THE HERCULOIDS #5 – New Comic Review

The Herculoids #5, by Dynamite Comics on 7/16/25, dives into the ongoing struggle of our heroes while revealing a new, ancient threat. This issue offers a blend of classic action and unfolding mystery that will keep you turning pages.

Credits:

• Writer: Tom Sniegoski
• Artist: Craig Rosseau
• Colorist: Omi Remalante Jr.
• Letterer: Taylor Esposito
• Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: July 16, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of THE HERCULOIDS #5:

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, the vibrant artwork and immediate plunge into action grab your attention. The sense of urgency and impending danger is palpable, setting a tense yet exciting tone from the very first page.

Plot Analysis:

The story begins with an ancient entity called the Encephalon awakening on the planet Amzot. This entity, described as the physical manifestation of a galactic dominion’s knowledge, was sent on a critical mission to preserve a galactic empire from a “voracious darkness” consuming the universe. The Encephalon’s “ark-ship” crashed on Amzot after being pursued for millennia, and it has now awakened with its thoughts muddled but a clear purpose: to continue its mission and preserve a galactic empire.

While the Encephalon assesses its damaged state and the now life-filled Amzot—which it previously found barren and lifeless—a group of desperate survivors from a crashed refinery ship are also struggling on the planet, convinced they are doomed. They express fear and hopelessness, believing no rescue ship will come. Their desperation is evident as one of them quickly dispatches a perceived threat, only for another to lament that nothing is left to eat.

Meanwhile, Zandor, Tara, and Dorno of the Herculoids are introduced, with Dorno undertaking the “important job” of collecting “Tundro’s smelly pellets,” a task he complains about but accepts as Zandor deems it crucial. Zandor and Tara discuss the need to patrol a refinery ship crash site for survivors and the maintenance of their gear, but Tara urges Zandor to take a break, noting he’s “running yourself ragged”. They decide to spend the rest of the day at “the Falls,” providing a brief respite before the inevitable conflict.

As the Herculoids enjoy their break, the Encephalon determines that the “hostile” world outside requires a more “durable means” of data collection and decides to create a “Harvester” to gather all biological data. The desperate crash survivors then hear the approaching “monsters that destroyed our ship,” identifying them as the Herculoids, and prepare for a confrontation. The issue culminates in the Harvester engaging the Herculoids in battle, showcasing the Encephalon’s new, formidable creation and setting the stage for a major conflict.

Story

The writing in The Herculoids #5 is a solid effort, particularly in its character dialogue, which feels authentic and moves the plot along without unnecessary exposition. The pacing is well-handled, balancing moments of tension with brief periods of character interaction, preventing the story from feeling rushed or dragging. The introduction of the Encephalon as a new, overarching threat is intriguing, adding a layer of mystery and grander stakes to the Herculoids’ established world.

Art

The artwork is a definite highlight, with bold lines and a dynamic sense of motion that makes the action sequences pop off the page. The character designs are faithful to the classic Herculoids aesthetic while still feeling fresh, and the vibrant coloring truly brings the alien landscapes of Amzot to life. The detailed renditions of the Encephalon and the newly introduced Harvester are particularly impressive, conveying their power and menace effectively.

Characters

The creativity shines through in the concept of the Encephalon and its mission, providing a compelling new antagonist that isn’t just another monster-of-the-week. The way it ties into a larger galactic struggle hints at a rich lore waiting to be explored.

Positives

The strong characterizations of the Herculoids, especially the playful banter between Zandor and Tara, ground the fantastic elements of the story in relatable human (or alien, in this case) interactions. The introduction of the Encephalon adds a fascinating layer of cosmic horror and scientific mystery, elevating the series beyond simple creature features. The action sequences are visually striking and easy to follow, making the fights feel impactful and exciting.

Negatives

While generally strong, the issue could benefit from slightly more detailed explanations of the Encephalon’s motivations and origins beyond its immediate purpose; some of its internal monologue feels a bit repetitive. Additionally, the brief appearance of the crashed refinery ship survivors feels a little underdeveloped, serving mainly as cannon fodder to establish the Harvester’s threat rather than as fully realized characters with their own nuanced struggle.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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THE HERCULOIDS #5 delivers a potent mix of classic action and intriguing new sci-fi elements. With a captivating new antagonist and the reliable heroism of the Herculoids, this issue is a strong entry in the series that leaves you eager for what comes next.

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