Hercules' Most Unique Power Belongs in the MCU (It's the Difference Between Superheroes & Gods)

Summary

Hercules’ unique power of deriving strength from prayer sets him apart from MCU heroes and gods.
Hercules made his debut in
Thor: Love and Thunder’s
post-credit scene, teaming up with Thor in
Giant-Size Thor
#1.
Despite Hercules’ rich history in Marvel Comics, his future in the MCU remains uncertain, potentially hindering fan connections.

Warning: contains spoilers for Giant-Size Thor #1!

Hercules’ most unique power, one separating gods from superheroes, belongs in the MCU. Hercules, the Prince of Power, made his big-screen debut in Thor: Love and Thunder’s post-credit scene. While the MCU futures of both Thor and Hercules are still up in the air, the two team up in Giant-Size Thor #1, leading to a stunning revelation about Hercules, and how his god-like powers work.

Hercules has starred in several different titles over the years, including the critically acclaimed
Incredible Herc.

Giant-Size Thor #1 is written by Al Ewing and drawn by Brian Level. An enormous Thor mecha is threatening an alien civilization. As their leaders gather to discuss strategy, one is praying fervently to Hercules, who helped the planet during their “Galactus Scare.” The others dismiss him, feeling the supplicant is wasting his time. However, Hercules answers the prayer.

On his way to the planet, Hercules explains to Rocket that when someone prays to him (which he admits is rare) he hears it, and has a duty to respond.

Hercules’ Comic Book Origin, Explained

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Gave the Greek Gods the Marvel Treatment

After catching lightning in a bottle, quite literally, with Thor, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby turned their attention to the Greek and Roman pantheon. Hercules, the son of Zeus, debuted in 1965’s Journey Into Mystery Annual #1. Since then, Hercules has been a perennial ally of Thor, as well as a regular member of the Avengers. These days, Hercules hangs out with the Guardians of the Galaxy, as seen in Giant-Sized Thor #1. He made the leap to live action in 2021’s Thor: Love and Thunder, where he was played by Brett Goldstein.

Hercules could return in a future
Avengers
film, but he has received little development thus far, potentially negating any connection with audiences.

Unfortunately, Hercules’ MCU appearance was a short one, and he may never be seen again. Hercules is often tied to Thor, and with no talk of a fifth film for the Thunder God, the Prince of Power’s MCU future is in doubt. Hercules could return in a future Avengers film, but he has received little development thus far, potentially negating any connection with audiences. Hercules has a rich, nearly 60-year history in the Marvel Universe, and he deserves better. Hercules’ power level rivals Thor’s, and an on-screen battle between them could be epic.

Hercules Has the Coolest, If Not Most Underused, Power in Marvel Comics

Its Too Bad No One Worships the Greek Gods Anymore

And Hercules’ unique power, to derive strength from prayer, sets him apart from the other gods and heroes of the MCU. It is not a common power, and Hercules himself admits he does not use it much, explaining why fans are only seeing it now. Worship of the Greek and Roman gods is non-existent these days, depriving Hercules of a key source of strength. This unique power not only sets Hercules apart from other superheroes, but it makes him infinitely cooler: he is a god who hears, and answers, prayers.

Giant-Size Thor #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!