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Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Encyclopedia
Hercules is a fictional character
that appears in publications by Marvel Comics
. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery
Annual #1 (1965) and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee
and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby
.
Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books
, the character is based on Heracles
of Greek mythology
, although the name Hercules is associated with the version from Roman mythology
. The character has starred in three self-titled limited series
and been a perennial member of the superhero
team the Avengers
, appearing in each of the three titles. In 2008, Hercules debuted in his own series titled The Incredible Hercules. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series; toy
s; trading cards and video games.
Avengers Forever
#1 - 12 (Dec. 1998 – Nov. 1999) as being an impostor. The character's first formal appearance in the Marvel Universe became Journey into Mystery
Annual #1 (1965), which established Hercules as being a rival of the Thunder God Thor
.
Hercules became a regular guest star in the title Thor, appearing in issue #126 (March 1966). The character guest-starred in Tales To Astonish
#79 (May 1966), and a deadlocked battle with the Hulk
established Hercules as a powerhouse. Like Thor, the character eventually joined superhero
team the Avengers, as of issue #38 (March 1967). Hercules also guest starred in Marvel Team-Up #28 (Dec. 1974) and Marvel Premiere #26 (Nov. 1975) before starring along with four other heroes in the Champions
which ran for 17 issues (Oct. 1975 – Jan. 1978). After this, Hercules made a guest appearance in Marvel Two-In-One
#44 (Oct. 1978).
Hercules starred in two limited series by writer-artist Bob Layton
, with both set in an alternate universe
. A 24th century version of Hercules starred in Hercules #1 - 4 (Sep. – Dec. 1982), which was popular enough to spawn a sequel, Hercules vol. 2, #1 - 4 (March – June 1984). The storylines dealt with Hercules' exile
from the Olympus
, completion of a series of quests and opportunity to leave his past behind and create a new identity.
Hercules remained a constant guest star in both Thor and the Avengers, playing a significant role in the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline in Avengers #270 - 277 (Aug. 1986 – March 1987), involving supervillain team the Masters of Evil
. The story lead directly into the "Assault on Olympus" storyline in Avengers #281 - 285 (July 1987 – Nov. 1987), in which Hercules left the team.
The character starred in the self-titled limited series Hercules vol. 3, #1 - 5 (June - Sep. 2005), and guest starred in limited series Thor: Blood Oath #1 - 6 (Nov. 2005 - Feb. 2006), a retrospective story that depicts the second meeting between the Greek god and Thor.
At the conclusion of the "World War Hulk
" storyline, Hercules received a self-titled publication when Marvel changed the name of the third volume of the Incredible Hulk series to The Incredible Hercules
, effective as of issue #113 (Feb. 2008), and written by Greg Pak
and Fred Van Lente
. The series concluded with Incredible Hercules #141 (April 2010), and was followed by the 2-issue mini-series Hercules: Fall of an Avenger (March - April 2010).
The mini-series is scheduled to lead into the relaunched new title, Prince of Power #1 (May 2010), also written by Pak and Van Lente.
Writers Greg Pak
and Fred Van Lente
started a brand new Hercules series, entitled Herc, featuring the hero without powers, but wielding mythical arms.
to battle the Thunder God Thor
. This story is not referenced in the character's next appearance, which depicts Hercules and Thor as apparently meeting for the first time. The discrepancy is eventually explained when it is revealed that the first "Hercules" encountered was actually an alien
Space Phantom
in disguise.
Hercules guest stars in an extended Thor storyline, defeating a depowered Thunder God (punished by Odin for loving the mortal woman Jane Foster
). Hercules unwittingly becomes the slave of fellow Olympian god Pluto when he signs a contract which he thinks is for a film, meaning that he will now rule the Netherworld instead of Pluto, but is eventually rescued by Thor (now at full strength) who battles and defeats Pluto's underworld minions, meaning Pluto destroys the contract rather than have his realm destroyed. Hercules also has a brief encounter with the Hulk
, fighting the monster to a standstill.
Hercules reappears as the thrall of the Asgardian villainess the Enchantress
who is using water from the spring of Eros and tries to use him to destroy the Avengers, but after being freed from the spell by one of Hawkeye's arrows using brimstone, and being banished from Olympus for one year by Zeus for going to Earth without permission, aids the team for an extended period against foes such as the Mad Thinker
; Namor the Sub-Mariner
; Diablo; Dragon Man
; the Red Guardian
; Whirlwind
and the Titan
Typhon
who has imprisoned the Olympians in the Land of Shades, until leaving for Olympus
. The character returns briefly during a storyline set directly after the Kree-Skrull War
in which the returning Avengers witness an amnesiac
Hercules being abducted by two Titans. After dealing with a disruption in New York City
caused by the Olympian Ares
, the Avengers travel to Olympus and free both Hercules and the Olympian gods who have been turned to crystal by Ares using the Ebony sword. They find out from the Black Knight's spirit he lost his memory after being thrown from Olympus and drifting for six days and nights.
from the underworld, but together they defeat instigators Ares and Pluto who are trying to take over Olympus; battle the Destroyer
and then Herald of Galactus
Firelord before a confrontation with Ego the Living Planet
on Galactus' behalf, as Galactus has been defeated by Ego. Hercules is temporarily possessed by the entity the Dweller-in-Darkness
and guest stars with hero Spider-Man
in title Marvel Team-Up
. before reappearing in the title Thor, aiding Asgardian goddess Sif locate an artifact
called the Runestaff of Kamo Tharnn. Hercules also visits California
and battles old foe Typhon.
Hercules becomes a founding member of the superhero team the Champions
, aiding the mortal heroes against the machinations of Olympians Pluto and Hippolyta
. The character appears during the Korvac
saga, and after being kidnapped by the Elder of the Universe the Collector
is freed (with the other Avengers) by comrade Hawkeye
to battle the cosmic entity Korvac who has absorbed power from Galactus's ship, giving him god-like power, and travelled from the 31st century to remake the Universe. Although killed in battle, Hercules and many of the Avengers are resurrected by the entity before dying. Hercules also appears in a humorous story with Fantastic Four
member the Thing
.
saga", joining an invasion force comprising Olympian gods and other allies that storms the realm of Olympia (occupied by the Eternals
). After a cameo appearance
with the Avengers, Hercules reappears and aids the heroes of Earth against an invasion of New York City by the legions of the fire demon
Surtur. Hercules rejoins the Avengers and aids the team against threats such as Maelstrom
; the Blood Brothers
; the android Vision
when malfunctioning; Terminus; the space pirate Nebula
and the villains Kang the Conqueror
and Immortus
.
Hercules suffers a serious setback during the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline, when Baron Helmut Zemo assembles an army of supervillains to form the fourth version of the Masters of Evil
. Courtesy of a paid pawn, Hercules is drugged at a bar in order to incapacitate him. Hercules, however, manages to return to Avengers Mansion
and singlehandedly engages the Masters of Evil, being eventually beaten unconscious by Goliath; Mister Hyde
, and the Wrecking Crew
. Although the Masters of Evil are defeated, Hercules remains in a coma
as a result of his injuries. The next storyline, titled, "Assault On Olympus" deals with the consequences of Hercules' injuries, as he is taken from the hospital by fellow Olympian Hermes
and returned to Olympus. In his state he mentions the Avengers, causing Zeus to blame them. The Avengers eventually pursue - also aided by sometime member Namor the Sub-Mariner
who is kidnapped by Greek god Poiseidon - and discover they are being blamed by Zeus for Hercules' condition, as Hercules mentioned them in his coma. After battling several of the gods and Zeus himself, the Avengers are forgiven when the Titan Prometheus restores Hercules to full health using part of his life force, Doctor Druid uses his powers to restore Hercules's sanity, and Zeus accidentally attacks Hercules, after which he stops the fight. He hears from his son that the Avengers are not at fault. After that Zeus decides to ban the Olympians from Earth.
During the "Evolutionary War" storyline, Hercules defeats a misguided High Evolutionary
by mutating "beyond godhood". Hercules eventually returns to his normal form and aids Thor against villains such as the Mongoose
and Doctor Doom
. Hercules also encounters the female mutant
Magma
, an active worshipper of the Greek gods.
and then during the Operation: Galactic Storm
storyline.
The other gods continue to feud with Hercules, with Ares - possessing the body of Eric Masterson
who currently wields a missing Thor's power - launching an unsuccessful attack. When Hercules falls in love with a mortal woman called Taylor Madison, the goddess Hera
intervenes and attempts to kill her, although this is prevented when Ares warns Zeus. Hercules discovers that Madison was actually a construct created by Zeus to lure out Hera, and attacks his father. Zeus is angered by "his son's lack of respect", and strips Hercules of his immortality and half his strength, forbidding him from ever returning to Olympus.
A despondant Hercules helps the Shi'ar
warrior Deathcry
return to her homeworld, and on returning to Earth is devastated to learn that the Avengers - and the Fantastic Four
- have apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the entity known as Onslaught
, although they have really been sent into a pocket universe. After traveling to Greece with Spider-Man to meet the threat of Dr. Zeus, Hercules briefly joins the commercial superhero team Heroes for Hire
, and eventually reunites with his Avenger comrades, aiding the team against Morgan Le Fey
. before choosing to remain an inactive member.
After a misunderstanding Hercules is manipulated into fighting Thor, but aids the Thunder God (together with the Asgardian entity the Destroyer
) against the Dark Gods, who have conquered Asgard.
