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Olympians #1-6
Zeus / Athena / Hera / Hades / Poseidon / Aphrodite
By Zeus, it's Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite!
This sturdy boxed set includes paperback editions of the first six Olympians books by multiple New York Times–bestselling author/illustrator George O'Connor.
Holy Hera, it's got a free poster!
Collectors will adore this package, with lots of new artwork and the complete Olympians family tree on the free poster. Plus, the boxed set is also a great way for classrooms to get all six books at once.
Aphrodite Almighty, what a value!
This sturdy boxed set includes paperback editions of the first six Olympians books by multiple New York Times–bestselling author/illustrator George O'Connor.
Holy Hera, it's got a free poster!
Collectors will adore this package, with lots of new artwork and the complete Olympians family tree on the free poster. Plus, the boxed set is also a great way for classrooms to get all six books at once.
Aphrodite Almighty, what a value!
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
George O'Connor
74 books464 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base and there are multiple George O'Conner's that illustrate comics
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
George O'Connor is the author of several picture books, including the New York Times bestseller Kapow!, Kersplash, and Sally and the Some-thing. JOURNEY INTO MOHAWK COUNTRY was his first graphic novel, a long-held dream that weaves together his passion for history and ongoing research into Native American life. He's also the author/illustrator of a new picture book, If I Had a Raptor.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 19, 2021
These were a lot of fun to read, but I think I like Poseidon’s the least. There are just so many myths that include him that I think there were many missed opportunities with his comic.
Regardless, I’d say these are perfect for fans of Lore Olympus and Punderworld. And I’m excited to read the next box set.
Regardless, I’d say these are perfect for fans of Lore Olympus and Punderworld. And I’m excited to read the next box set.
June 29, 2015
This is from my blog, and may not make total sense in the context of Goodreads, but it's late and I don't want to type a new review. This review is for ALL of the Olympians books, essentially.
______________
I mentioned in a book haul not long ago that I was asked to be part of the blog tour for the next installment in George O'Connor's Olympians series, Ares, and that when I said yes (yay, mythology!), the fine folks at FirstSecond not only sent me that book, but the entire boxed set — further cementing that they are amazeballs. And yes, I still said amazeballs in 2015.
Now, the reason for this (beyond said amazeballs), I'd imagine, is that I expressed a little trepidation at jumping into the series at book 7. Though I know it's a retelling of Greek myths, I wasn't sure what kind of retelling it'd be; so though I'm very familiar with Greek mythology, that's not to say that I'd be familiar with O'Connor's spin. I mean, Kendare Blake's Antigoddess is fabulous, but it's hardly a traditional retelling; same: Percy Jackson; same: everything else out there. But I needn't have worried — there's no spin! I mean, that's not to say there's no interpretation, or picking and choosing which aspects of which tales to highlight, because of course there is. But the series is more like careful curation; it presents these timeless stories just as they've always been, but in the fantastic modern medium of the graphic novel. It's faithful, but playful. And this may be weird to say, but it's kinda ballsy. In a time when everyone's looking to bank on their own twist of the well-known, it's refreshing to see someone say, Nope, these stories have stood the test of time for millennia now, so I'd much rather give you an excellent presentation of them than a modern, watered-down version*.
*She says, fully loving the "modern, watered-down versions" too. I'll take 'em any way I can get 'em.
This means that you really can pick the series up at any volume. You can stock your classrooms & libraries with them, or give it to newly minted mythology buffs to fall in love with — and let me tell you, I would have adored these as a kid, when I was just getting into mythology and wanted everything I could get my hands on. And though I loved Hercules and Xena and Clash of the Titans as much as any other weirdo 12 year old obsessed with the Greeks, I was a very particular child, and would get a little grumbly about the things they *shudder* GOT WRONG. A faithful and yet lively adaptation such as these would have been an instant favorite. (And still is, now.)
Art copyright
George O'Connor / FirstSecond books
But beyond the faithfulness and clarity of the presentation, I would have fallen in love with (and have fallen in love with) the artistic and narrative choices O'Connor makes. I had a feeling from almost the first moment of Zeus that I was going to love these (and I say first moment, but actually I think it was literally the first, nearly-blank page, that gave me the love-this feeling); little touches like this recurring thematic thread (right) of having 'too much of his father in him' cemented it. Which means by page 10, I was in love. This example might seem a little silly or meaningless to some of you, but it struck me for a few reasons: 1) it's a solid storytelling & artistic choice, to have the "father" (the stars) physically represented as being a part of Kronos and Zeus, 2) it's a striking image, and 3) it so perfectly and simply encapsulates the core of these myths, and how its actors are doomed to repeat the mistakes that came before them. So many Greek myths are about inescapable-ness and self-fulfilling prophecies, and to succinctly and strikingly capture that aspect so simply basically immediately won me over.
