Hercules Today The_New

Hercules: The New 52

The Lion of Olympus has finally made an appearance in the New 52 universe of DC Comics. In previous DC incarnations Hercules was often portrayed as a rogue or villain. He attained heroic stature in a post-apocalyptic Earth that has long since been wiped out of existence. In one timeline he was even revealed to be Superman, unstuck in linear time, while in other realities he was Superman's rival for the affections of Lois Lane.

In Aquaman #29 and #30 it is revealed that, long ago in mythic times, the son of Zeus was treacherously trapped in Hell by the king of Atlantis after helping the Atlanteans capture and confine the monstrous Giant Born, creatures too hideous to be enshrined in myth.

Hercules was eventually overcome and his mind was warped by the Giant Born. And he was transformed into a weapon for their vengeance. When the Giant Born are released into our world the man-god of old is pitted against Aquaman, Atlantis' new king.

Addled and haunted by memories of his true nature as a hero, Hercules is defeated and locked inside a fiery labyrinth.

Review by Hercules Invictus

Note: Now that the DC Universe has mutated once again, it will be interesting to see if this storyline is continued, or if our Olympian hero re-emerges in yet another DC iteration.