Hercules decides to locate Erik Josten - now reformed and renamed "Atlas" and a member of Thunderbolts
- who as Goliath participated in the beating of Hercules by the Masters of Evil. Hercules finds and attacks Josten until former Avenger Hawkeye (now leader of the Thunderbolts) convinces him to stop, although at the cost of their friendship. Hercules also aids the Avengers against the avatar
group, the Exemplars.
" storyline, and the destruction of Asgard
and disappearance of Thor. Hera takes advantage of Hercules' vulnerability and via her pawn Eurystheus
(an ancient rival of Hercules during the Twelve Labors) proposes he complete a modern version of the classic Labors for a reality television show. Despite opposition from villains such as the Abomination
; the organization HYDRA
, and awkward tasks such as retrieving the shield of Captain America
, Hercules is successful. Hercules is also forgiven by former wife Megara
, who Hercules accidentally killed (together with his children) - a deception revealed by a humbled Hera.
Hercules encounters Thor for the second time in a retrospective story; and guest stars in a humorous story with heroine She-Hulk
, Hercules being successfully sued by the villain Constrictor
for injuring him. Hercules also aids fellow Greek god Ares
against the Japan
ese gods when they attempt to overrun Olympus. Hercules eventually wins back his lost fortune in a poker
match with the Constrictor.
During the Civil War
storyline Hercules is depicted as an opponent of the Superhuman Registration Act, and calls the pro-registration heroes "traitors". Taking the alias of "Victor Tegler" - an information technology
consultant with help from Nick Fury
- to hide from pro-registration forces, Hercules is dismissed by Iron Man
, believing he can't even spell 'registration'". Hercules helps the Secret Avengers escape after the Thor clone is first released. Hercules, however, kills the pro-registration's team's "secret weapon" - a clone
of Thor - in the final battle between the two sides, claiming that it is an insult to the Odinson, before smashing its head open with a hammer while yelling 'Thou art no Thor.' Hercules also stars in the World War Hulk
storyline, featuring a flashback to a period when the superhero team the Champions are still together. In the flashback the team mistakenly attack the Hulk
, with the delay almost killing a gravely ill Jennifer Walters
. Hercules and former Champions teammate Angel
reconcile with the Hulk. Together with several other super beings, Hercules forms a loose-knit group called the "Renegades" to attempt to stop the Hulk when he invades New York City, then helping with rescue and recovery operations in the ruins of the destroyed city then departing before being apprehended.
After the conclusion of World War Hulk, Hercules embarks on series of adventures with companion Amadeus Cho
, a teenage genius and "sidekick". Hercules encounters long-time foe Ares, who poison
s the hero with venom
from the mythical Hydra. After being driven mad by the venom and embarking on a destructive rampage, Hercules is evenutally stopped by former Champions team mate the Black Widow (who also neutralizes Cho when he attacks spy organization S.H.I.E.L.D.
).
Hercules plays a pivotal role in the Secret Invasion
storyline, forming a team called the God Squad
(consisting of Ajak
; Amatsu-Mikaboshi
; Demogorge
and Snowbird
) to neutralize the Skrull
gods directing the invasion of Earth. Hercules is made leader of the team, as the representative of the Western Gods. When Nightmare asks for the team's fears as they try to get his help to get to the Skrull gods, he sees Hercules's fear from losing his armor bearer Hylas. Hercules and Snowbird form a romantic attachment, and together slay Kly'bn, the leader of the Skrull pantheon by impaling him with the dead Atum's spine (with Amatsu-Mikaboshi assuming this role and ending the intervention by Skrull divinity). This event is immediately followed by the storyline "Love and War", in which Hercules and allies Cho; Namora
and the goddess Athena
attempt to thwart Amazon
leader Artume, who reshapes so that the world is dominated by the Amazon females. Hera and Pluto take advantage of the chaos and an absent Zeus to attempt to kill Hercules and Athena. Hercules aids Cho's lover - Delphyne
- slay Artume and take her place as queen
, and with Athena is able to reset reality.
Although successful, Athena dispatches Hercules and Cho to Hades
to find Zeus as he is needed to counter Hera. The pair are waylaid in Hades by the Dark Elf Malekith the Accursed
- disguised as the Asgardian god Balder the Brave - who requests the characters embark on a mission into Svartalfheim, the home of the Dark Elves. Despite Pluto using the spirit of Hercules's adoptive father, they are able to retrieve Zeus. During a humorous series of events, Hercules is forced to disguise himself as Thor and eventually marry Alflyse, the Queen of the Dark Elves.
During the Dark Reign
storyline, Cho is alerted to the activities of the Elder God
Chthon, which cause a "chaos cascade". Cho and Hercules form a new team of Mighty Avengers along with U.S.Agent, Vision, Hank Pym, Stature, Quicksilver and Jocasta in order to meet the threat. The team goes on to break into the Baxter Building, battle the Unspoken in China, visit the Inhumans to return the Xerogen crystals, fight a cosmic cube empowered Absorbing Man, and capture Loki for information about the Scarlet Witch. Due to Pym's strange request for Loki to join the team, the others lose faith in him and quit.
while in the alternate Continuum universe. Athena appears there after the fight, but instead of helping Hercules she seemingly destroys the Continuum universe with him still inside. She explains that he had to die so that Amadeus Cho could replace him as the new "Prince of Power". A funeral service is held at the Parthenon
in Athens, where many of Hercules' comrades pay their respects and share memories. Athena appoints Amadeus as the new leader of the Olympus Group. Amadeus travels to Hades, only to discover that Hercules is not in fact dead. Cho tells Athena he intends to use all their resources to find Hercules and bring him back. Cho teams with Bruce Banner to build a machine that can scan all of reality, but discovers it would take over a billion years to locate Hercules. Amadeus then embarks on a quest to gain the power of a god, competing against Vali Halfling and the Pantheon and teaming up with Thor. Once Cho becomes a god and attains omniscience, he realizes that he is inadequate to wield such power. First he returns Hercules to Earth, then transfers all his new power into him.
During the events of Chaos War
, Amatsu Mikaboshi arrives on Earth with an army of slave gods. he destroys the dream dimension, causing people all over the world to enter a sleep-coma. He then destroys the afterlives of all the cultures of the world, freeing the dead to walk the Earth. The newly super-powered Hercules assembles a second God Squad to battle Mikaboshi, who now calls himself the Chaos King. The combined efforts of the God Squad, Alpha Flight
, the Hulk family, and deceased members of the Avengers and X-Men manage to keep Chaos Kings armies at bay, while Cho and Galactus work on a way to transport the entire Earth into the safety of the Continuum universe. Hercules is able to seal off the Chaos King in the Continuum, saving the world. Hercules then expends all his new powers in order to restore the universe, leaving him reduced to a mortal man once again.
Hercules reappears in Brooklyn, armed with a new array of Olympian weapons stolen from Ares' armory. They include a magic sword called the Sword of Peleus, the Shield of Perseus (an unbreakable shield that turns anyone who looks at it to stone), arrows that can penetrate through anything, and the Helm of Hades (a helmet of invisibility). He gets a job bar tending at a Greek run bar in Brooklyn.
During the Fear Itself
storyline, Hercules ends up coming across Basilisk
, Griffin
, Man-Bull
, and an unknown fourth character robbing the bank after they escaped from The Raft after what Juggernaut in the form of Kurrth did to it. Hercules soon discovers that the fourth person with them is an amnesiac Hecate
. During the fight, Hecate looks into the Shield of Perseus and regains her memories of taking over Brooklyn. Hecate then teams up with Kyknos in order to take over the city and. Kyknos and Hecate manage to turn some people against Hercules due to the chaos that the Serpent's Worthy was creating. When Hercules uses the Shield of Perseus to turn some people to stone, Basilisk and Man-Bull flee. The Griffin has a reaction to the magic forces at work, devolving into a savage beast. He saves Hercules life and becomes his new steed, allowing him to fly around the city. Hercules wakes up in the Griffin's care and discovers that Brooklyn has been reshaped into Hecate's image. Hercules recovers upon hearing the prayers of his worshipers. Hercules and the Griffin manage to find where Basilisk and Man-Bull are hiding and recruit their help." The villains approach Hecate and Kyknos using a ruse involving Hercules being turned to stone. Hercules quickly revives and saves the villains by killing Kyknos. He prevents Ares' revival by kicking over his alter. Hecate eventually flees and Brooklyn is returned to normal.
During the Spider-Island
storyline, the Greek owners/operators of the bar where Hercules works have fled the dangers of New York City and returned to Greece, leaving Hercules in charge. He befriends an elderly African man named A. Nancy who loves stories. One night Herc is bitten by a bed bug that gives him spider powers, which he uses to fight crime. The Queen of Spider Island reveals herself to Herc and makes him her slave. She sends Spider-Herc against the X-Men, who were in town after fighting lizard people in the sewers. They try to reason with him, but he attacks them with the Sword of Peleus. Due to the mutagenic properties of Spider-Man's powers, Spider-Herc mutates into Herc-Spider. Suddenly the X-Men are trapped in a magic web, and the Greek goddess Arachne
appears. Instead of fighting, it is revealed that Arachne is very attracted to Herc's new form and they embrace, while the X-Men are forced to watch. While Arachne is preoccupied, A. Nancy breaks into her home and steals her mythical tapestry. He reveals himself as the African spider god Anansi
, a collector of stories.
