Christopher Nolan’s 2026 film The Odyssey comes out in theaters on July 17th, and the hype for this movie has been a long time building. The film adapts to screen the epic poem of the ancient Greek writer Homer, following King Odysseus’s arduous journey home to reunite with his family at the end of the Trojan War.
I think something that makes this film so noteworthy is what a classic The Odyssey has become. Scholars have dated its writing to around 725-675 BCE. To this day, it still impacts literacy discourse, as well as pop culture. A testament to the influence of The Odyssey can be seen through the use of the title in everyday conversations. When I hear someone describe a difficult travel experience, I often refer to it as an odyssey. When a word becomes integrated into common vernacular as its own phrase, you know it’s made an impact.
The upcoming film promises a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, along with Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, and more, so it’s sure to make for an amazing adaptation. While Homer’s original epic consists of 24 books of dense text, graphic novels offer a great alternative to accessing books like these. The grandiose misadventures and cosmic characters of Greek mythology also lend themselves well to the moving illustrations of graphic novels.
If you’re like me and want to catch up on your Greek mythology before you go see The Odyssey in theaters, I’ve gathered a collection of comic book retellings of Greek myths. Some touch upon characters and history related to The Odyssey, while others expand upon a variety of Greek gods and goddesses.
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Greek Mythology Comic Book Retellings
The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
What better book to read before you watch The Odyssey than this graphic novel adaptation of Homer’s epic? Award-winning artist Gareth Hinds has created a number of graphic novel adaptations of classics such as this one and The Iliad: A Graphic Novel. Hinds’s stunning illustrations breathe new life into this classic tale of woe. As Odysseus, King of Ithaca, tries to return home after the Trojan War, he gets cursed by the sea god Poseidon and finds his return voyage much bumpier than expected.
Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower
As The Odyssey takes place after the events of the Trojan War, this graphic novel by Eric Shanower makes for a great prequel read for those looking for a recap of the war before seeing the movie. The story received the Gran Guinigi for Best Comic Series, as well as Eisner Award nominations. Steeped in archaeological research, the book even got featured in an international museum exhibition highlighting excavations from Troy. The story examines the events leading up to and during the Trojan War, including the abduction of Queen Helen of Sparta, and the response from the Greeks, involving famous figures like Achilles, Odysseus, Herakles, and more.
Wonder Woman Omnibus Vol 1 by George Pérez, Len Wein, Bruce Patterson
The adventures of legendary superhero Wonder Woman intertwine with a great deal of Greek mythology. George Pérez’s classic Wonder Woman comics from the 1980’s have been combined in this omnibus edition, making for an epic collection of tales. Pérez digs into why the Greek goddesses created the warrior women, the Amazons. The comics also follow both Diana’s escapades in a modern-day setting, as well as fabled places from Greek mythology like Themyscira and Olympus.
Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas Vol. 1 by Shiori Teshirogi
Like Wonder Woman, this fun manga series by Shiori Teshirogi also features characters who interact with Greek goddesses. The story takes place in the 17th century and involves a Holy War between the Greek Goddess of War, Athena, and the King of the Underworld, Hades. As Hades nears finishing a painting that covers the sky, the end of the world approaches. Tenma, a Pegasus saint, endeavors to stop his friend Alone, who was chosen to help Hades in his devastating agenda.
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel series by Rachel Smythe won an ALA Alex Award and beautifully retells the story of Hades and Persephone in a modern setting. When Persephone, the goddess of spring, attends a party with her roommate Artemis, she meets Hades, and forbidden sparks begin to fly. While these star-crossed lovers are the protagonists, the series includes an eccentric cast of characters from Greek mythology that offer intriguing interpretations of the gods and goddesses. Smythe does such an incredible job of blending moody colors into captivating images and digging into poignant themes like first love, family drama, and coming-of-age, as well as more serious topics like sexual assault and abusive relationships.
Colette Decides to Die, Vol. 1 by Alto Yukimura
Speaking of Hades and Persephone, this sweet manga by Alto Yukimura also explores this complicated yet fascinating duo in Greek mythology. Tired of her draining life as an apothecary, Colette jumps into a well only to find herself escaping death and caring for the Lord of the Dead instead. As she treats her new patient, Colette learns about the work Hades does, as well as his passion and drive, and this helps rekindle her desire to work as an apothecary again.
Before You Go…
I hope reading these Greek mythology comic retellings adds to your hype for The Odyssey film, as well as your background knowledge on the subject. For those seeking further reading, you may like digging into the history behind our fascination with Greek mythology. Or, for a Greek mythology-inspired gift after watching The Odyssey, I’ve got you covered here. Happy reading and watching, Odyssey fans!
Which is your favorite Greek mythology comic?
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