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{{ For|the DC Comics version of Hercules|Hercules (DC Comics) }} :''For the DC Comics version of Hercules, see ]''
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{{Superherobox| <!--Part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics--> {{Superherobox| <!--Part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
image=] image=]
|caption=Cover to ''Hercules'' #1 (2005). Art by ]. |caption=Cover to ''Hercules'' #1 (2005). Art by ].
|character_name=Hercules |character_name=Hercules
|publisher=] |publisher=]
|debut=''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #10 (November 1964)
|debut=] #1
|creators=] (writer)<br/> ] (artist) |creators=] (writer)<br/> ] (artist)
|alter_ego = |alter_ego =
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|aliases = <!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames --> |aliases = <!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames -->
|supports=<!--optional--> |supports=<!--optional-->
|powers = Superhuman strength, durability, stamina, immortality. |powers = Superhuman strength, durability, and stamina; immortality.
}} }}


'''Hercules''' is a ], an ] god and ] in the {{Marvel Universe}}. Based on the mythological ] and hero called Heracles by the Greeks and ] by the Romans, he was adapted and introduced by writer-editor ] and artist-coplotter ] in '']'' #1 (1965). Hercules was first used as a ] for ]. '''Hercules''' is a ] ] and is based on the Greek ] and hero ]. Called ] by the Romans, the character was adapted and introduced by writer-editor ] and artist-coplotter ] in ''] Annual'' #1 (1965).


==Fictional character biography== ==Fictional character biography==
===Origin=== ===Origin===
Hercules was born to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. Blessed with extraordinary strength imparted by his father, his history is similar to that of the mythical ]. The Marvel version of Hercules deviates from myth in that Hercules did not die courtesy of a poisoned robe, but rather remained in Olympus until the dawn of the Silver Age and the rise of the ]. Hercules was born to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. Blessed with extraordinary strength imparted by his father, his history is similar to that of the mythical ]. The Marvel version of Hercules deviates from myth in that Hercules did not die courtesy of a poisoned robe, but rather remained in Olympus until the dawn of the Silver Age and the rise of the ].


===Modern era=== ===Modern era===
Hercules' first appearance was technically ''Avengers'' #10, in which Immortus pulled Hercules from the ancient past to battle Thor.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = The Avengers Break Up! | Title = ] | Volume = 1 | Issue = 10 | Date = November 1964 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> As this was the Hercules from the past, the "modern" Hercules had no memory of the encounter when meeting Thor in ''Thor Annual'' #1 (1965).<ref name=JintoM>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = When Titans Clash! | Title = ] | Issue = 1 | Date = December 1965 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> A ] in the mini-series '']'' (1998-2000), which "fixed" many inconsistencies in Avengers history, determined that the historical Hercules that Thor first met was in fact a ] in disguise.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = ] | Issue = | Date = 1998-2000 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> Hercules' first appearance was technically when ] pulled Hercules from the ancient past to battle ]. <ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #10</ref> As this was the Hercules from the past, the "modern" Hercules had no memory of the encounter when meeting Thor months later.<ref>''Thor'' Annual Vol. 1, #1</ref> It was revealed later that the historical Hercules that Thor first met was in fact a ] in disguise - which retroactively explained the identity conundrum.<ref>''Avengers Forever''(1998-2000)</ref>