. His superstrong legs allow him to run at speeds of over 100 mph, and leap over a hundred feet into the air. He can withstand blows from Thor, and possesses a complete resistance to bullets.
Hercules is highly skilled in archery
, boxing
and Greco-Roman wrestling
, and in combat occasionally wields an adamantine
mace - stated and shown to be the equal of Thor's own mystical hammer Mjolnir - forged by the Greek god Hephaestus
. As an Olympian he is resistant to all earthly diseases, possesses a healing factor, and also has some immunity to magic. However his strength can be taken by significant Olympian magic, such as that of Zeus.
Hercules sacrificed his godly powers to save humanity in the wake of the Chaos War, and now appears to be powerless. He does, however, remain in exceptional physical condition compared to a normal human, as well as retaining his incredible skills in hand-to-hand combat and with weaponry, along with access to magical items that help in battle.
, Firestar
, and Starfox in Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
when Scarlet Witch
explain to Ash Williams
and Dazzler
about the S.O.S that Captain America
put in the Avenger's comlink. Later he participates in a multi-zombie attack on the castle of Doctor Doom; where a few human survivors were hiding.
In Marvel Zombies: Dead Days
he appear in the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier as one of the heroes who survived the zombie plague.
Later, he is seen in the ruins of New York. He is one of the many casualties in the conflict waged against the Silver Surfer
, He is crushed by the zombiefied version of Hulk
when he tries to get Silver Surfer's head from his mouth.
version of Hercules stars in a humorous limited series titled Hercules, which depicts the adventures of Hercules in the 24th century. Banished from Olympus by Zeus in order to learn humility, Hercules travels into deep space
and eventually befriends an alien Skrull
called Skyppi (initially using his shapeshifting abilities to pose as a gorgeous human female) and the Rigellian
Recorder
#417. Hercules also confronts the cosmic entity Galactus
, and after being completely humbled manages to save the world Galactus intended to devour.
This was followed by a second series with a darker tone, as Hercules and his allies face a cosmic version of the hero Red Wolf
and a villain - devoted to the Titan Thanos
- who breaks into the tomb of Kree
hero Captain Marvel
and steals the character's Nega-Bands. Hercules eventually returns to Olympus, and after a battle with Zeus (who has apparently gone insane and killed the other Olympian gods) proves he has learned humility by sparing Zeus's life. Zeus reveals the other gods are not dead, but now exist on another place of existence where Zeus himself will also reside. Hercules is advised that he is now free of his past, and that the character can find his own dynasty
.
, Hercules is one of the last of the original Avengers alive and has a son named Argo the Almighty
, who aids the next generation of Avengers.
:
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
that appears in publications by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery
Journey into Mystery
Journey into Mystery was an American comic book series published by Atlas Comics, and later its successor Marvel Comics. It featured horror, monster, and science fiction stories...
Annual #1 (1965) and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
.
Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books
Silver Age of Comic Books
The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and an interregnum in the early to mid-1950s, the Silver Age is considered to cover the...
, the character is based on Heracles
Heracles
Heracles ,born Alcaeus or Alcides , was a divine hero in Greek mythology, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, foster son of Amphitryon and great-grandson of Perseus...
of Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
, although the name Hercules is associated with the version from Roman mythology
Roman mythology
Roman mythology is the body of traditional stories pertaining to ancient Rome's legendary origins and religious system, as represented in the literature and visual arts of the Romans...
. The character has starred in three self-titled limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
and been a perennial member of the superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
team the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
, appearing in each of the three titles. In 2008, Hercules debuted in his own series titled The Incredible Hercules. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series; toy
Toy
A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...
s; trading cards and video games.
Publication history
Hercules debuted in Avengers #10 (Nov. 1964) as a minion of Immortus, although his appearance was revealed in the limited seriesLimited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
Avengers Forever
Avengers Forever
Avengers Forever is a twelve-issue comic book limited series published from December 1998 to November 1999 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Kurt Busiek and Roger Stern and drawn by Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino.-Publication history:...
#1 - 12 (Dec. 1998 – Nov. 1999) as being an impostor. The character's first formal appearance in the Marvel Universe became Journey into Mystery
Journey into Mystery
Journey into Mystery was an American comic book series published by Atlas Comics, and later its successor Marvel Comics. It featured horror, monster, and science fiction stories...
Annual #1 (1965), which established Hercules as being a rival of the Thunder God Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
.
Hercules became a regular guest star in the title Thor, appearing in issue #126 (March 1966). The character guest-starred in Tales To Astonish
Tales to Astonish
Tales to Astonish is the name of two American comic book series and a one-shot comic published by Marvel Comics.The primary title bearing that name was published from 1959-1968...
#79 (May 1966), and a deadlocked battle with the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
established Hercules as a powerhouse. Like Thor, the character eventually joined superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
team the Avengers, as of issue #38 (March 1967). Hercules also guest starred in Marvel Team-Up #28 (Dec. 1974) and Marvel Premiere #26 (Nov. 1975) before starring along with four other heroes in the Champions
Champions (comics)
The Champions are a team of superheroes that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appears in The Champions #1 The Champions are a team of superheroes that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appears in The Champions #1 The Champions are a...
which ran for 17 issues (Oct. 1975 – Jan. 1978). After this, Hercules made a guest appearance in Marvel Two-In-One
Marvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-In-One was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics that featured the Fantastic Four member, the Thing, in a different team-up each issue with a different character. The series continued from the team-up stories starring the Thing in the final two issues of Marvel...
#44 (Oct. 1978).
Hercules starred in two limited series by writer-artist Bob Layton
Bob Layton
Bob Layton is an American comic book artist, writer, and editor, who has worked for Marvel Comics, Valiant Comics, DC Comics, Future Comics, and other publishers.-Early life:...
, with both set in an alternate universe
Parallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
. A 24th century version of Hercules starred in Hercules #1 - 4 (Sep. – Dec. 1982), which was popular enough to spawn a sequel, Hercules vol. 2, #1 - 4 (March – June 1984). The storylines dealt with Hercules' exile
Exile
Exile means to be away from one's home , while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened with imprisonment or death upon return...
from the Olympus
Olympus (Marvel Comics)
Olympus is a fictional setting, a location in the Marvel Universe. Adapted from Greek mythology by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 ....
, completion of a series of quests and opportunity to leave his past behind and create a new identity.
Hercules remained a constant guest star in both Thor and the Avengers, playing a significant role in the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline in Avengers #270 - 277 (Aug. 1986 – March 1987), involving supervillain team the Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
. The story lead directly into the "Assault on Olympus" storyline in Avengers #281 - 285 (July 1987 – Nov. 1987), in which Hercules left the team.
The character starred in the self-titled limited series Hercules vol. 3, #1 - 5 (June - Sep. 2005), and guest starred in limited series Thor: Blood Oath #1 - 6 (Nov. 2005 - Feb. 2006), a retrospective story that depicts the second meeting between the Greek god and Thor.
At the conclusion of the "World War Hulk
World War Hulk
"World War Hulk" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and various other titles published by Marvel Comics in 2007, featuring the Hulk....
" storyline, Hercules received a self-titled publication when Marvel changed the name of the third volume of the Incredible Hulk series to The Incredible Hercules
The Incredible Hercules
The Incredible Hercules is an ongoing comic book series written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente and published by Marvel Comics. The series stars the mythological superhero Hercules, his sidekick Amadeus Cho, the seventh-smartest person in the world, and half-sister Athena, Goddess of Wisdom,...
, effective as of issue #113 (Feb. 2008), and written by Greg Pak
Greg Pak
Greg Pak is an American New York-based film director/comic book writer, known for his work on such books featuring the Hulk.-Early life:Pak is a graduate of Yale University, where he was a member of the Purple Crayon improv group, and studied history at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and film at...
and Fred Van Lente
Fred Van Lente
Fred Van Lente is an American writer, primarily of comic books and graphic novels.-Career:Van Lente is the co-founder, along with artist Ryan Dunlavey, of Evil Twin Comics, which produces his and Dunlavey’s non-fiction comic books, the first and most famous of which is Action Philosophers.Recent...
. The series concluded with Incredible Hercules #141 (April 2010), and was followed by the 2-issue mini-series Hercules: Fall of an Avenger (March - April 2010).
The mini-series is scheduled to lead into the relaunched new title, Prince of Power #1 (May 2010), also written by Pak and Van Lente.
Writers Greg Pak
Greg Pak
Greg Pak is an American New York-based film director/comic book writer, known for his work on such books featuring the Hulk.-Early life:Pak is a graduate of Yale University, where he was a member of the Purple Crayon improv group, and studied history at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and film at...
and Fred Van Lente
Fred Van Lente
Fred Van Lente is an American writer, primarily of comic books and graphic novels.-Career:Van Lente is the co-founder, along with artist Ryan Dunlavey, of Evil Twin Comics, which produces his and Dunlavey’s non-fiction comic books, the first and most famous of which is Action Philosophers.Recent...
started a brand new Hercules series, entitled Herc, featuring the hero without powers, but wielding mythical arms.
