HERCULES IN THE COMICS: 1940-1960 collects the adventures of Hercules published by three different companies. Quality Comics debuted their version of Hercules in HIT COMICS #1 published July of 1940. When Joe Hercules' mother dies from a heart attack, Joe goes after the dishonest banker who caused it. Joe's enthusiasm results in his being sent to jail, where his cellmate convinces him become a costumed crime fighter. Joe Hercules would appear in the first twenty-one issues of HIT COMICS. The Quality Hercules artists include Lou Fine, Reed Crandall, John Celardo and Dan Zolnerowich. Two of the stories from HIT COMICS are taken from fiche so the images are blurrier than preferred. A second variation of Hercules appeared in issues #4-8 of MLJ's BLUE RIBBON COMICS from 1940. Hercules was sent back to Earth by Zeus to fight crime and protect innocents. These sagas were written by Joe Blair with artwork by Elmer Wexler and Mort Meskin. Dell Comics' series FOUR COLOR adapted two Hercules movies starring Steve Reeves into comics. Both issues were written by the prolific Paul S. Newman. FOUR COLOR #1006 was drawn by John Buscema and #1121 was penciled by Reed Crandall. THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN BOTH HARD COVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK FORMATS AS WELL AS IN FULL COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE.