consisting ofAjak,Amatsu-Mikaboshi,Demogorge, andSnowbird) to neutralize theSkrull gods directing the invasion of Earth. Hercules is made leader of the team, as the representative of the Western Gods. When Nightmare asks for the team's fears as they try to get his help to get to the Skrull gods, he sees Hercules's fear from losing his armor bearer Hylas. Hercules and Snowbird form a romantic attachment, and together slay Kly'bn, the leader of the Skrull pantheon by impaling him with the dead Atum's spine (with Amatsu-Mikaboshi assuming this role and ending the intervention by Skrull divinity).[92] This event is immediately followed by the storyline "Love and War", in which Hercules and allies Cho;Namora and the goddessAthena attempt to thwartAmazon leader Artume, who reshapes so that the world is dominated by the Amazon females. Hera and Pluto take advantage of the chaos and an absent Zeus to attempt to kill Hercules and Athena. Hercules helps Cho's lover -Delphyne - slay Artume and take her place asqueen, and with Athena is able to reset reality.[93]
Although successful, Athena dispatches Hercules and Cho toHades to find Zeus as he is needed to counter Hera.[94] The pair are waylaid in Hades by the Dark ElfMalekith the Accursed - disguised as the Asgardian godBalder - who requests the characters embark on a mission into Svartalfheim, the home of the Dark Elves. Despite Pluto using the spirit of Hercules's adoptive father, they are able to retrieve Zeus. During a humorous series of events, Hercules is forced to disguise himself as Thor and eventually marry Alflyse, the Queen of the Dark Elves.[95]
During the "Dark Reign" storyline, Cho discovers that the activities of the Elder GodChthon are causing a "chaos cascade". To meet this threat Cho and Hercules form a new team of Mighty Avengers along with U.S. Agent, Vision, Hank Pym, Stature, Quicksilver and Jocasta.[96] The team goes on to break into theBaxter Building,[97] battlethe Unspoken in China,[98] visit theInhumans to return their stolen Xerogen crystals,[99] fight aCosmic Cube-empowered Absorbing Man,[100] and capture Loki for information about the Scarlet Witch. When Pym requests that Loki join the team, Hercules and the others lose faith in him as a leader and quit.[101]
Hercules teams with both theMighty andNew Avengers to stop Hera from remaking the universe with a device called Continuum.[102] Hercules battles Typhon in the alternate Continuum universe and defeats him. Athena appears after the fight, but instead of coming to help she seemingly destroys the Continuum universe with Hercules still inside. She explains that he had to die so that Amadeus Cho could replace him as the new "Prince of Power".[103] A funeral service is held at theParthenon in Athens, where many of Hercules's comrades pay their respects and share memories. Athena appoints Cho as the new leader of the Olympus Group.[104] Cho travels to Hades, only to discover that Hercules is, in fact, not dead. Cho tells Athena he intends to use all their resources to find Hercules and bring him back.[105] Cho teams with Bruce Banner to build a machine that can scan all of reality, but discovers it would take over a billion years to locate Hercules. Cho then embarks on a quest to gain the power of a god, competing against Vali Halfling and the Pantheon and teaming up with Thor. Once Cho becomes a god and attains omniscience, he realizes that he is inadequate to wield such power. First he returns Hercules to Earth, then transfers all his new powers into him.[106]
During the events ofChaos War, Amatsu-Mikaboshi arrives on Earth with an army of slave gods, destroying the dream dimension and causing people all over the world to enter a sleep-coma. He then destroys the afterlives of all the cultures of the world, freeing the dead to walk the Earth. The newly super-powered Hercules assembles a second God Squad to battle Mikaboshi, who now calls himself the Chaos King. The combined efforts of the God Squad,Alpha Flight, the Hulk family, and deceased members of the Avengers and X-Men manage to keep the Chaos King's armies at bay, while Cho and Galactus work on a way to transport the entire Earth into the safety of the Continuum universe. Hercules is able to seal off the Chaos King in the Continuum, saving the world. Hercules then uses up all of his power in order to restore the universe, leaving him reduced to a mortal man once again.[107]
Hercules reappears in Brooklyn, armed with an array of Olympian weapons stolen from the armory of his deceased brother Ares. They include a magic sword called the Sword of Peleus, the Shield of Perseus (an unbreakable shield that turns anyone who looks at it to stone), arrows that can penetrate through anything, and the Helm of Hades (a helmet of invisibility). He gets a job bartending at a Greek run bar and restaurant in Brooklyn.[108] He later battlesHobgoblin in a construction site, who was attempting to intimidate the owner of the restaurant into selling it to theKingpin. After defeating him, Hercules discovers that the owner's daughter sold him out to Hobgoblin and confronts her, until Kingpin appears and tells the owner he can keep the restaurant, taking Hobgoblin with him. After his victory becomes public, the restaurant becomes successful and Hercules becomes a local hero and celebrity.[109]
During theFear Itself storyline, Hercules comes acrossBasilisk,Griffin,Man-Bull, and an unidentified woman robbing a bank. They had all recently escaped from the Raft during the breakout caused byJuggernaut, who was transformed into Kuurth: Breaker of Stone. Hercules soon discovers that the woman is actually the witch goddessHecate. During the fight, Hecate looks into the Shield of Perseus and regains her memories of taking over Brooklyn.[110] She then teams up with Kyknos (the son of Ares) to take over the city. The pair manage to turn some people against Hercules due to the chaos that theSerpent's Worthy created. Basilisk and Man-Bull flee when they see Hercules use the Shield of Perseus. The Griffin has an unexpected reaction to the magic forces at work, which cause him to devolve into a savage beast. He saves Hercules's life and becomes his new steed, allowing him to fly around the city.[111] Hercules recovers upon hearing the prayers of his worshipers and finds himself in the Griffin's care, only to discover that Brooklyn has been reshaped into a nightmare landscape. Hercules and the Griffin manage to find where Basilisk and Man-Bull are hiding and recruit their help.[112] The villains approach Hecate and Kyknos using a ruse involving Hercules being turned to stone. Hercules quickly revives and saves the villains by killing Kyknos, then prevents Ares from being resurrected by kicking over his altar. Hecate flees and Brooklyn is returned to normal.[113]
During theSpider-Island storyline, the Greek owners/operators of the bar where Hercules works have fled the dangers of New York City and returned to Greece, leaving Hercules in charge. He befriends an elderly African man named A. Nancy who loves stories. One night Herc is bitten by a bed bug that gives him spider powers, which he uses to fight crime.[114] The Queen of Spider Island reveals herself to Herc and makes him her slave. She sends Spider-Herc against the X-Men, who were in town after fighting lizard people in the sewers. They try to reason with him, but he attacks them with the Sword of Peleus. Due to the mutagenic properties of Spider-Man's powers, Spider-Herc mutates into Herc-Spider mid-battle. Shortly after, the X-Men are trapped in a magic web, and the Greek goddessArachne appears. Instead of fighting, it is revealed that Arachne is very attracted to Herc's new form and they embrace, while the X-Men are forced to watch. While Arachne is preoccupied, A. Nancy breaks into her home and steals her mythical woven tapestry. He reveals himself as the African spider godAnansi, a collector of stories, when he's attacked byElektra, who takes the tapestry from him.[115] Hercules is later cured of his spider transformation by Spider-Man, along with everyone else infected.[116]
Hercules later encounters Zeus, who was depowered by his wife Hera because of his infidelity and womanizing. During that time, he discovers Elektra stealing a museum artifact from the Hand. After battling the Hand ninjas, Hercules discovers, through Kingpin, that Elektra is stealing mystical artifacts forBaba Yaga, a Slavic witch who was summoned by the Russian mob, who plans to absorb the magic of the artifacts to gain a youthful appearance and increase her power. He manages to locate Baba Yaga after Elektra steals his weapons. Herc and Zeus infiltrate the witch's home and Herc, with Elektra's help, defeats Baba Yaga. He then lets Zeus absorb the magic from the artifacts, restoring his godly powers, and they part ways.[117]
