Description: Thrown from Mount Olympus as a newborn and caught by Thetis and Eurynome, who raised him on the island of Lemnos, Hephaistos had an aptitude for creating beautiful objects from a very young age. Despite his rejection from Olympus, he swallowed his anger and spent his days perfecting his craft. His exquisitely forged gifts and weapons earned him back his seat in the heavens, but he was not treated as an equal—his brothers and sisters looked down at him for his lame leg, and even his own wife, Aphrodite, was disloyal. In this installment of George O'Connor's bestselling Olympians graphic novel series, witness Hephaistos’ wrath in God of Fire as he creates a plan that’ll win him the respect he deserves.

Review: I have been a fan of the Olympians graphic novel series and have enjoyed watching the Greek gods and goddesses and their myths come alive. Unfortunately, Hephaistos is my least favorite volume so far. The dialogue which started as polished orators who recounted the rise of the Olympians and followed the stories of Prometheus soon derailed into modern colloquialism, which was really jarring and took me out of the story. While Hephaistos is the headliner of this graphic novel, the focus was much more on Prometheus' betrayal and the gift of fire to humanity. Unlike the narration, the illustrations of the panels remain consistently vibrant and full of action, humor, and subtlety especially where innuendos are involved with Aphrodite's affairs. Overall a disappointing volume in an otherwise great series.   

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There are several allusions to Aphrodite's infidelity with Ares including a scene where both gods are chained to the bed. Recommended for Grades 6 and up.

If you like this book try: Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus

Description: Shunned even before she was born and destined to live a life of solitude, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, finds power through her skilled hunting ability and mighty bow. She slays those who wish to do harm to the innocent and takes care of the young and helpless. She protects women and young girls, helps in childbirth, soothes, and is unrivaled in her hunting abilities.


Review: O'Connor continues his Olympian graphic novel series with lots of action and the Greek deities are given superhero status. His latest entry focuses on Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. The narrative of this graphic novel is told through various perspectives ranging from Artemis's mother, brother, and her maidens and they all form a nuanced portrait of Artemis: formidable, quick-witted, occasionally cruel, yet always deeply devoted to the natural world and intensely protective of women and girls.At first I wasn't sure if I liked how the narration was formed but ultimately I was on board with it as it created drama and suspense in the story. Like the other graphic novels the images are eye appealing and dynamic. The images are dynamic, with the use of different perspectives creating drama and suspense. Artemis is drawn androgynously, highlighting her strength without sacrificing her feminity. The graphic novel explores popular myths such as Actaceon who was turned into a stag and eated by his own dogs as punished for leering at Artemis and her crew as they bathe in the water. There is also the inclusion of the haughty Orion who felt he could pressure Artemis to go against her vow of never being touched by a male and the trickery that befell of Atalanta (a story that never sit right with me). Blonde, blue-eyed Artemis is illustrated with cool tones, befitting her characterization.

Description: In volume 5 of Olympians, author/artist George O'Connor turns the spotlight on that most mysterious and misunderstood of the Greek gods, Poseidon: Earth Shaker. Thrill to such famous stories as Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus and Polyphemos, and the founding of Athens—and learn how the tempestuous Poseidon became the King of the Seas.

Review: Poseidon is one of the few Greek gods who doesn't have a physical presence in mythology. We usually hear of him by the raging waters or his monstrous children, but never the actual god himself. The narrative style of his graphic novel follows this same train of thought.
 Instead of an overarching theme which was featured in the previous Olympian graphic novels that I read, Poseidon reads more episodic. He begins his story of how he came to rule the sea after the war of the Titans. There is palpable resentment and tension as Poseidon keeps a tally of the wrongs done by his siblings, particularly Athena who favored Odysseus rather than her brother (uncle?). He tells the gory stories of how the clever Odysseus injured Polyphemus and Theseus managing to survive the Minatour. While he may appear to receive the shorter end of the stick, Poseidon knows he can cause significant amount of damage and does so in several tales.
  Unlike the other Greek deities that O'Connor drew, I didn't like how Poseidon was drawn. He looks like a mash up between Kung Fu master with his long, wispy mustache and Conan the Barbarian on steroids. I didn't picture him to be like that in my mind.
  While the plot jumps from story to story, it is easy to follow in the crisply drawn sequential panels. I do like how O'Connor makes his subject relatable by today's standard's of action heroes. While this may not be my favorite book in the Olympians series, I did find it enjoyable.
 
Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong, bloody violence on the PG-13 scale. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds, Theseus Battles the Minator by Gary Jeffrey




Description: In volume six of Olympians, graphic novel author/artist George O'Connor turns the spotlight on Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Look for the same thoroughly researched and wonderfully accessible comics storytelling as O'Connor tackles the story of the Aphrodite from her dramatic birth (emerging from sea-foam) to her role in the Trojan War.

Review: I was really curious to see how O'Connor would spotlights the goddess of beauty and love in a kid friendly graphic novel. I thought he made a clever decision in emphasizing on power instead of sexuality in this solid addition to his Olympians series. Aphrodite's three attendants, the Charites, narrate a recap of the origin of the Titans and Olympians, leading up to the goddess's birth and highlighting that Aphrodite is essentially Eros embodied. After a series of shorter myths, various affairs and the introduction of Aphrodite's capricious son (Eros aka Cupid), the graphic novel concentrates on the beauty contest of the goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena, judged by the mortal Paris. It was really cool to see how he problematic female stereotypes be pointed out by the goddesses themselves. They find the contest "beneath" them and "debasing" even while participating and re-frame the contest as one of power instead of beauty- each offering Paris either wealth, being a hero, or a chance to have one of the most beautiful women in the world. While there might not be a lot of action in this volume of the Olympians, there is a lot more tongue in cheek humor and great one-liners sprinkled in the story. This graphic novel shows Aphrodite's power in femininity and sexuality without being overt and crude.

Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There are sexual situations alluded to in the book that happen off the page which older children make understand. There is also some crude humor in the graphic novel as well. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.

If you like this book try: Aphrodite: Goddess of Love and Beauty by Teri Temple

 I stumbled upon George O'Connor's Olympians graphic novel series as I was browsing the graphic novel section at work. As readers of this blog know, I'm a big fan of Greek Mythology and I couldn't resist picking up this series. O'Connor's attention to details, meticulous research, incredible artwork, and great storytelling makes the Olympians an enthralling read and a must have series in libraries. Please note that this review is based on the advanced reader's copy that I received from First Second via Netgalley. Olympians: Apollo the Brilliant one will be published and available on January 26th at libraries and bookstores.

Description: Mighty Apollo is known by all as the god of the sun, but there's more to this Olympian than a bright smile and a shining chariot. In the latest volume of Olympians, New York Times bestselling author George O'Connor continues to turn his extensive knowledge of the original Greek myths into rip-roaring graphic novel storytelling.

Review: Unlike the previous installments of the Olympian series, Apollo's graphic novel is narrated by the nine Muses who were also worshiped along with the Greek deity. Each muse tells a different story featuring Apollo and they all paint him as a tragic hero "who has had many loves, but whose loves seldom prosper."
  O'Connor successfully shows different aspects of Apollo's personality through a variety of myths, some of which I was familiar with before and a few others that I did not know. We witness Apollo the hero when he goes off to avenge his mother, Leto, by defeating Python, the humongous serpent who had harried Leto at Hera's instigation, with fiery arrows. We also watch Apollo's ill luck with finding love as he lusts and chases after the nymph Daphne who would much rather be transformed into a laurel instead of being with him, kill his lover Hyacinth, the Prince of Sparta, who was killed by a misguided discus he threw and was led by the winds of a jealous Zephyr, and have his sister shoot the unfaithful mother of his own not-yet born son, Aklepios.  
  In addition to theses heartaches, we also see the majestic Apollo as he reminds everyone that he is indeed the greatest musician ever created after he gruesomely skins the hubris satyr Marsyas and wears it as his cape. Perhaps out of all of these different sides to Apollo, what struck me the most was the parental side of Apollo as he watched helplessly as his gifted son who healed many mortals be killed for upsetting Hades. As we wrap up the graphic novel, we can't help but think that the Muses maybe right in stating that Apollo is the most human out of all of the Greek gods and goddesses.