Hercules first appeared in ''Avengers'' #38 as a thrall of the Enchantress,<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = In Our Midst... An Immortal! | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 38 | Date = March 1967 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> but went on to aid the team through issues #39-50 (officially joining in #45) against the likes of the ]; the ]; ] and the ]; the ]; ] and Typhon.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 39-50 | Date = April 1967-March 1968 | Publisher = ] }} (officially joining in #45)</ref> Hercules would later appear in the Olympian arc (#98-100);<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 98-100 | Date = March 1972-June 1972 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> and return for the final issues of the "Korvac saga" (#173-177).<ref>{{Comic book reference | Story = Korvac Saga | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 173-177 | Date = July 1978-November 1978 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> Hercules made a guest appearance in #211,<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 211 | Date = September 1981 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> before rejoining the team on an ongoing basis as of #250.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Story = The Fist Of Maelstrom! | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 250 | Date = December 1984 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> Hercules' first appearance in the ''Avengers'' was as a thrall of the Enchantress,<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #38</ref> although he goes on to aid the team against the likes of the ], the ], ] and the ], the ], ], and ].<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #39-50 (offically joining in #45)</ref> Hercules also appears in the Olympian arc<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #98 - 100</ref> and returns for the final battle against ].<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #177</ref> Hercules makes a guest appearance some months later<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #211</ref> before eventually rejoining the team on an ongoing basis.<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #250</ref>


In the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline in ''Avengers'' #270-277,<ref>{{Comic book reference | Story = Avengers Under Siege | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 270-277 | Date = August 1986-March 1987 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> ] assembled a super-sized version of the ] and courtesy of a pawn had Hercules drugged at a bar. Returning to the Mansion during the siege, a drunken Hercules ignored the ] and held off the attacking the Masters of Evil until being surprised and viciously beaten by ]. Hercules fell into a coma as a result of his beating, and was eventually retrieved by Hermes and taken back to Olympus, setting the stage for the "Assault on Olympus" storyline, which ran from #280-285.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Story = Assault on Olympus | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 280-285 | Date = June 1987-November 1987 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> Blamed by Zeus for Hercules' condition, the Avengers battled the gods and finally Zeus himself. In the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline,<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #270-277</ref> Baron ] assembles a super-sized version of the ] and courtesy of a pawn drugs Hercules at a bar. Returning to the Mansion during the the siege, a now-drunken Hercules ignores the ] and attacks the Masters of Evil. Hercules holds them all off until being surprised and viciously beaten by ]. Hercules falls into a coma as a result of his beating, and is eventually retrieved by Hermes and taken back to Olympus, setting the stage for the "Assault on Olympus" storyline.<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #280-285</ref> Blamed by Zeus for Hercules' condition, the Avengers battle the gods and finally Zeus himself. Only the intervention of a recovered Hercules ends the conflict, and Zeus, forgiving the Avengers, forbids any born of Olympus from visiting Earth again - the catch being of course that Hercules was born on Earth.


===Exile=== ===Exile===


Angered by his son's preference for the mortal world, Zeus strips Hercules of his immortality and a great deal of his power, then exiles him to Earth. There, the traumatized Hercules drew support from the Avengers, especially Deathcry, whom he helped to return to her Shi'ar homeworld. Upon returning from space, Hercules discovered that the Avengers had apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the being known as ]. Distraught over the loss of his comrades, he took to drinking, becoming an alcoholic. Angered by his son's preference for the mortal world, Zeus strips Hercules of his immortality and a great deal of his power, then exiles him to Earth. There, the traumatized Hercules drew support from the Avengers, especially Deathcry, whom he helped to return to her Shi'ar homeworld. Upon returning from space, Hercules discovered that the Avengers had apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the being known as ]. Distraught over the loss of his comrades, he took to drinking, becoming an alcoholic.


Hercules traveled in search of adventure, briefly serving with the ]. When the Avengers and other heroes returned from their exile, Hercules joined the reformed team, opting to be an inactive member rather than serve as an active member. Hercules also sought out Goliath, now known as the hero Atlas, in order to extract revenge for his coma. Hawkeye convinces Hercules to stand down, at the cost of their long friendship. Hercules traveled in search of adventure, briefly serving with the ]. When the Avengers and other heroes returned from their exile, Hercules joined the reformed team, opting to be an inactive member rather than serve as an active member. Hercules also sought out Goliath, now known as the hero Atlas, in order to extract revenge for his coma. Hawkeye convinces Hercules to stand down, at the cost of their long friendship.


