Lore Olympus

Lore Olympus, originally a webcomic, has become so popular that even retailers like Hot Topic are selling its merchandise nowadays; with beautiful artwork and compelling characters taking the forefront of this romantic, tech-savvy retelling of Greek mythology, it's no wonder why. Shenanigans begin when Hades sees the gigantic-eyed, adorably pink, short, and curvy goddess Persephone attending her first party at Olympus and tells his brothers she "puts Aphrodite to shame." Aphrodite, who overhears, hatches a plan to embarrass them, but instead, her scheme results in a meet-cute, and Persephone and Hades' attraction flowers from there. Meanwhile, Persephone, struggling to control her power over nature, experiences both the promises and pitfalls of adulthood now that she's away from her overbearing mother, while the blue, gentlemanly, pointy-nosed Hades considers leaving a toxic relationship. Eisner-nominated Smythe casts both Olympus and its flashy inhabitants in an appropriately vibrant, candy-colored palette. Airy, whimsical brushstrokes make her digital illustrations seem watercolor-like, and readers will find themselves wishing they could visit these dreamy interpretations of Olympus and the Underworld. It's a story that's been told countless times, but few other adaptations have been quite as sensitive and elegant as what Smythe has rendered here. The author includes a content warning, as Lore Olympus regularly deals with themes of abuse, trauma, and sexual assault. Final colors not seen.

The Greek gods get cast as Kardashian-types in Smythe's addictive soap opera, her trade debut that was originally a hit online comic. Hades, king of the underworld, meets newbie spring goddess Persephone at a swanky party and sparks fly. But divine forces assemble to keep the couple apart, including jealous love goddess Aphrodite, rapacious leather-jacketed bro Apollo, and Persephone's protective roomie Artemis. The gods inhabit a modern world of luxury cars, cell phones, and espresso machines. Persephone is chased by paparazzi and Hades is in therapy over nearly being eaten by his father Kronos (an Oedipal complex predating Oedipus). Smythe draws curvy confetti-colored characters against misty backgrounds that suggest opulence but lack detail. The softly glowing artwork, influenced more by children's illustration and animation concept art than traditional comics, unfurls like a sexy update of The D'aulaires Book of Greek Myths. It's hard not to argue when Eros declares of Persephone, "She's like the personification of a friggin cinnamon roll!" Though Smythe plays with the comedy potential of her premise, she takes the characters' internal dramas seriously and deals directly with the problematic elements of Greek mythology, with its gods forever abducting and coercing hapless mortals. As rich as baklava but snacky as a bag of potato chips, this romance is hard to resist. (Oct.)