Hercules Panhellenios is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character is based on Heracles of Greek mythology (despite using the name of his Roman equivalent, Hercules). Since his first appearance, he has been a perennial member of the superhero team the Avengers.
The character has appeared in various forms of media, including television series and video games. Brett Goldstein portrays the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).
Contents
Publication history
While several characters named Hercules appeared in Golden Age Marvel Comics, the mythological figure first appeared in U.S.A. Comics #7 (March 1943), in which he appeared in shadow behind a window to give a suit of power to Martin Burns, who became Marvel Boy. Two issues prior, in U.S.A. Comics #5, Menalaos had similarly given powers to Lon Craig as Roko the Amazing. In Young Allies #16 (May 1945), Tommy Tyme traveled to Hercules's time and witnessed his battle with Antaeus.
Marvel's modern version of Hercules was adapted from the Greek god Heracles by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. The character debuted in The Avengers #10 (November 1964) as a minion of Immortus, although that appearance was revealed to be an impostor in the limited series Avengers Forever (December 1998–November 1999). The character's first formal appearance in the Marvel Universe became Journey into Mystery Annual #1 (October 1965), which established Hercules as being a rival of the Norse god of thunder, Thor.
Hercules became a regular guest star in the title The Mighty Thor, appearing in issue #126 (March 1966). The character guest-starred in Tales to Astonish #79 (May 1966), and his deadlocked battle with the Hulk, as told by Lee, Kirby, and Bill Everett, has come to be regarded as a classic. The tale parallels Hercules and the Hulk's titanic strength, short temper, and simple-mindedness, while contrasting their lot in life: Hercules being a beloved hero and pampered celebrity, while the Hulk is a hated and feared fugitive. The character teamed up with the Avengers in issue #38 (March 1967), but was not yet an official member; he was merely a guest of the Avengers during his banishment from Olympus. In issue #45 of The Avengers, Hercules became a "full-fledged Avenger" by way of Goliath's announcement to the press during the first annual "Avengers Day". Hercules also guest starred in Marvel Team-Up #28 (December 1974) and Marvel Premiere #26 (November 1975) before starring along with four other heroes in The Champions which ran for 17 issues (October 1975–January 1978). After this, Hercules made a guest appearance in Marvel Two-In-One #44 (October 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, Prince of Power #1–4 (September–December 1982), which was popular enough to spawn a sequel, Hercules, Prince of Power #1–4 (March–June 1984). The storylines dealt with Hercules's exile from Olympus, completion of a series of quests and opportunity to leave his past behind and create a new identity.
Fictional character biography
1960s
Hercules first appears when pulled from the past by the villain Immortus to battle 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 by retcon that the first "Hercules" encountered was actually a Space Phantom in disguise.
Hercules guest-stars in an extended Thor storyline, defeating Thor (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, but actually states that he will now rule the Netherworld instead of Pluto. Hercules is eventually rescued by Thor (now at full strength) who battles and defeats Pluto's underworld minions. Pluto opts to void the contract rather than accept the destruction of his realm. While under the contract, Hercules has a chance encounter with the Hulk, fighting him to a standstill.
Hercules reappears as the thrall of the Asgardian villainess Enchantress who is using water from the spring of Eros and tries to use him to destroy the Avengers. After being freed from the spell and being banished from Olympus for one year by Zeus for going to Earth without permission, Hercules aids the team for an extended period before leaving for Olympus. Hercules returns briefly during a storyline set directly after the Kree-Skrull War, in which the Avengers witness an amnesiac Hercules being abducted by two Titans. After dealing with a disruption in New York City caused by Ares, the Avengers travel to Olympus and free Hercules and the Olympian gods, who have been turned to crystal by Ares using the Ebony Blade. The Avengers learn that Hercules had lost his memory after being thrown from Olympus.
1970s
Hercules becomes a founding member of the Champions, aiding the group against the machinations of Olympians Pluto and Hippolyta. Hercules appears during the Korvac saga, and after being kidnapped by the Collector is freed (with the other Avengers) by comrade Hawkeye to battle the cosmic entity Korvac.
1980s
Hercules reappears during the "Celestial saga", joining an invasion force comprising Olympian gods and other allies that storms the realm of Olympia (occupied by the Eternals). Following these events, Hercules rejoins the Avengers.
In the storyline "Avengers Under Siege", Helmut Zemo assembles an army of supervillains to form the Masters of Evil. Courtesy of a paid pawn, Hercules is drugged at a bar in order to incapacitate him. Hercules returns to Avengers Mansion and singlehandedly engages the Masters of Evil until he is beaten unconscious by Goliath, Mister Hyde, and the Wrecking Crew. Although the Masters of Evil are defeated, Hercules is left comatose. In the subsequent storyline "Assault On Olympus", Hercules is taken from the hospital by fellow Olympian Hermes and returned to Olympus by Hermes. The Avengers discover they are being blamed by Zeus for Hercules's condition. As the Avengers battle several of the gods and Zeus himself, Prometheus restores Hercules to full health using part of his life force. Zeus learns that the Avengers are not to blame, but decides to ban the Olympians from Earth.
