The Mighty Blog of HERCULES

By Heck it's HERC!

2012-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

A beautiful piece of art by Don Heck for this vintage original. I love the line work here. All the delineatian going on...the big fat thick wet lines deliberately placed with a masterful hand.

Great stuff...just wonderful. PS...I will be taking a short leave of absense from posting anything new for about a month. Please feel free to comment here and there. I will pop in once in awhile.

Steve Reeves vs Arnold Schwarzenegger

2012-01-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

I found this cool vid on youtube....just sharing. Enjoy

Clash of the Titans 2010...my review

2012-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well...I did it I finally watched the 2010 version. What took me so long was my aversion to remakes and anything new-ish. Shit I did not get a cell phone until 8 years ago , I did not even get a computer until 7 years ago...I bought LP's and cassettes and refused to by CD's all the way up until they completely stopped putting them on the shelves and I was forced to. Lets not even talk about DVD's lol....Put it this way...I have 1000 VHS tapes and it took me years to compile my collection...I only have about 200 or so DVD's. I guess my ignorant view of change has finally been put to rest. Anyway...On to my review.

All in all it was a good film despite the slight changes in the plot. I do indeed like the appearance of the witches in the original. I also like CHARON better in the original...Ray Harryhausen's Medusa is pretty damned cool but the CGI version in this film was of course more fluid and supple and even yes...more realistic. Of course snake ladies don't come slithering around everyday so what am I comparing her to?

Of course there was Liam Neeson , the guy is a brilliant actor and his portayal of Zeus was pretty damned good. Of course nobody has acting chops like Sir Laurence Olivier. But I have always liked Liam.

I did not really care for the way they treated Boobo the owl. They just shucked him back in the trunk like trash. But actually seeing him was pretty cool.

Calibos ? What the hell was up with him? I more rather prefer the original version of him too. As far as special effects and action sequences and the acting it was fair. Not one thing about this film actually got one digit on the suck o meter. It was good. On a scale of 1 to 10 I can fairly give it a 7. That's just me. What prompted me to finally watch this movie was the fact that Wrath of the Titans will soon be hitting movie houses all over and I thought from the trialers I've seen that it looks pretty good. Another of my idiosychrasies is to make sure I've seen part one of any film before I see a sequel so I was forced by my O.C.D to do something I maybe never would have done. Watch this movie.

One sequence in particular stands out in my mind as a pretty cool action bit was the first time and even the second time Calibos pops up out of no place. Especially the surprise attack on Perseus and his men the very first time where he loses his hand during the battle. When Percy was rolling down the slope and Callie comes bounding after him in huge strides that was just good action. I guess I'm learning to live with NEWISH-NESS...Cell phones and computers and I-PHONES , CD's and DVD's and Blue rays and so on...I have to accept that the future is the present and here I am in the middle of it. I have to adapt with the changes like everyone else.

So when WRATH comes out..I'll be watching it. Now I have to wait and see if they even bother making another CONAN film after that less than stellar box office flop they released. I mean I liked it and was disappointed by it's failure to bring in viewers. Then of course there is the 3D HERCULES film they say they're making...we'll see.

Anyway...this is a good movie. If you have not seen it...do so.

KEVIN SORBO AND COREY EVERSON HOTNESS! "7 DAY FOOL" BY JULLY BLACK

2012-01-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

7 DAY FOOL BY ...Jully Black

This video stars Cory Everson. Who is Kevin Sorbo anyway?

Can't get enough Cory Everson - Atalanta

2012-01-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Man I wish I were Hercules....

Wrath of the Titans Official Trailer #1 - Sam Worthington Movie (2012) HD

2011-12-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

The GODS are losing their powers! Only Perseus and the music of Marilyn Manson can save them!
This movie is going to be GOD DAMNED COOL!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE MIGHTY BLOG OF HERCULES!

2011-12-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

WISHING YOU MANY WONDERFUL GIFTS!

Upsie Daisy!!!

2011-11-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

This one comes to me from fellow contributor and the "Main Man" over at the "Red Sonja - She Devil with a sword " blog Darius Whiteplume he remembered that I was on the lookout for shots of Mickey and Jayne doing the TARZAN lift...I could have gone with my SHANNA blog...due to Jayne's Leopard print Bikini...but I stuck with HERC..because they were both in a HERCULES film together. " The Loves of HERCULES " all I have to say is " SWEET! Thanks Darius ! "

HERCULES gives THOR the GIFT!

2011-11-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Splash page from THOR 221 by John Buscema and Mike Esposito. I love the web...so much good stuff to find and share. Interesting sound effect though. I believe that may be the result of part of HERC'S fisk bashing THOR on the side of his head and clipping part of his Winged war helmet!

I love the little NO-PRIZE contest note they ran on the bottom right corner there. Marvel always had a tongue in cheak sense of humor.

HERCULES takes Manhattan!

2011-11-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

This piece comes from Chris Ivy. The man gets around and I can safely say he's done it all for just about all the major companies. He is a talented cuss and I really love his interpretation from a certain famous MARVEL TEAM UP I covered earlier here on the blog. This I believe is a commision piece...probably originally in b/w...but I found it on the web in color. Either way GREAT JOB CHRIS!!!

The Mighty HERCULES 8mm

2011-11-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

You never know what might turn up when you do a search on the web. Look at this cool 8mm home film of the Mighty HERCULES cartoon from..I guess around 1966-67.

I wish I could get my hands on it and watch it. When I was a kid my parents had a movie projector and camera to film 8mm home movies. We also had two of our own movies that we watched from time to time. CHIMP THE COWBOY and a TWEETY and SYLVESTER cartoon

Ahh...those were the days.

The Mighty Primo Carnera the " Walking Mountain "

2011-11-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

I am going to direct you over to http://frankensteinia.blogspot.com/ Frankensteinia the Frankenstein blog for a bio on Primo Carnera....A man who played big part in the History of the legend of HERCULES...Enjoy.

Click on the link provided...or simply click herehttp://frankensteinia.blogspot.com/2011/11/revealed-tvs-lost-frankenstein-of-1957.html to go directly to the post. Thank you to the good people at FRANKENSTEINIA !!!

Hercules Unchained (1959) Herc Vs Primo

2011-11-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

Mighty Joe Young VS PRIMO!!!

2011-11-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Immortals - Official Trailer [HD]

2011-11-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

Coming soon 11-11-11 another Badass movie...

Wrestling , Giants and feats of strength !!!

2011-11-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite heels ( Bad guy ) in Wrestling was absolutely HERCULES HERNANDEZ.

He had so much character and he was so intense. The way he could talk through his teeth and make veins bulge in his temples was probably what got me so interested on a dramatical sense of the word. This guy could really sell it.

One of my favorite feuds was with him and the Ultimate Warrior ( James Helliwig ). The CHAIN MATCH at MSG...they had a tug of war and the chain snapped. HERC then proceded to choke out Warrior with his half of the chain. It took a half dozen other guys to pry him off the Warriors lifeless corpse. lol....the feud lasted for months as they went from state to state pulling the same act over and over. That's how they did it back then in the 80's.

Some matches the Warrior would win and some matches HERC would get DQ'd because of the choke out. I prefer the DQ matches personally. I liked that HERC got the better of ol' "Jimmy the nutbag Ultimate Warrior." Ray passed away...too bad. Jim is still alive and he legally changed his name to the ULTIMATE WARRIOR...so yeah...he's a nutbag.

Another of my favorite matches was between ANDRE the Giant and Hacksaw JIM DUGGAN.

Andre just got done beating up some jobber ( A preliminary wrestler specifically there to get beat up and lose ) and he challenged anyone to come out and take him down. So out comes DUGGAN chanting "USA" and hoisting his 2 x 4 in the air and getting the crowd all worked up.

Well ANDRE proceeded to beat on DUGGAN and choke him out with the strap from his trunk

and DUGGAN...walloped him in the GIANT NOGGIN' with the board! Down went ANDRE.

Those were the days man! The reason I loved wrestling so much is because of cool match ups like that. I could imagine ancient ROME and Gladiators and so on. The thrill of victory and the agony of getting bashed in the head! Yeah baby...check out the two youtube vids of ye ancient olden wrestling times ( For review purposes ) Action provided by the WWE Superstars by way of Youtube. " Lets get rrrready to RUMBLLLLE!!! "

Ultimate Warrior Vs Hercules (chain match)

2011-11-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Andre The GIant and Jim Duggan

2011-11-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Power Records: Conan the Barbarian - Crawler in the Mists

2011-10-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

A piece of my childhood I feel the need to share...enjoy. I am aware the audio is here on the blog. But this is a nifty little Youtube video someone has put together. Thank YOU!

The Mighty AQUALESE!!!

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Pretty much going back to as early as I can remember I have always loved super heroes. I remember kids asking me “ Why do you like Super Heroes so much?” My answer was “ I just do. “ I had no answer …comic books, cartoons and super heroes just spoke to me. Kids love sports and know all the guys and stats other kids love cars and learned how to strip’em down and modify them and become mechanics…Kids love Motorcycles or motor cross or skating…I loved comics. We all have something don’t we?
I used to watch SPACE GHOST and BIRDMAN and the reruns of the 1960’s SUPERMAN, BATMAN and AQUAMAN cartoons and when the Super Friends came out I watched that. BATMAN the animated series in the early 90’s was a great show and BATMAN BEYOND was cool too. BUT..between all the BATMAN cartoons that ever came out…BRAVE AND THE BOLD was the absolute best!
Now let me get to the point…AQUAMAN…he became a prominent part of the series. He was a permanent fixture practically as he was in more episodes than just about anyone. But this version was not just any old version he was for all intents and purposes…HERCULES!! The way he spoke and his boisterous attitude and his bluster and even the beard. They played him up like the Original version of JACK KIRBY’S HERCULES from the early issues of JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY….I loved it every minute of it. He was the best version yet.
One episode titled “ The Sword of the ATOM “ from the last season had him utter the line “ HERCULES?...BY NEPTUNE! “ I was cracking up. I knew the similarity was deliberate and they let us know right there. I recommend anyone who is a fan of cartoons to go out and purchase the entire series of BRAVE AND THE BOLD on DVD wherever you can get it. It’s worth watching just for AQUAMAN alone!

