Step into the vibrant, gossip-fueled world of Lore Olympus Volumes, where Greek gods trade togas for sleek suits and forbidden romance sparks under neon lights! Created by Rachel Smythe, this dazzling graphic novel series reimagines the myth of Hades and Persephone as a modern love story, blending heart-pounding drama, lush artwork, and witty dialogue. Originally a webcomic sensation on WEBTOON, Lore Olympus has leaped into print, captivating readers with its fresh take on ancient tales.
With its pastel palettes and emotionally rich storytelling, this Eisner Award-winning series has become a cultural juggernaut, drawing fans into a world where divine scandals mirror human struggles. Whether you’re a mythology buff or just love a good romance, Lore Olympus Volumes offers a page-turning escape.
How Lore Olympus Volumes Began
Rachel Smythe, a New Zealand artist with a graphic design background, launched Lore Olympus in 2017 on Tumblr before finding a home on WEBTOON in 2018. Inspired by classic Greek myths, Smythe wanted to explore the Hades-Persephone dynamic through a contemporary lens, stripping away the darker elements of abduction and focusing on consent and mutual attraction. Her vision of Olympus as a bustling, corporate-like cityscape, complete with smartphones and sports cars, resonated instantly, amassing 1.4 billion views online by 2024.
Smythe’s journey wasn’t without hurdles—she juggled 60–70-hour workweeks to craft the series, using color and lighting to evoke mood. Her dedication paid off, transforming Lore Olympus from a passion project into a global phenomenon, with print volumes published by Del Rey Books starting in 2021.
The Heart of Lore Olympus Volumes
The series unfolds across multiple volumes, each collecting episodes from the WEBTOON comic. Lore Olympus: Volume One (2021) introduces Persephone, a pink-hued goddess of spring, navigating Olympus’s elite society after leaving the mortal realm. Her chance meeting with Hades, the blue-skinned CEO of Underworld Corp, ignites a slow-burn romance amid gossip and divine politics. Volume Two (2022) deepens their bond as Persephone faces Apollo’s betrayal, while Volume Three (2022) explores her struggle to balance love and duty. Volume Six (2024) escalates the drama, with Zeus branding Persephone a traitor, forcing Hades to defy his brother to protect her.
Lore Olympus shines through its themes of empowerment, trauma recovery, and love’s transformative power. Smythe’s modern setting—think Olympus as a glittering metropolis—grounds the gods’ larger-than-life emotions in relatable struggles, like workplace drama or toxic relationships. Her art, with its dreamy pinks and blues, blends cartoon-inspired softness with sharp emotional depth, making every panel a visual feast.
The series doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, addressing assault and power dynamics with sensitivity, offering a feminist reimagining of Persephone’s agency. This balance of whimsy and weight makes Lore Olympus a standout in graphic storytelling.
Why Lore Olympus Volumes Resonates
Lore Olympus has redefined graphic novels, blending digital innovation with print success. Its 1.4 billion WEBTOON views and awards like the Eisner and Harvey reflect its cultural impact. Fans adore its relatable characters and inclusive storytelling, which resonate with Gen Z’s love for nostalgia and modern relevance. By tackling timeless myths through a contemporary lens, Smythe has crafted a series that feels both fresh and eternal, inspiring cosplay, fan art, and even a planned animated adaptation by the Jim Henson Company.
Its influence extends beyond comics, sparking discussions about mythology’s relevance in today’s world. Lore Olympus proves that ancient stories, when told with heart and style, can still captivate modern audiences.
- Publication Years: 2021–present
- Number of Volumes: Six (as of 2024)
- Awards: Eisner Award, Harvey Award, Ringo Award
- WEBTOON Views: 1.4 billion (as of November 2024)
Grab Lore Olympus: Volume One and dive into a dazzling world of romance, drama, and divine chaos! Whether you’re swooning over Hades and Persephone or laughing at Zeus’s antics, this series is your ticket to a mythic adventure.