1960s
Hercules first appears when pulled from the past by the villain ImmortusImmortus
Immortus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is the future self of Kang the Conqueror, and first appeared in Avengers #10, and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
to battle the Thunder God Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
. This story is not referenced in the character's next appearance, which depicts Hercules and Thor as apparently meeting for the first time. The discrepancy is eventually explained when it is revealed that the first "Hercules" encountered was actually an alien
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
Space Phantom
Space Phantom
Space Phantom is a name given to a number of fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe. The first appearance of such a being was in Avengers vol. 1 #2 , they were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
in disguise.
Hercules guest stars in an extended Thor storyline, defeating a depowered Thunder God (punished by Odin for loving the mortal woman Jane Foster
Jane Foster (comics)
Jane Foster is a Marvel Comics supporting character who for many years was the nurse employed by Dr. Donald Blake, the secret identity of the Norse god superhero Thor.-Publication history:...
). Hercules unwittingly becomes the slave of fellow Olympian god Pluto when he signs a contract which he thinks is for a film, meaning that he will now rule the Netherworld instead of Pluto, but is eventually rescued by Thor (now at full strength) who battles and defeats Pluto's underworld minions, meaning Pluto destroys the contract rather than have his realm destroyed. Hercules also has a brief encounter with the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
, fighting the monster to a standstill.
Hercules reappears as the thrall of the Asgardian villainess the Enchantress
Enchantress (Marvel Comics)
The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:...
who is using water from the spring of Eros and tries to use him to destroy the Avengers, but after being freed from the spell by one of Hawkeye's arrows using brimstone, and being banished from Olympus for one year by Zeus for going to Earth without permission, aids the team for an extended period against foes such as the Mad Thinker
Mad Thinker
The Mad Thinker is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . He is a genius specializing in evil robotics and usually comes up with very elaborate infallible devious plans that unfold like clockwork....
; Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner is a fictional comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe, and one of the first superheroes, debuting in Spring 1939. The character was created by writer-artist Bill Everett for Funnies Inc., one of the first "packagers" in the early days of comic books that supplied...
; Diablo; Dragon Man
Dragon Man
Dragon Man is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe. He is an artificial dragon-like humanoid android who was animated via alchemy. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #35 ....
; the Red Guardian
Red Guardian
The Red Guardian is the name of several comic book superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. The Red Guardian is an identity that was created as the Soviet equivalent of Captain America; since the fall of the Soviet Union, the name is no longer officially used, though at least two people have...
; Whirlwind
Whirlwind (comics)
Whirlwind is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales To Astonish #50 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
and the Titan
Titan (mythology)
In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities, descendants of Gaia and Uranus, that ruled during the legendary Golden Age....
Typhon
Typhon (comics)
Typhon is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe, most commonly associated with the hero Hercules.-Fictional character biography:...
who has imprisoned the Olympians in the Land of Shades, until leaving for Olympus
Olympus (Marvel Comics)
Olympus is a fictional setting, a location in the Marvel Universe. Adapted from Greek mythology by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 ....
. The character returns briefly during a storyline set directly after the Kree-Skrull War
Kree-Skrull War
The "Kree-Skrull War" is a story arc that was written by Roy Thomas, and drawn by Sal Buscema, Neal Adams, and John Buscema. The story was originally published in the Marvel Comics comic book title Avengers #89 - 97 ....
in which the returning Avengers witness an amnesiac
Amnesiac
Amnesiac was generally well-received by critics. It was also ranked as one of the best albums of the year by several publications. The Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll ranked it number 6 on their top 10 albums of the year. Alternative Press declared it the #1 album of the year...
Hercules being abducted by two Titans. After dealing with a disruption in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
caused by the Olympian Ares
Ares (Marvel Comics)
Ares is a fictional character, a deity in the Marvel Comics Universe based on the Greek god of the same name. He first appears in Thor #129 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
, the Avengers travel to Olympus and free both Hercules and the Olympian gods who have been turned to crystal by Ares using the Ebony sword. They find out from the Black Knight's spirit he lost his memory after being thrown from Olympus and drifting for six days and nights.
1970s
Hercules continues to aid Thor in several connected storylines. Thor mistakenly battles Hercules when trying to rescue an Asgardian goddessGoddess
A goddess is a female deity. In some cultures goddesses are associated with Earth, motherhood, love, and the household. In other cultures, goddesses also rule over war, death, and destruction as well as healing....
from the underworld, but together they defeat instigators Ares and Pluto who are trying to take over Olympus; battle the Destroyer
Destroyer (Thor)
The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The...
and then Herald of Galactus
Herald of Galactus
The Heralds of Galactus are fictional characters appearing in publications from Marvel Comics. The Herald concept was introduced in Fantastic Four #48 - with the character the Silver Surfer - by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
Firelord before a confrontation with Ego the Living Planet
Ego the Living Planet
Ego the Living Planet is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe. The character first appeared in Thor #132 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
on Galactus' behalf, as Galactus has been defeated by Ego. Hercules is temporarily possessed by the entity the Dweller-in-Darkness
Dweller-in-Darkness
The Dweller-in-Darkness is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a demon, one of the Fear Lords, who has clashed with Doctor Strange.- Publication history :...
and guest stars with hero Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
in title Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up is the name of several American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series featured two or more Marvel characters in one story...
. before reappearing in the title Thor, aiding Asgardian goddess Sif locate an artifact
Artifact (archaeology)
An artifact or artefact is "something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art, esp an object of archaeological interest"...
called the Runestaff of Kamo Tharnn. Hercules also visits California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and battles old foe Typhon.
Hercules becomes a founding member of the superhero team the Champions
Champions (comics)
The Champions are a team of superheroes that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appears in The Champions #1 The Champions are a team of superheroes that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appears in The Champions #1 The Champions are a...
, aiding the mortal heroes against the machinations of Olympians Pluto and Hippolyta
Hippolyta (Marvel Comics)
Based on the Hippolyta of Greek mythology, Hippolyta is a fictional Amazon character within the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:...
. The character appears during the Korvac
Korvac
Michael Korvac is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Giant-Size Defenders #3 Michael Korvac (often called Korvac or The Enemy) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character...
saga, and after being kidnapped by the Elder of the Universe the Collector
Collector (comics)
The Collector is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Fictional character biography:Taneleer Tivan is one of the Elders of the Universe and is close to his fellow Elder En Dwi Gast . He apparently came to self-awareness billions of years ago, on the planet Cygnus X-1...
is freed (with the other Avengers) by comrade Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
to battle the cosmic entity Korvac who has absorbed power from Galactus's ship, giving him god-like power, and travelled from the 31st century to remake the Universe. Although killed in battle, Hercules and many of the Avengers are resurrected by the entity before dying. Hercules also appears in a humorous story with Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
member the Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
.
1980s
Hercules reappears during the "CelestialCelestial (comics)
The Celestials are a group of fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The characters first appear in Eternals #1 and were created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
saga", joining an invasion force comprising Olympian gods and other allies that storms the realm of Olympia (occupied by the Eternals
Eternals (comics)
The Eternals are a fictional race of superhumans in the Marvel Comics universe. They are described as an offshoot of the evolutionary process that created sentient life on Earth. The original instigators of this process, the alien Celestials, intended the Eternals to be the defenders of Earth which...
). After a cameo appearance
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
with the Avengers, Hercules reappears and aids the heroes of Earth against an invasion of New York City by the legions of the fire demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
Surtur. Hercules rejoins the Avengers and aids the team against threats such as Maelstrom
Maelstrom (comics)
Maelstrom is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Marvel Two-in-One #71 , and was created by writer Mark Gruenwald.-Fictional character biography:...
; the Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers (comics)
The Blood Brothers are fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. They first appeared in Iron Man #55 and were created by Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich.-Publication history:...
; the android Vision
Vision (Marvel Comics)
The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first Vision was created by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that...
when malfunctioning; Terminus; the space pirate Nebula
Nebula (comics)
Nebula is a fictional character, an alien supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:A brutal space pirate and mercenary, Nebula seized control of Sanctuary III, a massive spaceship previously under the command of Thanos. Thanos was believed to be dead at...
and the villains Kang the Conqueror
Kang the Conqueror
Kang the Conqueror is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Avengers #8 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
and Immortus
Immortus
Immortus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is the future self of Kang the Conqueror, and first appeared in Avengers #10, and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
.
Hercules suffers a serious setback during the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline, when Baron Helmut Zemo assembles an army of supervillains to form the fourth version of the Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
. Courtesy of a paid pawn, Hercules is drugged at a bar in order to incapacitate him. Hercules, however, manages to return to Avengers Mansion
Avengers Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, Avengers Mansion has traditionally been the base of the Avengers. The enormous, city block-sized building is located at 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City.-Creative origin:...
and singlehandedly engages the Masters of Evil, being eventually beaten unconscious by Goliath; Mister Hyde
Mister Hyde (comics)
Mister Hyde is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain. His first appearance was in Journey into Mystery #99, 1963.-Publication history:...
, and the Wrecking Crew
Wrecking Crew (comics)
The Wrecking Crew is a team of four fictional supervillains — Bulldozer, Piledriver, Thunderball, and the Wrecker — that appears in Marvel Comics. While not featured on the cover, the Wrecking Crew's first appearance is in Defenders vol. 1, #17 in November 1974.-Fictional biography:The Wrecking...
