THE HERCULOIDS #1, by Dynamite Comics on 2/19/25, follows the ruthless mercenary Quen-Tel when he seeks out the fabled planet of Azmot. Unfortunately, the Herculoids are ready to stop him.
Credits:
- Writer: Tom Sniegoski
- Artist: Craig Rosseau
- Colorist: Omi Remalante Jr.
- Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: February 19, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Teen
Covers:
Analysis of THE HERCULOIDS #1:
Plot Analysis:
The Herculoids #1 begins with a disembodied narrator explaining the existence of a mythical planet that contains enough resources and riches to satisfy the hungriest marauder’s greed. Azmot, the planet sought after by every hunter in the galaxy, remains lost, but one man claims to know its location. Quen-Tel, a ruthless mercenary, seeks out this man on a lonely outpost on the far edge of the galaxy.
The man’s tale is fraught with misfortune and death. He recounts finding the fabled planet of Azmot with his crew by accident. When they landed on the surface, he discovered that Azmot was a greater treasure than the legends foretold. Sadly, the man’s crew was killed by monsters said to guard the planet, leaving him to depart as a warning to others. Fearing for his life, the man swears to take the location of Azmot to his grave.
Quen-Tel has no patience for interrogations or negotiations, so he seizes the man and attaches a lethal memory extractor to the man’s head. Soon, Quen-Tel and his crew arrive in orbit above Azmot. They land on the planet in a group of shuttles after creating a clearing with destructive fire that destroys all life in a large radius.
Quen-Tel believes he and his men have the greatest resource treasure under their control. Suddenly, the survey teams are attacked by giant monsters led by a man, woman, and young boy. The issue ends with Quen-Tel’s quest to seize Azmot thwarted by the Herculoids.
First Impressions:
Tom Sniegoski’s turn at bat to adapt a beloved Hanna-Barbera into modern comics hits all the right notes if your expectation is to read a continuation of the cartoon series in comic form. Rather than update the property for “modern audiences” or subvert expectations, Sniegoski’s faithful approach will be a fan-pleaser.
Artwork and Presentation:
Likewise, Craig Rosseau and one of Dynamite’s top colorists, Omi Remalante, Jr., present a visual experience that’s as faithful and familiar to the original cartoon series without tapping one of the original storyboard artists to come back. Admittedly, the art team’s faithful approach to the material means The Herculoids #1 has a cartoonish quality to the art, but the art quality is not bad by any means.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Tom Sniegoski’s approach to The Herculoids #1 is the strongest example yet by Dynamite that captures the melodramatic spirit of adventure of the original cartoon. All the familiar faces are present, the simplistic plot fits with the cartoon’s original demographic, and this first issue is a solid jumping-on point.
The Negatives:
If you’re looking for a bold yet respectful update to the material, similar to what Dynamite has done with Jonny Quest and Space Ghost, you may feel a little letdown. Again, there’s nothing necessarily bad with the comic, but it reads like a kids’ cartoon show, which may not be your cup of tea for longtime Dynamite readers.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Dynamite announced the aforementioned Jonny Quest and Space Ghost will be crossing over into a miniseries event in a few months. Does that mean The Herculoids will join in on the fun? As of now, no, but if the series does well, a visit to Azot by Space Ghost makes a world of sense.
Final Thoughts:
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THE HERCULOIDS #1 is a fun, continuation of the classic Hanna-Barbera series when ruthless mercenaries pick the wrong planet to invade. Tom Sniegoski’s script is a pitch-perfect continuation of the classic cartoon, and the art team’s portrayal of the classic team is on point. That said, the cartoonish nature of the story and art may not satisfy readers looking for a bolder update to the classic property.
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