Hercules is called upon to act as a guest instructor atAvengers Academy when most of the main faculty are preoccupied with the events ofAvengers vs. X-Men. The school is suddenly visited by Captain America, who asks that the facility be used to hold the younger members of the X-Men until the fighting is over.Kavita Rao andMadison Jeffries urge their students to comply with the Avengers, but many are resentful of the confinement. Hercules arranges an Olympic competition between the two schools in order to ease tensions and avoid an actual fight from taking place.[118]Sebastian Shaw (who was also being held at the academy) escapes and the faculty members of both schools try to keep him from reaching the students. Hercules is defeated because Shaw is able to absorb the magic energy from his weapons.[119] Shaw then tells the X-Men students to escape before fleeing himself. Hercules urgesTigra to let the kids join the fight if they want to, believing they had no right to hold them against their will in the first place. Some of the X-Men students remain at Avengers Academy while many join the fighting, and Hercules reflects that while the older generation has only found war, at least some of the kids were able to find peace.[120]
As part of theAll-New, All-Different Marvel event, Hercules, isolated and shunned by the hero community, attempts to regain his reputation as a true hero, by adapting himself into modern society. During that time, he takes on the threats of the Uprising Storm, a group of new gods consisting of Catastrophobia: God of War, Horrorscope, and Cryptomnesia: God of Data as they plan to wipe out the old gods.[121]
During theCivil War II storyline, Hercules is seen at a bar talking to Amadeus Cho, who has become the new Hulk, when the city is suddenly under attack by a Celestial and both spring into action. During the battle, while Cho helps the other heroes, Hercules encounters the Uprising Storm, who tell him of their plan to destroy the world and turn him into one of them by teasing him into believing that the other heroes don't want him anymore. Back home, he confines his encounter to his friends and, after a pep talk from his landlady Sophia, decides to reunite the ancient heroes in order to battle the Uprising Storm. Upon gathering the ancient heroes, known as the Gods of War, Hercules informs them of the situation when the Uprising Storm suddenly show up. They begin to battle, with the Uprising Storm getting the upper hand. In the middle of the fight, Hercules begins to destroy the city when Cryptomnesia uses the brand he placed on him to turn him into a God of Chaos, forcing the others to fight him while the Uprising Storm watch. During the battle, Hercules is confronted by Steve Rogers,Captain Marvel,Spider-Man andMedusa who attempt to stop his rampage. After a brief fight, the Gods of War inform the heroes of the Storm and the curse placed on Hercules, though they do not see them. Steve andGilgamesh then go to free Hercules from the curse. After the brand disappears and the other heroes leave, Hercules informs his friends about the Storm's true intentions, total destruction, and that they must be stopped. Later, while Hercules, Sigurd, Gilgamesh, Beowulf and Theseus ambush the Storm in their hideout, an abandoned hotel, Ire, Lorelei and Tiresias perform a ritual to weaken the Storm. Initially, the ritual has no effect until Horrorscope is defeated and killed by Ire and Lorelei, when she teleported to the apartment to kill them, while Catastrophobia and Cryptomnesia are killed by Gilgamesh and Hercules respectively. After killing Cryptomnesia, Hercules is congratulated by Athena, who offers him a place in Olympus. Hercules turns it down so that he can continue to live on Earth as a true hero.[122]
In the aftermath ofCivil War II, Hercules rejoins the Avengers, where they foil an ambush byKang the Conqueror.[123] While the others are trapped in limbo as a result of time paradoxes created by Kang, Hercules (immune to Kang's current tactics of targeting the infant Avengers as nobody knows exactly where or when he was born) goes toVietnam, where he fights two versions of Kang attacking a temple who were looking for an infant version of Kang. After Hercules finds the child, the Avengers return from limbo and start fighting until Vision sendsWasp back in time to return baby Kang to his era.[124] After Wasp succeeds, the Avengers make a plan to defeat Kang for good. They assemble the original Avengers from the past and join forces to attack Kang's alternate versions at the same time. After defeating Kang, each of the Avengers return to their timelines.[125] The Avengers are then recruited by a reformed Doctor Doom operating as Iron Man to defeat a coven of young witches.[126] They later battle Avenger X, a member of the original New Avengers, who attempted to eliminate the team until Wasp shrinks her to sub-atomic levels.[127]
