Lore Olympus: Volume One
by Rachel Smythe
Published by Del Rey
Episodes 1 - 25
Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology’s most well-known stories from creator Rachel Smythe.
Featuring a brand-new, exclusive short story, Smythe’s original Eisner-nominated web-comic Lore Olympus brings the Greek Pantheon into the modern age with this sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
Age Recommendation:
18+
Genre:
Greek Mythology
Romance
TRIGGER WARNING:
Chapter towards end of volume depicts sexual assault/rape. Please do not read if this will upset you.
Lore Olympus is the #1 WEBTOON comic on webtoons, and is currently being published in Volumes, and is being adapted by Netflix as an animated show. Volume One has the first 25 episodes of the comic. Rachel Smythe brings the Greek Gods to a more modern world in this graphic retelling of Hades and Persephone.
I have heard so much hype over this webtoon. First by Jennifer L Armentrout, who gushed over this webtoon on her facebook page. Then by #booktok, and other reading groups. Every time a Hades and Persephone retelling was talked about, this was brought up, and I'm not going to lie ... the cover and the colors beckoned me. So, even knowing I could technically go on the website and read the episodes for free, I ended up purchasing it as a birthday gift to myself from Indigo. And I loved it. Persephone is just adorable with her pink color and curves, and her sweet personality. I think her upbringing, being locked away from the world is very evident in her personality. She is innocent and a bit naïve. And Hades ... oh my heart. So blue. So depressed and lonely. But when they are together their colors blend beautifully, and yet stand out. And oh my god, the pining! THE PINING! THE DOGS!!! Ugh my frickin' heart. Side characters were really well done, and I dialogue is wonderful. There were times I was actually laughing out loud because of the quirky banter.
There is an episode - I believe it's episode 23, where Persephone is sexually assaulted. The imagery isn't graphic in terms of the actual assault, but it definitely is brought out in graphics that point out Persephone's inner turmoil. The colors, the images ... It was honestly really well done, and you feel the shame Persephone feels in those moments without having to see it. After a tough episode like that, I am so happy we got to end episode 25 on a positive note, with Hades calling Persephone. <3
Now, I have started reading ahead on webtoons (because I just can't wait till the summer for volume 2, and on webtoons she is WAYYYYYYY ahead of the game), but I loved this so much I plan on continuing to buy the volumes. It's a refreshing take on a Hades and Persephone retelling (it's all the rage right now, and there is so much out there), with witty dialogue, and beautiful graphics. Even if you don't typically go for graphic novels (and I am one of them), you will enjoy Lore Olympus.
Hades first seeing Persephone
Hades lifting the dogs face away from Persephone, and Persephone getting the dog to fall for her.
Hades and Persephone talking after she wakes up
Hades letting Persephone drive
Eros and his apology donut
Artemis and Persephone silently mouthing at each other over a bawling Eros
Persephone forgiving Eros, and using him as a cushion while they talk
Hera showing up at what I believe is a strip club
Hermes sliding over Apollo's car
Hera's vision on the importance of the coat Hades was gifting her
Poseidon: "What's the problem? Normally you drink us under the table."
Zeus: "Oh, he's got blue balls because some nymph dumped his sorry ass."
Hades: "Can you please not talk about my balls? Or my ass, for that matter."
Hades: "Hold on. How come I've never seen her before?"
Zeus: "It's complicated. But basically, Demeter doesn't like the way I run things ... so she opted to do her duties in the mortal realm. Apparently, I'm "morally corrupt." Whatever that means."
Eros: "Look at this girl. She's like the personification of a friggin' cinnamon roll! An adorable, pink cinnamon roll."
*Aphrodite stares angrily*
Eros: "Why are you jealous of a cinnamon roll?"
Hades: "Do I look like a scoundrel to you?"
Persephone: "Hmmmmmmm. Yes. I'd say 30 percent scoundrel at least."
Hades: "That's fair."
Persephone: "Thanks for putting up with me! You're probably really busy. You don't need some amateur Goddess barging in on your Sunday morning."
Hades thinking to himself - I would pay you a salary to barge in on every single aspect of my life.
Persephone: "We've been talking all morning, and you haven't introduced yourself. I believe that bumps you up to 31 percent scoundrel."
Hades: "Come on, I know you know who I am."
Persephone: "32 percent."
Persephone: "Trust me, I'm an excellent driver."
LUUURCHHHH
Hades: "All I'm saying is I'm glad we're immortal."
Artemis: "MEN ARE FORBIDDEN IN THIS HOUSE."
Eros: "But I have apology donuts!"
Persephone: "Let me be clear, I don't have a crush on him. I just enjoy looking at his dorky face."
Eros: "And that's my tale of woe."
Artemis: "That story ... IS COMPLETE BULLSHIT!"
Eros: "UM, EXCUSE ME? I'M HEARTBROKEN AND GRIEVING OVER HERE."
Artemis: "YOU KIDNAPPED SOME POOR MORAL WOMAN."
Eros: "NO, I RESCUED HER!"
Artemis: "YOU IMPRISONED HER!"
Eros: "ARTEMIS, YOU'RE OVERSIMPLIFYING IT!"
Zeus: "Ever the old man. How do you still have a checkbook?"
Hades: "I enjoy balancing it."
Apollo: "What kind of an outfit is that? I can see your damned belly button. Maybe you should cover up."
Artemis slaps Apollo across the face
Artemis: "I can see your stupid face! Maybe you should cover up."