Review of "Olympians: Hera, The Goddess and Her Glory," by George O’Connor

Review of

Olympians: Hera, The Goddess and Her Glory, by George O’Connor ISBN 9781596434332

Five out of five stars

 Of all the heroes in Greek mythology, Heracles (Hercules) is the most famous, since that time he has been the subject of movies, books and even a comic book character. Son of Zeus and the mortal human Alcmene, he was the product of one of Zeus’ human female seductions. This led to Queen Hera hating Heracles in ways that only a goddess can, leading to his being the victim of an induced temporary madness that caused him to kill his own children. Much of Heracles powers were derived from him being suckled by Hera herself.

 This background as well as the twelve labors of Heracles is the subject of this superb graphic novel. Zeus is depicted as a man that cannot sexually restrain himself and his Queen and bride Hera as the only power in the universe that he fears. The gods are depicted as the Greeks described them, possessing great power over humans, yet capable of unchecked emotions and engaging in deceit between themselves.

 The labors of Heracles is arguably the best story in Greek mythology, it contains most of the characteristics of the hero saga that is such a fundamental component of western literature. Brave, strong, kind and ruthless, Heracles will always remain the model for heroes in all forms of storytelling.