. Although the Masters of Evil are defeated, Hercules remains in a coma
Coma
In medicine, a coma is a state of unconsciousness, lasting more than 6 hours in which a person cannot be awakened, fails to respond normally to painful stimuli, light or sound, lacks a normal sleep-wake cycle and does not initiate voluntary actions. A person in a state of coma is described as...
as a result of his injuries. The next storyline, titled, "Assault On Olympus" deals with the consequences of Hercules' injuries, as he is taken from the hospital by fellow Olympian Hermes
Hermes (Marvel Comics)
Hermes is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Hermes is the herald of Zeus in the Olympian pantheon, and is also the god of commerce, travel, and thieves. Zeus is Hermes's father. Hermes was born on Mount Cyllene, Arcadia, in ancient Greece.When Hermes first...
and returned to Olympus. In his state he mentions the Avengers, causing Zeus to blame them. The Avengers eventually pursue - also aided by sometime member Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner is a fictional comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe, and one of the first superheroes, debuting in Spring 1939. The character was created by writer-artist Bill Everett for Funnies Inc., one of the first "packagers" in the early days of comic books that supplied...
who is kidnapped by Greek god Poiseidon - and discover they are being blamed by Zeus for Hercules' condition, as Hercules mentioned them in his coma. After battling several of the gods and Zeus himself, the Avengers are forgiven when the Titan Prometheus restores Hercules to full health using part of his life force, Doctor Druid uses his powers to restore Hercules's sanity, and Zeus accidentally attacks Hercules, after which he stops the fight. He hears from his son that the Avengers are not at fault. After that Zeus decides to ban the Olympians from Earth.
During the "Evolutionary War" storyline, Hercules defeats a misguided High Evolutionary
High Evolutionary
The High Evolutionary is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The High Evolutionary was first mentioned in The Mighty Thor vol. 1 #133 , and first appears in The Mighty Thor vol. 1 #134 , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
by mutating "beyond godhood". Hercules eventually returns to his normal form and aids Thor against villains such as the Mongoose
Mongoose (comics)
Mongoose is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain from the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:Apparently, Mongoose was a real mongoose before his powers were genetically engineered by the High Evolutionary to serve as his agent. At one point, the Mongoose arrives in...
and Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
. Hercules also encounters the female mutant
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
Magma
Magma (comics)
Magma is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics series New Mutants, also associated with various X-Men-related comics. She was created by author Chris Claremont and artist Bob McLeod, and debuted in New Mutants #8...
, an active worshipper of the Greek gods.
1990s
Together with Thor, Hercules confronted the Wrecking Crew once again, and recovers his confidence and defeats the villains when the Thunder God feigns defeat. After a brief appearance in the "Black Galaxy" saga, where he is trapped inside a Celestial briefly, Hercules rejoins the Avengers as a reserve member and is upgraded to active status during the "Collection Obsession" storyline, aiding the team against Thane Ector and the Elder of the Universe the CollectorCollector (comics)
The Collector is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Fictional character biography:Taneleer Tivan is one of the Elders of the Universe and is close to his fellow Elder En Dwi Gast . He apparently came to self-awareness billions of years ago, on the planet Cygnus X-1...
and then during the Operation: Galactic Storm
Operation: Galactic Storm
"Operation: Galactic Storm" was a 19-part comic book crossover storyline which ran through Marvel Comics' Avengers related titles - Avengers, Avengers West Coast, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wonder Man and Quasar - between March and May 1992.The storyline, which involves the Avengers...
storyline.
The other gods continue to feud with Hercules, with Ares - possessing the body of Eric Masterson
Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson)
Eric Masterson is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe, a superhero that has appeared as Thor and later Thunderstrike. The character was introduced as a supporting character in the Thor title, but continued in several other comic books, including the self-titled series Thunderstrike...
who currently wields a missing Thor's power - launching an unsuccessful attack. When Hercules falls in love with a mortal woman called Taylor Madison, the goddess Hera
Hera (Marvel Comics)
Hera is a fictional deity in the Marvel Comics Universe based on the Greek Goddess of the same name. Hera first appeared in the pages of Thor #129, written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
intervenes and attempts to kill her, although this is prevented when Ares warns Zeus. Hercules discovers that Madison was actually a construct created by Zeus to lure out Hera, and attacks his father. Zeus is angered by "his son's lack of respect", and strips Hercules of his immortality and half his strength, forbidding him from ever returning to Olympus.
A despondant Hercules helps the Shi'ar
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar are a fictional species of aliens in the Marvel Comics universe. The Shi'ar Empire also called the Aerie, is a vast collection of alien species, cultures and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Empires, and alongside them, is one of the three main alien empires...
warrior Deathcry
Deathcry
Deathcry is a fictional Marvel Comics character and a former member of the Avengers team. She is an alien Shi'ar and first appeared in Avengers #363 and was created by Bob Harras and Steve Epting....
return to her homeworld, and on returning to Earth is devastated to learn that the Avengers - and the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
- have apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the entity known as Onslaught
Onslaught (comics)
Onslaught is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Man #15 , and was co-created by writers Scott Lobdell, Mark Waid, and artist Andy Kubert....
, although they have really been sent into a pocket universe. After traveling to Greece with Spider-Man to meet the threat of Dr. Zeus, Hercules briefly joins the commercial superhero team Heroes for Hire
Heroes For Hire
Heroes for Hire is a fictional superhero team published by Marvel Comics. The team first appeared in Power Man and Iron Fist #54 , and was created by Ed Hannigan and Lee Elias.-Publication history and original concept:...
, and eventually reunites with his Avenger comrades, aiding the team against Morgan Le Fey
Morgan Le Fey (comics)
Morgan le Fay, in comics, may refer to:*Morgan le Fay , a Marvel Comics character based on the legendary figure*Morgaine le Fey , a DC Comics character based on the legendary figure...
. before choosing to remain an inactive member.
After a misunderstanding Hercules is manipulated into fighting Thor, but aids the Thunder God (together with the Asgardian entity the Destroyer
Destroyer (Thor)
The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The...
) against the Dark Gods, who have conquered Asgard.
Hercules decides to locate Erik Josten - now reformed and renamed "Atlas" and a member of Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
- who as Goliath participated in the beating of Hercules by the Masters of Evil. Hercules finds and attacks Josten until former Avenger Hawkeye (now leader of the Thunderbolts) convinces him to stop, although at the cost of their friendship. Hercules also aids the Avengers against the avatar
Incarnation
Incarnation literally means embodied in flesh or taking on flesh. It refers to the conception and birth of a sentient creature who is the material manifestation of an entity, god or force whose original nature is immaterial....
group, the Exemplars.
2000s
Hercules becomes a drunkard, dismayed at the dissolution of the Avengers during the "DisassembledAvengers Disassembled
"Avengers Disassembled", referred to in some participating series as "Disassembled", is a crossover event between several Marvel Comics series. The general idea is that the major heroes are assaulted, not just physically, but emotionally...
" storyline, and the destruction of Asgard
Asgard (comics)
Asgard is a fictional realm within the Marvel Comics universe based on the Asgard of Norse mythology and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology...
and disappearance of Thor. Hera takes advantage of Hercules' vulnerability and via her pawn Eurystheus
Eurystheus
In Greek mythology, Eurystheus was king of Tiryns, one of three Mycenaean strongholds in the Argolid, although other authors including Homer and Euripides cast him as ruler of Argos: Sthenelus was his father and the "victorious horsewoman" Nicippe his mother, and he was a grandson of the hero...
(an ancient rival of Hercules during the Twelve Labors) proposes he complete a modern version of the classic Labors for a reality television show. Despite opposition from villains such as the Abomination
Abomination (comics)
The Abomination is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
; the organization HYDRA
HYDRA
HYDRA is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Universe.Despite the name's capitalization per Marvel's official spelling, the name is not an acronym but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra...
, and awkward tasks such as retrieving the shield of Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, Hercules is successful. Hercules is also forgiven by former wife Megara
Megara (mythology)
In Greek mythology, Megara was the oldest daughter of Creon, king of Thebes. In reward for Heracles' defending Thebes from Orchomenus in single-handed battle, Creon offered his daughter Megara to Heracles and he brought her home to the house of Amphitryon...
, who Hercules accidentally killed (together with his children) - a deception revealed by a humbled Hera.
Hercules encounters Thor for the second time in a retrospective story; and guest stars in a humorous story with heroine She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, Hercules being successfully sued by the villain Constrictor
Constrictor (comics)
Constrictor is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. The character is primarily a supervillain, but is often portrayed as a redeeming anti-hero. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk vol.1 #212 and was created by Len Wein and Sal Buscema.-Publication history:Constrictor...
for injuring him. Hercules also aids fellow Greek god Ares
Ares (Marvel Comics)
Ares is a fictional character, a deity in the Marvel Comics Universe based on the Greek god of the same name. He first appears in Thor #129 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
against the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese gods when they attempt to overrun Olympus. Hercules eventually wins back his lost fortune in a poker
Poker
Poker is a family of card games that share betting rules and usually hand rankings. Poker games differ in how the cards are dealt, how hands may be formed, whether the high or low hand wins the pot in a showdown , limits on bet sizes, and how many rounds of betting are allowed.In most modern poker...
match with the Constrictor.