1990s
Together with Thor, Hercules confronts the Wrecking Crew once again, and recovers his confidence and defeats the villains when Thor feigns defeat. After a brief appearance in the "Black Galaxy" saga, Hercules rejoins the Avengers as a reserve member and is upgraded to active status during the "Collection Obsession" storyline.
Hercules is summoned to Avengers Mansion along with all other active Avengers. They learn that the United Nations has forbidden them from interfering with a civil war in Genosha. The heroes are confronted by an army of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who attempt to confine them to the mansion. Hercules throws a massive piece of debris at the Helicarrier, clearing a path for some of the other heroes to escape. He and the remaining Avengers storm into an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council where they demand to take an active role in ending the conflict.
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 returning to Olympus.
2000s
Hercules becomes a drunkard, dismayed at the dissolution of the Avengers during the "Disassembled" storyline, and the destruction of Asgard and disappearance of Thor. Hera takes advantage of Hercules's 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.
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 Japanese gods when they attempt to overrun Olympus. Hercules eventually wins back his lost fortune in a poker match with Constrictor.
After the conclusion of "World War Hulk", Hercules embarks on series of adventures with Amadeus Cho, a teenage genius and "sidekick". Hercules encounters long-time foe Ares, who poisons the hero with venom from the mythical Hydra. After being driven mad by the venom and embarking on a destructive rampage, Hercules is eventually stopped by former Champions teammate 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 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, Amadeus Cho, Namora, and Athena attempt to thwart Amazon leader Artume. Hera and Pluto take advantage of the chaos and an absent Zeus to attempt to kill Hercules and Athena. Hercules helps Cho's lover - Delphyne - kill Artume and take her place as queen.
2010s
Hercules teams with both the Mighty and New Avengers to stop Hera from remaking the universe with a device called Continuum. Hercules battles Typhon in the alternate Continuum universe and defeats him. Athena appears after the fight, but instead of coming to help she seemingly destroys the Continuum universe with Hercules 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's comrades pay their respects and share memories. Athena appoints Cho as the leader of the Olympus Group. Cho travels to Hades, only to discover that Hercules is, in fact, not 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. Cho 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 powers into him.
During the events of the 2010 "Chaos War" storyline, Amatsu-Mikaboshi arrives on Earth with an army of slave gods, destroying the dream dimension and 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. Hercules assembles a second God Squad to battle Amatsu-Mikaboshi, who now calls himself the Chaos King. The combined efforts of the God Squad, Alpha Flight, Hulk's allies, and deceased members of the Avengers and X-Men manage to keep the Chaos King's 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 uses up all of his power in order to restore the universe, leaving him mortal once again.
Hercules reappears in Brooklyn, armed with an array of Olympian weapons stolen from the armory of his deceased brother Ares. 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 bartending at a Greek run bar and restaurant in Brooklyn. He later battles Hobgoblin in a construction site, who was attempting to intimidate the owner of the restaurant into selling it to the Kingpin. After defeating him, Hercules discovers that the owner's daughter sold him out to Hobgoblin and confronts her, until Kingpin appears and tells the owner he can keep the restaurant, taking Hobgoblin with him. After his victory becomes public, the restaurant becomes successful and Hercules becomes a local hero and celebrity.
2020s
When Hercules tried to track down his resurrected family, he instead was captured by them. He was freed by the reformed Guardians of the Galaxy. He aided the Guardians in stopping the mad gods, but at the cost of Star-Lord's life. Following the battle with Gamora's West Spiral Arm Guardians, Hercules began a relationship with Noh-Varr.
During the 2024 "Blood Hunt" storyline, Hercules is among the superheroes who join Captain America's branch of the Avengers when fighting the vampire invasion. Following the events of "Blood Hunt", Hercules joins the AVENG.E.R.S. (Avengers Emergency Response Squad).
Powers and abilities
Hercules possesses the typical powers of an Olympian god, including superhuman strength, durability, speed, reflexes, stamina and endurance. 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, and knocking out a yellow-crested Titan. 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 high caliber bullets. He is able to recover from injuries with superhuman speed and efficiency.
Hercules is highly skilled in archery, boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, and claims to have invented the martial art Pankration. In combat, he occasionally wields a golden-looking adamantine mace – stated and shown to be equal in durability to Thor's hammer Mjolnir (though it is not enchanted with additional abilities as Mjolnir is) - forged by the Greek god Hephaestus. As an Olympian, he is resistant to all earthly diseases, possesses a healing factor, immortality, 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 was completely powerless. Despite this, he retained his exceptional physical condition compared to a normal human, incredible skills in archery and hand-to-hand combat and access to magical weapons and items that help in battle. At the start of the 2015 Hercules series, his powers made an unexplained return. They were later revealed to have been restored through scientific means. At this time, Hercules made use of both antique and modern weapons, such as assault rifles, tasers, grenade launchers, and others.
