INCREDIBLE HERCULES #126: Getting back on track, this is a bit of a "filler" issue that offers a 22 page "definitive" origin of Marvel's Hercules along with a 6 page "saga" style recap of his adventures and a 10 page back-up story about Cho's search for his lost coyote pup, Kirby. That's 32 story pages and an extra 6 page recap thing for $3.99, which I suppose is fair. I might be more irritated were it not for a title I enjoy as much, but it isn't. With so many comics being $3.99 as normal 22 page issues these days, one overpriced issue now and again isn't anything abnornal. INCREDIBLE HERCULES sells 31k a month now, so I suppose it needs any boost it can get.
Pak & Van Lente team with Buchemi to copple together some of Marvel's past origins for Hercules and weave them into a composite whole tale, or "myth". I was almost expecting something grander or more controversial but instead they know best to stick to the basics and at least acknowledge the rest. Hercules is the son of Zues, who took the form of a mortal woman's husband in Thebes to bed her, giving birth to a son with incredible strength, but not always the means to control it. He gained the invulnerability from Hera's breastmilk (where a nip from the babe helped cause Hela's vengeance afterward). But in a way what it less important than the origin in a way is the grasp of Hercules as a character, which Pak & Van Lente have second to none. Their Hercules has been someone who was granted incredible might whether in ancient terms or modern, who has not always sought the best way to use it, or could always control it (such as when he accidently killed his music teacher). When Hercules thrashes some barbarians threatening Thebes, he ends up endangering a deal the king made with their leader to sacrifice tribute for warfare. Hercules encourages the Thebian army to reclain the weapons they have left at their alter to the gods to take on the horde, but when they refuse, Hercules willingly allows himself to be locked in a dungeon to be given to the enemies. It is there that he learns of his godly heritage and gains his iconic garb from his mother, made in celebration for his defeat of the Nemean Lion. He vows to live up to his errors and honor his parents. He seemingly gives himself to the horde, but proves invulnerable to their weapons; the Thebian army then comes to vanquish the threat, and Hercules' mortal father Amphitryon is slain before him. Of course, Hercules' legacy was fortold by both gods and sooth sayers alike. It was a good tale with solid art that unlike FF this week, presented a "mundane" story that actually had heart as well as action and told a lot more than two scenes. It worked as a character piece, as well as a myth with good art and modern dialogue. It had been a while since I saw a younger Hercules without the beard, which worked to sell the first pages.
The "saga" is what it is, but mostly was a recap of the Pak & Van Lente era, and next was the story of "The Search for Kirby", with art by Miyazawa (who often has done fill in stuff for RUNAWAYS). This story is a bit less epic and almost mundane, but sweet and simple in a way. Cho sneaks into an abandoned base where Banner is hiding and seeks his aid in locating his lost pup. In reality, he manipulates him into following him to distract the ensuing military. Cho learns that Kirby has returned to the wild, gotten older and has a mate. While he recognizes Cho, the wolf also is wild enough to try to bite at him now. The wolves would have been blown to atoms (along with Cho) if the Hulk had not been there to protect him. Cho departs, having learned his lesson. It isn't the best story, but for a 10 page back up I have read far worse from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS and ASTONISHING TALES over the years; for what it is, it's not bad. Miyazawa struggles with drawing the Hulk in some panels, though. He has a better handle on Hulkling. I'm not as keen on animal sidekicks as some readers so I don't really "miss" Kirby, but I am glad that a 10 page back up, and not a full issue or even two for all we knew, were used to settle this subplot. For 10 pages it works.