The Brutal Blade of Bruno the Bandit : A review

2011-10-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Brutal blade of Bruno the Bandit : A review.

I sat down to read my Bruno comics the other day and started reading of course with number one. Here we are introduced to BRUNO the bandit as he sets off on an adventure. The humor in the strip is what I would consider to be straight dead pan….as Bruno gets himself into scrapes against Gargoyles that were guarding the castle Bruno sets out to rob. They begin to argue and Bruno slips by.
I was amused by Ian McDonalds imagination and the world he set up where Medieval knights and demons and dragons co exist with telephones and TV sets…it leaves a lot to the imagination as well. My first out loud laugh was when the commentary stops and Bruno looks out of the panel at the reader and says “ Well? “ I was so totally not expecting that…of course Bruno outsmarts the Wizard and gets away…along the way he makes friends with Fiona…a micro dragon. Of course Bruno does not want her following him but eventually accepts that now he has a new travelling companion.
The character of Fiona is a charming one as she is intelligent and innocent all at once. Bruno attempts to get her to rob someone but her honest nature prevent this from happening. I enjoyed myself as I was reading the story because you can visualize the world they live in and can imagine it in the form of a Sid and Marty Krofft TV show from the 1970’s. The parodies and references to today’s court themed TV shows is worth the read alone.
What I thought was quite hilarious was Bruno’s curmudgeon of a Father ( Who has one arm by the way ) and Bruno’s bickering …it reminded me of when my Dad and I used to bicker back before he moved to Florida.
I’d have to say…I’d like to see more of Bruno . The collected strips are available in two volumes available through the A.I.M comics blog. ( aimcomics.com )
I think the series would do well in comic book format with splash pages and panel to panel continuity. I could totally see this comic book being a regular series or even a cartoon strip in syndicated papers.
I especially like the art work as it is clean and tight and not too much going on..it’s sweet and simple…like any good strip should be.
If you’re in the mood for a laugh or to just brighten your spirits I recommend “ The Brutal Blade of Bruno the Bandit “ go order volumes 1 and 2 today. Trust me…you won’t be sorry.

Mighty Men of American folklore - Paul Bunyan

2011-10-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

" Well he rode throught the woods on his big blue ox , he had fists as large as chopping blocks at 500 pounds and NINE feet tall...that's PAUL "

That's the way the song went that country music legend Bobby Bear wrote. My Dad used to play that song on Sunday mornings to wake the kids up early so we'd get up and get ready for church. Mom would have pancakes ready or oatmeal and my Dad would be walking around singing along...." Talk about women the man is so lusty he needs a woman every hour just to keep from getting rusty , Talk about drinking the man is so mean he never drank nothing but kerosene a 5 gallon can and that aint all...for Paul "

Well there are many tales and stories surrounding Paul Bunyan about his size and logging and lumberjacking skills as he could swing his giant axe and take down a dozen trees in one fell swoop. Some stories he's a giant and he can tear out trees like weeding in a garden. Nobody ever really mentioned just how big Paul was except Bobby Bear.

He'd take a stack of flapjacks and swallow it in one bite. He had a pet named Babe...Babe was a giant blue ox...the only creature on earth who could give him a run for his money in a friendly wrestling match. He'd take on entire logging camps and swat away 2 dozen men in one smack nobody could take him down. He was a Mighty mighty giant of a man.

As Bobby's song went... Paul one day decided he did not want to live anymore " I'm gonna lay right down and die! " because he'd seen everything and done it all and this world was no longer exciting for him and he wanted to see what the DEVIL had going on down in HELL. SO he dug himself a giant hole and drank 25 gallons of kerosene and instructed his pals to bury him in as he willed himself to die. " So late one night when you hear a ghostly wail like someone chopping on the Devil's tail...that's Paul !"
Well as it turns out Paul got bored in HELL too...he burst out of the ground some weeks later where his friends buried him and called on Babe who came running and the two of them waltzed off in the mountains never to be seen or heard from again. Well he's still out there folks.

This tale like so many others was inspired by a real man too. A man named Paul BonJean...a French Canadian a giant of a man who really existed in themid to late 1800's. Paul was almost as true to the legend as anyone can be. He drank moonshine whiskey he made himself that was so strong nobody else could touch it...it was used sometimes instead of kerosene. He loved women too...he wenched and whored and had sired many a bastard child up in them there woods. He loved to fight too...six , 8 , 12 men could not bring him down but he fought for fun and recreation he never hurt anybody he just like to toss people around and laugh heartily while swigging moonshine from an oversized jug in one hand while dispatching opponents with the other. Sounds like enough to start a legend around. One day he had enough with the toying around of his lesser opponents and saw an ox in someones field...he charged it head on and wrestled that ox bringing it to the ground... got him good too as he was thrown in the air and tossed about like he'd never been tossed around by anything ever before. Wrestling the ox became a daily routine as the ox was the only competition he ever had. He was a champion logger and a big drinker and yes he loved his women. He'd done it all and had all the people in town hail and regard him as a hero of heroes. Then one day...he came walking down the street with that ox...on a leash. Thus...was a legend born.

Now I see a few comparisons here...to HERCULES. The BULL of MINOS...WOMEN , WRESTLING , DRINKING a fun loving HELL RAISER. If this story is true and the legend and myth were created around a real guy like this...I believe it. Paul Bunyan...SON OF HERCULES!

Mighty Men of American folklore - John Henry

2011-10-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Mighty Men of American folklore - John Henry

I'm just going to go with my heart here. I have always been fascinated with tales of the Mighty and Giant like powerful Heroes of American folk lore. John Henry the steel drivin' man was one of them. This Myth may be based on a real individual or it may not be. I'll leave you to determine this for yourselves.

Back in the olden days when Rail road crews were laying track across the land men had to carve out moutains by hand. Crews and crews of men with pick axes and sledge hammers would dig and dig out mountains and tunnels for the railroad until one day some dude come along and he got a steam engine pile driving machine and he wants to make things easier on men and leave all the smashing and crashing to his machine. But this is going to put men out of work and a lot of guys are simply none too happy with the prospect of losing their job. SO...in a challenge the DRIVERS ( That's what the men were called that did all the sledge and axe work ) put their biggest and mightiest and strongest DRIVER up to the task of banging out a tunnel in a race of MAN vs MACHINE !

With nothing but a hammer in each hand JOHN HENRY showed up to work that day ready to rip into a mountain. The race was on as the Steam driven pile driving modified locomotive and the Mighty JOHN HENRY the STEEL DRIVING MAN went toe to toe. The story goes...JOHN HENRY beat that steam engine that day but...he then expired and died collapsing while holding onto both his hammers in his blistered and bloody fists. The starin was just too much for him as he was more than likely dehydrated exhausted and probably had several broken blood vessels in his heart and brain from exerting his mighty muscles for so long a period of time while facing off against the MACHINE. Just the story alone is amazing. Can a man actually triumph is such a fashion?

It's been said that according to legend the myth was derived from an actual living breathing person. This man was a convicted criminal and put to work on the railroad as part of his penalty. But his hard work and mighty frame had people in awe as he wielded two hammers to do his work just like the legend says. So much so that a legend was built around him. The John Henry of myth was a former slave who had gotten work at the railroad because of his size and strength. There are stories and films and songs about him and you can look up all the particulars on the web if you're so inspired. But Mighty men like this....I do believe did and do exist. This legend is a truly inspired one in that it encompasses all the elements of a trail of HERCULES ~ JOHN HENRY ...a MIGHTY SON OF HERCULES!

Doc Samson -

2011-10-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

I found this Doc Samson drawing on the web by Herb Trimpe and wanted to share. Being in that Samson is another comic book hero inspired by some type of mythology and used to create a new super hero. Samson got hios power by intentionally exposing himself to gamma radiation he was successful in his endeavor to give himself HULK like strength but his power is only about 2/3 of the HULKS...so as for being a match for HERCULES...forget it Ol' Herc would put him down in seconds. The reason Doc ever gave the HULK so much trouble is becasue he's famous for his sneak attacks and diversions. Or getting a whole bunch of super strong hero types to attack the HULK at once. ( Including HERCULES ) Yep...the HULK got knocked out in that encounter. But not before he knocked them all around pretty good.

Kevin Sorbo ( Hercules ) overcomes adversity

2011-10-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

By Kimberly Potts - LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) -

"Hercules" star Kevin Sorbo has revealed for the first time that while filming his hit series in 1997, he suffered three strokes that left him "depressed and frustrated" and with a bad attitude for the two years it took him to recover.
In a Neurology Now magazine interview that teases Sorbo's new memoir "True Strength," the actor says his health troubles left him partially blind and grasping "the backs of chairs and counters for an arduous five-yard trip to the bathroom."
"I went through two years of hell before I began to feel like myself again," says Sorbo, 52. "I was depressed and frustrated and had a bad attitude."
Sorbo, who worked out rigorously to play "Hercules" and perform his own stunts, was exercising in the summer of 1997 when, out of the blue, he began to feel pain and cold sensations in his left arm and hand.
Doctors checked him out and found nothing seriously wrong with him, and he resumed working out. The pain continued, however, and while lifting weights one day, he experienced severe pain down his shoulder. Again, a chiropractor checked him out and found nothing seriously wrong.
But on the drive home from the chiropractor appointment, Sorbo experienced blurry vision and dizziness. He arrived home safely and decided to "sleep it off," but awoke the next morning with slurred speech and found himself barely able to walk.
A trip to the ER finally pinpointed the cause: Sorbo had an aneurysm near his shoulder, which had been causing blood clots. Two of the main arteries into his hand were completely blocked, and after he underwent surgery, an MRI test showed Sorbo had suffered three separate strokes before he was diagnosed.
Doctors told him that given his age at the time -- 38 -- and his physical fitness, he was a medical anomaly. They said the chances of him experiencing both an aneurysm and multiple strokes had been one in 75 million.
"My illness made me special in a way that I never wanted nor expected," Neurology Now quotes him as saying. "I'm not Hercules; I'm a mere mortal with human limitations and problems. But I am determined to not behave like a victim anymore."
Sorbo, who guest-starred on an episode of "Hawaii Five-0" last season, is developing a new TV series, "Legendary." In the comical Syfy project, he would play Kevin Sorbo, who is recruited by a "Hercules" fan to battle underworld monsters in Los Angeles

Official /Unofficial disclaimer : I did not write this article this article is not mine I got it off of Yahoo news and fealt like I should share. It is after all HERCULES related news !