===New Labors=== ===New Labors===
⚫ With the dissolution of the Avengers during the "Disassembled" storyline and the destruction of Asgard, Hercules fell to old habits, frequenting bars and putting forth the image of a drunkard. With Hercules in a vulnerable position, Hera decided to strike with a new set of Labors. To this end, she utilized ], now the head of a modern company, to film a reality television show of Hercules completing new Labors, updated for the modern age. During the course of his labors, Hercules found forgiveness from Megara, and returned to defeat Eurystheus.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Hercules | Volume = | Issue = 1-5 | Date = 2005 | Publisher = ]
}}</ref>


⚫ With the dissolution of the Avengers during the "Disassembled" storyline and the destruction of Asgard, Hercules falls back into old habits, frequenting bars and putting forth the image of a drunkard. Seeing that Hercules is vulnerable, Hera attempts to humiliate him by devising a new set of Labors. To this end, she utilizes ] - now the head of a modern company - to film a reality television show of Hercules completing the Labors, which have been updated for the modern age. Hercules successfully completes all Twelve Labors and defies Hera once more.<ref>''Hercules'' #1 - 5 (2005)</ref>
⚫ Hercules goes on to fight and seriously injure the ], a supervillain who then sues Hercules, sending him into financial ruin. After helping Zeus and Ares unite the gods to defend Olympus against invaders, Hercules once again returned to Earth, and rejoined ] in order to earn money. Previously, Hercules had to perform community service with Damage Control, as a result of his drunken stupors. This time, however, he is an employee, working in construction and demolition. Hercules would recover, however, when he participated in a poker game organized by the ] and won much of his fortune back from the Constrictor.


⚫ Hercules goes on to fight and seriously injure the supervillain the ], who then sues Hercules and sends him into financial ruin. After helping Zeus and Ares unite the gods to defend Olympus against invaders, Hercules returns to Earth, and rejoins ] in order to earn money. Previously Hercules had to perform community service with Damage Control, as a result of his drunken stupors. This time, however, he is an employee, working in construction and demolition. Hercules recovers and when he participating in a poker game organized by the ] and wins much of his fortune back from the Constrictor.
⚫ ===Civil War===
{{spoiler}}


⚫ ===Civil War===
In the 2006 Marvel Comics crossover event ], Hercules is shown as an early opponent of the Superhuman Registration Act, and seems to regard the Pro-Registration Heroes as "traitors". He has taken the alias "Victor Tegler", an IT consultant, as cover to hide from pro-registration forces. In the final pages of ''Civil War'' # 3, he is incapacitated by a bolt of lightning summoned by a clone of ]. In the following issue, he is the only member of ] team to resist the sonic attack triggered by ] because of his half-Olympian parentage.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Civil War | Issue = 3-4 | Date = 2006 | Publisher = ] }}</ref>
Hercules openly opposes the Superhuman Registration Act, and regards the Pro-Registration Heroes as "traitors". He takes the alias of "Victor Tegler", an IT consultant, to hide from pro-registration forces. In the first large-scale battle between the two opposing forces, Hercules is temporarily stunned by a bolt of lightning summoned by a clone of ].<ref>''Civil War'' #3 - 4 (2006)</ref>
{{endspoiler}}


==Relationship with other gods== ==Relationship with other gods==

===The Mighty Thor=== ===Thor===
] and Hercules are close rivals, but neither has hesitated to help the other if needed. The second meeting between the two gods was recently chronicled in the six-part series ''Thor: Blood Oath'' (2005).<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Artist = ] | Title = Thor: Blood Oath | Issue = 2-4 | Date = December 2005- January 2006 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> The third meeting took place in ''Journey Into Mystery'' #125 and ''Thor'' #126-130, when Thor battled the minions of Pluto to save Hercules from being trapped in the underworld forever.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = | Title = Journey Into Mystery | Volume = 1 | Issue = 125 | Date = February 1966 | Publisher = ] }}</ref><ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Title = Thor | Volume = 1 | Issue = 126-130 | Date = March 1966-July 1966 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> Hercules has returned the favor and assisted Thor on several occasions, a notable example being the final battle against the Dark Gods in ''Thor'' (vol. 2) #10-12.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = The Dark Wars | Title = Thor | Volume = 2 | Issue = 10-12 | Date = April 1999-June 1999 | Publisher = ] }}</ref>

