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: The Thracian Wars #4 (of 5) – Review

By Steve Moore (writer), Admira Wijaya with Imaginary Friends Studios (art)

Until now, Hercules has been restrained, a demi-god coming off more as a mortal with mythical stories behind his strength. Yet, as battle has shown, he is a master at the art of tactics and combat training. But his signature brute strength was never shown or even hinted at until now. When Hercules is finally unhinged in this issue, both Steve Moore and Admira Wijaya take the gloves off and launch our hero into a torrent of violence, blood, and rage. Readers who’ve been patiently waiting for Hercules to erupt into “300“-like violence will walk away satisfied with the amount of gore on display here. And you know what? It’s satisfying on every primal, sadistic, and perverse level.

This is easily the best issue of the series. What surprised me is how the story plays out. It seems like the type of story that would stay on course and deliver a “by the numbers” finale after Hercules discovers Cotys’ plan to attack Greece. But such is not the case. With every anticipated turn, the story goes in a completely different direction and that is damn impressive. Steve Moore does a fantastic job of scripting a fresh and unpredictable tale. Even more impressive is the amount of ground that’s covered in 24 pages; this issue goes through a lot of twists and turns all while simultaneously setting the table for the series’ undoubtedly bloody finale.

There’s been a lot of people trying to compare this book to Frank Miller’s 300. Even Radical’s marketing team is guilty of this. But other than both using Greek characters and violence, there’s really no comparison. Apples and oranges. If I could only read one, I’d easily take this series. Superior art, a color cast of characters, and an original (and more stronger) story wins out here. (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

Hercules #1 (of 5) – Review

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

Radical makes a very strong debut with Hercules. I remember this book being advertised as “a re-imaging of Hercules along the lines of Frank Miller’s 300“. I think that statement’s completely wrong. This is nothing like 300. Perhaps the only thing it has in common with Frank Miller’s masterpiece is that it takes place in ancient Greece, too. If anything, this story plays more along the lines of the Beowulf movie released last year (and penned by Neil Gaiman).

The book is full of disbelievers who think the power Hercules brandishes is nothing more than a myth. Not helping matters is his size – which becomes an on-going joke throughout the book. Hercules is slightly larger than the average man, he’s restrained with his tongue, and keen on his surroundings. He wears the hide of a Nemean Lion, a rare and fierce creature, as a head dress (probably to command respect). Yet, his would be foes aren’t intimidated.  They see Hercules as just another bastard child of Zeus – some even believe his mother was just a whore who made up the tale. And after numerous taunts and insults, Hercules reaches the end of his rope. In a righteous, murderous rampage, he dispatches dozens and dozens of foes in an unapologetic fashion. Yes, the story is a bit light in this first issue, but it’s all about setting the tone of who Hercules is and what he represents.

With a retail price of $1.00 for the first issue, you’re getting a fantastic deal, not to mention a bloody start to what I’m hoping will become an epic series. The dark tone of Steve Moore’s story is further bolstered by Admira Wijaya’s stunning visuals. There’s some great textured work here that makes the world feel foreboding, yet real. If the creative team can maintain this quality of work, I’m definitely on board for the long term. I just need to know where this whole story is headed, because right now, it’s all a bit too mysterious. Fantasy buffs will most likely enjoy this first issue. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes