Lore Olympus is a very unusual graphic novel that began as an ongoing webcomic created by Rachel Smythe. This Lore Olympus review will look at Volume One (collecting episodes 1-25). It’s the first book in a series of four Lore Olympus graphic novels.
I highly recommend checking out Lore Olympus Volume One or Lore Olympus webcomic for yourself. The comics are very easy to read. From my own experience, volume one only took about an hour.
Lore Olympus (Volume One) is essentially a modern retelling of two of the best Greek myth love stories.
It begins with a modern retelling of how Hades and Persephone met and fell in love. About mid-way through the graphic novel, it’s followed by my absolute favorite Greek myth love story of all time, that of Eros and Psyche.
After these two famous Greek myth romances, the Lore Olympus story switches focus back to Hades and other Greek deities.
Lore Olympus differs from other ancient myths about these romances due to the modern world theme, with settings like nightclubs. However, there are still times when scenes in Lore Olympus occur in supernatural places like Olympus and the Underworld.
Other characters from Greek mythology also appearing in Lore Olympus (Volume One) include Aphrodite, Apollo, and other Greek Gods and Goddesses. So Lore Olympus doesn’t just revolve around Hades and Persephone, Eros and Psyche. This makes the stories revolving around them a bit more interesting!
Lore Olympus: Hades and Persephone
The story essentially starts with Hades asking Minthe to go with him to his brother’s party. Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon are there. Artemis and Persephone are also going. Aphrodite is also in attendance as is Eros.
At the party, Hades sees Persephone for the first time and is instantly smitten by her.
Hades, the God of the underworld, is often depicted as a polished and debonair businessman who commands both respect and fear from his fellow deities. His piercing gaze is a common feature, and he favors a sharp suit.
His aloof demeanor hides a deeply compassionate heart, as he tirelessly works to maintain balance in the underworld and protect the souls of the dead.
Persephone, Goddess of Spring, is an innocent and naive young woman who is just starting her journey as a deity. She is portrayed as having a warm, yet somewhat clueless and nervous personality.
Despite her seemingly carefree nature, she struggles with the weight of her responsibilities and the expectations of her overbearing mother, Demeter.
In Lore Olympus, Persephone finds herself in the underworld after one drink too many.
There is a very distinct illustration style that presents Greek mythology romances through a contemporary lens when reading the Lore Olympus graphic novel. Plus, it is delivered in a straightforward conversational tone.
Modern Greek Myth Romance
Just as in the modern world, you will see Gods and Goddesses using modern technology like mobile phones. You also get to see the messages they send to each other on their phones. The Gods also drive fast cars when they need to get somewhere. Hades and Persephone even exchange business cards in the storyline.
The chemistry between Hades and Persephone is electric from the moment they meet.
Hades and Persephone both have complex characters with their own personal struggles and motivations. Despite being from vastly different worlds and even after the hassles over Persephone’s unintentional trip to the Underworld, they quickly develop a strong bond that becomes a central focus of the story.
Lore Olympus: Eros and Psyche
One of the most intriguing characters in the comic is Eros, the God of Love, who is portrayed as a suave and flirtatious playboy.
He has an unwavering confidence and charm that makes him irresistible to both mortals and Gods alike. However, his carefree attitude hides a deep sense of insecurity and loneliness, as he struggles to find true love and happiness.
His complicated relationship with Psyche, a human girl who becomes his lover, is a fascinating exploration of love, trust, and sacrifice.
In Lore Olympus as in the classic Greek myth, Aphrodite meddles in Psyche’s love life.
Things turn around for the better for Psyche, but her eventual relationship with Eros is fraught with obstacles. Of course, there are trust issues, jealousy, betrayal, and misunderstandings. However, their love for each other shines through as the story unfolds.
Lore Olympus Review
The artwork in Lore Olympus is unique, featuring plenty of bold blue, purple, and red colors that really stand out.
Characters are all beautifully rendered, with expressive faces and unique personalities for such a simplistic drawing style. The world-building in Lore Olympus is also impressive, capable of transporting the reader to a fantastical version of our world.
Overall, Lore Olympus is a beautifully crafted graphic novel that breathes newness into the ancient myth of Hades and Persephone. The story of Eros and Psyche is also fresh and different.
It’s a modern retelling that is both charming and thought-provoking, exploring themes of love, identity, and power. Fans of Greek mythology will most likely enjoy reading this new take on ancient stories, especially younger readers.
Lore Olympus rating: 6.5/10
Lore Olympus is a bit too simplistic for my liking, but for younger readers, especially girls, I can see this being a very enjoyable read. The book would make a great gift.
Believe it or not, Lore Olympus has a rating of something 4.3 out of 5 from over 100,000 ratings in Good Reads at the time when I looked. So Lore Olympus is an extremely popular comic with Greek mythology love themes – a phenomenon!
Check Price and Availability: Lore Olympus Volume One
Pin it … Share it
