In this in-depth Punderworld review, you won’t find a typical dark, gloomy love story about Hades and Persephone. That’s because, despite the title hinting at the “underworld,” the comic masterfully weaves together stunning scenes from Olympus, Earth, and the Underworld into a vibrant, captivating world.
It’s a love story where both Hades and Persephone genuinely want each other — no one’s sneaking around or chasing after someone who isn’t interested. They’re both pining for each other, which makes you root for them to end up together. And get this: Hades isn’t portrayed as a desperado who drags Persephone off in his chariot against her will. Sure, there’s a chariot scene in Punderworld, but in this story, Persephone is totally on board — excited even. That’s a fresh take compared to other versions of the Greek myth about Hades and Persephone.
The popular Lore Olympus series takes the myth of Hades and Persephone into modern times by incorporating elements like mobile phone texting. So, how does Punderworld stand out? Well, it aligns more closely with what you might imagine a love story about these gods to be — adventurous and full of desire. But don’t get me wrong — it’s still a totally unique twist on the classic myth. Linda Sejic brings a fresh, vibrant vibe to Punderworld, taking the god of the underworld and the goddess of spring on a completely new love adventure.
In this story, Demeter comes across as overprotective and a bit clueless about her daughter’s desire for fun and romance — while Hades is adorably awkward in social situations, adding a nice touch. Zeus? He’s the ultimate party animal, of course!
The art in Punderworld is absolutely stunning — ranging from the luminous beauty of Olympus to the shadowy, moody depths of the River Styx. You’ll probably find yourself agreeing with me that many scenes are masterfully crafted, capturing both wonder and atmosphere at every turn.
Punderworld: Graphic Novel Review
Hades and Persephone have secretly harbored feelings for each other, yet they keep their love concealed from the world. The secret Hades has long kept to himself is about to be revealed when he attends a grand celebration at Olympus, where numerous gods and goddesses gather to revel in the festivities.
Hades, cloaked in shyness, struggles to summon the courage to confess his deepest feelings for Persephone. Instead, beneath the shimmering lights of a lively divine gathering, he finds himself pouring out his heart to Zeus, the thunder god himself. Just as his confession threatens to escape, Zeus, mischievous and perceptive, nudges him to reveal the true object of his affection.
Zeus suspects it might be Hestia’s gentle warmth, Athena’s wise allure, or — perhaps most scandalously — his own daughter Artemis, the fierce virgin huntress.
The tension crackles in the air as Hades grapples with revealing his love interest, caught between divine suspicion and his own longing for Persephone.
Meanwhile, Persephone finds herself embroiled in a heated debate with her mother, Demeter, over whether they will attend Zeus’s grand celebration — a clash born of motherly love, tinged with a hint of overprotectiveness.
Their argument intensifies, rippling with emotion, until finally, Persephone escapes the tension by retreating to her cherished forest lake, seeking solace amidst the whispering trees and shimmering waters.
Once Zeus uncovers Hades’ secret crush, a mischievous idea sparks in his mind — perhaps he can lend his brother a hand, after all, family loyalty runs deep. But Hades, fiercely protective of his feelings, explodes in frustration, dismissing Zeus with sharp words. “I am not turning into an animal to seduce her,” he snaps, his voice brimming with defiance and pride.
Zeus hatches a cunning plan, secretly orchestrating a “special surprise” waiting for Persephone at the lakeside — an enchanted chariot summoned to whisk her away to his grand party. But as the chariot takes flight, soaring wildly across the heavens, what begins as a thrilling adventure quickly spirals into chaos.
Persephone’s flight ultimately brings her down to the depths of Hades, the shadowy realm often called the Underworld. But here’s the twist — she vanishes without a trace. Now, a desperate search party is dispatched, scouring the dark, labyrinthine corridors of the Underworld in a frantic effort to find her. The question remains: where could she have gone? What secrets are hidden within that forsaken realm?
Great news — you guessed it, Persephone is finally found! When she emerges, Hades welcomes her on a grand tour of the Underworld. The story runs deep, filled with surprises at every turn, and Linda Sejic’s stunning storytelling and artwork truly draw you in. The characters are beautifully illustrated and vividly expressive, bringing each scene to life.
As you’ve seen in this Punderworld review, the story is like going on a visual roller coaster that’ll take you on an incredible trip from the glowing splendor of Olympus down to the mysterious depths of the Underworld. It’s fresh, intriguing, and packed with a beautiful love story told through stunning artistry. Honestly, it’s one of those journeys you won’t forget anytime soon!
PUNDERWORLD: Review of the Hades and Persephone Love Story
I’d give Punderworld an 8 out of 10. Hades is very memorable, but I gotta admit, Zeus didn’t do much for me in Punderworld. Hades, on the other hand, is one of the coolest takes on the Lord of the Underworld I’ve seen — mysterious, looks just like you’d imagine, and totally compelling.
The love story involving Hades and Persephone is one of the top 10 most inspiring Greek myth love stories out there, no doubt. Big clap for Linda Sejic, who totally does it justice — bringing that magic to life. The vibe almost gives off a Disney feel, which makes me wonder — why hasn’t there been a proper movie about their love story? I mean, a real, fleshed-out romance between Persephone and Hades, like in this graphic novel? It would be a hit for sure.
Punderworld actually started as a webcomic series, much like Lore Olympus, which later became a whole book series. I’ve done this review of Punderworld Volume 1, but there’s also Punderworld Volume 2 to check out, plus more online comics to dive into. You can really get lost in the Hades and Persephone romance here. For me, Volume 1 was a visual feast — beautiful art, captivating storytelling.
Check Availability and Pricing: Punderworld Volume 1
Another super interesting story to discover is this superb PERSEPHONE graphic novel, which has an anime feel about it. You won’t forget reading this graphic novel about Persephone either.
If you’re wanting to see a whole variety of Greek mythology comics and graphic novels, you gotta browse through the reviews on this site. So many great books waiting to be discovered!
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