During theSecret Empire storyline, Hercules appears as a member of the Underground following Hydra's conquest of the United States.[128] Hercules andQuicksilver lead a strike force to find theCosmic Cube fragments so that they can use it to restore Captain America to normal.[129] Upon convincingSam Wilson to smuggle them out of the country, the team goes to locate a Cosmic Cube fragment which is in possession of Ultron. Upon arriving, they encounter Hydra's Avengers led by Steve Rogers and are captured by Ultron. They later manage to escape while Ultron gives the team his fragment. During a mission in Madripoor, Hercules is petrified byGorgon, but later recovers.[130][131]
After their hideout is destroyed, the heroes witness Sam Wilson reassuming the mantle of Captain America. With the use of the Cosmic Cube fragment, they manage to help destroy the Planetary Defense Shield and theDarkforce dome over Manhattan and liberate all the imprisoned Inhumans. While attacking Hydra forces at the United States Capitol, the Underground are surprised by Steve Rogers, who was wearing a Cosmic Cube-powered armor. They later witness the final battle between the Hydra Steve Rogers and the real Steve Rogers and the restoration of America.[132] In the aftermath of the event, Hercules and Vision go to a coffee shop where they discuss about immortality and its ups and downs. They're later signaled by Sam and Thor, who received a call about a supervillain attack, and spring into action.[133] Hercules and the other Avengers joined forces with the Champions in order to prevent theHigh Evolutionary from merging Earth 1 and Earth 2.[134][135]
The original Champions (Hercules, Iceman, Angel, Ghost Rider and Darkstar) reunite at the location of their former headquarters in Los Angeles to mourn the death of the Black Widow. They battle a group of decommissioned Sentinels while out at a West Hollywood nightclub.[136]
When theHuman Torch starts losing his powers he asks Hercules for advice on how to restore them. Hercules had recently found a way to get his own powers back after losing them fighting the Chaos King. Johnny and theThing find him at a bar in Brooklyn drinking non-alcoholic beer. He tells them about how he was healed by a scientist named Rachna Koul. He takes them to her secret lab, where she explains that she was able to repair the biological conduit connecting Herc to the source of his godly power.[137]
During the events ofNo Surrender, Hercules is sent to the Roman Colosseum withRogue‘s team of Avengers to battle theLethal Legion.[138] The team then traveled to Antarctica to fight against theBlack Order.[139] Later Hercules, and his teammates attempt to stop the Hulk from rampaging through Avengers HQ.[140] Hercules andSunspot use their combined strength to stabilize the "world-engine" that is protecting the Earth while Thor andLightning recharge it.[141] Herc, Thor, andWonder Man travel to Asgard to celebrate their victory.[142]
Due to the events ofAvengers: No Surrender, the primordial Greek goddessNyx escapes her centuries-long confinement and murders most of the Greek Pantheon. Hercules and the Avengers fought to prevent Nyx from fully reclaiming her soul. Nyx's minions were defeated and she was ultimately killed by theVision.[143]
When Hercules tried to track down his resurrected family, he instead was captured by them.[144] He was freed by the reformedGuardians of the Galaxy. He aided the Guardians in stopping the mad gods, but at the cost ofStar-Lord's life.[145] Following the battle withGamora's West Spiral Arm Guardians, Hercules began a relationship withNoh-Varr.[146][147]
During the "Blood Hunt" storyline, Hercules is among the superheroes who join Captain America's branch of the Avengers when fighting the vampire invasion.[148]
Following the events of Blood Hunt, Hercules joins the AVENG.E.R.S. (Avengers Emergency Response Squad). The team travels to Kingsport, a town under attack by spectral super-apes searching for theRed Ghost. They find him hiding in a nearby abandoned building and agree to help the ghosts take their revenge under the condition that they do not kill him. Once the Red Ghost is captured, Hercules uses his adamantine mace to free the ghostly super-apes from their suffering.[149]
