Disney enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a sequel comic for Hercules, following Dynamite Comics' successful Disney adaptations. The project brings together Elliott Kalan and George Kambadais, celebrated for their Spider-Man, Gargoyles, and Daily Show contributions. This new comic intertwines the Pygmalion myth with an Aphrodite-centered mystery, offering a novel perspective on the beloved hero and a deeper dive into the pantheon of Olympus' deities.
A new Disney comic is coming from Dynamite Comics, offering a sequel to the popular film Hercules and expanding the publisher's array of Disney spin-offs. Scheduled for release in Spring 2024, this will be Dynamite's second sequel series featuring a Disney hero and its eleventh overall comic collaboration with the animation giant. The publisher, known for its Disney Villains series and 90s cartoon revivals, caters to a wide range of Disney enthusiasts.
Among its current Disney titles, Dynamite Comics is set to release a Hercules sequel. This follows the standalone Lilo and Stitch sequel series. The publisher has seen success with its Disney Villains line and offerings inspired by Disney Afternoon shows.
Dynamite's Disney titles to date include Disney Villains: Maleficent, Scar, Hades, Cruella, Darkwing Duck, Negaduck, Darkwing Duck: Justice Ducks, Gargoyles, Gargoyles: Dark Ages, and Gargoyles: Dark Ages. These comics continue the stories, adding new, original adventures, providing Disney fans with a variety of engaging options.
Dynamite Comics has also successfully crowdfunded reprints of three Gargoyles comic series, including some previously lost works from the animated show's creator.
The upcoming Hercules series from Dynamite Comics features the creative team of Elliott Kalan and George Kambadais. The first issue, set for release on April 10, will feature covers by George Kambadais, Matteo Lolli, Francesco Tomaselli, and other yet-to-be-revealed artists. Kalan, known for his work on Spider-Man and the X-Men and as a former writer for The Daily Show, joins Kambadais, who has recently worked on Gargoyles. This series will be the second to focus on a Disney hero, following Lilo and Stitch.
The synopsis for Hercules is as follows:
THE CHAMPION OF OLYMPUS RETURNS! The world's favorite demigod-turned-mortal is back, embarking on his biggest adventure since The Odyssey! The Greek gods don’t understand why Hercules chose a mortal life over joining them on Mt. Olympus, but they respect his heroism and enlist his help for earthly missions. When Aphrodite grants an artist's wish to bring his sculpture to life, Hercules is called to handle the lively creation. Discovering that the rogue statue is misunderstood and rambunctious like his younger self, Hercules seeks Aphrodite’s guidance, only to find her temple deserted. Is the goddess of love simply pouting, or is there a more sinister plot afoot? Fans of classic mythology will likely guess the latter.
This new take on the myth of Pygmalion, involving a sculptor who falls in love with his statue, promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of Olympus and its gods, including a more prominent role for Aphrodite. The upcoming series presents an opportunity to showcase more of Olympus's gods and goddesses, enriching the legacy of Hercules.
Dynamite Comics revisits the world of Hercules following the Disney Villains: Hades series.
The 1997 Disney film Hercules never received a sequel, although it had a prequel animated series that has since been overshadowed by recent events in Disney Villains: Hades. Now, fans will finally see a sequel in comic form, set after Hercules chooses a mortal life with Megara over a divine existence on Mt. Olympus. Based on Matteo Lolli's variant cover, this series may include beloved characters like Pegasus, Megara, and Philoctetes. Readers can anticipate Hercules's newest adventures soon.
Hercules #1 will be available from Dynamite Comics on April 10.
Hercules #1 (2024) Writer: Elliott Kalan Artist: George Kambadais Cover Artist: George Kambadais