Reception
Critical reception
Joe George of Den of Geek stated, "Hercules morphed into a lovable lunkhead and, eventually, a complex character whose good-natured love of adventure made him a valuable ally to heroes across the Marvel Universe. [...] Hercules became less an arrogant lout looking for fights and more a hero whose joi de vivre drove him toward adventure. When writer Al Ewing added Herc to his lineup of The Guardians of the Galaxy, he added a softer side to the character, as evidenced by his tender romance with hot-headed Kree warrior Noh-Varr. None of these writers changed the fundamental aspects of Hercules. He's still far from the smartest guy in the room, and he still refuses to back down from a fight. But he's now become the jock you could never hate, the guy who always gets the boy or girl he wants (and Herc wants most boys and girls he encounters), but isn't a jerk about it. He's the muscle-bound beefcake who always has your back and wants to lift your spirits."
Volumes
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Herc #1 was the 40th best selling comic book in April 2011.
Greg McElhatton of CBR.com called Herc #1 "a good, standard superhero title," stating, "Herc #1 wasn't what I was expecting, but it was still a fun read. If you don't mind a more superhero-friendly take on the character (rather than the strangeness-and I say that with great affection and admiration-of "Incredible Hercules"), give it a whirl. If giving up the humor and co-star is too much for you, though? Well, you've been warned." Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave Her #1 a grade of 8 out of 10, asserting, "Neil Edwards delivers some solid visuals as well, which is good considering consistent pencils have long been a problem with Herc's books. Edwards continues to grow and improve as a storyteller. While his style still bears too much resemblance to Bryan Hitch's at times, there are far worse artists to emulate. And Scott Hanna's inks ensure Edwards panels are often more refined and neat than Hitch's these days. Edwards' only real flaw is that he fails to accurately capture the stylized new look of the villain that appears in the final pages. This isn't a bad start for the newest chapter in Hercules' career. But again, Van Lente and Pak do the hero a disservice by de-emphasizing the humor to the extent they have. Hopefully that will change as the series builds its cast and Herc's new status quo."
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Incredible Hercules #113 was the 18th best selling comic book in January 2008. Incredible Hercules #113 was the 196th best selling comic book in 2008.
Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave Incredible Hercules #113 a grade of 9 out of 10, saying, "Almost as much a breakout star as his half-brother, Ares is finally getting the exposure he deserves with Incredible Hercules. I was ready for the God of War to explode onto the scene after Michael Avon Oeming's recent mini-series. Unfortunately, he didn't explode so much as limp his way into the ranks of Mighty Avengers. Pak and van Lente seem to have a better handle on the character, as he comes across as much more intelligent and brutal than the dim-witted jock seen in the Avengers books. At this point the only things keeping Incredible Hercules from ranking as the best book of the week are the unfortunately-timed Immortal Iron Fist and the slightly underwhelming pencils of Khoi Pham. I don't want to be too hard on Pham. This is some of the best work I've seen from the artist so far. Still, it doesn't quite measure up to what we're seeing in some of the other Aftersmash books. If only Ed McGuinness were drawing this series instead of Hulk. I think I'd be in comic book heaven."
Accolades
In 2012, IGN ranked Hercules 21st in their "Top 50 Avengers" list.
In 2019, CBR.com ranked Hercules 4th in their "Marvel Comics: The 10 Most Powerful Olympians" list.
In 2021, CBR.com ranked Hercules 6th in their "Marvel: 10 Most Powerful Olympians" list and in their "10 Bravest Gods In Marvel Comics" list.
In 2021, Screen Rant included Hercules in their "10 LGBTQ+ Marvel Heroes That Should Join The MCU" list.
In 2022, Sportskeeda ranked Hercules 1st in their "10 best Greek gods from Marvel comics" list.
In 2022, Collider ranked Hercules 15th in their "19 Most Powerful Marvel Characters" list.
In 2022, Screen Rant included Hercules in their "10 Most Powerful Olympian Gods In Marvel Comics" list and in their "10 Most Powerful Thor Villains, In The Movies & Comics" list.
In 2022, CBR.com included Hercules in their "13 Most Powerful Marvel Demigods" list, in their "10 Greatest Avengers, Ranked By Experience" list, and in their "10 Most Muscular Heroes In Marvel Comics" list.
Other Marvel characters named Hercules
Varen David—In 1940, Timely 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 Order codenamed "Hercules" first appeared in Civil War #7 (2007).
