Marvel Comics is Releasing a New 'Hercules' Series in November!

The world's first superhero is back in action!  Marvel Comics has announced the first issue of new series Hercules will be released this November. Hercules #1 will be written by Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians 3000) with art by Luke Ross (Hulk, Secret Avengers) and the cover by Clay Mann.

It is a new beginning for the ancient hero in the modern world.  "Hercules is fun, brash and one of Marvel's more interesting characters because of his connections to both the Avengers as well as ancient Greek mythology," says series Editor Katie Kubert. "A hero of all eras, he's trying to reestablish what being a hero means today, and what better place to attempt to do that than NYC with his buddy Gilgamesh at his side? "

The announcement was met with some controversy. As reported by Independent, In the X-Treme X-Men series set in an alternate universe, Hercules is in a relationship with Wolverine.  And in the mainstream universe during Hercules: Fall of an Avenger #1, it is heavily implied that he had a relationship with openly gay character Northstar.

Plus, Hercules is listed on Marvel Wiki's Bisexual Characters list.  Naturally, readers wondered if this meant Marvel now had a bisexual character starring in his own series. People were excited at the possibility considering DC's Batwoman is the only gay comic book character with an ongoing title.  And Marvel has been making an effort to diversify their universe lately, so it was a reasonable assumption.  

According to Comic Book Resources, Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso stated that Hercules will definitely be straight in the future. "Hercules and James Howlett's relationship in 'X-Treme X-Men' took place in a unique alternate universe, similar to how Colossus was gay in the Ultimate Universe, but is straight in the 616. Same goes for Hercules here," he said.

Regardless of the disappointing announcement, this new series is sure to be exciting.  A new evil will push the demi-god to his limits. But no labor is too great for the mighty Hercules!