Hercules

Hercules as seen in the original manga

Hercules was an honorable gladiator robot slain by Pluto. His spear can extend and retract and his shield can produce high winds.

Manga

In the manga, Hercules is visited by Photar, who gives him a letter from Pluto challenging him to a duel, and then offers to help him fight. Hercules declines, stating he would prefer to fight alone, as is his code of honor. when Pluto does arrive, Epsilon hides behind a pillar and watches helplessly as Hercules is destroyed, his last words being a false belief that he won and is the strongest.

Anime

Hercules in the 1980's Astro Boy show

In the 1960s anime, the fight is almost identical to the manga. Hercules fights Pluto, is knocked out of the air, and is fried to death on Pluto's horns. As Pluto leaves to fight his next challenger, Epsilon arrives at the scene and watches him go, then flies off to find Astro Boy.

Hercules in the 2000's Astroboy show

In the 80s series, the part where Hercules is visited by Epsilon (known here as Photar) is omitted entirely, and he is shown (at least at the end of part 2 of "the world's greatest robot") to be much bigger than he is in the original manga.

In 2003 anime, Hercules is depicted as the World Robotting champion who was born in Athenia. He had a relationship with the Blue Knight, which makes him question his own way of life, and he follows his ideals and decides to break away from humanity as a warrior in the Robotanian army.

Appearances in episodes

• The Rise of Pluto
• Robotonia
• Journey to Tomorrow

Pluto

Hercules' combat form in the "Pluto" manga

Hercules' human form in the "Pluto" manga

Hercules appears in "Pluto", a retelling of "The Greatest Robot on Earth". Here, he is depicted as a Greek robot pankration wrestler with a high sense of honor and bravery. He has been friends and rivals with Brando since the 39th Central Asian War.