Writer Geoff Johns, "one of Humanoids' biggest supporters from the very beginning of US publishing program," pitched a story with Kris Grimminger featuring "every great monster from Greek mythology, from Medusa to the Stymphalian Birds." Humanoids editor Paul Benjamin began the search "throughout the world for a great artist who would appeal to both an American and a European audience. Butch was always on our mind for the book, but he was busy drawing Ruse for CrossGen. We began talking to Butch once he became available and Olympus was a perfect fit."