Herakles Book 1 by Édouard Cour
Series: Herakles #1
Genre: Fantasy | Mythology | Graphic Novel
Length: 160 pages
Published on 4th July 2018 by Lion Forge Comics
Purchase: Amazon | TBD
Édouard Cour: Website | Goodreads
eReview copy recieved from Publisher via NetGalley
Author Edouard Cour revisits one of the greatest Greek myths by painting the often-heroic Herakles as, well . . . somewhat of a jerk. Crude and stubborn at times, in little glimpses we meet a man—half-human, after all—with a psychology more complex than he appears, entangled in guilt over the ghosts who have haunted him since childhood. A mournful sadness seizes him as he crosses the fleeting silhouettes of a woman and her three children. “Friends or foe, all those who cross his path end up stiff and worm food,” comments Linos, the ghost of his childhood music teacher.Brimming with pathos and dark humor, this portrait of Herakles is a graphic whirlwind leaving little respite and often revealing beautiful surprises.
How intriguing is that cover? I knew I just had to read it.
It also illustrated to me how little I knew of Greek mythology because even though Herakles is someone from those myths I didn’t even register that until I started reading.
(Hi yes I don’t read blurbs either)
It took me a little bit to get into the story as the art work is wildly different to other graphic novels I’d pick up but it really grew on me. The use of colours and harsh lines really fit the story.
In the image above you can clearly see how Herakles feels after deciding to eat a Scorpion! (What a cute lil poisonous guy, he even gave a warning)
I believe we follow Herakles as he tackles 3 or 4 of the tasks set upon him and I was really fond how humour was incorporated in the story. This allowed the Myth to be told in a very accessible way.
I really liked seeing how Herakles tackled his problems, it illustrated his own strengths and weakness’ well. Whilst also letting you sympathise as neither Humans nor Gods fully accept and welcome him.
I was really impressed with this collection and felt very re-educated again in a way that wasn’t off putting. I’d happily pick up more of Cour’s work.
Northern Plunder 
These graphic are so cool! They feel really spooky and halloweeny!
yes! really fit the story
This sounds like one I will love adding it to the TBR! thanks :)
it was a fun and short read! worth it
I really like the sound of this one, definitely adding it to my TBR!
yeah i was surprised at how much i relearnt!