Broken Frontier

Incredible Hercules #141, written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, is the final issue of the Assault on New Olympus miniseries. This mini quietly ran over the last few months incorporating some heavyweights of the Marvel Universe. Much like the run of this series so far, the writers take great pains in creating a story that injects equal parts gravitas as well as well-placed humor. The tone of a book like this is hard to nail down and they do so perfectly.

When dealing with mythology, many writers handle the material either too seriously or too lightly, perpetuating disconnect with the audience. It's sometimes hard to relate to an all powerful character like Thor, leaving some readers cold to his adventures. Many can make that the argument for the inclusion of Dr. Donald Blake to his recent series. If a reader feels no threat or harm to the character’s well-being, then the emotional center of the story is hollow. A character like Hercules, being a demigod (half-human/half-god) is more relatable by definition, having a foot in both worlds. Van Lente and Pak know and exploit this with not only the tone, but Hercules’ sidekick/protégé.

The good nature of this book is accentuated tenfold by the inclusion of Amadeus Cho, the seventh smartest mind in the Marvel U. Acting as Hercules' complete opposite creates a dynamic that’s fun and free flowing. It also makes any situation the writers put them in instantly adaptable. Judging by the extensive (and hilarious) recap page at issue’s start, they’ve had quite a few crazy ones.

The recap page humorously breaks down every episode since #112 with a single line synopsis per each issue. This device not only accentuates the humor but sets the stage for a worthy climax.  It's no small feat, melding genres in the way that they’ve accomplished.  The conclusion of this issue feels real and has more weight because of the jovial nature of the title. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, it’s impressive none the less.

The issue not only marks the finale of a crossover event but also the end (maybe) of an overarching story that’s been building since the beginning. Hercules and Amadeus with team in tow are sent on a mission to save the universe as we know it from an ancient evil, ready to swallow the world.

Typhon, son of Mother Earth and Father Hell (their words, not mine) has escaped from his prison under Mount Etna and is now threatening to finish what he started, eons ago. A small band of heroes helps, but it’s really down to a de-aged Zeus and Hercules. Death, destruction, betrayal, and action ensue in a thrilling and unsuspecting climax.

As the curtain closes on our heroes’ deciding actions and motivations, we witness moments littered throughout the series, building upon this third act conclusion. It’s a well laid plan, executed almost masterfully. Approached without an overload of info but paced just fast enough. I feel uniquely qualified to make this observation, having never read a single issue of this title before. I still found myself compelled, endeared and drawn into the action. Aside from some names that sound alike, I had no problem at all keeping time with the pages’ rhythm. This one issue encompassed an entire two-plus years of well told storytelling. Between the recap and the wonderful Agents of Atlas back-up story, there are fun comic book adventures inside. The kind that will make you feel bad for missing out all this time, but too tempting not to jump on the bandwagon and catch up