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Though not graphically depicted, there are strong violent allusions in the myths and mature themes. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

If you like this book try: Greek Gods and Monsters by Bernard Evslin, Mythology by Edith Hamilton, or any of the Olympians series by George O'Connor

 I've been a fan of Greek Mythology since I was a child and it is very cool to see them now star in their very own graphic novel series. The Olympians graphic novel series are such a delight to read in revisiting the famous Greek myths from a fresh format and point of view. I always learn something new in each volume of the Olympians series. I would highly recommend reading them and the best part is that each volume can be read as a standalone.

Description: Hades: Lord of the Dead tells the story of the great God of the Underworld and one of the most famous of all Greek myths: Hades' abduction of Persephone and her mother's revenge. Be prepared to see a new side of Persephone in this dynamic adaptation of the story of the creation of the seasons.

Review: O'Connor gives a panoramic viewpoint of the Underworld as we see souls tormented for their sins while others wander aimlessly or reside in the Elysian fields. We are also given shades of the gloomy, quiet, and brooding Hades too, however, the graphic novel centers on the retelling of the famous Hades and Persephone myth. I know many readers who love this myth and find it romantic, but this myth has always made me feel uncomfortable.
  In O'Connor's retelling, the tempestuous mother-daughter relationship between Demeter and Kore (translated as "The Maiden") gives us a fresh and funny viewpoint of the famous myth. Demeter is an overbearing mother who smothers her teenage daughter Kore. We watch a screaming fight between these two women that many young readers can relate to with familiar dialogue such as "Butt out of my life!!" and "You ungrateful brat". When Kore does not heed the advice of her mother to be careful, she is captured by Hades, who too pressurizes Kore to become his wife. Kore initially gives her quiet, gloomy captor Hades a hard time too. She also takes advantage of her time alone to give herself a thorough makeover and changing her name to Persephone ("Bringer of Destruction"). We are now seeing Persephone not as a victim but a woman who has taken charge of her life. We daresay that she actually likes being with Hades- when offered the opportunity to return to her remorseful mom, she lies about having eaten those pomegranate seeds so she can spend half of each year as Queen of the Dead.
  I loved how O'Connor has taken note that many of the myth retellings have shown us what happened to Persephone, but many writers and storytellers have never given her a voice. He has also expertly captures both the dramatic action and each character's distinct personality for instance Demeter's wild hair matches to her flammable temper as well as the physical transformation of a waif Kore into a woman with a backbone of steel in Persephone. While the Greek gods hold infinite power, O'Connor never forgets to show their humanity.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There are disturbing images and discussion of the center figures who are tormented in the Underworld. Recommended for Grades 6 and up.

If you like this book try: Percy Jackson the Olympians graphic novel adaptations by Robert Venditti, Hades Speaks! by Vicky Shecter

 After reading three volumes of the Olympians series by George O'Connor, I've definitely become a fan of this series. The great thing about reading this series is that you can read them in any order.

Description: Greek Gods as you've never seen them before!

The strong, larger-than-life heroes of the Olympians can summon lightning, control the sea, turn invisible, or transform themselves into any animal they choose. Superheroes? No! Greek gods. The ancient pantheon comes to explosive life in this new series where myth meets comic books. Epic battles, daring quests, and terrible monsters await readers within the pages of these books.

Volume 2, Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess, is the tale of the goddess of wisdom and war, recounting her many adventures.

Review: O'Connor does a good job in summarizing Zeus's story for new readers. He also introduces the Fates who are the narrator's of this volume. Unlike Zeus's graphic novel, there is not a linear story told but rather a collection of vignettes of Athena's creation and birth story along with the story of Arachne and Perseus. Each story, in the end, tells how Athena added to her Aegis, which became her most powerful weapon. Plus there are two versions of why she took the name Pallas Athena.
  The storytelling and artwork sucked in me in quickly. The myths are brilliantly told, highlighting the prism of emotion that the Greek gods inhibited. The physical characterizations and facial expressions bring the characters to life. There were also some new tales told that I did not know much about, which was great. There is also a lot of violence in this issue, which makes sense since Athena is the Goddess of War, however, there are no graphic details of blood and gore. My only hesitation of adding this graphic novel to a elementary or middle school collection would be the actual birth story of Athena. There is real no way around the fact that her father eat Athena's mother in hopes of avoiding a prophecy only to have her born inside his body and popping out of his skill.