MAGNET COMICS pledge your support today!

2011-09-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kickstarter.com%2Fprojects%2F497612682%2Fsilver-and-bronze-age-mania-return-to-mind-blowing&h=mAQCKTDoIAQDi6s-0IsvlYSc-W2dH1sf77ui1bn8yHkCd6A....

If you have a Facebook account...follow this link to get this project soaring!

" About this project
WHERE MY IDEA CAME FROM...
This is a dream project for me; one that's been brewing since I was a kid! The late Silver Age/ Bronze Age of comic books was my influence growing up and I LOVED it! Even as I knew, back then, that I wanted to become a professional artist drawing comic books (which I've done) I've also, recently, become aware of a slightly different, yet parallel desire I've had since I was that kid, though I didn't really know of it until now: I've wanted to draw THOSE very comic books I was reading back then! (And after talking to tons of fans over the years, I've found that there are a LOT of people who'd love to READ those types of comics again!)
And those comics had some cool things going on: • Classic, yet revitalized, Superheroes. • New Creative superheroes which included: Kung Fu warriors and Cosmic Surreal Icons. • Savage Barbarians. • High Fantasy characters. • Tales of Mystery and Horror. • and New, radical, wild cartooning! And what a period for comic creators! Classic veteran writers and artists were reaching the zenith of their powers while new, young, talented creators were emerging with exciting skills and ideas. (Both of these types of creators are my primary influence, both then and now.)
And even the comic book medium/package itself had evolved and been refined into an apex of a fascinating combination of entertainment and commerce. Not only had the characters and the stories matured into very cool art forms but even the ad pages, the news pages and letter pages had all become their own self-contained experiences of interest. This was happening at the mainstream publishers as well as the independents.
BUT ... I was born too late to join that particular time of comic book publishing as a professional artist at it's zenith, though I was a rabid follower of it all. Well, this Kickstarter-funded project (fingers crossed!) is as close to solving that particular time-travel conundrum as I can come. So, here it is:
MY PROJECT AND HOW IT'LL BECOME A REALITY...
I've created quite a few of my own characters over time and, no surprise, they all reflect my personal love for that period of creativity. (The names of just a few of them: AUGUST, MATON, LION FIST, THUNDRON, THE SPIDROID, JOHN HAWK, EAGLE KING, ONYX, AGENTS of R.A.N.C.O.R., INFINITON, TERROR WOLF, etc. etc.) They all have the fun, jazzy story thrills, funky art techniques and graphics, bright strong coloring .... these classic-style (yet new) characters will fill dazzling pages of entertaining pop culture. I'm even going to mimic the old newsprint look of paper. (While still using good quality paper and acheiving a quality printing look!) And with these characters, this is the exact type of comic book experience I plan to create, brand new, again:
A 3-Issue Comic Book Mini Series: "Magnet Comics Presents..." 52 pages (Giant Size!) each issue; enough to tell a great variety of stories as well as offer a tremendous value for everyone's money! A glorious celebration of the Silver / Bronze Age of Comics ! A new expression of that era of comics and a new continuation of that period's potential! And in a price range that will be extra-value-packed and affordable! (Possible $2 per 52 page issue .... great deal !!! )
Why a self-contained, monthly, 3 issue mini series? So I can accomplish certain things with it: (a) Have separate front covers showcasing different characters and design styles .... (b) The ability and opportunity to utilize a "Next Issue", "Continued In..." and "Coming Up In Issue #__ " theme of design and in-house company ads as part of the fun packaging. (c) The storytelling devices of paused tension between chapters. (d) The opportunity for fans to write in letters and the potential for those letters to alter some of the next issue's content. And other unforeseen benefits ...
Most of this material will come from my own hands as I've built a respectable array of skills that were honed over years and across many disciplines. (See my resume/biography) But some of it will (hopefully) come from some of the very talented people that helped forge those days, those creators who are still around and active.
There's also going to be a lot of research and use of references/resources for (re)creating that particular publishing look and style. Paper types, color schemes, printing-drawing-graphic techniques, typography choices, etc. These 3 issues are going to powerfully reflect all these unique qualities, and more, while at the same time presenting all-brand-new stories and characters and experiences. A lot of time, man hours and hand crafted skills will go into these books.
Colorful, heroic, positive, powerful, mind-stretching stories and characters that just zip through a fascinating package of awesome comic book goodness!!!! (Of course it'll be just 3 months of this for right now but who knows what the future will bring ... ! )
WHAT THE FUNDING WILL PROVIDE...
The funds raised for this will pay for all the time, work and research needed to go into producing these books at professional rates as well as the printing and distribution efforts (both traditional and leading edge) needed to reach as wide of an audience as possible. Also there will be a few select, strategic convention and comic book store appearances to promote the books, which include creating specialty promotional items for sale, give-away and display. (My plans include the debut of these 3 issues over 3 convention appearances during the main convention season of 2012.)
MY FINAL WORDS OF GRATITUDE...
So, if you are around the age where you remember these types of comic books ... or even if you are much younger but you want to experience the thrill of getting at least 3 months worth of comic books coming your way that will actually entertain you as much as any video game of download ... than this is going to be a truly worthwhile project for you to support. An experience of superhero, mystery, action-adventure comic books that haven't been available as brand new for over 35 years!
Fun, awesome entertainment you will simply LOVE to have ... that's what I believe it will be, I certainly hope you believe it, too! Welcome on to this cool train of fun; it is GREAT to have you aboard!!!
Thank you very much for your time, attention and interest!! All the best to you!!

Sincerely, Scott Rosema "

I pledged my support Scott...I want to see these comic books! C'mon people!

HERCULES vs !!!

2011-09-12T16:24:00.001-07:00

HERC vs SUPERMAN by legendary artist George Perez...my favorite pic from the bunc

Herc vs Wonder Woman a cartoon I found while surfing...yeah that's how it would go down.

Here is an unlikely duel by Independant cartoonist. Bertram.

The classic mythological match up HERCULES vs Cerberus..the three headed wolf dog who guards the entrance to Hades or HELL...whatever you want to say! Stay tuned for more HERCULES vs !!!

Brett Ratner to direct a new "HERCULES" film.

2011-09-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

He has signed on to direct the film based on the RADICAL imprint "Hercules the Thracian wars"

series. No word yet on who will star in the film. But it has been said that it will follow the story line of the comic book and stay faithful and true to the dark and gritty nature. There is even one news outlet on the web stating that Vin Diesel will play a role ( Hopefully not as HERCULES! I won't see it then ) Other reports hgave it coming out in 3D and others state it will be shot in the style of 300. A film I loved by the way. Since CONAN was such a big flop...maybe one of my other heroes can save face. Then of course there is TARZAN with Hugh Jackman...I'm hoping that will also quench my thirst for some SAVAGERY!

The passing of Andy Whitfield.

2011-09-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

"Andy Whitfield, star of the Starz Entertainment sword-and-sandal series "Spartacus," died in Australia on Sunday at the age of 39.
The muscled actor succumbed to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer with which he was diagnosed in March 2010, according to The New York Times.
Whitfield was born in Wales, but made his home in Australia, where he first came to attention after stints in a number TV shows, including "All Saints" and "Packed to the Rafters." The sometime model had his biggest breakthrough, though, when he was cast in the Starz series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," in which he played the title role of a soldier who leads a rebellion against the Roman Empire. The series was an instant hit thanks to his turn in the classic role that had previously been filled by such screen icons as Kirk Douglas.
After his diagnosis last March, Whitfield began to undergo treatment in New Zealand, which led to the delay of the second season of the show and the filming of a six-part prequel, "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," for which he provided some voiceover work. He was initially declared cancer-free a few months after treatment, but suffered a relapse later in the year that forced him to abandon the role, which was recast.
His wife, Vashti, issued a statement on Sunday confirming his death. "On a beautiful sunny Sydney morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his love wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer ... he passed peacefully surrounded by love," the statement said. "Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."
The cable network Whitfield called home also released a statement on his passing. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in 'Spartacus' and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fans."

This article was taken from MTV's news media site.

HERCULES is beside himself!

2011-09-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Art by Mike DeStasio ( after Jack Kirby and Sam Glanzman )

Color art and text by Mike Dominic

Over at - "The Brave and the Bold- The lost issues"

2011-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ross the creator , founder and main man has put together this little beauty. I have been following Ross' blog for a couple of years now. I take great joy in seeing his little mash ups. It is definately a number 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 in the entertainment department.

His blog is the inspiration for me to draw up the "HERC vs" covers. Of course I'm only doing about 8 or so altogether. But ROSS has an ongoing thing with his blog. Check out " The Brave and the Bold - The Lost issues " today!

AVENGERS cosplay

2011-09-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

That's the same HERC guy from the earlier cosplay shot with BatMan....

Herc vs Herc vs Herc!

2011-09-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

This one brought to you by Walt Simonson , John Buscema and SaM Glanzman! Just for fun..a 3 way Royal Rumble

Ok..I think I'm happy now

2011-09-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

After DON HECK

2011-09-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

In 1989...THOR 400 came out...in it was a back up feature that had a splash page with THOR and HERCULES ready to sit down and have an arm wrestle to finally decide who is the strongest between the two...well they rattled a mountain apart in their struggle. Here is my HOMAGE to DON HECK...part of it anyway...my scanner in too small to accomodate the artwork...so I scanned the most appropriate section..for the blog...lol

Hercules vs Hercules? Huh?

2011-09-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

I was not happy with the bottom ( First image ) so I worked up another one...to save myself some time it's all in markers...so it's not as smooth but I like the way the Glanzman HERC turned out.

