Hera The Goddess and Her Glory

From the Publisher

Praise for Olympians:

“Definitely worth a visit for any young demigod.” —Rick Riordan

“Readers . . . will be delighted with this debut title in the Olympians series of graphic novels.” —BCCB, starred review

VOYA - Meghann Meeusen

Part of the Olympians series, Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory recasts Hera as more complex than a vengeful, jealous wife. This graphic novel uses a skillful dynamic of text and image to present an outspoken, independent, and formidable goddess, detailing her relationship with Heracles, the son of Zeus and one of his many human mistresses. Over half of the text describes Heracles's adventures, from his infancy and role in the creation myth of the Milky Way to his completion of the twelve labors and eventual ascension into Mount Olympus. Throughout this journey, frames feature Hera's watchful observation, revealing her reactions and her role in the difficult path that makes him a hero and eventual deity. By complicating this relationship, the graphic novel offers both a uniquely visual retelling and a distinctive take on Hera's motivations. Furthermore, the text is ideal for classroom use, providing educational notes, character profiles, discussion questions, a bibliography, and reading recommendations. The mix of modern language into the classic tale, the story's adventure and romantic intrigue, and the realistic rather than cartoony image style will draw older teens interested in Greek mythology. Although at times, some gender stereotypes emerge in both image and text, the graphic novel's merit as an appealing educational tool outweighs its shortcomings. Through this gripping visual portrayal, readers can come to understand a different side of the goddess and why Heracles's name means "the glory of Hera." Reviewer: Meghann Meeusen

Children's Literature - BriAnne Baxley MLIS

With colorful graphics and informational text, readers are introduced for yet a third time to an important name in Greek mythology. In this, Volume 3 in the "Olympians" series, readers are introduced to the Goddess Hera, the wife of the great God Zeus. Here the story unfolds of the influence and power that the great goddess had on the heroes of the past including the young Hercules. The story includes the tests that Hera placed in front of Hercules in order for him to find a place on Mount Olympus. Readers are also provided with resources found throughout the book including a diagram of the Olympians family tree, important facts about Hera, and discussion questions that can be used for class. The graphics and content found throughout the novel are geared towards a Young Adult audience and can easily assist in reinforcing lessons about Greek mythology and the beliefs of the ancient Greek culture, Reviewer: BriAnne Baxley, MLIS

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up—O'Connor does not give in to the typical representation of Hera as just a nagging wife; instead, he shows how the goddess of marriage struggles with Zeus's infidelity time and again. Through the story of Heracles, readers see not only how the hero made a name for himself, but also how the Greek gods viewed the lives of mortals and heroes, who play out competitions among the gods with their lives. Though some of the dialogue is a bit shallow and does not reflect the well-rounded picture readers have of Hera by the end of the story, the retelling of the myth accurately reflects several of the original source texts and gives Hera a somewhat vindictive sense of humor. While skipping some darker elements, such as the reason for Heracles's 12 labors and Hera's causing him to go mad and kill his wife and children, the stories are fairly represented, and several instances of Hera's wrath against her husband's lovers are depicted in a few short panels. This is an excellent addition to mythology sections, with action sequences that will appeal to readers of superhero comics. The art also leaves out darker elements. While violence is depicted, the action sequences brilliantly capture the quick movements and tense tone of combat without showing a gorier side. A family tree on the front cover and notes at the end make this useful for classrooms as well.—Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT