Hercules, 1997
A great collection of original production animation drawings for sale from the Walt Disney feature film.
Original production animation drawing of Pegasus in graphite and blue pencils from "Hercules," 1997, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 83 lower right; Size - Pegasus: 7 1/4 x 6 1/2", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original production animation drawing of Pegasus in graphite and blue pencils from "Hercules," 1997, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 79 lower right; Size - Pegasus: 6 3/4 x 7", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed; SOLD!
Original production animation drawing of Pegasus in graphite and blue pencils from "Hercules," 1997, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 83 lower right; Size - Pegasus: 7 1/4 x 6 1/2", Sheet 12 1/2 x 17"; Unframed.
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Disney’s Hercules, released in 1997, is an animated musical comedy inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Heracles (known as Hercules in Roman mythology). Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film reimagines the legendary hero’s story through a lively blend of mythology, humor, and pop culture references. The narrative follows Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, who is kidnapped as an infant by Hades’ henchmen and stripped of his immortality. To reclaim his godhood and place on Mount Olympus, Hercules must prove himself a true hero through acts of courage and selflessness. Along the way, he trains under the gruff satyr
Phil, befriends Pegasus, and falls in love with the witty and independent Megara.
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Visually and tonally, Hercules is one of Disney’s most stylized films of the 1990s. The animation draws inspiration from classical Greek art, particularly the curvilinear forms of ancient pottery and sculptures, blended with a modern graphic sensibility. The film’s energetic aesthetic is matched by a bold color palette and dynamic character designs that reflect the film’s mix of myth and modernity. This visual distinctiveness sets Hercules apart from other Disney Renaissance films, giving it a comic-book-like vibrancy and flair.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by David Zippel, infuses the ancient setting with a contemporary gospel-inspired sound. Numbers like “Zero to Hero,” “Go the Distance,” and “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” not only drive the story but also highlight Hercules’ personal growth and Megara’s emotional complexity. The Muses, serving as the film’s narrators and chorus, add a unique layer of storytelling by combining the traditional role of the Greek chorus with the soulful energy of gospel performance, making the soundtrack one of the most distinctive in Disney’s catalog.
While Hercules did not achieve the box-office success of earlier Disney hits such as The Lion King or Aladdin, it has since earned a loyal fan following for its humor, heart, and self-aware tone. Much of its appeal lies in its irreverent wit—embodied most memorably in James Woods’s fast-talking portrayal of Hades, one of Disney’s most charismatic villains. Beneath its comedic surface, the film carries a sincere message about identity, perseverance, and the true meaning of heroism—not through physical strength, but through love and sacrifice. Over time, Hercules has come to be appreciated as a clever, colorful reinterpretation of myth that balances classical storytelling with the irreverent spirit of 1990s animation.
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