Thor and Hercules are close rivals, but neither has hesitated to help the other if needed. The second meeting between the two gods took place when Thor needed to borrow an enchanted animal from Dionysus. <ref>''Thor: Blood Oath'' (2005)</ref> The third meeting took place when Thor battled the minions of Pluto to save Hercules from being trapped in the underworld forever.<ref> ''Journey Into Mystery'' Vol. 1, #125 & ''Thor'' Vol. 1, #126-130</ref> Hercules has returned the favor and assisted Thor on several occasions, a notable example being the final battle against the ].<ref>''Thor'' Vol. 2, #10-12</ref>


===Other gods=== ===Other gods===

For all Zeus' gruffness, ''Hercules'' volume 2 #4 shows that he regards Hercules as his favorite,<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Hercules: Full Circle | Volume = 2 | Issue = 4 | Date = 1984 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> much to chagrin of the other Olympians - with the exception of Hercules' half-brother ]. Both Ares and Pluto are Hercules' mortal enemies.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = The Power of Pluto! | Title = Thor | Volume = 1 | Issue = 128 | Date = May 1966 | Publisher = ] }}</ref>
For all Zeus' gruffness, he regards Hercules as his favorite - much to the chagrin of the other Olympians.<ref>''Hercules: Full Circle'' Vol. 2, 4 (1984)</ref> ] and Pluto are Hercules' mortal enemies.<ref>''Thor'' Vol. 1, #128</ref>


==Alternate versions== ==Alternate versions==
===Hercules 2300=== == Hercules 2300 ==

Hercules also starred in two miniseries set in the 24th century.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Hercules: Prince of Power | Volume = 1 | Issue = 1-4 | Date = 1982 | Publisher = ] }}</ref><ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Hercules: Full Circle | Volume = 2 | Issue = 1-4 | Date = 1984 | Publisher = ] }}</ref> In a bid to teach his son humility, an offended Zeus banishes Hercules. Loaned Apollo's chariot and steeds as a means of transportation, Hercules explores the cosmos. He encounters and befriends a Skrull named Skyppi and the Rigellian Recorder #417, woos various ladies (one of whom would give birth to a son who would become emperor of a planet and bitter towards his absentee father), fights assorted aliens, and, hopelessly outmatched against the World Devourer ], only succeeds in amusing him. This, however, proves to be enough, as Galactus forgets his hunger and spares the planet Hercules is defending. After numerous encounters with a variety of beings including ], Hercules returns to Olympus to confront Zeus. Hercules also starred in two miniseries set in the 24th century of an alternate Earth.<ref>''Hercules: Prince of Power'' Vol. 1, #1 - 4 (1982) & ''Hercules: Full Circle'' Vol. 2, #1 - 4 (1984)</ref> In a bid to teach his son humility, an offended Zeus banishes Hercules. Loaned Apollo's chariot and steeds as a means of transportation, Hercules explores the cosmos. He encounters and befriends a Skrull named Skyppi and the Rigellian Recorder #417, who records Hercules' adventures. After numerous encounters with a variety of beings including ], and siring a child, Hercules returns to Olympus to confront Zeus.

