Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forGiant-Size Thor#1!
Hercules’ most unique power, one separating gods from superheroes, belongs in theMCU. Hercules, the Prince of Power, made his big-screen debut inThor: Love and Thunder’spost-credit scene. While the MCUfutures of both Thor and Herculesare still up in the air, the two team up inGiant-Size Thor#1,leading to a stunning revelation about Hercules, and how his god-like powers work.
Hercules has starred in several different titles over the years, including the critically acclaimedIncredible Herc.
Giant-Size Thor#1 is written by Al Ewing and drawn by Brian Level. An enormous Thor mecha is threatening an alien civilization. As their leaders gather to discuss strategy, one is praying fervently to Hercules, who helped the planet during their “Galactus Scare.” The others dismiss him, feeling the supplicant 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 a duty to respond.
Hercules' Comic Book Origin, Explained
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Gave the Greek Gods the Marvel 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’sJourney Into Mystery Annual#1. Since then, Hercules has been a perennial 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 inGiant-Sized Thor#1. He made the leap to live action in 2021’sThor: Love and Thunder,where he was played by Brett Goldstein.
Hercules could return in a futureAvengersfilm, but he has received little development thus 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 with no talk of a fifth film for the Thunder God, the Prince of Power’s MCU future is in doubt. Hercules could return in a futureAvengersfilm, but he has received little development thus 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 rivalsThor’s, and an on-screen battle between them could be epic.
Hercules Has the Coolest, If Not Most Underused, Power in Marvel Comics
And Hercules’ unique power, to derive strength from prayer, sets him apart from the other gods and heroes of theMCU. It is not a common power, and Hercules himself admits he does not 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 setsHerculesapart from other superheroes, but it makes him infinitely cooler: he is a god who hears, and answers, prayers.