But whether those little details are likely to win you over or not, the fact remains that this is a very strong adaptation of Greek mythology, both in the art and the storytelling, and I highly recommend them.
______________
I mentioned in a book haul not long ago that I was asked to be part of the blog tour for the next installment in George O'Connor's Olympians series, Ares, and that when I said yes (yay, mythology!), the fine folks at FirstSecond not only sent me that book, but the entire boxed set — further cementing that they are amazeballs. And yes, I still said amazeballs in 2015.
Now, the reason for this (beyond said amazeballs), I'd imagine, is that I expressed a little trepidation at jumping into the series at book 7. Though I know it's a retelling of Greek myths, I wasn't sure what kind of retelling it'd be; so though I'm very familiar with Greek mythology, that's not to say that I'd be familiar with O'Connor's spin. I mean, Kendare Blake's Antigoddess is fabulous, but it's hardly a traditional retelling; same: Percy Jackson; same: everything else out there. But I needn't have worried — there's no spin! I mean, that's not to say there's no interpretation, or picking and choosing which aspects of which tales to highlight, because of course there is. But the series is more like careful curation; it presents these timeless stories just as they've always been, but in the fantastic modern medium of the graphic novel. It's faithful, but playful. And this may be weird to say, but it's kinda ballsy. In a time when everyone's looking to bank on their own twist of the well-known, it's refreshing to see someone say, Nope, these stories have stood the test of time for millennia now, so I'd much rather give you an excellent presentation of them than a modern, watered-down version*.
*She says, fully loving the "modern, watered-down versions" too. I'll take 'em any way I can get 'em.
This means that you really can pick the series up at any volume. You can stock your classrooms & libraries with them, or give it to newly minted mythology buffs to fall in love with — and let me tell you, I would have adored these as a kid, when I was just getting into mythology and wanted everything I could get my hands on. And though I loved Hercules and Xena and Clash of the Titans as much as any other weirdo 12 year old obsessed with the Greeks, I was a very particular child, and would get a little grumbly about the things they *shudder* GOT WRONG. A faithful and yet lively adaptation such as these would have been an instant favorite. (And still is, now.)
Art copyright
George O'Connor / FirstSecond books
But beyond the faithfulness and clarity of the presentation, I would have fallen in love with (and have fallen in love with) the artistic and narrative choices O'Connor makes. I had a feeling from almost the first moment of Zeus that I was going to love these (and I say first moment, but actually I think it was literally the first, nearly-blank page, that gave me the love-this feeling); little touches like this recurring thematic thread (right) of having 'too much of his father in him' cemented it. Which means by page 10, I was in love. This example might seem a little silly or meaningless to some of you, but it struck me for a few reasons: 1) it's a solid storytelling & artistic choice, to have the "father" (the stars) physically represented as being a part of Kronos and Zeus, 2) it's a striking image, and 3) it so perfectly and simply encapsulates the core of these myths, and how its actors are doomed to repeat the mistakes that came before them. So many Greek myths are about inescapable-ness and self-fulfilling prophecies, and to succinctly and strikingly capture that aspect so simply basically immediately won me over.
But whether those little details are likely to win you over or not, the fact remains that this is a very strong adaptation of Greek mythology, both in the art and the storytelling, and I highly recommend them.
January 7, 2015
That’s right, its a book review special! The first ever boxed collection that First Second has put out, featuring the first six books in the Olympian series by George O'Connor! This series has been one of my favorites since I picked up the first volume and the following volumes have only gotten better and better.
Greek and Roman mythology has been one of my favorite parts of history for so long, but so many of the books, particularly for a younger crowd, are boring. Or overwhelming with the sheer amount of information! O’Connor doesn’t have that issue, because instead of focusing on the events, he focuses on the gods and goddesses of the pantheon and lets them tell the stories of history as it relates to them. It makes it fun and exciting to read because we get to see Zeus be unsure of himself at times, but trying to do what’s right without giving everything away. Hades being a hero, not the villain he is so often portrayed as. And Aphrodite? Man...who knew she wasn’t a clueless love god, but a master manipulator? O’Connor makes the world come to life by the story he weaves and by giving personality to the gods that we meet so that we can understand why they did what they did.
This boxed set is a fantastic addition to the pantheon, allowing all of the books to be easily collected in one place and showing off the gorgeous spine work that features half of Medusa! Plus it comes with a poster depicting the family tree of the gods and goddesses, as well as new artwork on the cover of the box showcasing more of O’Connor’s skills. Plus with this set you get one all of the little features at the back of the book that talk about the different characters, who they are, and other details to help you learn more about the Greek world. Even better, from a librarian perspective, they have a bibliography! A list of websites and recommended reading list to go to get more information.
