Lore Olympus wins record-breaking 3rd consecutive Eisner Award

Published by Hellenic Moon on October 2, 2024October 2, 2024

Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus has become a global phenomenon, culminating in her winning the 2024 Eisner Award for Best Webcomic in July. This win marks her third consecutive Eisner for the same category, having also taken home the prestigious award in 2022 and 2023. This is the first time a webcomic wins three times in a row. Smythe’s retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone has captivated millions, blending the timeless allure of Greek mythology with modern storytelling and digital artistry. The series, hosted on WEBTOON, has amassed over 1.5 billion views and has a passionate fan base of over 6 million subscribers, showing how its influence has grown beyond the comic sphere and into mainstream pop culture. Lore Olympus Volume 7 just came out on Oct. 1.

The Story Behind Lore Olympus

Smythe’s Lore Olympus provides a fresh take on the classical myth of Hades, the god of the underworld, and Persephone, the goddess of spring. Her version reimagines this ancient tale through a contemporary lens, giving the gods and goddesses deeply human emotions and problems, which resonate with modern readers. Smythe’s use of vibrant, stylish artwork, along with a focus on interpersonal relationships, love, and trauma, makes her adaptation stand out. Through Lore Olympus, she has transformed Greek mythology into a webcomic that is relatable, immersive, and engaging, offering humor, drama, and romance while staying true to the essence of its mythological roots.

The myth of Hades and Persephone is already rich in themes of love, power, and transformation, but Smythe adds new layers to this relationship. She explores the characters’ vulnerabilities and emotional complexities, bringing attention to their struggles with consent, agency, and the challenges of navigating toxic environments. The gods, who are often depicted as distant and omnipotent in classical literature, are portrayed with familiar flaws, such as insecurity and self-doubt. Smythe’s nuanced writing and art evoke empathy for these divine figures, making readers see them as more than just mythological symbols.

Lore Olympus Volume 7 out now!

Influence of Greek Mythology on Lore Olympus

Greek mythology has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and scholars, and Smythe’s work continues this tradition. Her depiction of the gods aligns with many aspects of traditional Greek stories, but she infuses them with a contemporary sensibility. The story of Hades and Persephone has been told in various ways throughout history, often focusing on themes of abduction and the balance between life and death. Smythe, however, subverts some of the darker elements of the myth, particularly the portrayal of Hades, offering a gentler, more introspective version of the god of the underworld.

The myth of Persephone’s descent into the underworld is one of transformation—she becomes not only a queen but a mediator between life and death. Smythe captures this transformation, focusing on Persephone’s growth as a character, her empowerment, and her struggle to reconcile her identity as both the embodiment of spring and the queen of the dead. In Smythe’s version, Persephone is given more agency, and her internal struggles with identity, power, and desire reflect broader issues faced by women today. This nuanced approach to character development has drawn significant praise for humanizing what might otherwise have been distant mythological figures.

A Modern Take on Classic Themes

One of the most intriguing aspects of Smythe’s storytelling is how she uses the gods’ immortality to explore timeless themes—relationships, consent, trauma, and recovery—all while situating these characters in a world that mirrors our own. The gods attend parties, spread gossip, and deal with interpersonal conflicts that resemble those found in modern social settings. This fusion of the ancient and the modern allows Lore Olympus to appeal to both lovers of mythology and readers who may be encountering these stories for the first time.

The series’ visual style also plays a critical role in bringing the myth to life. Smythe’s use of color is particularly notable, with characters’ appearances and the settings they inhabit reflecting their emotional states. Hades is often rendered in cool, muted tones that reflect his stoic and composed nature, while Persephone’s pink and vibrant aura reflects her energy and youth. This visual symbolism enriches the storytelling, creating a dynamic interplay between the emotional undertones of the narrative and the art itself.

Smythe’s Success and the Impact of Lore Olympus

The success of Lore Olympus is not just a personal achievement for Rachel Smythe but also a significant milestone for digital comics and the WEBTOON platform. The Eisner Award is one of the most prestigious honors in the comic industry, often considered the equivalent of the Oscars for comics. Smythe’s consecutive wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024 highlight the growing recognition of webcomics as a legitimate and influential form of art and storytelling. Lore Olympus has garnered additional accolades, including Harvey and Ringo Awards, and its print editions have consistently topped the New York Times bestseller lists.

Beyond awards, Lore Olympus has left a significant mark on popular culture. Its widespread appeal is evident in its animated adaptation in development, as well as the merchandise and collaborations with major companies. This mainstream success demonstrates the power of webcomics in the digital age and how they can transcend traditional publishing platforms to reach a broader audience. Smythe’s work, in particular, showcases the potential of mythological stories to resonate with contemporary readers when told in new and innovative ways.

The storytelling in Lore Olympus has also paved the way for important discussions about sensitive topics such as mental health, abuse, and recovery, which are often interwoven with the characters’ personal journeys. Smythe’s handling of these themes has been praised for its sensitivity and depth, offering readers a way to see themselves reflected in these mythological figures. In this sense, Lore Olympus not only entertains but also fosters a connection with its audience on an emotional and intellectual level.

Rachel Smythe: A Record-Breaking Eisner Winner

Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus is a testament to the enduring relevance of Greek mythology, brought to life through modern storytelling and digital art. Smythe has taken a familiar myth and transformed it into a vibrant and emotionally resonant narrative that speaks to the complexities of human relationships and personal growth. Her consecutive Eisner Awards for Best Webcomic in 2022, 2023 and 2024 affirm the impact of her work on both the comic industry and popular culture. You can read more about her record breaking wins over at ComicsBeat.com.

With Lore Olympus, Smythe has not only revitalized a classical myth for a new generation but has also elevated the webcomic format, proving that digital platforms like WEBTOON can be home to some of the most exciting and influential storytelling of our time. As Smythe continues to push the boundaries of what webcomics can achieve, her work stands as an inspiration to other creators who seek to blend the ancient and the modern into something truly groundbreaking. If you want to learn more, you might enjoy our old post about Lore Olympus and its links to Greek mythology. And remember, Lore Olympus Volume 7 just came out on Oct.1, and will be followed by Volume 8 early next year.