Story: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Penciler: Rodney Buchemi
The Incredible Hercules was one of Marvel’s biggest surprise successes of the late 2000s. Following the events of World War Hulk, Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente transformed Hercules from a supporting Avenger into one of Marvel’s most entertaining leading heroes. Blending Greek mythology, superhero action, and sharp humor, the series quickly earned a devoted following and is now regarded as one of Marvel’s most underrated modern runs.
This original pencil art page comes from The Incredible Hercules #133, the opening chapter of “The Origin of Amadeus Cho” and the beginning of the Road of Trials storyline. Rather than focusing solely on Hercules, the issue finally reveals the hidden past of Amadeus Cho, the teenage genius who had become Hercules’ closest ally. Framed through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Cho studies mythology while Hercules explains how every great hero must pass through supernatural trials before discovering their true destiny.
The centerpiece of this page is a spectacular splash-like sequence depicting Hercules recounting his battle against the Skrull gods during the aftermath of Secret Invasion. Gathered before him are deities from multiple mythologies, assembled by Athena after the Skrull pantheon threatened Earth. Hercules explains how Athena united these powerful beings and appointed him to lead the defense against the invading gods. The page concludes with an explosive action panel as Hercules charges into battle against Kly’bn, the chief Skrull god, while Athena accompanies him into the fight.
Historically, this page occupies an important place in Marvel continuity. It directly references the mythology-heavy storyline from Incredible Hercules #116–120, where Hercules led Earth’s gods against the Skrull pantheon during the larger Secret Invasion era. Rather than simply revisiting those events, the issue reframes Hercules’ greatest adventures as lessons that help define Amadeus Cho’s own heroic journey. It also launches the first chapter of Cho’s definitive origin story, laying the groundwork for his eventual rise as one of Marvel’s most important young heroes and, years later, the Totally Awesome Hulk.
One of the greatest strengths of this piece is that it is presented in original pencils, allowing Rodney Buchemi’s craftsmanship to be appreciated without the finished inks. Every construction line, figure placement, facial expression, and compositional decision remains visible, offering a fascinating look into the creative process. The large central panel, packed with mythological figures from around the world, demonstrates Buchemi’s ability to organize a complex cast while maintaining depth and clarity. The energetic final panel showcases Hercules’ raw power as he launches into battle, creating a dramatic contrast between quiet storytelling and explosive action.
The page is further enhanced by Rodney Buchemi’s signature in the upper right margin, making it an especially attractive example for collectors who appreciate original pencil artwork.
For collectors, original pencil pages are considerably scarcer than finished inked pages because many artists retain or sell them separately. This page combines several highly desirable elements: Hercules, Amadeus Cho, Athena, the Skrull gods, a major reference to Secret Invasion, and a pivotal chapter in Cho’s evolution, all while showcasing Rodney Buchemi’s pencil work in its purest form.
