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The Herculoids return in a story that feels like classic Saturday morning cartoons! I grew up loving this series for its nostalgic charm and imaginative world. In issue #2, Quen-Tel regroups after his defeat on Amzot, now armed with a larger force. Will he finally overpower the Herculoids? Meanwhile, young Dorno is separated and captured—can his family rescue him in time?
Written by Tom Sniegoski
Art by Craig Rousseau
Colors by Omi Remalante Jr.
Letters by Jeff Eckleberry
Editor Joseph Rybandt
Published by Dynamite
***Possible Spoiler Warning***
Plot Summary
Quen-Tel recovers from his initial defeat against Amzot’s protectors and refuses to accept failure. With his reputation on the line, he knows failure isn’t an option. He amasses a larger fleet and a more specialized security team for a renewed invasion. This time, his forces deploy a tactical strike, successfully separating Dorno from the Herculoids and capturing him.
With their youngest member taken, the Herculoids make a strategic retreat. They regroup, determined to rescue Dorno before it’s too late. However, Dorno is no ordinary child—his resourcefulness may just turn the tide in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, new dangers lurk beneath the surface of Amzot, hinting at an even greater conflict ahead. As the Herculoids forge into battle, the ominous arrival of the Mole-Men looms in issue #3!
The Art And Letters
The artwork in The Herculoids #2 perfectly captures the energy and adventure of the classic cartoon. Craig Rousseau’s illustrations bring Amzot to life, balancing simplicity with dynamic action. The battle sequences feel explosive, with each panel carrying a sense of motion that pulls you into the chaos. While the overall style embraces a retro aesthetic, some facial expressions could be more detailed to better convey emotions.
Omi Remalante Jr.’s colors enhance the world beautifully. The lush jungles, towering mountains, and alien spaceships scattered around Amzot make it feel alive. The bright, vibrant landscapes contrast sharply with the darker space elements, reinforcing the lurking sense of danger. The cover art, including variants, is a standout for me! With each piece worthy of being framed and displayed on a wall.
Jeff Eckleberry’s lettering ensures smooth readability, with dialogue and action effects fitting seamlessly into each panel. The classic, bold text style matches the old-school adventure tone. Together, the art, colors, and lettering craft an immersive world that stays true to The Herculoids legacy while keeping it visually engaging for modern readers.
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The Writing
Sniegoski skillfully weaves together dual timelines, giving both Quen-Tel and Dorno their own arcs. Later, the focus shifts to the Herculoids as they plan their escape and Dorno’s rescue. The straightforward storytelling matches the nostalgic tone of the series. Dialogue stays true to the classic 60s cartoon, keeping the charm intact. While the action remains engaging, some scenes could benefit from deeper character exploration. Zandor and Tara’s unwavering trust in Dorno adds emotional weight to the story. The pacing starts slow but builds to an exciting, fast-paced climax. For future issues I hope to see expanding character motivations and adding more depth to their characters.
Overall Thoughts
I enjoyed this nostalgic trip but found myself craving deeper storytelling complexity. (Which could be a personal thing.) The issue however, delivers plenty of fun, action-packed moments, especially with Zok, Igoo, and Tundro showcasing their signature abilities. The fast-paced adventure captures the essence of classic Herculoids storytelling, making it a great entry point for newer audiences. At times though, the plot felt a bit too straightforward. I hope in future issues they can further develop character dynamics to enhance the story.
Despite this, the comic is a great choice for fans of the original cartoon and families. introducing younger readers to these timeless heroes. Longtime fans will appreciate the familiar tone and energetic action, even if they might wish for more depth. With the Mole-Men’s arrival, I’m eager to see how stakes rise and if future issues expand character development and world-building.
Overall Grade: 7.5/10
This review was written by Thomas Craig of The Joy Schtick Show, where three friends from Hawaii explore the movies, TV shows, comics, and pop culture bringing us JOY! For more reviews and to catch up on all our episodes, head to linktr.ee/TheJoySchtickShow
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