I imagine that we’ll see another boxed set when the series reaches twelve volumes and I cannot wait. Heck, I can’t wait to read the next volume which will be Ares, the God of War! I give this megaset five out of five stars.
Set provided by Gina at First Second
If you’d like to read my reviews of books 3-6 you can find them here:
Hades: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=53
Poseidon: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=38
Aphrodite: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=410
Greek and Roman mythology has been one of my favorite parts of history for so long, but so many of the books, particularly for a younger crowd, are boring. Or overwhelming with the sheer amount of information! O’Connor doesn’t have that issue, because instead of focusing on the events, he focuses on the gods and goddesses of the pantheon and lets them tell the stories of history as it relates to them. It makes it fun and exciting to read because we get to see Zeus be unsure of himself at times, but trying to do what’s right without giving everything away. Hades being a hero, not the villain he is so often portrayed as. And Aphrodite? Man...who knew she wasn’t a clueless love god, but a master manipulator? O’Connor makes the world come to life by the story he weaves and by giving personality to the gods that we meet so that we can understand why they did what they did.
This boxed set is a fantastic addition to the pantheon, allowing all of the books to be easily collected in one place and showing off the gorgeous spine work that features half of Medusa! Plus it comes with a poster depicting the family tree of the gods and goddesses, as well as new artwork on the cover of the box showcasing more of O’Connor’s skills. Plus with this set you get one all of the little features at the back of the book that talk about the different characters, who they are, and other details to help you learn more about the Greek world. Even better, from a librarian perspective, they have a bibliography! A list of websites and recommended reading list to go to get more information.
I imagine that we’ll see another boxed set when the series reaches twelve volumes and I cannot wait. Heck, I can’t wait to read the next volume which will be Ares, the God of War! I give this megaset five out of five stars.
Set provided by Gina at First Second
If you’d like to read my reviews of books 3-6 you can find them here:
Hades: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=53
Poseidon: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=38
Aphrodite: http://ashuping.net/blog/?p=410
January 4, 2020
This collected edition contains the first six volumes of the series on the Olympians: Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Aphrodite. They’re all good and a delightfully entertaining introduction to the stories and legends of the Ancient Greek myths for new readers.
July 24, 2024
Read all #1-12. I love Greek mythology lol
first-second-publications
October 7, 2014Have you ever wanted a text about the Greek gods so weighty that it'd break a toe if you dropped it on one?
Now all of that can be yours! With an exciting poster!
Now all of that can be yours! With an exciting poster!
Read
September 18, 2019The series is great because it is Greek mythology in a graphic novel. As I was reading the first book I saw and felt the intensity as the war between the Olympians and the Titans last 11 years because the pictures show how intense it was and what happen. When I finish the series I have a good images of most of the Greek mythology. Today when someone says something or ask about Greek mythology I have a good idea of what they are talking about.
Read
September 6, 2024(Copied from my Olympians #7+ review)
One of the best contemporary interpretations of these myths I've had the pleasure of reading. O'Connor navigates the sexuality, romance, power dynamics, and violence inherent in these stories both honestly and accurately, yet with young audiences in mind. These books were not only the gateway for my son to start reading books on his own, but also allowed a lot of space to talk about complex and nuanced topics.
One of the best contemporary interpretations of these myths I've had the pleasure of reading. O'Connor navigates the sexuality, romance, power dynamics, and violence inherent in these stories both honestly and accurately, yet with young audiences in mind. These books were not only the gateway for my son to start reading books on his own, but also allowed a lot of space to talk about complex and nuanced topics.
March 16, 2020
OUTSTANDING stories, artwork, and author's footnotes. Amazing sources offered. George O'Connor's work to research these stories and to then retell them makes these books one of the best finds of 2020 for me.
March 14, 2021
The graphics are amazing, and I got a very entertaining mythological lesson. I found this in the JFic section of the library, but the content is not very child-friendly. Definable for an older teen audience.
July 2, 2019
Some inaccuracies
December 16, 2019
All of them were awesome! I liked the detail in the drawings!
November 5, 2021
I LOVED THESE ALL SO MUCH OH MY GOD THE ART IS SO PRETTY
August 25, 2022
I would have loved these as a kid and if you have little nerd kids like me, you should 100% pick these up for them. The Poseidon one is particularly well-written.
Read
June 28, 2023These were a lot of fun.
May 24, 2024
I really enjoyed these quick reads. They explained the Gods in a way that was relatable. Fans of Percy Jackson will like these as they explain how everyone is related.
