Why Hercules?

By Rik Hoskin

I first became enamored with Greek Mythology when I was about seven years old, care of a hardcover library book called Gods, Men and Monsters, written by Michael Gibson. I’d already known about Hercules through Marvel Comics, but this book drew me properly into his world.

I was fascinated by the idea that there were gods who came before these gods, beings known as the Titans. I loved how so many of the stories were warnings about greed, or relied on trickery — often on people tricking themselves. But most of all, I loved Hercules, most especially how he also popped up in the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece as one of the Argonauts — just like the way all those Marvel Comics I was reading would intersect to create the sense of a wider, dynamic universe! As a child, I made a few comics about Hercules and Jason, mostly separately, sometimes using the Marvel version of the former.

Fast-forward to the early 2010s, and I was approached by a book editor about crafting some new adventures for Hercules. But the publisher went bankrupt (the editor had long since jumped ship by then), and my work was left high and dry. I had in my mind that maybe I’d return to it someday, flesh out my notes, and just do my own thing with the ideas when I had a window in my schedule.

It took a long time, and what I ended up with were new stories under the banner “Hercules Versus”, some worked from my old notes, some — like the launch title, Hercules Versus Vampires — entirely new.

So, who is Hercules? Well, he’s the hero you imagine he is, running through new adventures that slot in after he completed his Twelve Labors. Scholars of Ancient Mythology may spot some inconsistencies, but the original myths are themselves inconsistent, so the best thing to do is just have fun and get caught up in the stories.

I recruited a tremendous crew of people around me: my friend “Pal” Nick Taylor did the cover sketches, Sachin Nagar and Kewber Baal provided the cover paintings, the indispensable Kate Ford worked on the graphic design, and Mister Ron Miles is behind this very website — heroes and legends, all. There are also a few people in the background who I won’t name, but who know they’re being thanked.

What’s the Plan?

I have six books mapped out, and a seventh very much in mind. And then we get down to the “wouldn’t it be cool if we saw Hercules Versus XYZ…?” ideas that are all just scribbled notes right now — you can join in if you want to send your own madcap idea (Hercules Versus Werewolves? Sure, why not!).

And also, don’t tell anyone yet, but I actually have this idea for a spin-off series about Hercules’ half-sister — but we’ll get there when we get there.

How Are These Books Written?

I’ve been a full-time writer for a very long time. I write fast. I don’t use AI.

“I’d preclude people training their AI with my work, but that genie’s already out of the bottle, so if you must do so, the fee is a non-negotiable everything you own plus some kind of public humiliation ritual involving karaoke and the song of my choice. Fill your boots!”

Reviews

Sure, feel free to quote the books if you want to, and be nice if you can.

When Is the Next Book Out?

Sometime soon-ish. Keep an eye on this website.

Where Else Can I Find Rik Hoskin?

I’m not on social media, so the best place to go is to look at my Amazon author page to see what I’m up to.