Zeus: King of the Gods Book

George O'Connor is a Greek mythology buff and a classic superhero comics fan, and he's out to remind us how much our pantheon of superheroes (Superman, Batman, the X-Men, etc) owes to mankind's ORIGINAL superheroes: the Greek pantheon.

In OLYMPIANS, O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren't sedate, scholarly works. They're action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures, with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions. O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology.

Volume 1 of OLYMPIANS, ZEUS: King OF THE GODS, introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.

Children's Literature

This graphic novel opens with Zeus suddenly appearing from a circle, drawn with lines and shadows. Gaez, better known as Mother Earth, loves all her children, but she is still not satisfied until Zeus is created, marking the beginning of a new race of Gods. Now the story takes on its own life. As a young man, Zeus and his father Kronos fight a horrible battle. The illustrations portray holes in the earth, lightning bolts, and Zeus trying to overcome his father to become ruler. Other gods look to Zeus for his wisdom and guidance. The whole world knows when Zeus was angry, because the skies shake with thunder and lightning. A great deal of information is given, yet it is clearly presented to be understood by even younger readers. The full-color graphics have an enormous impact on the story. The author includes notes at the end of the book accompanied by page numbers for better comprehension. There are discussion questions and additional recommended books in this genre. The graphic format is perfect for students who are reluctant readers and never seem to finish a book on their own. Young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on will enjoy the graphics, exhilarating story, and fast-paced text. This book would be a great addition to a classroom or school library. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs