User blog comment:Hyperborean/"The House of Hades" – official expectations blog/@comment-122.167.14.205-20130330102150/@comment-5927468-20130330125847

The underdog angle is nothing new. It makes the story more compelling. Personally, I think it's better when a villain has no doubt that he/she will win. It makes it that much more satisfying when they get their comeuppance. Think about it. Would Star Wars have been as good if the rebel alliance had their own death star to fight the empire? Would Superman be as impressive if he only dealt with simple human bank robbers instead of Lex Luthor's schemes or alien invaders? Would LotR be any better if Frodo were six feet tall with a huge army beside him at all times? The answer is no. A hero doesn't become legendary for beating easy or equally matched opponents.