Grimm Fairy Tales presents Godstorm: Hercules Payne #2 Review


Is there enough within this volume to garner the attention of both new and seasoned followers? Read on to find out.

The official description from Zenescope:

In the face of personal tragedy, Andre Payne is unable to look himself in the mirror. Ashamed of his role in the death of a family member, Andre prepares to flee, until he is confronted by a man who claims to be his father, Zeus, the king of the gods. When true power is bestowed upon the misguided teen, will Andre become a power for good or a force of evil?

GFT Godstorm-Hercules Payne 2_Preview PageI haven’t been this engaged by a new character in awhile, but for some reason this title and the creative team behind it have hit a cord with me. And after just two issues with this latest addition to the Godstorm franchise, there’s enough meat to the narrative to guarantee audience attention and critic praise.

Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco work with seasoned scribe Pat Shand to tell the tale of Andre Payne. His journey is simplistic and very street level, but there’s something about a man locked into his own shortcomings that becomes relatable. Maybe it has more to do with the fact that we all yearn for a way out of our own mundane lives, or to add a spark of adventure to the mix. It doesn’t matter because the dialogue, more than the concept, sells this minus a few corny bits near the beginning.

The art by AC Osorio is solid, as the talent lends his pencil to these festivities. When dealing with a greater universe full of familiar players, it can be easy to just copy what others have done but he goes beyond the norm, as the illustrator embraces his own sensibilities. There are some hiccups here and there, where the reactions and the conversations don’t completely sync up, but thanks to the colors by Omi Remalante Jr. we’re still left with a striking package.

Grimm Fairy Tales presents Godstorm: Hercules Payne #2 is an excellent entry that continues to push a new character on somewhat familiar ground. Recommended.

OUR RATING
8
  • + Andre Payne's adventure is off to a compelling start!
  • + AC Osorio nails the visual side of the equation.
  • + The script ebbs and flows with personality.
  • - There are some corny bits near the beginning...

S#!T Talking Central