I just got done working on this one....I tried to imitate Sam Glanzman's style for the Charlton version of HERCULES and he has a pretty muddy ( But tasteful ) line...I got a little too muddy on the face...But I like the border I got going on...that's very Sam! Of course...everyone knows where I got Jacks HERC from...I been drawing Kirby-ish my whole life...some things are easier than others...then some things get a wee bit difficult...trying to mash up Sam Glanzman and Jack Kirby...yeah that's a wee bit difficult...BUT...I like it. Color version on the way. :)

HERCULES vs TARZAN

2011-09-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the next cover in the series....I believe I am going to do maybe 6 more or so...then put a lid on it....But in the meantime this is FUN! Enjoy! Thank you CROMSBLOOD from over at

"Crom the Ultimate Conan fan blog " for the assist in putting this little piece together...Next ish...RED SONJA!

HERCULES cosplayer

2011-09-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of a HERC cosplayer at a recent con. Posing with some guy who's supposed to be ZORRO or something.

Progress on the next cover...

2011-09-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

still working out some bugs...but this is almost what it's gonna look like...I'm loving it. My friend Mark is really kicking ass on this....

HERCULES and TARZAN

2011-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the artwork for the next HERC vs mock up cover...the art has been scanned and file sent to the color artist. I am excited...this is fun. Each drawing will be in the style of KIRBY of whatever seems appropriate. As I am working I am slowly getting my chops back. It'll take several more attempts before I am back at the level I was 20 some odd years ago. Plus I need to go get me some serious art tools...this 5 dollar pack of brushes is killing me.

Cover ideas for HERC to square off against next are...RED SONJA , SHANNA the SHE DEVIL , DC COMICS version of HERCULES as well as Charlton comics Sam Glanzman version...that's it for now. Stay tuned!

HERCULES battles CONAN ~ FULL COLOR!

2011-09-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

I was inspired recently to whip up an homage to Jack Kirby....being that Charles R. Rutledge from " Singular points " and I were mentioning that Jack Kirby never really had any CONAN material out there. So I too pulled a Rich Buckler/Ron Frenz and swiped/borrowed a couple of poses to draw up this HOMAGE to CONAN and KIRBY in honor of his Birthday recently Aug 28.
I was thinking after I drew it...man this needs some color and thought to myself " Hmm I've been working on a side project with Cromsblood...but he has a child on the way and he's very busy as of late." Then I remembered the Rudy Nebres " One minute later " piece from several months back on "CROM the Ultimate CONAN fan blog" and how Mike Dominic from AIM comics producers of " The Brutal blade of BRUNO the BANDIT " colored in the artwork the very next day...it was an internet smash and can be found in several places...( Folks that was Mike Dominic who colored that in ) So I asked "DOM" if he would not mind doing this fun little side job for me. Sure enough the very next day VOILA!
I could not be prouder..thank you "DOM" You did a great job coloring and adding text to my piece! You are a great artist! I hope you folks out there like it. I'm very proud.

HERCULES battles CONAN!

2011-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start a new feature here on the blog. HERCULES vs...some other HERO..I.E. In this case CONAN the BARBARIAN...Do you remember in the 1960's-70's...HERC'S POP was always stripping him of his GODLY powers...well in this scenario that's what happened. Here he is wandering around the HYBORIAN age and CROM don't like it one bit. ( sounds familiar right? ) Anyway..he has to go toe to toe , blade to blade against the Mightiest warrior ever to wander the shining kingdoms that lay spread across the land in an age undreamed. Hope you like it. I plan on working it up in color too. If all goes well...we'll see it soon! Any requests? I'll see what I can do as time allows. ~ Thanks Mikey.

Happy birthday Jack " KING " Kirby

2011-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

The modern versions of THOR and HERCULES in MARVEL comics as we know them. Thank you Jack. Happy Birthday to the LEGEND whose work lives on!

Ryan Gosling ~ Young Hercules

2011-08-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ya know the most successful actor to come out of the HERCULES thing? Ryan Gosling. Ian Bohen is nowhere to be found these days. Where is Kevin? What's going on with Lucy? She gets naked and does lesbian scenes on cable ( Nothing wrong in that ) but she is no mainstream star anymore. Buy Ryan Gosling seems to have taken off and become a real Movie star. I believe he has two big movies coming out right now....and there are sure to be more on the way.

Just another example we can thank HERCULES for!

The incredible Wonder Woman....

2011-08-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

We seem to forget that the character of Wonder Woman is a powerhouse with strength to rival Hercules...in the DCU anyway. I think in the 90's crossovers Marvels Herc and WW were going toe to toe...but knowing him they went tongue to tongue in no time as we all know he's a charmer with the ladies. BUT...as you see here in this clip from an old WW comic book ( Can anybody tell me where this is from? I want to go find that issue! ) She's strong enough to toss ole HERC around ( DCU's HERC known sometimes as Herakles) like nobodies biz! All I have to say is WOTTA WOMAN! Then check out the convention drawing paying Homage to an all but too familiar Steranko drawing from somewhere...just can't place it right now but...ENJOY!

" HERCULES 3D " BRING IT !!!

2011-08-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

With CONAN the barbarian 3D coming out there are bound to be a group of followers. Just like back in the 80’s. After 82’s Barbarian pic Lou Ferrigno came out with a couple of HERCULES films no doubt to be an answer or even a Barbarian bandwagon jump. The movies themselves were horrendous but Lou’s physique was no doubt simply incredible.
I think ( Back in the day ) Lou and Arnie should have taken their tremendous heroic proportion physiques back to competition. I can’t really say for certain who’d win that time around but in my humble opinion…Louie had the better build. But I digress….ANYWAY…I came across this poster for a HERCULES 3D film soon to be released no doubt with the advent of the release of the new CONAN movie. Who plays HERC in this upcoming Heroic spectacle? I do not know but the more the merrier I say. There will always be a place for Heroic fantasy adventures in Hollywood. Everyone loves a super hero looking all tremendous and powerful . Granted there have been and still are films coming out left and right…IRONCLAD , CENTURION , The EAGLE and SEASON OF THE WITCH ( A Solomon Kane knockoff ) just to name the most recent ( I have to include SOLOMON KANE in here too as I loved that movie ) and there will be several more in the coming years. GOOD!
There is something to be said for a stalwart hero battling baddies with naught but his fists and a sword. What I am waiting for now is…TARZAN starring Hugh Jackman….that’s gonna be good. But first….BRING ON THE BARBARIAN!

HERCULES Obscurities!

2011-07-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

As a collector it's fun to come across rare finds to add to your collection of obscura and what not. While I was a student at the Joe Kubert school back in 1989 there was a little flea market up the road and inside there was a little comic shop called "Big Dave's" while scouring Dave's bins ( Dave passed away from a heart attack later that year. RIP Dave..) I came across a weird oddity it was a HERCULES b/w magazine put out by Charlton comics the same month they put out their regular monthly comic. Why and for whatever reason they published it in this format I can not say. Perhaps it was an experiment to compete with WARREN magazines who was doing so well with CREEPY and EERIE and Vampirella...no one can say for sure. But I certainly got a kick out of it and I only paid 50 cents!

I found a neat bunch of posts in "RIP JAGGERS DOJO" pertaining to the Charlton HERC's...I love reading other peoples thoughts on the subject. Rip runs a damned fine blog there!

Anyway...here are the 2 versions of HERCULES # 8 by Charlton comics.

Even yet one more STERANKO HULK HOMAGE!

2011-06-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

I think this piece by Michael Avon Oeming is more of a parody though...but still it's cool.

Getting back to STERANKO

2011-06-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Jim drew the covers for the Indie mini..HERCULES the Thracian wars....like I said. He's better than ever.

HERCULES comics from BRAZIL

2011-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to RIP DAGGER'S DOJO for providing me with some cool covers to BRAZILIAN editions of Charlton comics' HERCULES. As RIP states in his own post on his own blog...seeing material you love and collect in another format from some place else gives it that fresh new and exciting feel all over again. One of the 1 million reasons why I love HERCULES and the legend surrounding him. !!!

Jim Steranko pencils - HOMAGE

2011-06-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Recently in the pages of the incredible HULK and the HERCULES spin off of the HULK in the pages of the HULK...Marvel reused the iconic image of a cover made famous by JIM STERANKO....clearly you can see the 3 images together and then The Radical publishing image of a Reinterpretation of HERCULES by STERANKO. This guy has been at it for 50 years and has never even lost a bit of his talent. What a legend Jim Steranko is...what an Icon.

Disney's Plans for Marvel...

2011-06-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well if HERCULES and Jerkules are gonna have some brews and share with each other the gift of combat...I'm down with it. This is a cool piece. I'd actually like a wall size poster of the thing.

SUPULES unchained

2011-05-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Earlier on in one of the first postings I'd ever put here on the blog I put up a full page ad from the comics journal of Superman by George Perez. The story involved Supes being far out in space and losing his powers little by little and being thrown into gladiatorial combat ( and looking a lot like HERCULES with his cape as a sash and sporting a beard.) against big strong baddies and of course Supie triumphed and found his way back to earth and of course regained his Man of steel powers of Superness. It was a great storyline. This cover I believe was drawn by Kerry Gammill and Jerry Ordway. The interiors were by Gammill and Dennis Janke. EPIC stuff man!

A very sad statistical chart

2011-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is a list of the performers from WRESTLEMANIA 1 that are no longer among the living.

Rest in peace Macho Man -

2011-05-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace MACHO MAN...I watched WWF wrestling religiously throughout the entirety of the 80's. Randy along with Hogan and Steamboat were the biggest heroes that world had to offer. As time wore on and Randy and the WWE parted ways amicably...I still missed the Macho man's presense. He was a force of nature. A man of infinite character. I miss him, I miss his presense and I miss his character.

Randy battled baddies like Rick the MODEL Martel...who has also passed away...and The BIG BOSS man...who also passed on. He also matched ring wits with MR PERFECT Curt Hennig who has also left us. In fact very few of the WWE Superstars I remember as being the best HEELS have left this world. Randy even locked up with the Mighty HERCULES , Ray Fernandez.

