Summary

• Thor finally reveals Hercules as his true brother in Immortal Thor #13, shifting focus from Loki.
• Marvel's exploration of mythology-based heroes intensifies with Thor and Hercules' epic dynamic.
• A Thor and Hercules team-up in the MCU would be a visually stunning and compelling storyline.

Warning: contains spoilers for Immortal Thor #13!

Loki! In a preview for Immortal Thor #13, the Odinson is seeking to clear his name, after being framed by the Enchantress. His search for allies takes him to a surprising location, where he reveals the one other god-like hero he considers a brother.

Marvel shared a preview for Immortal Thor #13 with AIPT. The issue will be written by Al Ewing and drawn by Jan Bazaldua. Thor heads to the Greek isles, seeking help in clearing his name. An off-camera narrator brings readers up to speed on Thor’s dilemma. Thor cannot go seek help in America, due to bringing the law down on him. Instead, Thor is seeking out the help of another god: Hercules. Hercules is glad to see Thor, and the narrator reveals Thor views him as a brother.

The two gods then share a heart-to-heart talk.

Thor Raised the Game for Mythology-Based Heroes

Hercules Is Nearly Thor's Equal In Every Way

Earth’s various mythological traditions have provided ample fodder for the superhero genre. Thor’s arrival in 1962’s Journey Into Mystery #83 was not the first time comics had mined the mythology vein. However, Thor’s debut heralded a new era for such heroes, and before long, Marvel debuted other characters culled from the Norse pantheon, such as Loki and Odin. Later that decade, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby turned their attention to the Greek gods, creating the character of Hercules. Debuting in 1965’s Journey Into Mystery Annual #1, he would become a regular rival of the Thunder God.

Given that both Thor and Hercules are the sons of gods themselves, it would only be natural they would come into and conflict with each other. Since his debut, Hercules has become a hero in his own right, serving in the Champions and the Avengers. While Hercules has yet to achieve the heights of popularity in the Marvel Universe as Thor, he is still a powerful and formidable adversary. Hercules is one of the few who can match Thor’s strength, which only adds to the feud. Fittingly, Hercules made his MCU debut in Thor: Love and Thunder’s post-credit scene.

Hercules Would Be a Great Asset to the MCU

A Movie Featuring a Team-Up Between Thor and Hercules Would be a Visual Feast

When Hercules appeared in Love and Thunder, he was introduced as a future foe of the Odinson, but the MCU’s plans for him, if any, remain mum. A live-action fight between Thor and Hercules could be visually appealing, but there are better stories to be told about them being friends, and the preview for Immortal Thor #13 makes the case for this alliance. Thor seeks out Hercules’ counsel above any other gods because they view each other as “brothers.” While this may seem to short change Loki, Thor and Hercules have a tighter, and stronger, bond.

Source: AIPT

Immortal Thor #13 is on sale July 31 from Marvel Comics!