REVIEW: The Herculoids #1

In the expansive universe of comic book revivals, Dynamite Entertainment has once more turned its attention to a classic. Following the success of their “Space Ghost” series, they’ve breathed new life into another treasure from the Hanna-Barbera archives: The Herculoids. This inaugural issue, written by Tom Sniegoski and brought to life through the illustrations of Craig Rousseau, whisks readers back to the mysterious planet of Amzot—a realm where peril hides behind every asteroid, and heroism knows no limits.

Amzot is far from a typical holiday destination. Celebrated for its legendary wealth, it’s equally notorious for the menacing guardians that deter fortune seekers. Those who survive recount harrowing encounters with formidable creatures, underscoring that Amzot’s riches come at a steep cost. Yet, the promise of its plentiful resources continues to attract interstellar marauders, drawn like moths to a supernova.

The story kicks off with a band of greedy developers, enticed by tales of Amzot’s bountiful assets, who resort to extracting information from a hesitant informant. Their invasive techniques lead them to the enigmatic planet, intent on exploiting its treasures. Little do they know, Amzot is vigilantly defended by its native champions, the Herculoids, poised to repel any threats to their homeland.

Sniegoski devotes considerable attention to outlining the antagonists’ motivations and methods. These developers, driven by greed, employ ethically questionable tactics, including extracting information directly from an elderly man’s mind. This depiction highlights their unscrupulous nature and sets the stage for the looming confrontation.

Upon the developers’ landing on Amzot, readers are reacquainted with the Herculoids. Each member—Zok, the laser-ray dragon; Igoo, the massive rock ape; Tundro, the ten-legged, energy-projecting behemoth; and the shape-shifting duo, Gloop and Gleep—receives individual focus, showcasing their distinct abilities and steadfast dedication to protecting their world.

Craig Rousseau’s artistic style delivers a faithful portrayal of the Herculoids, capturing their unique appearances and imposing presence. The visuals stay true to the classic designs, offering a nostalgic experience for longtime fans while introducing the characters to new audiences. However, there’s room for more dynamic compositions to fully convey the grandeur and otherworldliness of Amzot and its inhabitants.

The Herculoids #1 stands as a respectful tribute to its original material, laying the foundation for future escapades. The issue effectively reintroduces the main characters and their environment, paving the way for deeper exploration in upcoming editions. Readers can look forward to more complex plot developments and character interactions as the series unfolds, delivering both nostalgia and fresh stories for fans old and new.

So, don your space helmets, ready your laser beams, and prepare to journey to Amzot. The Herculoids have returned, and the universe is all the better for it.

ScCORE:
3.5/5

Writer: Tom Sniegoski
Artist: Craig Rousseau
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

In a recent episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, host Al Mega sat down with Tom Sniegoski to delve into the nuances of bringing The Herculoids back to life. Sniegoski shared his childhood connection to the series and discussed the challenges of translating non-verbal creatures into compelling comic book characters. He also highlighted the collaborative process with artist Craig Rousseau, emphasizing their joint effort to honor Alex Toth’s original designs while introducing a modern twist. This conversation offers fans a deeper understanding of the creative journey behind the comic. Listen to the full interview here.

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!