Other versions
"Heroes Reborn"
In an alternate reality depicted in the 2021 "Heroes Reborn" miniseries, Hercules fought Power Princess, but was turned into a statue and kept outside her headquarters in the Statue of Liberty. In the present, a mysterious thunderstorm temporarily brings him back to life, but Power Princess subdues him and turns him back.
Marvel Zombies
A zombified version of Hercules appears in Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness. He and several zombies participate in an attack on Doctor Doom's castle to reach the humans inside.
In the prequel Marvel Zombies: Dead Days, Hercules was one of several heroes who survived the zombie plague. However, he is later killed by a zombified Hulk.
24th Century Hercules
An alternate universe version of Hercules stars in a humorous limited self-titled series which depicts his adventures in the 24th century. Banished from Olympus by Zeus in order to learn humility, Hercules travels into deep space where he meets the Rigellians, who loan him Recorder #417. After having adventures on several planets, Hercules arrives in the Omacron star system, where he confronts the cosmic entity Galactus, who humbles him. Following this, Hercules saves the world Galactus intended to devour at the time.
In the sequel series, which took on a dark tone and takes place 41 years after the first series, Hercules and Recorder #417 meet and eventually befriend an alien Skrull called Skyppi. They later face a cosmic version of the hero Red Wolf and a villain devoted to the Titan Thanos who breaks into the tomb of Captain Marvel to steal his Nega-Bands. Hercules eventually returns to Olympus and proves to Zeus, who had gone insane and seemingly killed the other gods, he has learned humility by fighting him and sparing his life. However, Zeus reveals the gods now exist in another plane of existence and he is to join them. Before he leaves, Zeus advises Hercules to found his own dynasty now that he is free of his past.
Hercules, Recorder, and Skyppi later returned in an issue of the reprint series Marvel Tales, and the graphic novel Hercules, Prince of Power: Full Circle. In the latter, the trio are captured by Emperor Arimathes, a son born of a past romantic adventure Hercules had and never knew existed. After learning that Arimathes had been manipulated by his vengeful mother into becoming a cruel tyrant, Hercules vows to save his son. A three-part storyline in the anthology series Marvel Comics Presents served as an epilogue to the events of the graphic novel.
This version of Hercules last appeared in a third limited series, Hercules: Twilight of a God. Set 75 years after the events of the first limited series, Hercules' three grandchildren, a new Silver Surfer, and the Galactus Black Hole that threatens all life in the galaxy. The fates of Skyppi, Recorder #417 and Arimathes are revealed as Hercules sacrifices himself to stop the galactic threat's expansion and, in doing so, alters the destiny of both himself and Galactus.
MC2
In the possible future MC2 imprint title A-Next, Hercules appears as one of the remaining original Avengers. He also had a son named Argo the Almighty, who aids the next generation of Avengers.
Maestro
When the Hulk initially found Dystopia, Hercules was in charge of the collection of human survivors, now calling himself "the Maestro". An encounter with Rick Jones confirmed for the Hulk that Hercules is now only interested in ruling humans and having sparring matches or sex. Although the Hulk expresses little interest in helping ordinary people for the sake of helping them after they caused the apocalypse, he infiltrates Alchemax's remains to create the Dogs of War to oppose Hercules's forces.
X-Treme X-Men
X-Treme X-Men vol. 2 #7 (2013) depicts an alternate version of Hercules who is in a same-sex relationship with Wolverine, the British Governor General of Canada. In issue #10, after Hercules revealed his relationship with Wolverine to Zeus, Zeus banished them to the pit of Tartarus as he sees himself as the only god allowed to consort with mortals. During "Age of Apocalypse", Nightcrawler accidentally releases evil beings that destroy anyone they touch, including Hercules.
Ultimate Marvel
In the Ultimate Marvel universe, Hercules appears as a member of Nick Fury's Howling Commandos.
In other media
Television
Hercules appears in the "Mighty Thor" segment of The Marvel Super Heroes, voiced by Len Birman.
Hercules makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the X-Men: The Animated Series episode "One Man's Worth".
Hercules makes non-speaking cameo appearances in Fantastic Four.
Hercules appears in The Super Hero Squad Show, voiced by Jess Harnell.
Hercules appears in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., voiced by Townsend Coleman. This version has a history with the Hulk, has an ego, and causes more problems than he can solve.
Hercules appears in the Avengers Assemble episode "The Incredible Herc", voiced by Matthew Mercer.
Film
Hercules appears in the mid-credits scene of Thor: Love and Thunder, portrayed by Brett Goldstein. After battling Thor and his team in Omnipotence City, Zeus tasks Hercules with hunting down and killing Thor.
Video games
Hercules appears as an NPC and boss in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, voiced by Sean Donnellan.
Hercules appears in Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet, voiced by Jess Harnell.
Hercules appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Alliance.
Hercules appears in Marvel Heroes, voiced by Travis Willingham.