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Hercules Prince of Power II 1 page 14 by Bob Layton
Artist: Bob Layton (All)
10 Comments - 174 Views - 16 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionAnother page from the first issue of this childhood favorite by Bob Layton at the top of his game.This page was the game changer I believe, both as regards this particular second series but compared to the first one as well. The first one was fun SCI-FI and comedic adventures whereas this one went much darker in tone with strong son father issues (while thankfully re-taining lighter/fun moments). In the first panel, Ares is reaping what he sow in the previous page, accusing his father Zeus of growing complacent. That’s what children do, they push their parents’ button, especially when they are the god of war. What he did not expect (and us as readers neither) is that Zeus would disintegrate him in anger, prompt that he is to lose his temper. A truly shocking OMG/GASP moment that the 90s would not have reneged, except this was 1984 and we were all traumatised for it. The extreme close on Zeus’ face looking down on Ares extended body has he is being disintegrated (think Wolvie in Days of Future Past) is extremely creepy and effective with energy waves radiating all over. He shouts “blasphemer”, reminding every-one in the room that he is the top of Olympus. You may have been a god, but by criticising me, you blasphemed towards the mightiest God there is. Memorable to say the least (and again sooooooooo effective where in today ultra decompressed storytelling comics, this would have been a full splash most likely). The reaction of the other gods in panel 2 is also excellent. They are panicked as they realise Zeus is not playing anymore. A god has murdered another god, his own son to boot and he set a precedent (at least in the Marvel U. version of things). The dialogues are spot on with each god babbling in reaction, including beautiful Aphrodite whose lover has just been slain brutal-ly in front of her. For my child self, seeing gods interact in such context was quite chocking. Then a powerful third panel, forming an apt T shape with the first one in which Zeus is setting everyone straight. He is the almighty, the most powerful and important of them all and he WILL BE respected. The no pupil, stoic stance and bulky figure all make for a dangerous otherworldly being. The fourth panel offers the gross result of his temper moment, a creepy pile of ashes that used to be his son Ares, next to his feet where he should have stayed and remembered his station in life as compared to his father. Then we cut back to Hercules relaxing in his room and we as readers can breathe a little from all that tension. And what better way to do that than to have our hero thinking (remember thought bubbles kids?) about how to get into the pants on a beauty he just crossed path with. He is Hercules after all and Hercules has needs. The last panel shows us his friends which continues to alleviate the tension, the faithful Re-corder and another character in disguise (no spoiler here ;) Basically, this page has it all for me, intense and memorable moment, great effective storytell-ing and the full cast of the series/tragedy. Layton was truly at the top of his game as exemplified here. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Mark V 
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 1/22/2025
Terrific page. Ive always thought that Hercules was Laytons best work as a complete storyteller.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/22/2025
that first panel is a show stopper, wow. really nice Layton art throughout the page though. congrats on adding this one, fantastic page.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/22/2025
How dare you collect pages from the 2nd mini-series where Hercules betrayed you by wearing an new, ugly costume? BLASPHEMER!
Ohay, okay, it definitely wasn't enjoyable to see Layton take Herc out of his classic costume, but Layton Hercules was just a fun time all around, regardless, so you're excused.
André .
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 1/23/2025
Judging by that 5th panel, Herc is ready to accept a lady visitor...
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/23/2025
One of the very best stories in shaping the character of Hercules and the most impactful work by Layton that no one else has overshadowed since. The powerful imagery of the gods combined with modern 80's hyper details may have been what DC was looking for in revamping the Wonder Woman title years later.
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/23/2025
The gods are a fickle lot, but they produce great drama (and art on this page)!
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 1/23/2025
Bob's best series from start to finish in my opinion, congrats !
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/23/2025
Great page with some great detailed art, and wonderful descriptions of your own. Cheers on this powerfully effective page.
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