School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-These riveting graphic novels balance carefully researched retellings with strong characterizations, satisfying humor, and superhero-style action. Stunning artwork and compelling scripts relate five thrilling stories about the headstrong Athena; provide fresh perspective on Hera and her role in the fraught-with-trials tale of Heracles; and introduce world-shaking Zeus, from sheltered boyhood to Titan-toppling melees to ascendance to the throne. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Stating that he wanted to recast Hera, often caricaturized as the world's shrewiest wife, O'Connor picks a few telling episodes from the goddess' legacy for a more nuanced tale of Zeus' long-suffering, acid-tongued queen. Central to this reclamation project are the 10 labors she indirectly visits upon Heracles, ak. the Glory of Hera. which is kind of an odd nomenclature considering it's widely held that she despised this illegitimate son of her philandering husband. But perhaps, as another hero, Jason, tells Heracles. Hera's enmity, her wrath, it has inspired you to true greatness. All the while, Zeus, Hera, and assorted other Olympians watch in rapt amazement as Heracles clubs, wrestles, and outwits his way through the series of impossible tasks. With dedication to the source material, even at its thorniest, and fantastic artwork, O'Connor's top-notch Olympians series continues to drive home the point that not only were these gods and goddesses the world's first superheroes but their labyrinthine web of weak-willed failings, spiteful jealousies, and titanic retaliations made for the world's foremost, must-see soap opera.--Chipman, Ia. Copyright 2010 Booklist
