Cong Edizioni releases final book in Hugo Pratt epic trilogy

Cong Edizioni released the book Ercole, featuring text by Fabrizio Paladini and Marco Steiner with illustrations by Hugo Pratt.

This publication completes a trilogy of epic stories that includes Ulisse and Simbad. The publisher manages the artistic work of the late Italian illustrator. The story follows the adventures of Zeus's son as he completes the twelve labors of Greek mythology. The book portrays Ercole not just as a man of immense physical strength, but as a character with emotional fragility.

The narrative focuses on the internal struggle between his capabilities and his endurance, as well as his lack of wisdom compared to his power. The book introduces a new element by including the voices of the gods on Olympus. These deities observe and comment on the human events from above. The story also explores the conflict between Ercole and his wife, Era, who never accepted his betrayals.

The dialogue between Zeus and Era acts as a chorus to the tragedy of Ancient Greece.