Hercules possesses the typical powers of an Olympian god, including superhuman strength, durability, speed, reflexes, stamina and endurance.[150] He is the strongest of the Olympians,[151] being capable of feats such as lifting and hurling a giant sequoia tree, smashing rocks to powder,[152] sealing an entire cliff around an opponent with his bare hands,[18] knocking out a yellow-crested Titan,[153] and dragging the island ofManhattan[27] (though this was later retconned to be merely a boast he had made, and not a genuine feat).[154][155] His superstrong legs allow him to run at speeds of over 100 mph, and leap over a hundred feet into the air. He can withstand blows from Thor,[156] and possesses a complete resistance to high caliber bullets.[157] He is able to recover from injuries with superhuman speed and efficiency.[158][150]
Hercules is highly skilled inarchery,boxing,Greco-Roman wrestling, and claims to have invented the martial artPankration.[81] In combat, he occasionally wields a golden-lookingadamantine mace – stated and shown to be equal in durability to Thor's hammerMjolnir[159] (though it is not enchanted with additional abilities as Mjolnir is) - forged by the Greek godHephaestus. As an Olympian, he is resistant to all earthly diseases, possesses a healing factor, immortality, and also has some immunity to magic. However, his strength can be taken by significant Olympian magic, such as that of Zeus.[153]
Hercules sacrificed his godly powers to save humanity in the wake of the Chaos War, and was completely powerless. Despite this, he retained his exceptional physical condition compared to a normal human, incredible skills in archery and hand-to-hand combat and access to magical weapons and items that help in battle.[108] At the start of the 2015Hercules series, his powers made an unexplained return. They were later revealed to have been restored through scientific means.[160] At this time, Hercules made use of both antique and modern weapons, such as assault rifles, tasers, grenade launchers, and others.[161]
Joe George ofDen of Geek stated, "Hercules morphed into a lovable lunkhead and, eventually, a complex character whose good-natured love of adventure made him a valuable ally to heroes across the Marvel Universe. [...] Hercules became less an arrogant lout looking for fights and more a hero whose joi de vivre drove him toward adventure. When writer Al Ewing added Herc to his lineup ofThe Guardians of the Galaxy, he added a softer side to the character, as evidenced by his tender romance with hot-headed Kree warrior Noh-Varr. None of these writers changed the fundamental aspects of Hercules. He’s still far from the smartest guy in the room, and he still refuses to back down from a fight. But he’s now become the jock you could never hate, the guy who always gets the boy or girl he wants (and Herc wants most boys and girls he encounters), but isn’t a jerk about it. He’s the muscle-bound beefcake who always has your back and wants to lift your spirits."[162]
According toDiamond Comic Distributors,Herc #1 was the 40th best selling comic book in April 2011.[163][164][165]
Greg McElhatton ofCBR.com calledHerc #1 "a good, standard superhero title," stating, "Herc #1 wasn't what I was expecting, but it was still a fun read. If you don't mind a more superhero-friendly take on the character (rather than the strangeness-and I say that with great affection and admiration-of "Incredible Hercules"), give it a whirl. If giving up the humor and co-star is too much for you, though? Well, you've been warned."[166] Jesse Schedeen ofIGN gaveHer #1 a grade of 8 out of 10, asserting, "Neil Edwards delivers some solid visuals as well, which is good considering consistent pencils have long been a problem with Herc's books. Edwards continues to grow and improve as a storyteller. While his style still bears too much resemblance to Bryan Hitch's at times, there are far worse artists to emulate. And Scott Hanna's inks ensure Edwards panels are often more refined and neat than Hitch's these days. Edwards' only real flaw is that he fails to accurately capture the stylized new look of the villain that appears in the final pages. This isn't a bad start for the newest chapter in Hercules' career. But again, Van Lente and Pak do the hero a disservice by de-emphasizing the humor to the extent they have. Hopefully that will change as the series builds its cast and Herc's new status quo."[167]
According toDiamond Comic Distributors,IncredibleHercules #113 was the 18th best selling comic book in January 2008.[168][169][170][171]IncredibleHercules #113 was the 196th best selling comic book in 2008.[172]