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence throughout the graphic novel, however, there is no graphic bloodshed depicted. Given the context of Athena's birthing story I would feel comfortable in recommending this graphic novel to strong Grade 6 readers and up.

If you like this book try: Olympians: Hera by George O'Connor, Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin, Mythology by Edith Hamilton

  Introducing Greek mythology to young adults can be a bit tricky due to the strong sexual and violent content of the myths, however, George O'Connor's Olympians graphic novel series manages to teach the Greek myths in exciting ways and not sacrificing the action nor nuisances of the Greek gods and goddesses. He reminds us that before all of the superheroes that were created, the Greek gods and goddesses had the much deserved spotlight with their own drama and back stories.

Description: Volume 3 of Olympians, Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory, introduces readers to the Queen of the Gods and Goddesses in the Pantheon. This volume tells the tales of the many heroes who sought and won Hera's patronage, most notably Hercules.


Review:  Hera is not my favorite goddess from Greek mythology. She is always depicted as a shrew, jealous, and petty wife of Zeus. In the third volume of the Olympian series, however, Hera is a given a chance to appear more nuanced and multi-layered character rather than just being Zeus’ long-suffering, acid-tongued queen. Interestingly O'Connor chooses to retell the 10 labors of Heracles myth to give Hera a personality makeover since it is widely thought Hera hated Heracles, the illegitimate son of her philandering husband. I did like how O'Connor spins this tale of hate into a source of motivation for Heracles. I took me a while to even grasp that Heracles's name actually means the "Glory of Hera." 
  It was fun watching all the Olympians watch in rapt attention and amazement as Heracles makes his way through the series of impossible tasks with his strength and smarts. O'Connor's Olympian series continues to be well researched and executed. I was a bit worried as to how see how far O'Connor would take Zeus's philandering, but he does it tastefully with giving us hints but nothing too explicit or graphic. The fantastic artwork brings the gods and goddess to life in all of their glory. This series would be a great addition to supplement the Greek myths in the English curriculum as well as a terrific addition to the library's collection development. I can't wait to continue this series. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some disturbing images and violence featuring the monsters of the Greek Myths such as the Hydra and Cerebus. There is also some suggestions of nudity. Recommended for Grades 6 and up.

If you like this book try: Hercules : the Twelve Labors by Paul Storrie

The Olympians graphic novel series combines Greek mythology retelling along with superhero action and pacing in a graphic novel format will appeal to many readers. Knowledge of the myths are not required to enjoy the graphic novel and it would serve as a really good introduction to those who are curious about Greek myths.

Description: A fictionalized retelling, in graphic novel format, of the Greek myth that details the story of Zeus, describing his boyhood through the beginning of his reign as the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon.

Review: The Greek Myths get the superhero makeover in this new series by George O'Connor. The first volume of this series focuses on Zeus from his miraculous birth to his journey of destroying his father and freeing his siblings. What I really liked about his volume was how O'Connor took his time to visualize the creation myth that establishes Gaea, the Titans, and other important Olympian entities that are often neglected or quickly glossed over. O'Connor introduces Zeus once his stage is set. His godly powers slowly develop along with his flirtatious manner.  The extended, earth-shattering battle he wages with his father, Kronos, takes up the bulk of the story, delivering page after page of action packed panels that keep the pages turning much like those found in a superhero comic. The artwork and coloring are stunning and the panels leap off the page. Before you know it, the graphic novel ends, but the good news is that there many volumes of this series are already out and ready to be read. I would definitely read this graphic novel to fans of Greek mythology.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some violence though not too graphic. Recommended for Grades 5 and up.


If you like this book try: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning Thief Graphic Novel Adaptation by Robert Venditti, Olympians Vol 2: Athena by George O'Connor