It's kinda sad...when your childhood is falling off the map right behind you. These Superstars were not just TV personalities...they were Characters in a world of good and evil in it's most basic format. The SQUARED CIRCLE!

The illustrations are by JOE JUSKO

John Buscema HERCULES vs the Nemean lion...

2011-05-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

a clip from the DELL four color art by John Buscema. The Legend on the legend.

I drew a HERCULES

2011-05-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was just in the mood to draw picked up a pencil grabbed some paper and drew me a HERCULES...Just sharing. Hope you like it.

Of Frisbees and Gladiators the tale of WHAM-O!

2011-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

A special thanks goes out to " Diversions of the groovy kind " the blog for posting the interior pages from WHAM-O's giant sized comic book from 1967...contained within it's enormous pages was this fantastic Gladiator tale...Read on and let your mind wander back to ...someplace else in 1967. I am not entirely sure who drew this story,,,it might be Lou Fine of "THE FLAME" fame from WONDER WORLD comics during the Golden age of comics. Enjoy the great story and wonderful art.

IF NOT FOR THIS GUY....

2011-04-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Steve Reeves - A portrait drawn by Legendary comic artist Steve THE DUDE Rude

Mark Singer as DAR the BEASTMASTER...in 3 films that inspired a TV series spin off

Arnold...as CONAN the DESTROYER .... we all know him right?

Kevin Sorbo ( A former HERCULES from the famed tv series ) as KULL the CONQUEROR!

Dwayne THE ROCK Johnson as the SCORPION KING!

Peter and David Paul...the BARBARIAN BROTHERS

Lee Horsely of MATT HOUSTON fame as TALON from the SWORD and the SORCEROR

Ralph Moeller portrayed CONAN in the 1990's TV series....

JASON MOMOA in a still from the set of the upcoming CONAN the BARBARIAN 3D.

...Steve Reeves the legendary Muscle man who portrayed HERCULES and virtually was the FACE who created a GENRE....dozens and dozens of peplums were made ( Sword and Sandal films )

With the likes of Gordon Scott , Reg Park and Mickey Hargitay taking turns playing the Man God HERCULES...but that GENRE never really died....it only evolved. Here are a few films that have come and gone starring Steve Reeves' successors...Arnold Shwarzenegger , Ralph Moeller , Mark Singer and so on as larger than life Heroic warriors who truly deserve the mantle of THE SONS OF HERCULES!!!! ( Even if Lee Horsely is a bit scrawny next to the rest of them )

Jayne and Mickey

2011-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

I searched high and mighty for an image of Jayne and Mickey doing this pose. Usually they did little photo opps and were wearing their Tarzan and Jane leopard print bathing suits...but this pic is so beautiful...I think I am satisfied. But somewhere out there in WEBLAND or in a photo album some place. The picture I am thinking of rests..in peace.

Everyone knows who ATLAS is right?

2011-03-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

I love this damned cover...check out Zeus and an obvious and blatant copycat pseudo Superman in the form of ATLAS...in an attempt to compete with SUPES in the 50's. Lovely Andru and Esposito artwork that totally kicks freaking ass!!

A one issue EPIC by Jack Kirby...would have made a great series in my opinion. Punching out Supes seems like the thing to do.

I love this Alex Ross Homage to the classic KIRBY - THOR -HERC cover....spectacular

Yep...he's the guy who supports the firmament of the earth upon his shoulders. He's got a Famous statue in NY...he also had a few different incarnations as failed attempts to compete with Superman back in the 1950's.

But DC comics came up with their own version back in the 1970's...a new concept by Jack King Kirby brought ATLAS to comic book fans old and new. See here in the copy below.

"Atlas is a mighty warrior and conqueror of magical origins from several centuries into the past. At a young age when his family was slain by Hyssa the Lizard King, a wise mentor raised him and he became a protector of the innocent. After defeating his nemesis though he gave into a darker and more destructive nature, consumed by his desire to become the world's greatest champion. He was brought into the present through time travel by General Sam Lane during Coming of Atlas to work for a branch of the military known as Project 7734, dedicated to fighting against Kryptonians. In this position he is an enforcer whenever Lane needs someone roughed up, although it is common knowledge that his ambition is to succeed his new masters and take the power he deserves. His name is inspired by Atlas of the Greek Titans, a mythological being with unimaginable strength, one of the entities who grants Captain Marvel his powers. Atlas was created by Jack Kirby, first appearing in 1st Issue Special #1. (1975)"

I got my copy....about 12 of them...buy them everytime I see one...lol

the COVER to HERC # 3

2011-03-10T18:24:00.001-08:00

HERCULES - the ladies man. pt 2

2011-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

I touched on it in a post once before...we have Frankie Raye ( Nova ) and the SHE HULK and this group of ladies and then there is NORTHSTAR? The ancient myth's have mentioned that HERKIE is a switch hitter....but you know what?

If you're gay...or you like men etc' etc'....that's your business..I am not going to judge you. SO that does not change my perception of the Legend of HERCULES. But never in a million years did I expect MARVEL comics...to take the Legendary mythical Hero and do that! That's like perpetuating the myth that Bat Man and Robin or The Lone Ranger and Tonto or CAP and Bucky...were gay. Just because there is a myth...there is no need to go spreading rumors.

BUT...I still maintain HERC is my all time favorite HERO of legend!

the COVER to HERC # 1

2011-02-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

Earlier I posted some art and a few sneak peaks at the covers to the new series from MARVEL ...HERC! Here is the cover as it will appear in shops...rightly soon!

More HOLY CRAP that's cool HERC art!!!

2011-02-24T14:16:00.001-08:00

I got nothing to say...just look at the cool stuff and enjoy!!

I just love original art pages...wish I could get hold of this one. It's fantastic And CAP makes an appearance! Art by John Buscema

The " MIGHTY " JOE JUSKO !

2011-02-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at this painting about a week before JOE JUSKO decided to let everyone see it. He sent me an attachment that said.. "DO NOT SHARE"

Let me tell ya...when JOE says..."DO NOT SHARE"...you don't even dare try to think twice about it. I was all like...Yessir......

THEN>>>>he sent me an advance scan of his painting from the cover of WOLVERINE and HERCULES # 3....WOW!!!

Now I want to talk about this painting. POWER!!! Every brush stroke and every ripple and hair on HERC and those ZOMBIES!!! Look ...I love my super heroes , I love my HERCULES , I love my CONAN , I LOVE ME SOME SHANNA....every bit as much as I love the genre of ZOMBIES. I see a Zombie that kind of looks like TOR JOHNSON and one that looks a little like BARNABAS COLLINS.

HERC crushing that ones neck awesome. I can't wait for this series to come out. There is a lot going on at MARVEL with HERC these days. I am absolutely ecstatic that he is an important figure in the M/U. They should keep it up and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Thank you very much Mr. Jusko for sharing that with me. I speak for everyone ( I think )

when I say...."JUSKO RULES!!!" We are so lucky that there is a guy like you pumping out the great work at the pace you do with quality and unmatched skill. ( There goes my Fan boy sensibility again ) But really, we appreciate your work. I know I can't wait to see what's next.

HERCULES vs the Bull of Minos

2011-02-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is panel from the Dell four color movie adaptation of HERCULES drawn by John Buscema.

My friend Michael Maikowsky shared it with me on Facebook and now I'm sharing it with the 20,000 plus fans of HERCULES....there were contemporaries and peers to the Late great Mr. Buscema but he was the best of the best.

The Mighty Hercules: Medusa's Sceptre

2011-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

5 minutes and 37 seconds of MIGHTY FUN!

The Mighty HERCULES and the Springfield Punx....

2011-02-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

I was tooling around looking at some other cool blogs and came across an image of the THING on Ross' BRAVE and the BOLD blog...I asked him where he got that image of the THING and he directed me to this cool blog called..."Springfield Punx" it's run by a fella named DEAN and he does "Simpson's" style renditions of everyone under the sun. Here are just a few...topped off with the 1960's cartoon version of the "MIGHTY HERCULES , Hero of ancient glory"

" the CHAMPIONS "

2011-02-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

This is an alternate cover used for one of the Incredible HERCULES issues...I love retro and I love the 70's and I loved the CHAMPIONS what a really cool looking pic. I'll find out who drew it and post that pro's name so he gets the credit he deserves. Unless someone would like to volunteer this onfo? :)

OLD SCHOOL

2011-02-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

I found these in my old portfolio from when I was a student at Joe Kuberts school for cartoon graphics and cinemtic animation...it's an old Comic shop news...a little clip featuring the splash page from the back up in THOR 400...great stuff. I love DON HECK...and a little piece of artwork I found. I was teaching myself to use Dr. P.H. Martin's dyes on a little HERCULES photo copy of mine I did for art that had gotten ruined in a flood when I lived in a basement apartment. Lucky for me..I found this little thing..eh?

THE POWER OF HERCULES has been stripped.

2011-01-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

I copied this entire article from Marvel.com and don’t have the rights or permission to reproduce it in any form…so I may be asked to remove it and maybe not. Perhaps they might feel I’m too insignificant to worry about. Perhaps not. But before I move on to the article…here is my review. Having read the article and perusing the very neat artwork. I am excited for this new series. After all HERC has been stripped of his powers in the past…long, long ago But at that time he had amnesia as well and roamed the earth helping the needy and so on. But this new series gives us Hercules as a mortal Super hero..ala Cap and Batman. He must use his wits and thousands of years of fighting skills combined with a powered down version of his own mighty body. I am sure physically he’s as powerful as Cap or Batman and with as much skill and ability on the field of battle. I would like to see Herc and Cap in a training session and Herc showing Cap a thing or two about hand to hand. He may have been one of the most powerful beings in creation…but he knew how to fight. So….I’m sure he’s just as formidable as say..CONAN!!! This is a good direction. I am happy to see HERC back in business. Until the day he once again reigns as the Prince of Power…I look forward to this new approach. I am sure I am going to like it.