Jesse Schedeen ofIGN gaveIncredibleHercules #113 a grade of 9 out of 10, saying, "Almost as much a breakout star as his half-brother, Ares is finally getting the exposure he deserves withIncredible Hercules. I was ready for the God of War to explode onto the scene after Michael Avon Oeming's recent mini-series. Unfortunately, he didn't explode so much as limp his way into the ranks ofMighty Avengers. Pak and van Lente seem to have a better handle on the character, as he comes across as much more intelligent and brutal than the dim-witted jock seen in the Avengers books. At this point the only things keepingIncredible Hercules from ranking as the best book of the week are the unfortunately-timedImmortal Iron Fist and the slightly underwhelming pencils of Khoi Pham. I don't want to be too hard on Pham. This is some of the best work I've seen from the artist so far. Still, it doesn't quite measure up to what we're seeing in some of the otherAftersmash books. If only Ed McGuinness were drawing this series instead ofHulk. I think I'd be in comic book heaven."[173]
According toDiamond Comic Distributors,Hercules #1 was the 49th best selling comic book in November 2015.[174][175][176][177]Hercules #1 was the 475th best selling comic book in December 2015.[178][179]
Levi Hunt ofIGN gaveHercules #1 a grade of 7.8 out of 10, writing, "Hercules seems like a strange series to launch amidst so many Avengers and X-Men premiere issues. But don’t let the hero’s C-list status keep you away from this book in favor of those bigger hitters – Hercules is a fun and well written book that finds a few ways to stand out in the current tidal wave of “fun and light” comics. The first thing you’ll notice about the issue is how strong the dialogue and conversation is, the issue is a bit wordy but absolutely flies by – Dan Abnett’s use and pacing of language is exemplary. Abnett also finds clever ways to make Hercules relevant in this modern setting, while also not forgetting his roots. That mix of modern and ancient will be the hook going forward and it’s a promising one. Finally is Luke Ross on the art, his contributions to the book aren’t as praise-worthy as Abnett’s, but he really does well with the character acting."[180]
In an alternate reality depicted in the 2021 "Heroes Reborn" miniseries, Hercules foughtPower Princess, but was turned into a statue and kept outside her headquarters in theStatue of Liberty. In the present, a mysterious thunderstorm temporarily brings him back to life, but Power Princess subdues him and turns him back.[193]
A zombified version of Hercules appears inMarvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness. He and several zombies participate in an attack onDoctor Doom's castle to reach the humans inside.[194]
In the prequelMarvel Zombies: Dead Days, Hercules was one of several heroes who survived the zombie plague.[195] However, he is later killed by a zombifiedHulk.[196]
Analternate universe version of Hercules stars in a humorous limited self-titled series which depicts his adventures in the 24th century. Banished from Olympus by Zeus in order to learn humility, Hercules travels into deepspace where he meets theRigellians, who loan himRecorder #417. After having adventures on several planets, Hercules arrives in the Omacron star system, where he confronts the cosmic entityGalactus, who humbles him. Following this, Hercules saves the world Galactus intended to devour at the time.[197]
In the sequel series, which took on a dark tone and takes place 41 years after the first series, Hercules and Recorder #417 meet and eventually befriend an alienSkrull called Skyppi. They later face a cosmic version of the heroRed Wolf and a villain devoted to the TitanThanos who breaks into the tomb ofKree heroCaptain Marvel to steal hisNega-Bands. Hercules eventually returns to Olympus and proves to Zeus, who had gone insane and seemingly killed the other gods, he has learned humility by fighting him and sparing his life. However, Zeus reveals the gods now exist in another plane of existence and he is to join them. Before he leaves, Zeus advises Hercules to found his own dynasty now that he is free of his past.[198]
Hercules, Recorder, and Skyppi later returned in an issue of the reprint seriesMarvel Tales,[199] and thegraphic novelHercules, Prince of Power: Full Circle. In the latter, the trio are captured by Emperor Arimathes, a son born of a past romantic adventure Hercules had and never knew existed. After learn Arimathes had been manipulated by his vengeful mother into becoming a cruel tyrant, Hercules vows to save his son.[200] A three-part storyline in the anthology seriesMarvel Comics Presents served as an epilogue to the events of the graphic novel.[201]