During the Civil War
Civil War (comics)
Civil War is a 2006-2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time...
storyline Hercules is depicted as an opponent of the Superhuman Registration Act, and calls the pro-registration heroes "traitors". Taking the alias of "Victor Tegler" - an information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
consultant with help from Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
- to hide from pro-registration forces, Hercules is dismissed by Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
, believing he can't even spell 'registration'". Hercules helps the Secret Avengers escape after the Thor clone is first released. Hercules, however, kills the pro-registration's team's "secret weapon" - a clone
Cloning
Cloning in biology is the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals that occurs in nature when organisms such as bacteria, insects or plants reproduce asexually. Cloning in biotechnology refers to processes used to create copies of DNA fragments , cells , or...
of Thor - in the final battle between the two sides, claiming that it is an insult to the Odinson, before smashing its head open with a hammer while yelling 'Thou art no Thor.' Hercules also stars in the World War Hulk
World War Hulk
"World War Hulk" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and various other titles published by Marvel Comics in 2007, featuring the Hulk....
storyline, featuring a flashback to a period when the superhero team the Champions are still together. In the flashback the team mistakenly attack the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
, with the delay almost killing a gravely ill Jennifer Walters
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
. Hercules and former Champions teammate Angel
Angel (Marvel Comics)
Angel refers to two characters in the Marvel Universe:* Golden Age of Comics: Angel and his brother Simon* Silver Age of Comics: Warren Worthington III...
reconcile with the Hulk. Together with several other super beings, Hercules forms a loose-knit group called the "Renegades" to attempt to stop the Hulk when he invades New York City, then helping with rescue and recovery operations in the ruins of the destroyed city then departing before being apprehended.
After the conclusion of World War Hulk, Hercules embarks on series of adventures with companion Amadeus Cho
Amadeus Cho
Amadeus Cho, also known as Mastermind Excello, is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Greg Pak and artist Takeshi Miyazawa, the character first appeared in Amazing Fantasy vol. 2 #15...
, a teenage genius and "sidekick". Hercules encounters long-time foe Ares, who poison
Poison
In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism....
s the hero with venom
Venom
Venom is the general term referring to any variety of toxins used by certain types of animals that inject it into their victims by the means of a bite or a sting...
from the mythical Hydra. After being driven mad by the venom and embarking on a destructive rampage, Hercules is evenutally stopped by former Champions team mate the Black Widow (who also neutralizes Cho when he attacks spy organization S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
).
Hercules plays a pivotal role in the Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
storyline, forming a team called the God Squad
God Squad (comics)
God Squad is the name fictional comic book character Amadeus Cho gave to a team of gods brought together in the Marvel Universe to face the oncoming Secret Invasion...
(consisting of Ajak
Ajak
Ajak is a fictional character, a member of the Eternals, a race in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Ajak first appeared in Eternals vol. 1 #2 , and was created by Jack Kirby...
; Amatsu-Mikaboshi
Amatsu-Mikaboshi (comics)
Amatsu-Mikaboshi is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe, a supervillain and demonic god of evil who is best known as an enemy of Hercules...
; Demogorge
Atum (comics)
Atum is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, based loosely on the Ra of Egyptian mythology. The character first appears in Thor Annual #10 and was created by Alan Zelenetz and Bob Hall....
and Snowbird
Snowbird (comics)
Snowbird is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. She first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #120 , and was created by John Byrne.-Fictional character biography:...
) to neutralize the Skrull
Skrull
The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
gods directing the invasion of Earth. Hercules is made leader of the team, as the representative of the Western Gods. When Nightmare asks for the team's fears as they try to get his help to get to the Skrull gods, he sees Hercules's fear from losing his armor bearer Hylas. Hercules and Snowbird form a romantic attachment, and together slay Kly'bn, the leader of the Skrull pantheon by impaling him with the dead Atum's spine (with Amatsu-Mikaboshi assuming this role and ending the intervention by Skrull divinity). This event is immediately followed by the storyline "Love and War", in which Hercules and allies Cho; Namora
Namora
Namora is a fictional character, a superhero in the . She is from Atlantis and is the daughter of an Atlantean father and a human mother. She is the cousin of Namor the Sub-Mariner.-Publication history:...
and the goddess Athena
Athena (Marvel Comics)
Athena is a fictional deity in the Marvel Comics Universe based on the Greek Goddess of the same name. Athena first appeared in the pages of Thor #164, written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
attempt to thwart Amazon
Amazons
The Amazons are a nation of all-female warriors in Greek mythology and Classical antiquity. Herodotus placed them in a region bordering Scythia in Sarmatia...
leader Artume, who reshapes so that the world is dominated by the Amazon females. Hera and Pluto take advantage of the chaos and an absent Zeus to attempt to kill Hercules and Athena. Hercules aids Cho's lover - Delphyne
Delphyne Gorgon
Delphyne Gorgon is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. A Gorgon member of the Amazon nation, she is a love interest of Amadeus Cho...
- slay Artume and take her place as queen
Queen regnant
A queen regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right, in contrast to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reigning king. An empress regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right over an empire....
, and with Athena is able to reset reality.
Although successful, Athena dispatches Hercules and Cho to Hades
Hades
Hades , Hadēs, originally , Haidēs or , Aidēs , meaning "the unseen") was the ancient Greek god of the underworld. The genitive , Haidou, was an elision to denote locality: "[the house/dominion] of Hades". Eventually, the nominative came to designate the abode of the dead.In Greek mythology, Hades...
to find Zeus as he is needed to counter Hera. The pair are waylaid in Hades by the Dark Elf Malekith the Accursed
Malekith the Accursed
Malekith the Accursed is a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He is ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, and has come into conflict with Thor. He once wielded the Casket of Ancient Winters.-Fictional character biography:...
- disguised as the Asgardian god Balder the Brave - who requests the characters embark on a mission into Svartalfheim, the home of the Dark Elves. Despite Pluto using the spirit of Hercules's adoptive father, they are able to retrieve Zeus. During a humorous series of events, Hercules is forced to disguise himself as Thor and eventually marry Alflyse, the Queen of the Dark Elves.
During the Dark Reign
Dark Reign (comics)
"Dark Reign" is a 2008–2009 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics. It deals with the aftermath of the "Secret Invasion" storyline, which led to a shift of power in the Marvel Universe toward Norman Osborn. The title "Dark Reign" refers to Osborn's rise to national power and the...
storyline, Cho is alerted to the activities of the Elder God
Elder Gods (Marvel Comics)
The Elder Gods are fictional characters from the Marvel Comics universe. They were the first generation of Earth's gods, apparently inspired by Greek mythology and the Cthulhu Mythos.-Fictional group history:...
Chthon, which cause a "chaos cascade". Cho and Hercules form a new team of Mighty Avengers along with U.S.Agent, Vision, Hank Pym, Stature, Quicksilver and Jocasta in order to meet the threat. The team goes on to break into the Baxter Building, battle the Unspoken in China, visit the Inhumans to return the Xerogen crystals, fight a cosmic cube empowered Absorbing Man, and capture Loki for information about the Scarlet Witch. Due to Pym's strange request for Loki to join the team, the others lose faith in him and quit.
2010s
Hercules teams with both the Mighty and New Avengers to stop Hera from remaking the universe with a device called Continuum. Hercules manages to defeat TyphonTyphon (comics)
Typhon is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe, most commonly associated with the hero Hercules.-Fictional character biography:...
while in the alternate Continuum universe. Athena appears there after the fight, but instead of helping Hercules she seemingly destroys the Continuum universe with him still inside. She explains that he had to die so that Amadeus Cho could replace him as the new "Prince of Power". A funeral service is held at the Parthenon
Parthenon
The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their virgin patron. Its construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC, although...
in Athens, where many of Hercules' comrades pay their respects and share memories. Athena appoints Amadeus as the new leader of the Olympus Group. Amadeus travels to Hades, only to discover that Hercules is not in fact dead. Cho tells Athena he intends to use all their resources to find Hercules and bring him back. Cho teams with Bruce Banner to build a machine that can scan all of reality, but discovers it would take over a billion years to locate Hercules. Amadeus then embarks on a quest to gain the power of a god, competing against Vali Halfling and the Pantheon and teaming up with Thor. Once Cho becomes a god and attains omniscience, he realizes that he is inadequate to wield such power. First he returns Hercules to Earth, then transfers all his new power into him.
During the events of Chaos War
Chaos War (comics)
"Chaos War" is a Marvel Comics storyline that began publication in October 2010 across nine comic book series: the five-issue miniseries Chaos War, written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, supplemented by seven branded miniseries or one-shot publications, and by three issues of Incredible Hulks, a...
, Amatsu Mikaboshi arrives on Earth with an army of slave gods. he destroys the dream dimension, causing people all over the world to enter a sleep-coma. He then destroys the afterlives of all the cultures of the world, freeing the dead to walk the Earth. The newly super-powered Hercules assembles a second God Squad to battle Mikaboshi, who now calls himself the Chaos King. The combined efforts of the God Squad, Alpha Flight
Alpha Flight
Alpha Flight is a fictional superhero team published by Marvel Comics, noteworthy for being one of the few Canadian superhero teams. Created by John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #120 ....
, the Hulk family, and deceased members of the Avengers and X-Men manage to keep Chaos Kings armies at bay, while Cho and Galactus work on a way to transport the entire Earth into the safety of the Continuum universe. Hercules is able to seal off the Chaos King in the Continuum, saving the world. Hercules then expends all his new powers in order to restore the universe, leaving him reduced to a mortal man once again.
Hercules reappears in Brooklyn, armed with a new array of Olympian weapons stolen from Ares' armory. They include a magic sword called the Sword of Peleus, the Shield of Perseus (an unbreakable shield that turns anyone who looks at it to stone), arrows that can penetrate through anything, and the Helm of Hades (a helmet of invisibility). He gets a job bar tending at a Greek run bar in Brooklyn.