" WARNING: SPOILERS FOR CHAOS WAR #5 AHEAD " By Ben Morse The Chaos King’s bid to destroy all reality has failed. For the full story, read CHAOS WAR #5—on sale now—but know this: victory did not come without a price. Hercules sacrificed not only his new All-Father abilities, but also his traditional powers, to set the universe right and heal the upheaval. So having saved all existence and ceded his Prince of Power title as well as his fabled mace to protégé Amadeus Cho, will the Olympian Avenger be retiring to a life of even more leisure? If you answer in the affirmative, you obviously don’t know Hercules; but beginning this April, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know HERC, a brand new ongoing series from writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, along with artist Neil Edwards. As one chapter closes, a new epic begins with our hero settling not among the gods on Olympus, but in Brooklyn, where he will continue battling the forces of evil on a whole new level. “The new book is a genuine clean start, a great chance for new readers who like the idea of a seven foot tall god-turned-man raising Hades in Brooklyn to jump right on board without knowing Chaos War from cannoli,” says Pak. “Got friends who haven’t read comics in ages? Start them right here!” For over two years now, beginning with INCREDIBLE HERCULES in 2008, Pak and Van Lente have chronicled the adventures of Herc and Amadeus, with CHAOS WAR representing a major culmination of the journey. HERC sketches by Neil Edwards “I’ve got a novelist’s brain, so I like it when things end,” notes Van Lente. “I want to see big explosions, bodies heaped up on the stage, and the characters moving on with their lives. That’s definitely something that [happened] in CHAOS WAR.” “It’s a near miracle that we were able to run so long and so far with a crazy book like this, so I’m thrilled we were able to finish out the story as we hoped,” reflects Pak. “Many thanks, as always, to the readers and retailers who gave the book so much love.” Herc will make his first post-CHAOS WAR appearances in issues #621 and #622 of INCREDIBLE HULKS before hitting the streets in his own book. “HERC opens with our hero depowered but wielding the most powerful weapons of Olympus and arriving to Brooklyn for a gritty battle with the worshippers of Ares, the Warhawks,” Van Lente says. “I know comics creators say some variation of this six times before breakfast, but, seriously, this is Hercules as you’ve never seen him before.” Ares, the recently-deceased God of War and Hercules’ own half-brother, returned to the land of the dead at the conclusion of CHAOS WAR, but will nonetheless remain a presence in HERC through the Warhawks—and perhaps more directly, if his disciples get their wish. “The last time Ares and Herc had it out, they were hitting each other with exploding missiles atop a burning Helicarrier; it will be interesting to see how the fact that Herc’s gone mortal affects their relationship and the nature of their roughhousing,” Pak teases. HERC sketches by Neil Edwards “The Warhawks are a mysterious band who promotes ‘War of All Versus War,’ a kind of perpetual anarchy that appeals to a surprising number of people across all walks of life during our rather troubled and uncertain current moment,” divulges Van Lente. “Herc is after them because they seem to be fostering a lot of fear in the community that he needs to stop. You know. A lot of fear. Itself.” While the Warhawks will present a persistent threat, they won’t be Herc’s only adversaries, as the new Hobgoblin from the pages of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN makes a trip to Brooklyn, and not as the welcome wagon. “In essence, Herc spends six hours in Brooklyn and manages to piss off The Kingpin, Hobby’s boss,” Van Lente reveals. “[He] will also be facing one of his greatest enemies from his mythological past—and that guy is still godly.” “There’s a tease about just who that enemy might be in a book from Fred or me in the upcoming months,” adds Pak. “We’re not saying which book—guess you just have to buy ‘em all!” Along with fresh enemies, thankfully for Hercules, there will also be friends and allies aiding him in his endeavors. “Let’s just say we’re treating the Olympians much different in this series than in the past,” hints Van Lente. “Herc [also] has new worshippers, and their prayers are what bring him to Brooklyn. He also has a new boss and new love interest—er, interests. He’s the same brash, boozing skirt-chasing warrior we’ve come to know and love, but without the god stuff backing him up. He has to make his own way in the world now. He’s got to rely a lot more on his cunning. He can’t just punch his way through problems—though he still tries.” HERC #2 cover by Carlo Pagulayan But while Herc will greet these new faces, he bids farewell at least temporarily to his best buddy. “Amadeus Cho fans should add INCREDIBLE HULKS to their pull lists starting with issue #626 in April,” says Pak of where the freshly minted Prince of Power will land next. “To me, there’s something unsatisfying and a little dishonest about having a series about a mentor/student where the student never graduates and moves on with his life,” expresses Van Lente. “It’s an amicable parting, but Amadeus is off doing his own thing and we’re concentrating solely on Herc now.” Joining the creative team will be Neil Edwards, no stranger to depicting deities in action with his work on WARRIORS THREE. Van Lente feels the artist brings an important piece of the puzzle to HERC: “He’s a great choice to bring the, for lack of a better word, realistic world of HERC to life. People who dug his [recent work] are gonna see him kicking it up to a whole new level.” For those who have thrilled to Hercules’ journey over the past several years, HERC promises to be a dynamic continuation of the immensely enjoyable ride, while those new to the game will be able to jump in and join the fun you’ve heard so much about. “This is a sequel to INCREDIBLE HERCULES, using many of the same characters and taking them in a whole new direction,” says Van Lente. “We’ll start layering old characters in—including, yes, one Mr. Cho—but we’re going to let this storyline stand on its own two feet first, so new readers can be inoculated with the awesomeness that is HERC.”

ARTICLE from ALTER EGO # 92

2011-01-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

THE 13 issues of HERCULES - I can't really say which influence on my childhood was more influential...it could have been John Buscema....it could have been Sam Glanzman. I was always a big fan of HERCULES from the time I can remember...the Steve Reeves films...the cartoon series...the Charlton comic book series....his appearances in the Avengers comic book or THOR for that matter. I can't really tell. But Sam Glanzman was maybe as influential on me as Big John B. Sam's sure handed and confident linework in his art always amazed me and his attention to detail in just a few strokes of blobby ink made things seem so detailed and intricate. But his powerful layouts and ingenious compositions were more likely what I probably tried to emulate in my early days as a wannabe comic book artist. If you look close...if your eye is keen you'll see hints of Buscema, Kirby and Glanzman in my stuff. While I am no veteran or comic art pro I have been around. I have shopped my work to all the major companies.

Probably the most and best piece of HOPE I came away with was many years ago when Michael Richardson looked at my work and said.

"You are good...very good. But there is a problem. Your style is old fashioned. You're dated.

Why have a guy on your staff who draws somewhat like Kirby or Buscema.....when there are hundreds of guys out there who can do the same."

He then gave me his card and his number and told me to work up some new samples and call him. Many reasons for this never happening came to pass. A story for another time.

I gleaned more from this article about the Charlton series and interview with Sam Glanzman than I have ever before from any other article about HERCULES in the comics from anyplace else. The Alter Ego writers are really very professional and Roy Thomas runs a good firm.

Enjoy the article.

HERCULES - the ladies man.

2011-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

The first time I was introduced to Herc's lotharioistic ways was from a Graphic novel where he was rolling around in bed with Frankie Raye....who became NOVA a herald of GALACTUS.

Then you know...they don't say it but he was also with the BLACK WIDOW....and quite a few other Marvel HOTTIES who rolled around in the HAY with the HERCSTER. You don't believe me you can go buy The whole HERC series where they all stepped forward and said a word or two regarding their past escapades with big H. ( because he died ) Heck HERCULES is the Ron Jeremy of the Marvel universe. But if he hooked up with any of them now he'd kill'em accidentally. ( Because he's a super god. ) BUT....you know the whole old question " If you could be a Super hero? "....My answer is HERCULES. NOW YOU KNOW WHY...lol

The art of Michael Maikowsky

2010-12-30T19:31:00.001-08:00

Today I would like to speak a little about an artist whose inspirations and tastes reflect my own.
While I am not on the skill level this fella is we both share a love for the same HERO...a man who really existed. A man whose face should be on the COMIC BOOK ART Equivalent of MOUNT RUSHMORE. Just exactly who should be on this monument with him would be tough to determine , Other than KIRBY. But JOHN BUSCEMA is in my estimation the GREATEST comic book artist/illustrator who ever lived. While I do love the art of COMICS and many artists are masters...I and Mr. Michael Maikowsky share the same feelings toward Mr. Buscema.
Here in this post you will find some highly skilled and very true renderings of famous illustrations created by John Buscema. Michael Maikowsky's perfect execution of Big John's CONAN , Ka-Zar and THOR kind of inspired me to post this today.
I have seen his work over the last couple of years and not only was I impressed but I was inspired as well. Mike inspired me to pick up the pencil once again and draw. I did not draw for years. Sure I doodled and made little scribble cartoons here and there but...I never really REALLY drew anything. Not for a long time.
After contacting Michael he allowed me to post some of his works here on my COVERS blog.
I would like to share with you...just in a case you may want an expertly crafted recreation OR original in the style of Big John Buscema. You can contact Michael Maikowsky through the info provided. In the copy below...taken from Comic art fans.com you'll find the links to contact Mr. Maikowsky yourself.
See below.....
" Michael is bringing us comic art fans a gift. Everything he does is inspired by John Buscema, a truly loved man and artist. Although Big John can no longer create new images or recreate old ones, through Michael, Mr. Buscema's magic can still grace the page. Please check out his whole gallery here on CAF or go to: http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryDetail.asp?GCat=7456 If you would like to commission Michael his rates are as follows: 11 by 17 single figure with no background: $150. 11 by 17 recreation or reinterpretation: $300. All prices include shipping. A note from Michael: Fellow CAF member Michel Maillot triggered my interest for those John Buscema recreations. Michel saw my tribute portrait of Big John in issue # 21 of TwoMorrows ´Comic Book Artist Magazine´ and asked me for a copy of my drawing which I sent him along with a cover recreation I had finished just for fun. As a result of that, Michel ordered some more recreations in exchange for photocopies of his huge J.B. original art collection (the ´French Collection´, as I use to call it). Inspired by Michel's compliments, I got hooked and developed the nutty idea to recreate every one of Johnny B.´s penciled and inked covers, which I guess was my desperate expression of how much I miss the Big Man and his exceptional artistry. A big thank you goes out to artist supreme Joe Jusko who encouraged, promoted and honored me by presenting some of my artwork in his breathtaking gallery. As you can see, I definitely enjoy reproducing those magic images of John Buscema. It's something I find very inspirational and a valuable learning experience! It taught me more about anatomy, composition, dynamics, lighting, spotting of blacks, etc. than any how-to art book out there. (Btw, my recreations are 11x17 and done on quality two ply bristol board, solely inked with a brush. The title logos are hand lettered. No stats, no whiteout. To prevent confusion and misunderstandings, the artwork is signed with the usual "...after J. Buscema" remark.) Hope I can share some of the love I feel for Big John. I miss him terribly. Nuff said! Best, Michael "
" And here is the cut and paste of my correspondance with Mike. "
Michael MaikowskyNovember 30, 2010 at 3:42amRe: infoHey Michael, wow, I feel flattered and honored getting featured on your "Favorite Cover Blog", thanks, mate! Basically, some infos about me and my hobby can be found on the Comicartfans Gallery Room of my art rep Kirk Dilbeck: http://www.facebook.com/l/405ccVJOyVTuMXrDrS6H7YMeiQw;www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=76312Also, our mutual friend Joe Jusko was instrumental in getting some attention for me and my stuff. Here´s Joe´s gallery featuring some of my recreations: http://www.facebook.com/l/405ccsWZa98stIBz14-eDEyHfLg;www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?Order=Date&Page=1&GSub=54837If you still need additional info, don´t hesitate to ask.Best,Michael

