DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2, from Dynamite Comics on 9/20/23, adds one more misfit to Hades’s band of ne’er-do-wells in his quest to steal the Golden Fleece. Too bad Jason is about to horn in on Hades’s plans.
The Details
- Written by: Elliot Kalan
- Art by: Alessandro Ranaldi
- Colors by: Dearbhla Kelly
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Karen S. Darboe (cover A)
- Comic Rating: All Ages
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2 Good?
Fun, fun, fun. Elliot Kalan’s latest entry in Dynamite’s adaptation of the Hercules villain is packed with jokes, amusing developments, slapstick action, and a supreme focus on entertainment. DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2 is possibly the strongest Disney adaptation from Dynamite yet.
When last we left Hades, he assembled a band of misfits from Greek mythology to help him steal the Golden Fleece for its transformational powers. Each misfit agreed to help as long as they got a transformational wish. Now, Hades uses the team to enlist some horny (heh) muscle in the form of the Minotaur. With a complete roster, Hades heads to the island where the Golden Fleece rests and his destiny to become the greatest god, unless Jason beats him to it.
We cite this series as possibly the best Disney adaptation because it comes closest to the sharp wit and kid-friendly amusement that made the original film so popular. Elliot Kalan doesn’t just draw inspiration from Hades on the big screen. This series feels like a direct continuation in the same voice, tone, and personality.
What’s great about DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2? Practically everything about Elliot Kalan’s script is pitch-perfect compared to the source material. Hades is smarmy, snappy, and as volatile as ever. The eclectic band of misfits is amusing. And underneath the cover of charm, is a solid, well-constructed quest.
What’s not so great about DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2? Honestly, nothing beyond a minor nitpick or two. This is exactly the kind of comic a kid would love.
How’s the art? Alessandro Ranaldi nails the Disney style with amusing insets where talking heads (literally) keep the conversation going over establishing shots. Ranaldi complements Kalan’s script beautifully.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #1 review to find out how Hades hatched his genius plan.
We begin with the band of misfits eager to get going on Hades’s quest, but the god of the dead explains they need to pick up one more team member – the Minotaur. The band heads to King Minos’s maze to find the half-man/half-bull enjoying his nap, but when Morpheus tries to gently wake the Minotaur up with a soothing lullaby, the monster rages out. Eventually, Hades calms the Minotaur down and convinces him to join the band with the promise of a sweet treat.
Later, Hades spells out the plan to his band while Medusa visits the King of Colchis to rat Hades out. Meanwhile, Jason and Chiron arrive at Colchis. We conclude the issue with flybys, Plan B, and a smashing trap.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #2 embodies, the charm, wit, humor, and action of the source material for the most faithful adaptation yet from Dynamite. Kalan’s rock-solid script balances quick-hit jokes with a surprisingly good adventure, and Ranaldi’s art is pitch-perfect.
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