⚫ ==Powers and abilities ==
'']

Hercules primary superhuman power is his physical strength. Hercules is the strongest of all Olympians, and while the limits of Hercules' strength have never been measured, he is capable of fighting and matching both Thor<ref>''Thor'' Annual Vol. 1, #1</ref> and an enraged Hulk. <ref>''Tales To Astonish'' Vol. 1, #79</ref>


Since Zeus' punishment (marked by a "lightning bolt" tattoo on Hercules' shoulder), he has reverted to his original, ancient strength level, which is on par with the ], who is twice as strong the Hulk at his base (calm) level.
⚫ == Powers and abilities ==
===Power===
Hercules' primary power is his superhuman physical strength. Hercules is physically the strongest of all Olympians. While the limits of Hercules' strength have never been measured, he is strong enough to stand toe to toe with ] (''Thor Annual'' #1, 1965) and an enraged ] (''Tales To Astonish'' #79, 1966).<ref name=JintoM>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = When Titans Clash! | Title = Journey Into Mystery Annual | Issue = 1 | Date = December 1965 | Publisher = ] }}</ref><ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Tales To Astonish | Volume = 1 | Issue = 79 | Date = May 1966 | Publisher = ] }}</ref>


Like other Olympians, Hercules is immortal and cannot die under conventional circumstances.
Since Zeus's punishment (marked by a "lightning bolt" tattoo on Hercules's shoulder), he has reverted to his original, ancient strength level.{{fact}} Another result of this is that Hercules is no longer an immortal, aging just as ordinary humans do.{{fact}} At his full godly power, Hercules is functionally immortal, as are other Olympians. Hercules is immune to all known diseases, and cannot die under conventional circumstances, at least before Zeus's punishment. Hercules' body is highly resistant to physical injury and has withstood the impact of high caliber machine gun shells, falls from tremendous heights, exposure to temperature extremes and powerful energy blasts without sustaining injury. It took two point-blank blasts from the god Michael Korvac to bring Hercules to the point of death, although he was revived with the other fallen Avengers by a dying Korvac in ''Avengers'' volume 1, #177.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Title = Avengers | Volume = 1 | Issue = 177 | Date = November 1978 | Publisher = ] | Page = | Panel = }}</ref> Hercules' body is highly resistant to physical injury and has withstood the impact of high caliber machine gun shells, falls from tremendous heights, exposure to temperature extremes and powerful energy blasts without sustaining injury. It took two point-blank blasts from the god Michael ] to bring Hercules' to the point of death, although he was revived with the other fallen Avengers by a dying Korvac<ref>''Avengers'' Vol. 1, #177 </ref>.


===Skills=== ===Skills===
Hercules is a skilled hand to hand combatant and ]. Hercules is highly skilled with all forms of weaponry used in ancient Greece. Hercules' weapon of choice is an adamantine mace, forged by Hephaestus, the blacksmith of the gods. ''Thor Annual'' #1 showed the mace to be as durable as Thor's mystical hammer ].<ref name=JintoM>{{Comic book reference | Writer = ] | Penciller = ] | Inker = ] | Story = When Titans Clash! | Title = Journey Into Mystery Annual | Volume = | Issue = 1 | Date = December 1965 | Publisher = ] }}</ref>
==Popular Culture==
===Television===
* He was a regular character on the Mighty Thor segment of ].


Hercules is a highly skilled hand to hand combatant and an outstanding Greco-Roman wrestler. Hercules' weapon of choice is an adamantine mace forged by ], the blacksmith of the gods. The mace has proven to be as durable as Thor's mystical hammer, ].<ref>''Thor'' Annual Vol. 1, #1</ref>
⚫ ==References==

<div class="references-small">
⚫ == References ==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references/> <references/>
</div> </div>


==External links== ==External links==
* ] *
*


] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]


] ]
]
] ]
] ]

Revision as of 09:53, 10 December 2006

For the DC Comics version of Hercules, see Hercules (DC Comics)
Comics character
Hercules
File:Hercules-1.jpgCover to Hercules #1 (2005). Art by Mark Texeira.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceAvengers Vol. 1, #10 (November 1964)
Created byStan Lee (writer)
Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
SpeciesOlympian
Place of originOlympus
Team affiliationsSecret Avengers, Avengers, Champions, Defenders, Heroes for Hire, Damage Control, Olympian Pantheon, Olympia Corp, Argonauts
AbilitiesSuperhuman strength, durability, and stamina; immortality.