20,000 visitors of HERCULES

2010-12-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Mighty blog of HERCULES gets a lot of traffic...I was going to delete the blog because I was given the opportunity to do Blog posts on CROM the ultimate CONAN fan blog...and I can only divey my time so much. BUT...because of the traffic and the fun I have while posting on HERC I am going to keep it up and running.

HOWEVER....it's going to be a long time in between postings. So if you are waiting for the next HERC post? My apologies...it's going to be a few weeks or perhaps a month. Maybe in JANUARY sometime. I have something I am working on and want to complete it. ( an E-comic )....but in the meantime. HERCULES' LEGEND will prevail...for he is timeless.

CHAOS WAR / HERCULES the SUPER GOD

2010-11-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

Well as I said it would happen it did. They killed off HERC and then they brought him back. This time they brought him back more powerful than ever. Now HERC could go toe to toe with the HULK and get up after a HULK pounding and say " C'MON! Gimmie some MORE!" and then deliver his own brand of a pounding righteously known as "THE GIFT". But with HERC being all SUPER with a cape and all..who could stop him now? Is he too powerful...do they need to power him down?

Looking every bit the SUPER POWERFUL super being he is flying through the air like he's an old Wayne Boring or Curt Swan drawing HERC kind of owns the cape. BUT I don't like it..lose the cape.

HERCULES should be one of if not THE strongest being in COMICS but he always took a back seat to the HULK in the battle department as they always had the HULK come out the victor.

But I always loved the time HERC dropped from the sky and landed right on the HULKS head and it took a dozen Super powerful super heroes to take him out and Doc Samson knocked him out with one all purpose perfectly placed power house punch. ( But I DIGRESS )

If the HULK and our new improved version of HERCULES ever meet on a field of battle and it's no holds barred....I feel sorry for the big green guy. BUT...I don't think they're going to keep him that powerful. After CHAOS WAR has ended they'll power him down. That's my prediction.

Hercules 1983 Trailer

2010-10-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Hulk fights a Grizzly Bear

2010-10-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Watch as Lou ( the HULK ) hurls the great big stuffed Teddy bear across...the lake. BTW some of the close up shots are actually 7'4" Richard Kiel who was originally supposed to play the HULK in the show...but they went with LOU....he had Bigger biceps. ( A bit of useless trivia )

Hercules vs. The Great Bear

2010-10-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Lou likes to wrestle bears. This movie is so bad....I had to share...I liked Lou as the HULK wrestling a bear better. Too bad too because given the right director and script...Lou had what it takes to be HERCULES. But this flick was a stinker.

BRIAN THOMPSON aka HERCULES

2010-10-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Thompson (b. 1959) is an actor who played Hercules in the Creature Shop TV movie Jason and the Argonauts.

Thompson made his film debut with a small role as a punk in The Terminator. The towering, muscular actor has often been cast as imposing villains, especially on television, playing the Alien Bounty Hunter on The X-Files and two different adversaries on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Luke in the first season and the Judge in the second season). Other genre TV credits include Werewolf (second season regular as the evil Nicholas Remy), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise (as Romulan Admiral Valdore on the latter), Superboy (as a golem), Birds of Prey (as the Crawler), Charmed, Knight Rider, and Hercules: the Legendary Journeys (as a barbarian), plus non-genre shows like the soap operas Falcon Crest, the short-lived comedy-drama Key West (a regular as the sheriff), Moonlighting, and NYPD Blue.

Film credits include Star Trek: Generations (as a Klingon helmsman), Life Stinks, Joe Dirt, The Order and the Three Amigos!

NEWS : In the works...a New HERCULES movie?

2010-09-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well lets hope it goes down like this. : A Hercules Movie is Coming…

Hercules (Remake) Movie.
It’s a mystery why someone hasn’t shelled out the big bucks to make a gritty version of the Hercules mythos yet. Oh sure, there have been a ton of movies and even a TV series that were more camp and schlock than anything. But let’s face it, a Hercules movies, if done right, could be so cool. Apparently the folks over at Millennium Films agrees, because Variety reports they are already moving forward on a Hercules feature film, and a script has even been written. That’s the good news; the bad news is that the script is by Sean Hood, who has worked on “Hypercube” (a pretty good movie), “Halloween: Resurrection” (not so much), and “The Crow: Wicked Prayer” (horrid). So am I optimistic this thing is going to turn out good? Um, not really.
~ More about Hercules via Wikipedia:

Hercules is the Roman name for the mythical Greek hero Heracles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. He was made to perform twelve great tasks, because he became temporarily insane, and killed his brother. He had to perform these tasks The Twelve Labours of Hercules, to cleanse himself.

Yeah, killing your brother is never a good thing, half-God or not.

Of course it’s mentioned in the Variety article that ancient epics are in with the success of “300″, paving the way for Hercules. Basically nowadays all you have to do to get a movie greenlit is to compare it to “300″.
Drawing by M.L. Peters

The Mighty Thor -P1- Enter Hercules Intro 1968 Cartoon Cartoons

2010-09-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

The Mighty Thor -P2- Enter Hercules Intro 1968 Cartoon Cartoons

2010-09-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hercules

2010-09-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Jayne and Mickey

2010-09-08T16:49:00.001-07:00

I've been trying to find a good shot ot Mickey holding Jayne over his head...but I can't seem to find a decent one...but here is a shot of them just before one of their famous photo op shots.

WICKED AWESOME HERCULES DRAWING

2010-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

lol...that's the phrase I put in the search engine and this thing came up. What the hell kind of gloves are those? This drawing by Charlie Wen is just that...WICKED AWESOME! Any more stuff by Charlie Wen?

A brief history of the Mighty films of HERCULES!

2010-08-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

HERCULES (ERCOLE):

The very first film with HERCULES, or ERCOLE, in the title was released in 1957. LE FATICHE DI ERCOLE (1957) stands today as one of the best examples of the genre. The film was so successful, it proved to be the starting point for a whole new genre. The movie's original director, Pietro Francisci, was supported and finally replaced by the Italian cult figure Mario Bava, best known for his horror thrillers of the 1960s and 1970s. LE FATICHE was followed by ERCOLE E LA REGINA DI LIDIA (1959), also starring Steve Reeves, an American actor, who did not appear in other movies as Hercules, but made a respectable career in many European B-movie productions (usually playing a heroic strongman).

In 1960, two Hercules movies were released: GLI AMORI DI ERCOLE (starring Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay as the title character) and LA VENDETTA DI ERCOLE (directed by Vittorio Cottafavi), the first film that featured Mark Forest as the super-hero.

1961 was a big year for Hercules. No less than five movies were released: ULISSE CONTRO ERCOLE (featuring Mike Lane and directed by Mario Caiano), MACISTE CONTRO ERCOLE NELLA VALLE DEI GUAI (featuring Kirk Morris and framed by an odd story set in the present), LA FURIA DI ERCOLE (featuring Brad Harris, directed by Gianfranco Parolini), ERCOLE AL CENTRO DELLA TERRA (featuring Reg Park, directed by the great Mario Bava) and ERCOLE ALLA CONQUISTA DI ATLANTIDE (featuring Reg Park, directed by Vittorio Cottafavi).

Strangely enough, there are no Hercules films on record that were released in 1962. However, the following year, 1963, saw the release of three peplum epics: ERCOLE CONTRO MOLOCK (featuring the well-known Tarzan actor Gordon Scott and directed by Giorgio Ferroni), ERCOLE L'INVINCIBILE (featuring Dan Vadis) and ERCOLE SFIDA SANSONE (starring Kirk Morris). ERCOLE SFIDA SANSONE was made by the director of the original ERCOLE movie, Pietro Francisci and featured not only Hercules but also Samson and Ulysses.

1964 was the last year Hercules movies were produced: ERCOLE CONTRO I FIGLI DEL SOLE (featuring Mark Forest in a South American setting this time), ERCOLE CONTRO I TIRANNI DI BABILONIA (featuring Peter Lupus, directed by Domenico Paolella), ERCOLE CONTRO ROMA (featuring Alan Steel), ERCOLE, SANSONE, MACISTE E URSUS GLI INVICIBILI (featuring Alan Steel as Hercules, directed by Giorgio Capitani) and finally IL TRIONFO DI ERCOLE (featuring Dan Vadis and directed by Alberto de Martino).

Arnold Schwarzenegger's film debut in 1970 had him play Hercules in HERCULES IN NEW YORK (1970), an ultra-cheesy action comedy. Hercules also returned to the screen in the mid-eighties, starring the "Incredible Hulk" Lou Ferrigno (HERCULES and HERCULES II). Excluding these three imitations, our hero ERCOLE graced the screen with 18 appearances.