During the Fear Itself
Fear Itself (comics)
"Fear Itself" is a 2011 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics, consisting of a seven-issue, eponymous miniseries written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Laura Martin, a prologue book by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Scott Eaton, and...
storyline, Hercules ends up coming across Basilisk
Basilisk (comics)
The Basilisk is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first is a supervillain who debuts in Marvel Team-Up #16 . The second is a mutant who first appears in New X-Men #135 . The third is a lizard-like villain who first appears in Morbius,...
, Griffin
Griffin (Marvel Comics)
Griffin is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain. He first appeared in Amazing Adventures vol. 1 #15 and was created by Steve Englehart and Tom Sutton.-Fictional character biography:...
, Man-Bull
Man-Bull
Man-Bull is a fictional character, a supervillain from Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Man-Bull first appeared in Daredevil #78-79 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Gary Friedrich....
, and an unknown fourth character robbing the bank after they escaped from The Raft after what Juggernaut in the form of Kurrth did to it. Hercules soon discovers that the fourth person with them is an amnesiac Hecate
Hecate (Marvel Comics)
-Hecate :A supervillain named Hecate appeared in Ms. Marvel #11-13 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Sal Buscema....
. During the fight, Hecate looks into the Shield of Perseus and regains her memories of taking over Brooklyn. Hecate then teams up with Kyknos in order to take over the city and. Kyknos and Hecate manage to turn some people against Hercules due to the chaos that the Serpent's Worthy was creating. When Hercules uses the Shield of Perseus to turn some people to stone, Basilisk and Man-Bull flee. The Griffin has a reaction to the magic forces at work, devolving into a savage beast. He saves Hercules life and becomes his new steed, allowing him to fly around the city. Hercules wakes up in the Griffin's care and discovers that Brooklyn has been reshaped into Hecate's image. Hercules recovers upon hearing the prayers of his worshipers. Hercules and the Griffin manage to find where Basilisk and Man-Bull are hiding and recruit their help." The villains approach Hecate and Kyknos using a ruse involving Hercules being turned to stone. Hercules quickly revives and saves the villains by killing Kyknos. He prevents Ares' revival by kicking over his alter. Hecate eventually flees and Brooklyn is returned to normal.
During the Spider-Island
Spider-Island
"Spider-Island" is a comic book storyline starting in The Amazing Spider-Man and crossing over into other comic books published by Marvel Comics in 2011.-Infested:...
storyline, the Greek owners/operators of the bar where Hercules works have fled the dangers of New York City and returned to Greece, leaving Hercules in charge. He befriends an elderly African man named A. Nancy who loves stories. One night Herc is bitten by a bed bug that gives him spider powers, which he uses to fight crime. The Queen of Spider Island reveals herself to Herc and makes him her slave. She sends Spider-Herc against the X-Men, who were in town after fighting lizard people in the sewers. They try to reason with him, but he attacks them with the Sword of Peleus. Due to the mutagenic properties of Spider-Man's powers, Spider-Herc mutates into Herc-Spider. Suddenly the X-Men are trapped in a magic web, and the Greek goddess Arachne
Arachne
In Greco-Roman mythology, Arachne was a great mortal weaver who boasted that her skill was greater than that of Minerva, the Latin parallel of Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom and crafts. Arachne refused to acknowledge that her knowledge came, in part at least, from the goddess. The offended...
appears. Instead of fighting, it is revealed that Arachne is very attracted to Herc's new form and they embrace, while the X-Men are forced to watch. While Arachne is preoccupied, A. Nancy breaks into her home and steals her mythical tapestry. He reveals himself as the African spider god Anansi
Anansi
Anansi the trickster is a spider, and is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore.He is also known as Ananse, Kwaku Ananse, and Anancy; and in the Southern United States he has evolved into Aunt Nancy. He is a spider, but often acts and appears as a man...
, a collector of stories.
Powers and abilities
Hercules possesses the typical powers of an Olympian god, including superhuman strength, durability, speed, reflexes and immortality. He is the strongest of the Olympians, being capable of feats such as lifting and hurling a giant sequoia tree, smashing rocks to powder, sealing an entire cliff around an opponent with his bare hands, knocking out a Yellow-crested Titan, and dragging the island of ManhattanManhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
. His superstrong legs allow him to run at speeds of over 100 mph, and leap over a hundred feet into the air. He can withstand blows from Thor, and possesses a complete resistance to bullets.
Hercules is highly skilled in archery
Archery
Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
, boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
and Greco-Roman wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of wrestling that is practised worldwide. It was contested at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and has been included in every edition of the summer Olympics held since 1908. Two wrestlers are scored for their performance in three two-minute periods, which can...
, and in combat occasionally wields an adamantine
Adamantine
Adamantine is a mineral, often referred to as adamantine spar. It is a silky brown form of corundum. It has a Mohs rating of 9.Adamantine is also used as an adjective to refer to non-metallic, brilliant light reflecting and transmitting properties, known as adamantine luster...
mace - stated and shown to be the equal of Thor's own mystical hammer Mjolnir - forged by the Greek god Hephaestus
Hephaestus (Marvel Comics)
Hephaestus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Hephaestus first appeared in Thor #129 , and was adapted from mythology by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
. As an Olympian he is resistant to all earthly diseases, possesses a healing factor, and also has some immunity to magic. However his strength can be taken by significant Olympian magic, such as that of Zeus.
Hercules sacrificed his godly powers to save humanity in the wake of the Chaos War, and now appears to be powerless. He does, however, remain in exceptional physical condition compared to a normal human, as well as retaining his incredible skills in hand-to-hand combat and with weaponry, along with access to magical items that help in battle.
Other Marvel characters named Hercules
- Varen David—In 1940, Timely ComicsTimely ComicsTimely Comics, an imprint of Timely Publications, was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman, and the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics....
(Marvel's predecessor) published the adventures of a strongman called "Hercules" in Mystic Comics #3 & 4. In 2009, this character was profiled in Marvel's Marvel Mystery Handbook and identified as "Varen David". - Unnamed member of the Order-A member of the OrderThe Order (comics)The Order is the name of two fictional comic book superhero teams in the Marvel Comics universe. The first team was a brief offshoot of the team Defenders, and the second is part of an initiative to place a superhero team in each state of the United States....
codenamed "Hercules" first appeared in Civil WarCivil War (comics)Civil War is a 2006-2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time...
#7 (2007).
Marvel Zombies
A zombiefied version of Hercules appear alongside She-HulkShe-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
, Firestar
Firestar
Firestar is a fictional mutant superhero in the . Debuting in 1981 on the NBC animated television series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, she has the ability to generate and manipulate microwave radiation, which allows her to generate intense heat and flames, and to fly...
, and Starfox in Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness is a five-issue 2007 comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in association with Dynamite Entertainment, an intercompany crossover in which Ash Williams, hero of the popular Evil Dead film and comic book, finds himself in the Marvel Zombies...
when Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional comic book character that appears in books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
explain to Ash Williams
Ash Williams
Ashley J. "Ash" Williams is the protagonist in the Evil Dead horror film franchise, played by Bruce Campbell, and created by director Sam Raimi. Throughout the series, Ash has to face off against his loved ones inside an abandoned cabin as they are possessed by "deadites", the evil souls of the dead...
and Dazzler
Dazzler
Dazzler is a Marvel Comics superheroine, associated with the X-Men. She first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #130 ....
about the S.O.S that Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
put in the Avenger's comlink. Later he participates in a multi-zombie attack on the castle of Doctor Doom; where a few human survivors were hiding.
In Marvel Zombies: Dead Days
Marvel Zombies: Dead Days
Marvel Zombies: Dead Days is a comic book one-shot first published in May 2007 by Marvel Comics. It was written by Robert Kirkman and drawn by Sean Phillips, with cover art by Arthur Suydam. It is part of the Marvel Zombies series. The issue is a prequel to Marvel's first Marvel Zombies limited...
he appear in the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier as one of the heroes who survived the zombie plague.
Later, he is seen in the ruins of New York. He is one of the many casualties in the conflict waged against the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
, He is crushed by the zombiefied version of Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
when he tries to get Silver Surfer's head from his mouth.
24th Century Hercules
An alternate universeParallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
version of Hercules stars in a humorous limited series titled Hercules, which depicts the adventures of Hercules in the 24th century. Banished from Olympus by Zeus in order to learn humility, Hercules travels into deep space
Space
Space is the boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction. Physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum...
and eventually befriends an alien Skrull
Skrull
The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
called Skyppi (initially using his shapeshifting abilities to pose as a gorgeous human female) and the Rigellian
Rigellians (Marvel Comics)
The Rigellians, also known as the Colonizers of Rigel, are a scientifically and technologically advanced alien race in the fictional Marvel Comics Universe, devoted towards amassing an empire via colonization. They are native to Rigel-3 the third planet orbiting the star Rigel in the Milky Way Galaxy...
Recorder
Recorder (comics)
-Fictional species biography:The Rigellians are skilled in robotics and have created a race of robotic life-forms called the Recorders. The Recorders are generally used as scouts to explore new territory and report back to the Rigellians...
#417. Hercules also confronts the cosmic entity Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
, and after being completely humbled manages to save the world Galactus intended to devour.