Hercules is a Marvel Comics superhero and is based on the Greek demi-god and hero Heracles. Called Hercules by the Romans, the character was adapted and introduced by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist-coplotter Jack Kirby in Journey Into Mystery Annual #1 (1965).

Fictional character biography

Origin

Hercules was born to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. Blessed with extraordinary strength imparted by his father, his history is similar to that of the mythical Hercules. The Marvel version of Hercules deviates from myth in that Hercules did not die courtesy of a poisoned robe, but rather remained in Olympus until the dawn of the Silver Age and the rise of the superhero.

Modern era

Hercules' first appearance was technically when Immortus pulled Hercules from the ancient past to battle Thor. As this was the Hercules from the past, the "modern" Hercules had no memory of the encounter when meeting Thor months later. It was revealed later that the historical Hercules that Thor first met was in fact a Space Phantom in disguise - which retroactively explained the identity conundrum.

Hercules' first appearance in the Avengers was as a thrall of the Enchantress, although he goes on to aid the team against the likes of the Mad Thinker, the Sub-Mariner, Diablo and the Dragon Man, the Red Guardian, Whirlwind, and Typhoon. Hercules also appears in the Olympian arc and returns for the final battle against Korvac. Hercules makes a guest appearance some months later before eventually rejoining the team on an ongoing basis.

In the "Avengers Under Siege" storyline, Baron Zemo assembles a super-sized version of the Masters of Evil and courtesy of a pawn drugs Hercules at a bar. Returning to the Mansion during the the siege, a now-drunken Hercules ignores the Wasp and attacks the Masters of Evil. Hercules holds them all off until being surprised and viciously beaten by Goliath. Hercules falls into a coma as a result of his beating, and is eventually retrieved by Hermes and taken back to Olympus, setting the stage for the "Assault on Olympus" storyline. Blamed by Zeus for Hercules' condition, the Avengers battle the gods and finally Zeus himself. Only the intervention of a recovered Hercules ends the conflict, and Zeus, forgiving the Avengers, forbids any born of Olympus from visiting Earth again - the catch being of course that Hercules was born on Earth.

Exile

Angered by his son's preference for the mortal world, Zeus strips Hercules of his immortality and a great deal of his power, then exiles him to Earth. There, the traumatized Hercules drew support from the Avengers, especially Deathcry, whom he helped to return to her Shi'ar homeworld. Upon returning from space, Hercules discovered that the Avengers had apparently sacrificed themselves to stop the being known as Onslaught. Distraught over the loss of his comrades, he took to drinking, becoming an alcoholic.

Hercules traveled in search of adventure, briefly serving with the Heroes for Hire. When the Avengers and other heroes returned from their exile, Hercules joined the reformed team, opting to be an inactive member rather than serve as an active member. Hercules also sought out Goliath, now known as the hero Atlas, in order to extract revenge for his coma. Hawkeye convinces Hercules to stand down, at the cost of their long friendship.

New Labors

With the dissolution of the Avengers during the "Disassembled" storyline and the destruction of Asgard, Hercules falls back into old habits, frequenting bars and putting forth the image of a drunkard. Seeing that Hercules is vulnerable, Hera attempts to humiliate him by devising a new set of Labors. To this end, she utilizes Eurystheus - now the head of a modern company - to film a reality television show of Hercules completing the Labors, which have been updated for the modern age. Hercules successfully completes all Twelve Labors and defies Hera once more.

Hercules goes on to fight and seriously injure the supervillain the Constrictor, who then sues Hercules and sends him into financial ruin. After helping Zeus and Ares unite the gods to defend Olympus against invaders, Hercules returns to Earth, and rejoins Damage Control in order to earn money. Previously Hercules had to perform community service with Damage Control, as a result of his drunken stupors. This time, however, he is an employee, working in construction and demolition. Hercules recovers and when he participating in a poker game organized by the Thing and wins much of his fortune back from the Constrictor.

