Hercules
Real Name: Joe Hercules
Identity/Class: Human mutant (?)
Occupation: Circus strongman
Affiliations: None
Enemies: Unknown
Known Relatives: Unnamed mother (deceased)
Aliases: World's Strongest Mortal
Base of Operations: New York
First Appearance: Hit Comics #1 (Quality Comics, July 1940)
Powers/Abilities: Superhuman strength.
History: Joe Hercules grew up in the North Woods, and by the time he reached adulthood, he was incredibly strong. Naturally he got himself a job working at a local circus. After criminals illegally foreclosed on his widowed mother's house, causing her to die of a heart attack from the shock of being told her home was to be repossessed, Joe sought revenge. He tracked the villains to New York, where he beat up some of the gang, only to be thrown into jail for his trouble. There he chanced upon a comic telling of the exploits of Doll Man, which inspired him to break out, put on a costume, track down the leader of the gang, and force him to confess his crimes. Using just his mythic surname, Joe decided to continue his newfound career as a crimefighter.
Comments: Created by Greg Powers and Dan Zolnerowich.
Since Joe appears to have been born with strength that is definitely superhuman, I presume he was a mutant, even though he was never called that.
CLARIFICATIONS: Not to be confused with
Hercules, Archie Comics' Golden Age hero
Hercules, member of the Space Sentinels and Freedom Force
Hercules, Marvel comics Greek god
Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.
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