This was followed by a second series with a darker tone, as Hercules and his allies face a cosmic version of the hero Red Wolf
Red Wolf (comics)
Red Wolf is the name of a number of fictional characters in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe.-Johnny Wakeley:Johnny Wakeley was the adopted name of a Cheyenne man who was raised from childhood by a white couple in the late 19th century. His adoptive parents were killed by Native...
and a villain - devoted to the Titan Thanos
Thanos
Thanos is a fictional character that appears in comic books and other media published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Iron Man #55 and was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin....
- who breaks into the tomb of Kree
Kree
The Kree, also known as the Ruul, are a scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic alien race in the fictional Marvel Universe. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cloud...
hero Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)
Captain Marvel is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Most of these versions exist in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe.- Publication history :...
and steals the character's Nega-Bands. Hercules eventually returns to Olympus, and after a battle with Zeus (who has apparently gone insane and killed the other Olympian gods) proves he has learned humility by sparing Zeus's life. Zeus reveals the other gods are not dead, but now exist on another place of existence where Zeus himself will also reside. Hercules is advised that he is now free of his past, and that the character can find his own dynasty
Dynasty
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers considered members of the same family. Historians traditionally consider many sovereign states' history within a framework of successive dynasties, e.g., China, Ancient Egypt and the Persian Empire...
.
MC2
In the alternate universe MC2 imprint title A-NextA-Next
A-Next is the Marvel Comics' MC2 universe version of the Avengers. The team made its first appearance in What If? #105, the first comic featuring Spider-Girl, and the team's origin story was told in the A-Next #1, cover dated October 1998....
, Hercules is one of the last of the original Avengers alive and has a son named Argo the Almighty
Argo the Almighty
Argo the Almighty, is a fictional character who appeared in the Marvel Comics' MC2 series A-Next, and son of Hercules.-Fictional character biography:The team of A-Next is attacked by a youth who identifies himself as "Argo the Almighty"...
, who aids the next generation of Avengers.
Television
- Hercules is a recurring character in the Mighty Thor segment of the animated television series The Marvel Super Heroes voiced by Len Birman.
- Hercules makes a cameo appearance in the X-Men: The Animated Series episode, "One Man's Worth."
- Hercules makes cameo appearances in the Fantastic FourFantastic Four (1994 TV series)Fantastic Four is the third animated television series based on Marvel's comic book series of the same name. Airing began on September 24, 1994, until ending on February 24, 1996...
episodes "To Battle the Living Planet" and "Doomsday." - Hercules appears in The Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad Show is an American cartoon series by Marvel Animation. It is based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad action figure line from Hasbro, which portray the characters of the Marvel Universe in a cartoonish super-deformed-style...
episode "Support Your Local Sky-Father" voiced by Jess HarnellJess HarnellJess Q. Harnell is an American voice actor and singer, best known for voicing Wakko Warner on Animaniacs. Harnell has been the announcer for America's Funniest Home Videos since 1998.-Life and acting career:...
. Loki in the form of Gyros: God of Pitas tricked Zeus into holding a contest between Thor and Hercules. Both Thor and Hercules were tied after each challenge until Loki revealed his plot and took over Odin and Zeus. With help from the Super Hero Squad, Hercules and Thor were able to defeat Loki and free their fathers. Hercules and Thor then rocked out on their guitars on the HelicarrierHelicarrierThe Helicarrier is a fictional flying aircraft carrier specifically designed to be capable of independent powered flight in addition to the conventional functions of aircraft carriers...
. When the Mayor of Super Hero City asked Hercules and Thor if he can film their performance, they ended up throwing the Mayor of Super Hero City out of the Helicarrier. In the episode "So Pretty When They Explode," Hercules assisted Iron ManIron ManIron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
, Hulk, and She-HulkShe-HulkShe-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
in a mission to rescue NovaNova (comics)Nova is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps , the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support.In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic...
from Thanos.
Video games
- Hercules appears as a non-playable character in the video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 voiced by Sean DonnellanSean DonnellanSean Donnellan is a television host, voice actor, and comedian. He is known for being a host on How to Boil Water and Faux Pause and the announcer on Batman Beyond....
. He serves as a boss on the Pro-Registration side. He is captured by the heroes at the HYDRAHYDRAHYDRA is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Universe.Despite the name's capitalization per Marvel's official spelling, the name is not an acronym but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra...
base in New JerseyNew JerseyNew Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
. He and CableCable (comics)Cable is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared as an infant in Uncanny X-Men #201...
are sent in a convoy truck but are later rescued by Captain AmericaCaptain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
. He is seen at the funeral service. He helps guard Stark TowerStark TowerThe Stark Tower Complex is a fictional high-rise building complex which appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Located in Manhattan, New York City, the complex is named after its owner Tony Stark who is the alter ego of the superhero Iron Man. The structure is composed of a 93-story Main Tower...
and manages to escape after it is invaded. He is also shown to wield a sword in one of the cutscenes in addition to his normal weapons, but is quickly disarmed by Wonder ManWonder ManWonder Man is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Avengers #9 .-Publication history:Wonder Man debuted in the superhero-team title The Avengers #9 Wonder...
. - Hercules appears in Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity GauntletMarvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity GauntletMarvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet is a continuation of the video game Marvel Super Hero Squad and it was released on November 16, 2010. Similar to the first game, it features cartoonish Super-deformed versions of the Marvel Comics characters, as seen in the Marvel Super Hero Squad toy...
voiced by Jess HarnellJess HarnellJess Q. Harnell is an American voice actor and singer, best known for voicing Wakko Warner on Animaniacs. Harnell has been the announcer for America's Funniest Home Videos since 1998.-Life and acting career:...
. Loki and Enchantress set up a contest between Hercules and Thor with the prize being the Rhythm Infinity Gem. Thor managed to defeat Hercules in the contest.
Toys
- Hercules also features in Hasbro's premiere series of Marvel LegendsMarvel LegendsMarvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and scale.-History:...
action figures. - Hercules will be released in the Marvel Universe toyline by Hasbro between fall of 2011 and the spring of 2012.
Collected editions
A number of Hercules' stories have been collected into individual volumesTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
:
- Essential Thor: Volume 2 (includes Journey into Mystery Annual #1 and Thor #126, 128-130, 584 pages, October 2008, ISBN 0-7851-3381-X)
- Hercules: Prince of Power (collects Hercules: Prince of Power #1-4, 192 pages, hardcover, September 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3955-9, softcover, September 1997, ISBN 0-7851-0555-7)
- Thor: Blood Oath (collects Thor: Blood Oath #1-6, hardcover, April 2006, ISBN 0-7851-2274-5, softcover, January 2007, ISBN 0-7851-1852-7)
- Ares: God of War (collects Ares #1-5, 120 pages, November 2006, hardcover, ISBN 0-7851-2333-4, softcover, ISBN 0-7851-1991-4)
- Hulk: WWH - Incredible Hercules (collects Incredible Hulk #106-111, 152 pages, June 2008, ISBN 0-7851-2991-X)
- Smash of the Titans (collects Incredible Hulk #106-112, Incredible Hercules #113-115, and "Hulk vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide", 296 pages, hardcover, July 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3968-0)
- Incredible Hercules:
- Against The World (collects Incredible Hulk #112 and Incredible Hercules #113-115 and "Hulk vs. Hercules: When Titans Collide", 136 pages, premiere hardcover, July 2008, ISBN 0-7851-3312-7, softcover, October 2008, ISBN 0-7851-2533-7)
- Sacred Invasion (collects Incredible Hercules #116-125, 264 pages, hardcover, March 2010, ISBN 0-7851-4256-8) previously collected in:
- Secret Invasion (collects Incredible Hercules #116-120, 128 pages, premiere hardcover, November 2008, ISBN 0-7851-3333-X, softcover, March 2009, ISBN 0-7851-2829-8)
- Love and War (collects Incredible Hercules #121-125, 128 pages, premiere hardcover, March 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3334-8, softcover, June 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3246-5)
- Dark Reign (collects Incredible Hercules #126-131, 160 pages, premiere hardcover, October 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3830-7, softcover, January 2010, ISBN 0-7851-3537-5)
- The Mighty Thorcules (collects Incredible Hercules #132-137, 144 pages, hardcover, January 2010, ISBN 0-7851-3831-5, softcover, April 2010, ISBN 978-0-7851-3677-4)
- Assault on New Olympus (collects Incredible Hercules #138-141 and Assault on New Olympus Prologue, 128 pages, premiere hardcover, May 2010, ISBN 978-0-7851-4545-5)
External links
- GREEK WEEK Part I -Pak & Van Lente talk Hercules' Past, Comic Book ResourcesComic Book ResourcesComic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book-related news and discussion.-History:Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC...
, March 17, 2008 - GREEK WEEK Part II- "Hulk vs. Hercules: When Titans Clash", Comic Book ResourcesComic Book ResourcesComic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book-related news and discussion.-History:Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC...
, March 19, 2008 - GREEK WEEK Part III: Artist Rafa Sandoval, Comic Book ResourcesComic Book ResourcesComic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book-related news and discussion.-History:Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC...
, March 19, 2008 - Love, Olympian Style: Pak & Van Lente talk "Incredible Hercules", Comic Book ResourcesComic Book ResourcesComic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website dedicated to the coverage of comic book-related news and discussion.-History:Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC...
, September 4, 2008