MACISTE:

The name Maciste (more or less a synonym for Hercules) appears in almost 50 film titles. The early Maciste films (24 in total) were made between 1915 and 1926. The first Maciste film of the sound era, MACISTE NELLA VALLE DI REI, was produced in 1960. This Maciste trend lasted, like the Hercules phenomenon, until 1964.

URSUS:

Ursus was another synonym for Hercules. All in all, there were 8 URSUS films (from 1961-1964).

SAMSON (SANSONE):

Five or six movies about the Hercules-substitute Samson (Sansone) were made in the years 1961-1964.

GOLIATH (GOLIA):

Only three or four Goliath movies were made, all between 1962 and 1964.

Periphernalia:

Roger Corman directed a movie called ATLAS in 1961, in which a Hercules-like superhero must fight against an evil king.

Sergio Leone directed the costumer IL COLOSSO DI RODE in 1961, but there is no superhero in this story.

Steve Reeves, the original Hercules, made a return to sword-and-sandal in 1961 for the historical epic LA GUERRA DI TROIA (1961), in which he plays hero Aeneas.

In 1963, a cartoon series called "The Mighty Hercules" was produced in the United States.

The first Hercules comedy was made in 1960. LE PILLOLE DI ERCOLE (HERCULES' PILLS)

The legacy:

The muscle-men of the early 1960s lost popularity rather quickly. After 1964, hardly any sword-and-sandal epics were produced anymore. Italian cinema (and its audiences) became more interested in westerns (Sergio Leone's PER UN PUGNO DI DOLLARI is one of the earliest), sci-fi movies (really hokey ones!) and spy action (as a result of the success with the Bond movies).

A notable revival of peplum movies occurred in the early eighties with the production (and success) of CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982) and CONAN THE DESTROYER (1984), both starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Looking at the action movies of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, the super-heroes characterized by Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger do not necessarily rely exclusively on their brains to beat the villains (which goes to show the stagnant development of the supermen).

COVER RECREATION

2010-08-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

This sweet cover recreation inked by Angel Gabrielle I lifted from Comicart fans...is primo...It contains all the dynamic drama in the poses you'd expect from a Kirby drawing....I miss Kirby.

HERCULES THE CHAMPION - JULY 1975

2010-07-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

In the same year during the same month 2 competing comic book companies put out 2 seperate comic books containing one mytholgical famous strong man - That'd be HERCULES !!!!
Now honestly I was never a big fan of the Champions...and I don't know why....it had Herc and Ghost Rider on the same team...I like GHOSTIE!

But I do indeed remember purchasing HERCULES unbound and following the book to it's end....Now it's time to see if I can get me a good ebay deal on a CHAMPIONS lot.

HERCULES UNBOUNDED AGAIN JULY 1975

2010-07-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

RUDE the DUDE!!!

2010-07-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Steve Rude has always been one of my favorite artists. His Super Man vs Hulk one shot was a classic. That is why I like him. His work is classic comic art. He exudes the qualities of Kirby, Wood and Ayers one would find reading comics in the 1960's.
I would like to see Steve do a Herc mini - retro 60's story...even a classic ancient Herc story. His stuff is great and he is in good company with his artistic genius

The Mighty art of John Buscema !

2010-07-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

I really don't have much to say about this...it's John Buscema. What is there to say. John was a hero to me. Here in this unused cover for an AVENGERS issue you can see the power coming from both Herc and Tyr as they get ready to do battle as the others look on. Only Hercules has a chance against the Asgardian god of war. Of course as in times past Herc triumphed.

I borrowed this image from Michael Maikowsky and his John Buscema Facebook profile. I miss John Buscema...but I have much of his work in my comics. I marvel at it from time to time and think back to when I actually got to meet him in 1986. He never understood the fanfare or even got why comic books meant so much to so many...but for the love of art he kept on going.

He kept on going.

JACK "KING" KIRBY ! HERCULES from the Heroes and Villains sketchbook

2010-06-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Jack Kirby was thre godfather of the Marvel style. His dynamic poses and fantastical landscapes and scenic shots were what kept you involved in the drawing and with the story. If it were not for him hooking you with his classy and unique style.....you probably would not like comics today. You were hooked.

ERNIE CHAN does HERCULES

2010-06-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

HERCULES Marvel mania

2010-05-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Back in the day..( I hate that phrase ) Marvel used to have a line of stickers it was paste up images of characters and they had some corny word balloon caption. I F'N LOVED THESE THINGS!

Thanks to Reis from over at CROM the Ultimate Conan fan blog and his other popular blog I found this way cool HERKY sticker...you likey?

The passing of a legend "Frazetta"

2010-05-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Frank Frazetta has passed away - His Legacy will continue on forever. Rest in peace Sir.

He walks among us....

2010-05-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

I go to motorcycle shows and rallies and sometimes I see some pretty cool stuff...I myself am not an OUTLAW BIKER , I am a mere Motorcyclist. A lot of times I see some beautiful women walking around in their cut off denim shorts and bikini tops some who should not be wearing such outfits and some you wish you could see more of.

One show I was walking around and I saw the biggest sunnava bitch I'd ever seen he was maybe 6'7" and about 290 lbs and he was wearing nothing but jeans and biker boots ( the kind that look like black cowboy boots with the big buckle on the side ) His hair was long past his shoulders and the wind was blowing it around his face his physique was perfect he looked like Denny Miller the actor who played Tarzan in 1959 and who later became the Gortons fisherman...but this guy his beard was as full and gray as his hair his skin looked like he'd been in the sun his entire life...oh he had a tan alright but his skin was that kind of dark reddish pink tan and was even darker in some areas like his chest and shoulders. I could not really tell exactly how old the guy was but walking by me I noticed a tattoo on his right forearm. It said US NAVY

KOREA and there was a year and a picture of a battle ship framed by chain and an anchor hanging down to where his hand met his wrist. So this guy had to be at the time 67 or 68 years old. I was impressed that his build was so perfect and he walked with a spring in his step as if he were a 20 year old.

Folks I swear to you this guy is HERCULES walking around right here with us on the planet earth as we speak. He must have seen me looking at him and I was trying not to be too obvious about it but I was fascinated by him. At one point he turned and winked at me as he picked up a pair of sunglasses off of a vendors table. To this day I wonder about that guy..is he still around? Is he still as healthy as he seemed when I saw him 7 years ago? I know there is no such thing as HERCULES and I know there are no real MAN GODS and all that...but if you'd seen this big ass sum bitch then you too'd be impressed...I know to this day I think about that guy and the adventures he's had in his life.

They killed him! They killed Hercules! Those sons of Bitches!

2010-04-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

The following review is from COMICS BULLETIN.COM ( I did not write this article )

HERCULES FALL OF AN AVENGER.

I've been kind of down on Incredible Hercules since the end of the Amazons arc, and try as I might, I just haven't been able to get back into the series. I've kept up though, and was almost won back by the Amadeus solo chapters over the past nine months, but I just felt like the humor had overpowered the character work that really made that first year or so shine. Hercules became more of a joke than he was at first, it seemed to me.

Especially when he started dressing like Thor and bedding Elf Queens. It was fun and entertaining, but it felt like fluff. Once we finally started focusing on the threat of Hera, and the even subtler threat of Athena, things started looking up again.

And now Hercules is dead, betrayed by Athena, and his friends and allies have gathered at the Parthenon in Athens to celebrate his memory. It's still a little too campy and silly at times for me, but it's a nice that we're not bogged down by sad recollections and emo posing.

Instead, Pak and Van Lente provide a very entertaining--and at times, touching--tribute to the history of Hercules, complete with footnotes signaling where the adventures the heroes share were first published. There's a lot of good stuff here, even if we do still have moments where characterization and plot are given over to just telling a joke.

And that's really what keeps me from fully engaging with the story, just like it's done for the past year or so. I guess I'm just taking it too seriously, and I know that the women's tribute to Hercules in this issue is supposed to be funny, but I thought it fell flat. Again, it was just so silly. And ultimately, that's what most of Pak and Van Lente's run has become for me. Just silly fluff, to be read and forgotten. Disposable.

The back-up feature by Tobin, on the other hand, shows a very nice balance between humor and sadness, as Venus and Namora travel around the world settling Hercules' financial affairs. There are plenty of jokes, but there are also many moments where the characters feel real. They feel and think and act like real people would in these situations and never are sacrificed to the almighty joke.

There's actual character development going on as these two characters spend time together. It's not as goofy or funny as the main story, but it's better crafted from start to finish.

Visually, both stories are quite nice, as Ariel Olivetti provides what might be his best work yet and Brown and Paz provide a slightly rough-around-the-edges take on Venus and Namora. The two stories couldn't look more different from one another, but both are excellent pieces of work. Olivetti has reined in his urge to grotesquely over-muscle everyone on the page, providing a very nice variety of body types and excellent facial expressions. His visual storytelling is getting better and better, although the lack of backgrounds continues to bug me a little.

Yes, it allows the reader to really focus on the expressions and the body language, which is a good thing. But it still seems like the work is practically unfinished, waiting for the scenery and sets to be filled in later.

Brown and Paz fully ground each panel in their story in the settings, whether those settings are a board room, a city street, or a small apartment. And then, when the scenes need to open and provide some breathing room, sparser backgrounds are suited to the situation.

They also provide very meaty versions of both Venus and Namora. These women look powerful and realistic. Neither is a wispy, frail-looking thing, instead having thick legs and strong arms. They look like heroes. They have weight and really feel like part of their environments, rather than decorations or cheese-cake. But don't get me wrong. They look good.

All in all, this is another mixed bag. I really want to like Pak and Van Lente's story as much as I used to (and as much as I like their other work), but it all just feels so inconsequential that it's hard to justify continuing to spend money on it. On the other hand, the Agents of Atlas back-up provides a little more depth of emotion and characterization, pulling the overall rating up. Thanks to Venus and Namora, I'm giving this one four bullets.
I guess the reviewer uses a rating system that consists of bullets - as in BULLETIN? I guess, good review though.

Look @ this MIGHTY desk top!

2010-04-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

I was going to use it as the main pic for the blog but it was too large. So lookie here!