This first installment in George O'Connor’s highly successful Graphic novel series devoted to the twelve Olympian gods describes the Greek creation myth, starting with the birth of Gaea, the Mother Earth, out of the primordial Kaos. The story takes readers through the victory of the Titans and Kronos’ oppressive reign as chief god, through Zeus’ childhood and rebellion. Metis, the goddess of wise counsel and Zeus’ first wife, plays an important role, hinting at ominous things to come. 

The story is incredibly accurate to Hesiod’s version of the Greek creation myth. However, George O'Connor keeps the visual PG. For example, Kronos still swallows his children, but there’s no chewing involved. Overall, the art compares well to DC and Marvel comics, although some of the character designs are not yet fully developed into the forms they will take later in the series. The titans are almost faceless beings, personified mountains with hair made from clouds. Kronos defeats his father using the crescent moon as his cycle, and when opens his mouth, the whole universe is visible between his lips. 

Many of the most fun gods of Greek mythology haven’t been born yet, this early in the story. However, this volume still provides important lore for the rest of the Greek mythos. I particularly recommend it for fans of Rick Riordan’s books who want to know the real stories behind the series. – Krishni Burns