This version of Hercules last appeared in a third limited series,Hercules: Twilight of a God. Set 75 years after the events of the first limited series, Hercules' three grandchildren, a newSilver Surfer, and the Galactus Black Hole that threatens all life in the galaxy. The fates of Skyppi, Recorder #417 and Arimathes are revealed as Hercules sacrifices himself to stop the galactic threat's expansion and, in doing so, alters the destiny of both himself and Galactus.[202]
In the possible futureMC2 imprint titleA-Next, Hercules appears as one of the remaining originalAvengers. He also had a son namedArgo the Almighty, who aids the next generation of Avengers.[203]
When the Hulk initially found Dystopia, Hercules was in charge of the collection of human survivors, now calling himself "the Maestro".[204] An encounter withRick Jones confirmed for the Hulk that Hercules is now only interested in ruling humans and having sparring matches or sex. Although the Hulk expresses little interest in helping ordinary people for the sake of helping them after they caused the apocalypse, he infiltratesAlchemax's remains to create the Dogs of War to oppose Hercules's forces.[205]
X-Treme X-Men vol. 2 #7 (2013) depicts an alternate version of Hercules who is in asame-sex relationship with Wolverine,[206] the BritishGovernor General of Canada. In issue #10, after Hercules revealed his relationship with Wolverine toZeus, Zeus banished them to thepit of Tartarus as he sees himself as the only god allowed to consort with mortals.[207] During "Age of Apocalypse",Nightcrawler accidentally releases evil beings that destroy anyone they touch, including Hercules.[208]
In theUltimate Marvel universe, Hercules appears as a member ofNick Fury'sHowling Commandos.[209]
Hercules appears in the mid-credits scene ofThor: Love and Thunder, portrayed byBrett Goldstein.[214] After battlingThor and his team in Omnipotence City,Zeus tasks Hercules with hunting down and killing Thor.
| Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hercules: New Labors of Hercules | Hercules (vol.3) #1-5 | November 2005 | 978-0785117520 |
| Wolverine/Hercules: Myths, Monsters & Mutants | Wolverine/Hercules: Myths, Monsters & Mutants #1-4, material fromMarvel Treasury Edition #26 | August 2011 | 978-0785141105 |
| Incredible Hercules: Against The World | Incredible Hulk #112,Incredible Hercules #113-115,Hulk Vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide | October 2008 | 978-0785125334 |
| Incredible Hercules: Smash Of The Titans | Incredible Hulk #106-112,Incredible Hercules #113-115,Hulk Vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide | July 2009 | 978-0785139683 |
| Incredible Hercules: Secret Invasion | Incredible Hercules #116-120 | November 2008 | 978-0785133339 |
| Incredible Hercules: Love And War | Incredible Hercules #121-125 | June 2009 | 978-0785132462 |
| Incredible Hercules: Sacred Invasion | Incredible Hercules #116-125 | March 2010 | 978-0785142560 |
| Incredible Hercules: Dark Reign | Incredible Hercules #126-131 | October 2009 | 978-0785138303 |
| Incredible Hercules: The Mighty Thorcules | Incredible Hercules #132-137 | January 2010 | 978-0785138310 |
| Incredible Hercules: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 | Incredible Hulk #106-112,Incredible Hercules #113-120,Hulk Vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide, material fromGiant-Size Hulk #1,Amazing Fantasy (vol. 2) #15,Incredible Hulk #100 | August 2019 | 978-1302918668 |
| Incredible Hercules: The Complete Collection Vol. 2 | Incredible Hercules #121-137 | March 2021 | 978-1302923488 |
| Incredible Hercules: Assault On New Olympus | Incredible Hercules #138-142,Siege of Olympus Prologue | May 2010 | 978-0785145455 |
| Incredible Hercules: The New Prince of Power | Heroic Age: Prince of Power #1-4,Hercules: Fall of an Avenger #1-2 | November 2010 | 978-0785143703 |
| Herc: The Complete Series by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente | Herc #1-10, 6.1 | June 2012 | 978-0785147237 |
| Hercules: Still Going Strong | Hercules (vol. 4) #1-6 | June 2016 | 978-1302900335 |
| Civil War II: Gods of War | Civil War II: Gods of War #1-4,Journey Into Mystery Annual #1 | November 2016 | 978-1302900342 |
| Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hercules: Full Circle | Marvel Tales #197,Marvel Graphic Novel #37,Marvel Comics Presents #39-41, material fromMarvel Age #4, 65 | November 2009 | 978-0785139577 |
| Hercules: Prince of Power | Hercules (vol.1) #1-4,Hercules (vol.2) #1-4 | September 2019 | 978-0785139553 |
| Hercules: Twilight of a God | Hercules: Twilight of a God #1-4 | December 2010 | 978-0785135463 |
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