Summary
-
Hercules’ unique power of deriving strength from prayer sets him apart from MCU heroes and gods.
-
Hercules made his debut in Thor: Love and Thunder Post-credit scene, along with Thor in Giant Tor #1.
-
Despite Hercules’ rich history in Marvel Comics, his future in the MCU remains uncertain, potentially starving fan connections.
Warning: Contains spoilers for Giant Tor #1!
Hercules‘ Most unique power, one separating gods from superheroes, belongs in the MCU. Hercules, the Prince of Power, made his big screen debut in Thor: Love and Thunder Post-credit scene. While the MCU futures of Thor and Hercules are still up in the air, the two are teaming up Giant Tor #1, Leading to a stunning revelation about Hercules, and how his god-like powers work.
Giant Tor #1 was written by Al Ewing and drawn by Brian Level. A huge Tor Mecca is threatening an alien civilization. When their leaders gather to discuss strategy, one prays fervently to Hercules, who helped the planet during their “Galactus scare.” The others let him go, feeling that the beggar is wasting his time. However, Hercules answers the prayer.
On his way to the planet, Hercules explains to Rocket that when someone prays to him (which he admits is rare) he hears it, and has an obligation to respond.
Hercules’ comic book origin, explained
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby gave the Greek gods the miracle treatment
After catching lightning in a bottle, quite literally, with Thor, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby turned their attention to the Greek and Roman pantheon. Hercules, the son of Zeus, debuted in 1965 Annual Journey into Mystery #1. Since then, Hercules has been a permanent ally of Thor, as well as a regular member of the Avengers. These days, Hercules hangs out with the Guardians of the Galaxy, as seen in Giant-sized tor #1. In 2021 he made the leap to live action Thor: Love and Thunder, where he is played by Brett Goldstein.
Hercules may return in a future Avengers Film, but he has received little development so far, potentially negating any connection with audiences.
Unfortunately, Hercules’ MCU appearance was a short one, and he may never be seen again. Hercules is often tied to Thor, and without talk of a fifth film for the Thunder God, the MCU future of the Prince of Power is in doubt. Hercules may return in a future Avengers Film, but he has received little development so far, potentially negating any connection with audiences. Hercules has a rich, nearly 60-year history in the Marvel Universe, and he deserves better. Hercules’ power level rivals Thor’s, and an on-screen battle between them could be epic.
Hercules has the coolest, if not most underused, power in Marvel Comics
It’s too bad that no one worships the Greek gods anymore
And Hercules’ unique power, to obtain strength from prayer, sets him apart from the other gods and heroes of the MCU. It’s not a common power, and Hercules himself admits that he doesn’t use it much, explaining why fans are only seeing it now. Worship of the Greek and Roman gods is non-existent these days, depriving Hercules of a key source of strength. This unique power not only sets Hercules Apart from other superheroes, but it makes him infinitely cooler: he is a god who hears, and answers, prayers.
Giant Tor #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
|
Giant-sized tor #1 (2024) |
|
|---|---|
|
|
|