Civil War

Hercules openly opposes the Superhuman Registration Act, and regards the Pro-Registration Heroes as "traitors". He takes the alias of "Victor Tegler", an IT consultant, to hide from pro-registration forces. In the first large-scale battle between the two opposing forces, Hercules is temporarily stunned by a bolt of lightning summoned by a clone of Thor.

Relationship with other gods

Thor

Thor and Hercules are close rivals, but neither has hesitated to help the other if needed. The second meeting between the two gods took place when Thor needed to borrow an enchanted animal from Dionysus. The third meeting took place when Thor battled the minions of Pluto to save Hercules from being trapped in the underworld forever. Hercules has returned the favor and assisted Thor on several occasions, a notable example being the final battle against the Dark Gods.

Other gods

For all Zeus' gruffness, he regards Hercules as his favorite - much to the chagrin of the other Olympians. Ares and Pluto are Hercules' mortal enemies.

Alternate versions

Hercules 2300

Hercules also starred in two miniseries set in the 24th century of an alternate Earth. In a bid to teach his son humility, an offended Zeus banishes Hercules. Loaned Apollo's chariot and steeds as a means of transportation, Hercules explores the cosmos. He encounters and befriends a Skrull named Skyppi and the Rigellian Recorder #417, who records Hercules' adventures. After numerous encounters with a variety of beings including Galactus, and siring a child, Hercules returns to Olympus to confront Zeus.

Powers and abilities

Hercules battles the Hulk in Tales To Astonish Vol. 1, #79, May 1966. Publisher Marvel Comics.

Hercules primary superhuman power is his physical strength. Hercules is the strongest of all Olympians, and while the limits of Hercules' strength have never been measured, he is capable of fighting and matching both Thor and an enraged Hulk.

Since Zeus' punishment (marked by a "lightning bolt" tattoo on Hercules' shoulder), he has reverted to his original, ancient strength level, which is on par with the Abomination, who is twice as strong the Hulk at his base (calm) level.

Like other Olympians, Hercules is immortal and cannot die under conventional circumstances. Hercules' body is highly resistant to physical injury and has withstood the impact of high caliber machine gun shells, falls from tremendous heights, exposure to temperature extremes and powerful energy blasts without sustaining injury. It took two point-blank blasts from the god Michael Korvac to bring Hercules' to the point of death, although he was revived with the other fallen Avengers by a dying Korvac.

Skills

Hercules is a highly skilled hand to hand combatant and an outstanding Greco-Roman wrestler. Hercules' weapon of choice is an adamantine mace forged by Hephaestus, the blacksmith of the gods. The mace has proven to be as durable as Thor's mystical hammer, Mjolnir.

References

  1. Avengers Vol. 1, #10
  2. Thor Annual Vol. 1, #1
  3. Avengers Forever(1998-2000)
  4. Avengers Vol. 1, #38
  5. Avengers Vol. 1, #39-50 (offically joining in #45)
  6. Avengers Vol. 1, #98 - 100
  7. Avengers Vol. 1, #177
  8. Avengers Vol. 1, #211
  9. Avengers Vol. 1, #250
  10. Avengers Vol. 1, #270-277
  11. Avengers Vol. 1, #280-285
  12. Hercules #1 - 5 (2005)
  13. Civil War #3 - 4 (2006)
  14. Thor: Blood Oath (2005)
  15. Journey Into Mystery Vol. 1, #125 & Thor Vol. 1, #126-130
  16. Thor Vol. 2, #10-12
  17. Hercules: Full Circle Vol. 2, 4 (1984)
  18. Thor Vol. 1, #128
  19. Hercules: Prince of Power Vol. 1, #1 - 4 (1982) & Hercules: Full Circle Vol. 2, #1 - 4 (1984)
  20. Thor Annual Vol. 1, #1
  21. Tales To Astonish Vol. 1, #79
  22. Avengers Vol. 1, #177
  23. Thor Annual Vol. 1, #1

External links

Categories: