Hercules: Marvel's First Hero, The Enduring Prince of Power
What happens when the oldest myth becomes the most modern hero? Hercules, the Lion of Olympus, is more than just a rival to Thor. He is a force of pure, unfiltered joy, a hero defined by epic tragedy, and a man constantly seeking redemption for sins he was forced to commit. His echo is one of laughter, loyalty, and the sheer thrill of battle, rippling from Olympus to the Avengers.
Origin Spark
The Prince of Power first clashed with Marvel's pantheon in 1965, establishing the Olympians as a force equal to the Asgardians.
Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
The Hero's Labors: Core Motivations
Hercules is driven by a complex mix of boisterous joy and profound guilt. He seeks the thrill of adventure but is also on a perpetual quest for atonement.
Mythic Echo: Herc vs. Thor
More than just rivals, Hercules and Thor are reflections of each other—brothers in arms whose friendship was forged in cosmic combat.
Resonant Arc: The Incredible Redefinition
While a classic Avenger, Hercules's modern echo was cemented in *The Incredible Hercules* (2008-2010). Branded an outlaw after *Civil War* and aiding Hulk in *World War Hulk*, Herc and his brilliant sidekick Amadeus Cho went on the run. This journey blended myth, humor, and heart, proving him to be one of Marvel's greatest heroes.
Post-World War Hulk
The Incredible Hulk #112 (2008)
Herc and Amadeus Cho are declared fugitives by S.H.I.E.L.D. Their iconic road trip begins, fleeing from gods and monsters alike.
Sacred Invasion
The Incredible Hercules #117-120 (2008)
Hercules forms the "God Squad" to combat the Skrull gods, proving his leadership and piety even in the face of annihilation.
Prince of Power
The Incredible Hercules #129-131 (2009)
Herc confronts his past and his father, Zeus, to save Olympus. He defeats the evil god Typhon and assumes the mantle "Prince of Power."
Chaos War
Chaos War #1-5 (2010-2011)
Hercules ascends to true godhood, becoming the "God of Heroes." He leads the heroes of Earth against the Chaos King and sacrifices his omnipotence to restore the multiverse.
Legacy & Echoes: A Hero's Connections
Hercules's influence ripples through the Marvel Universe, not just as a powerhouse for the Avengers, but as a friend, mentor, and rival who brings out the best (and sometimes the loudest) in those around him.
Zeus
Father / King
Hera
Stepmother / Antagonist
HERCULES
Prince of Power
Thor
Rival / Best Friend
Amadeus Cho
Sidekick / Friend
The Avengers
Family / Team
Hercules Reading Guide: Essential Issues
Ready to join the Lion of Olympus on his adventures? Here are the essential arcs that define the Prince of Power.
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Journey Into Mystery Annual #1 (1965)
The first epic clash! Hercules debuts as a powerful and boisterous rival to Thor.
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The Avengers #38 (1967)
After being banished from Olympus, Hercules finds a new home and purpose with Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
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The Champions #1-3 (1975)
Herc forms and leads a new, eclectic team of heroes on the West Coast.
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The Incredible Hercules #113-115 (2008)
The "Sacred Invasion" tie-in begins here, as Herc and Amadeus Cho start their legendary partnership.
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Avengers: No Road Home (2019)
A modern epic that sees Hercules as a core Avenger, fighting to restore the night and proving his heroism once more.
William has been reading Marvel comics since the early ’90s, starting with the X-Men and never looking back. Raised on X-Men: The Animated Series, he fell in love with the characters, the drama, and the wild twists that made every issue feel like a revelation.
Marvel has always been his go-to universe—whether it’s flipping through classic origin stories or catching every MCU movie and show the moment they drop. Through Marvel Echoes, William shares the stories that shaped his fandom, hoping to help others discover the heroes, villains, and cosmic oddities that make this multiverse so unforgettable.
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