April 12, 2018
Everything about this is brilliant. Sometimes the plot may seem a bit fractured, or it jumps between stories, but they’re always still connected. The art style is gorgeous and the classical stories are adapted in a clear way that is easy for new readers to understand, but enthralling for older readers or those familiar with the original myths. There are so many small details incorporated seamlessly, that I always make sure to read through the “G(r)eek notes” at the end. I also love the other bonus material (author’s note, character posters, questions and relevant literature).
These made my life a lot easier as a visually-thinking art history student who struggled with remembering the differences between the olympians. All the info and the family tree and everything is brilliant. Works for those already interested in ancient myths and for those just starting out.
These made my life a lot easier as a visually-thinking art history student who struggled with remembering the differences between the olympians. All the info and the family tree and everything is brilliant. Works for those already interested in ancient myths and for those just starting out.
February 27, 2015
The Olympians Boxed Set is collection of the first six graphic novels in the Olympians series. They are in paperback format in the boxed set. If you want to buy hardcovers, you'll have to buy individual titles. The individual titles in this set are Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite. I would have probably published Hera second, but that is a personal preference. Each book is written and illustrated by George O'Connor. The books are written and illustrated beautifully. You see this not only on the pages themselves, but on the spine work. If you line up the spines of the first six books you see half of Medusa, so you know that the next six books will finish this picture. It's a little thing, but I love it when books don't change their format and provide you a visually appealing look on your shelf. Also, in this boxed set is a poster that The poster is beautifully drawn, but I honestly like the back of the poster better, as it shows a family tree, which is helpful for keeping gods and goddesses straight!
Even though, most people are familiar with mythological tales, I will provide you with a bit of information on Book 1: Zeus. It would have been easy to skip straight to Zeus as an adult god, but we would have missed a lot of mythology in doing so. Instead, the story starts with the creation, including Gaea and her husband Ouranos. We also see the creation of the Cyclops, Hecatonchires, and the twelve Titans. We then see the birth of Zeus' siblings, who are eaten by Kronos, followed by Zeus' birth. As you are all aware, Zeus is hidden and ultimately saves his siblings from the belly of their father. We then see an all out war between gods and Titans. The story-line flows very nicely, both in words and pictures. It really helps the stories come alive for younger readers, and is sure to appeal to boys who love comics!
At the end of every book is a bibliography, recommended reading (a feature I always love), and discussion question. All these useful features make the books perfect for teachers or homeschooling parents! If you grew up on D'Aulaires Greek mythology book, like I did and your kids are looking for a different illustration style of these classic tales then I recommend The Olympians Boxed Set. It is also a nice bridge between D'Aulaires and Bulfinch or Edith Hamilton. So whether your kids are Greek mythology veterans or novices, they are sure to enjoy this book. Be sure to look for #7 Ares and #8 Apollo!
Even though, most people are familiar with mythological tales, I will provide you with a bit of information on Book 1: Zeus. It would have been easy to skip straight to Zeus as an adult god, but we would have missed a lot of mythology in doing so. Instead, the story starts with the creation, including Gaea and her husband Ouranos. We also see the creation of the Cyclops, Hecatonchires, and the twelve Titans. We then see the birth of Zeus' siblings, who are eaten by Kronos, followed by Zeus' birth. As you are all aware, Zeus is hidden and ultimately saves his siblings from the belly of their father. We then see an all out war between gods and Titans. The story-line flows very nicely, both in words and pictures. It really helps the stories come alive for younger readers, and is sure to appeal to boys who love comics!
At the end of every book is a bibliography, recommended reading (a feature I always love), and discussion question. All these useful features make the books perfect for teachers or homeschooling parents! If you grew up on D'Aulaires Greek mythology book, like I did and your kids are looking for a different illustration style of these classic tales then I recommend The Olympians Boxed Set. It is also a nice bridge between D'Aulaires and Bulfinch or Edith Hamilton. So whether your kids are Greek mythology veterans or novices, they are sure to enjoy this book. Be sure to look for #7 Ares and #8 Apollo!
March 12, 2015
My 12 year old son is a fan of mythology and enjoyed reading and looking through these books. He also liked having several books in a boxed set that he could peruse. Good addition to his collection of mythology books!
May 26, 2015
In love with this series. I have always been a fan of Greek mythology. This series has just brought them alive. I wish I could find more of these. Because now that I have read them I want to read more.
George O Conor has done a great job.
Special the author note at the back.
George O Conor has done a great job.
Special the author note at the back.
June 29, 2021
I enjoy this series a lot and continue to pick them up whenever a new one is released.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews