IGN.com has interviewed writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente about their “Incredible Hercules” comic book. An excerpt:

IGN Comics: We’re seeing a lot of the less glamorous aspects of Herc’s past so far. Are you delving into the original Greek mythology at all to flesh out the character?
Van Lente: Herc can only be the boozy buffoon if he’s the comedy relief in somebody else’s series or in a team book. But when he has to carry his own title, he has to be a lot more substantial than that, and we found that substance in the original myths. That’s why we’re continuously referencing them.
Well, that, and they’ve been among the world’s most popular stories for thousands of years. Why mess with a winning franchise?
Pak: And centaurs and hydras and hoplites are cool.

The article includes several pages of new preview art from “Incredible Hercules” #114, which hits comic book stores on February 20. Click here to read the interview.