I was pretty surprised at the end of the recent World War Hulk saga, when this book turned into The Incredible Hercules. Looking back, I really should have seen it coming - especially with the new 'Hulk: Red' book on the horizon.
So has the series suffered because it's missing the big green smashing machine?
Not in the slightest. In fact, the recent Hercules and Amadeus Cho issues of the book have been some of the best. So good in fact - I wonder if it's about time Hercules had a book of his own again...
***SPOILER ALERT***
But what of issue 116?
The storyline picks up a little way after the ending of 115 (Herc and Amadeus arriving at Athena's house), with Athena driving the boys up to San Francisco, home of the recently mind-wiped Eternals (see John Romita Jr's mini-series for more).
Upon arrival, Herc disappears into the trees to 'go drain the hydra', and bumps into Ikaris and Thena, who mistake him for Gilgamesh. All kinds of fighting follows as Herc tries to convince the pair that he isn't an Eternal, but rather the son of Zeus.
Now - to some of you, reading the above will probably turn you right off. This kind of myth and folklore is often met with a pretty mixed view, with the Fantasy camp loving it, and the Sci-Fi camp not liking it quite so much.
Those of you who know me will already know that I'm a fully paid up member of the Sci-Fi community. Fantasy, just isn't my thing. And - for the record - Harry Potter just turns my stomach.
But when it comes to this particular book - I can't help but enjoy myself. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente write the book exquisitely, and Rafa Sandoval's pencils are sublime. It's an almost perfect marriage - and one that I sincerely hopes to go on either to a new Herc mini-series (as the ever lovin' Hulk is bound to return), or preferably - an ongoing title.
Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(thoroughly recommended for Sci-Fi or Fantasy fans - watch out for the shocking Secret Invasion tie in)
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