Zenescope has created an exciting comic book reality from the tales we all grew up with: fairy tales, children's stories, monster movies, television shows... and ancient myths. Their re-envisioning of these stories is darker and much more adult than the original versions, and better yet - they all connect in the greater Grimm Universe.

In 'GODSTORM: Hercules Payne' we discover that the Greco-Roman pantheon has been quietly living among us since antiquity, asleep or content with being considered unreal. But then Zeus, the King of the Gods, and foam-born Venus, Goddess of Love, decide to wage a war...

Issue #1:

Murder Was The Case

We meet the Brothers Payne, Andre and Calvin. Both of them love their mother and strive to take good care of her, each in their own way. Calvin is a cop and Andre is a criminal. Calvin has the brains and Andre the brawn. Calvin has a strong moral compass and, well, we suspect that Andre has one too, despite his chosen career path.

Andre's future boss, Terrell Taylor, is an ambitious and ruthless psychopath who happens to be controlled by an errant Olympian. His armed soldiers, and Andre's crew, are soon at odds with local law enforcement and a gun battle ensues.

The result: A Greek Tragedy.

This series is based on a story by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco and Pat Shand. It is written (quite well) by Pat Shand (whom I will soon have the honor of  Interviewing on VOICE OF OLYMPUS) and Chuck Brown. The artistry of AC Osorio, Ben Sawyer, Omi Remalante Jr. and  Jim Campell evoke cop shows and monster movies, and hint at numinous undercurrents, both dark and light. Cudos to Nicole Glade for the wonderful editing of this grim mythic adventure. And thanks to Zenescope for producing strange and interlocking tales of this quality for over a decade.

Hercules Payne's saga as a Realm Knight continues in Grimm's Fairy Tales #118 - #125

Zenescope's mythic tales are continued in Goddess Inc...

Onwards!

Review by Hercules Invictus

Issue #2:

How Long Will They Mourn Me?

Life is not going well for Andre Payne. His half-brother is dead, his mother is devastated, his community mourns, and he (quite rightly) feels responsible.

The criminal underworld, secretly controlled by a goddess through her evil puppet, the infamous crime lord Terrell Taylor, closes in and tightens its grip on Andre. The Sword of Damocles, in the form of a damning digital recording, hangs dangerously over his head.

And the police do not look kindly upon cop killers.

Then suddenly: Andre discovers that he is the son of Zeus, Lord of Olympus, and that he has been granted divine superpowers, along with a mysterious mask.

Issue #3:

Straight Outa Compton

Even without the mask, the Herculean Andre has great strength and a very tough hide. Bullets bounce off him like popcorn or peanuts. He trashes Terrell Taylor's goons and, unfortunately, the diner where his love interest Katrina works. 

Meanwhile, the aspiring kingpin of L.A. crime learns who is really in charge when he challenges Venus. So do his men, who now openly become her men.

Though snubbed by his gang and the subject of disturbing rumors in his neighborhood, Andre finds compassion where he least expects it.

Later, when Terrell's goons, granted super-strength by Venus, go to fetch him, we discover the immense power of Zeus' enigmatic gift.

Issue #4:

Bow Down

Issue #5:

The Watcher