Greek mythology retellings have been on the rise in the past few years. From Madeline Miller’s masterful works of “The Song of Achilles’’ and “Circe’’ to the classic YA “Percy Jackson’’ series by Rick Riordan, recently adapted to a streaming series on Disney+, this genre has a lot to offer for all ages and interests. Within the stacks at CDPL lies a Greek myth retelling turned comic series that has elements of mythpunk and a whimsical art style “Lore Olympus”’ by Rachel Smythe (GN FIC Smythe Lore v.1-6) will pique the interest of fans of contemporary mythology adaptations.
“Lore Olympus” was originally published on the indie comic app Webtoon back in 2018. Needless to say, it was a fan favorite. With 1.4 billion views and 6.5 million subscribers, it’s no surprise that New Zealand artist and author, Rachel Smythe, turned her art to the physical page and published her comics into volumes. A recent interview with the New York Times commented on the budding series, “If eyes could eat, ‘Lore Olympus’ would be a feast.”
The currently completed series on Webtoon, yet still publishing physical volumes, follows the reimagined Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. The style of the storyline takes after a newer genre called mythpunk. Mythpunk categorizes a subgenre of mythic fiction that intertwines classic mythology and modern themes to create a “hyper-poetic postmodern” world. The rendition of Hades and Persephone in “Lore Olympus” is a great way to explore this new genre.
Smythe’s unique art style is what originally drew me into this series as a reader. Its bright pops of color and contrasting elements appeal to the visual senses, and the characters’ mannerisms are relatable and at times laughable which tend to break up the solemn plot line at points. The way the story seems to flow from chapter to chapter will keep the pages turning and readers yearning for the next volume.
Hades, King of the Underworld, plays a stern and unyielding business banker with a business professional appearance. Persephone, better known as Kore in this series, is a petite, amicable, and classically stunning personality just beginning an independent life at Olympus University. Fate, or should we say folly, brings Hades and Persephone into an unlikely friendship that seems to be blooming into something more. Persephone’s inner circle attempts to keep her from the God of the Underworld at all costs, but sometimes, their chemistry is too strong to ignore.
Smythe takes quite a few liberties in her work yet one notices the influence of classic mythology like “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by Homer as well as “The Metamorphoses” by Ovid. Classic Greek identities such as Zeus, Hera, Demeter, Aphrodite, Artemis, Apollo, and Hermes play roles in the story’s development. Readers also meet less popular figures such as Eros, Hecate, Thanatos, Minthe, and Leto; in Greek mythology, they are integral to how fates play out. Readers will recognize the original story from this retelling based on its elements, yet the new spin is refreshing and riveting to dive into.
Lore Olympus does deal with some mature themes. Content warnings are made visible for readers to approach at their own discretion.
CDPL’s comic book collection is located on the second floor. We welcome you to explore this new series as well as our various comic book series the next time you visit the library!
For more library news, check out what’s happening on our website at www.cdpl.lib.in.us or call us at 765-362-2242. Our regular open hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday thorugh Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Emma Land is a library assistant in the Adult Services Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
