THE HERCULOIDS #4, by Dynamite Comics on 5/28/25, follows the family dragon, Zok, as she takes a journey guided by instinct. Her path will cross with a lone Dorgyte on a similar trek.
Credits:
- Writer: Ton Sniegoski
- Artist: Craig Rousseau
- Colorist: Omi Remalante Jr.
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: May 28, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE HERCULOIDS #4:
Plot:
In this Zok-centric issue, the family dragon answers the call of the wild. She flies off and battles a cave beast to take its dwelling, build a nest, and lay an egg. Meanwhile, a young male Dorgyte sets out for his village for a ritual hunt to become a man. His quest? Find and kill a beast to prove his worth.
The two characters meet when the Dorgyte chooses Zok as his prey. When the Dorgyte confronts Zok in her cave nest, he’s surprised by the bear-like creature Zok defeated to claim the space. The issue ends with Dorgyte and Dragon coming to an understanding, completing their mutual goals.
Artwork and Presentation:
Craig Rousseau carries the weight of the story with a largely (not completely) silent issue where a humanoid and beast fight, confront, and make peace during a battle based on nature, instinct, and culture. Rousseau’s artwork is similar in style to the original cartoon, perhaps with a few odd choices in the character anatomies. On the whole, this is one of the uncommon instances where looking cartoonish makes sense.
Art Samples:
Character Work:
Technically, Tom Sniegoski’s script is almost entirely a character piece, sending two individuals on paths that intersect at the climax. Although the Dorgyte is a one-off character, Sniegoski’s script and Rousseau’s art strongly portray his mix of uncertainty and determination to become a man through trial by fire. Likewise, Zok’s motherly portrayal in the face of the imminent threat elevates her unspeaking charcter to a noble creature status.
Structure:
Sniegoski’s structure and plot work all the way through, except for the critical moment. The Dorgyte needs to make a choice – to slay Zok or not – when his choice is interrupted by the “bear.” It’s unclear if the bear is the same bear Zok defeated or if it’s another, so the flow of the climax is confusing.
Strongest Point(s):
The highlight of this issue is the surprisingly heartfelt and personal journey undertaken by two beings who eventually find their purposes at odds at a pivotal moment.
Weakest Point(s):
At the critical decision point, the appearance of the bear to Zok and the Dorgyte is confusing, so the climax doesn’t land as effectively as it should.
Final Thoughts:
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THE HERCULOIDS #4 is a surprisingly emotional character piece about two characters who embark on a journey for their lives. Tom Sniegoski’s script finds the personal, human perspective in the unlikeliest places, and Craig Rousseau’s artwork is spot-on for a cartoon adaptation.
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