Hercules: The Thracian Wars #5 (of 5) – Review

By Steve Moore (story), Admira Wijaya (art), Imaginary Friends Studios & Sixth Creation (colors)

A fitting end to what promises to be the first of many series. Hercules has delivered in just about every aspect a comic reader could ask for. And though this last issue has a few scenes that jump too quickly, it still provides for a thrilling conclusion – wrapping up every loose end in a very thrilling fashion. There’s particularly one line in the book that literally made me yell out, “Oh damn!”. I’m not going to spoil it for you, but it’s where Hercules finally deals with Cotys’ daughter. It’s brutal, poignant, and thrilling at the same time. This line and scene better be in the movie – it’s the climax of the book, and honestly, just brilliant in every way. You hear me, Radical? Don’t leave this scene out!

As much as I love this final installment, it’s not without its faults. Personally, I would have rather seen more of Hercules’ gang breaking back into the city and working their way to Cotys rather than the series of obstacles he presents to them as he flees. It’s all a bit too videogame-ish in execution and does nothing but slow down the inevitable. But the violence and storytelling that take place are pure eye candy. Seeing Tydeus get his glory and his inner berserker on will no doubt be one of the big highlights for every reader.

Though Hercules may be without some of his partners by the end of this issue, I’m hoping we’ll see a reappearance at some point down the road. This is a great series, easily one of the best stories I’ve read of 2008. Do yourself a favor and hunt down the back issues of wait for the inevitable trade. Just make sure you check it out. As for me, bring on the next series! (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes

Hercules #3 (of 5) – Review

By Steve Moore (writer), Admira Wijaya (artist), Imaginary Friends Studios & Sixth Creation (art assists, colors)

Alright, so the overall plot’s become a tad more predictable with every passing issue. Big deal! Just because we know where the story’s going doesn’t mean this book’s not one heck of an entertaining ride. Much like Hercules’ skill as a tactician and warrior, this the script is refined and well-paced.

The Hercules portrayed in this book isn’t a young fool with a barbarian’s instinct, nor is he pure warrior with unbound skills. He is a hardened war general that’s seen it all. The way Hercules commands his army and assesses the battlefield is brilliant. I’d even go as far to say that given what I’ve read and seen, this would be a heck of a movie. It’s like the best parts of Oliver Stone’s Alexander but on a smaller scale, with a pure focus on war.

What also makes this book enjoyable is that the story isn’t just focused on Hercules, but on his supporting cast as well. Though each character isn’t completely fleshed out, personality-wise (even Hercules’ stoic visage prevents him us from learning more about him) we get a true sense of who they are and what their stake is within the story. Ironically, perhaps the most engaging character isn’t Hercules at all, but rather the fury warrior, Tydeus – a murdering cannibal who’s allied himself with Hercules for the simple pleasure of gutting people. There’s some excellent interplay and chemistry between these characters and I like how Steve Moore constantly tests their loyalty towards Hercules.

The artwork by Admira Wijaya once again dazzles the eye. But it’s not just his compositions or the coloring by Imaginary Friends Studios that makes this book look so incredible – it’s the creative choices in panel layout that allow the eyes to track the story so easily. The bloody brutality of war has never looked so beautiful.

This issue is as near flawless as they come. Each month, I put off reading this comic until the last minute and each month I kick myself for not reading it sooner. Don’t be like me. Do yourself a favor and play catch up with this series. You’ll be glad you did.  (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

Hercules #2 (of 5) – Review

By Steve Moore (writer), Admira Wijaya (art), Imaginary Friends Studios (art & colors), Sixth Creation (colors)

Why anyone isn’t reading Hercules is beyond me. This is a smart and brutal series that war, history, and mythological buffs will truly enjoy. The character of Hercules is portrayed as a fighting tactician who has no concern of his reputation, nor does he ever feel the need to prove it. He’s a glorified mercenary in essence and when he and his team are hired to whip the Thracian army into shape, he does so strictly for the promise of a paycheck.

As the Thracians move into enemy territory, their merciless leader, King Cotys orders the sackings of many villages for the sake of drawing the enemy army out and in the same process, lowering their morale. Hercules, begins to ponder if he’s done the right thing by joining the Thracians. But seemingly “in too deep”, he pushes on with the army as they extend their dominance into the region.

There’s a lot of meat to this issue and I guarantee you it’s one you won’t finish in five or ten minutes. Even if you’re a fast reader you’ll stop just to admire the stunning visuals by Admira Wijaya, who is one hell of an artist. Steve Moore’s script isn’t lazy either. It’s character drive, very smart. At one point, however, I was taken out of the story when one character utters a modern day curse word (visions of Brian Wood’s awful Northlanders came back to haunt me), but thankfully, that was just a one-time thing. I can let something like that go when it’s done once to make an emotional statement.

All in all, this series is one of the sleeper hits of 2008. It’s the perfect marriage of story and art on a very high level. With Caliber and Hercules, Radical Comics is off to a strong start as a new publisher. High ly recommended. (Grade: A-)

– J. Montes