Hulk #2 – Review

By: Mark Waid (Writer), Mark Bagley (Penciller), Andrew Hennessy (Inker), Jason Keith (Color Artist), VC’s Cory Petit (Letterer)

The Story: In this corner, weighing in at 980 pounds, the Abomination. In this corner, Hulk. Somewhere in the middle? Maria Hill and S.H.I.E.L.D.

The Review: I was cautiously optimistic after reading the previous issue, as I noticed a certain trope of suspense/horror genre was being used to a good effect: namely, the sidelining of the “monster” to focus on the *effect* of the monster on characters and setting. By the second issue, this sidelining of the monster remains, but gone is the effect. And without it, there is no explicit tone of mystery to maintain a level of distinction for this book.

To be clear, there is still a mystery as the core plot of the book, but there is no overt tone/atmosphere to it. S.H.I.E.L.D. is protecting (and to some extent coddling) a brain damaged Bruce Banner/Hulk, even though the Mysterious Organization of Mystery has found him and sends a newly-reconstituted Abomination after him. However, the cliffhanger suggests the M.O.M. really has it out for S.H.I.E.L.D. instead.

Other things are missing from last issue as well, including the woman who was a key player for the villains. Also? There’s not much time to really explore things– you certainly can’t call this comic “decompressed.” Before the fight with Abomination, we learn it took S.H.I.E.L.D. a month to infiltrate a town pretty extensively, we see some token the affection for Bruce by his new caretakers, some foreshadowing of Bruce’s transformation, and Maria Hill’s arrival and reveal. I am all for non-decompressed stories, but we’re missing out on some big implications. I don’t necessarily care for Bruce’s caretakers or really much for the town in general, and I don’t know why these characters, like Maria Hill, are doing what they’re doing. Sure, it’s S.H.I.E.L.D. and all, and they are protecting and serving, I guess, but there’s no sense that they really care about Bruce as a *person.* I feel that Maria Hill cares more about success at her job than truly ensuring peace for Bruce or protection for the town. Maybe it’s there in one panel as she apologizes for instigating the Hulk’s transformation, but this issue seems to care more for a breakneck pace of plot to the detriment of character, setting, tone.

One thing that’s not missing is the storytelling skills of Bagley and the art of Hennessy and Keith. Bagley’s Hulk, and Abomination for that matter, is as visceral and solid-looking as ever, and he brings a sense of power to the characters; the battle is genuinely fun to watch. There are some more attempts of verisimilitude in characters’ expressions, but this remains a bit of a weakness as Bagley usually portrays the characters in “grim” mode more than anything. Camera angles are deliberate, although some opportunities for more atmospheric drama are missed, such as when the Reverend gets his mysterious phone call in the beginning– this is a key plot point that could have been emphasized in the illustration. Also, I’m not a fan of Bagley’s depiction of Bruce, as the sharp cross-hatching creates a gaunt and weathered look even though it “reads” like it wants to be presented as something soft and rounded.

Indestructible Hulk Special #1 – Review

by Mike Costa (Writer), Jacob Wyatt (Artist), Jordie Bellaire (Colorist)

The Story: Bruce Banner arrives on the scene to help solve the mystery around this seemingly time-travelling Doctor Octopus. Science and smashing ensues.

The Review: Some writers understand the very basic, yet fun approach that can work wonderfully with certain characters. Each specific title, along with their protagonist, have a certain strength that needs to be put front thanks to the flaws and unique angle that its cast possess. Mark Waid understand how Daredevil’s dashing attitude may lead itself to problem, as Matt Fraction can see the quirks of being one of the non-powered Avengers and how it might affect your perception of daily life in Hawkeye. Those may not be the most ambitious or the subtlest concepts for ongoing titles, yet both works thanks to the creative team sticking with this very vision of their heroes as well as the world that spin around them.

This is the kind of approach that Mike Costa seems to have in mind with this issue, as heroes cooperate together to not only solve a mystery, but kick a little butt as well in the process. This team-up, with special focus on Bruce Banner, seems like an issue from older times, which isn’t a disadvantage in the least.

Hulk #5 – Capsule Review

By Jeph Loeb (writer), Ed McGuinness (pencils), Dexter Vines (inks), Jason Keith (colors)

I was really looking forward to this fight between Thor and (Red) Hulk and it just turns out to be “okay”. Personally, I think Jeff Loeb should keep the fighting between monsters. It’s just more spectacular that way. Sure, Thor’s a heavy hitter – even a god – but once you take away Mjolnir, he’s pretty much dead in the water.

And that happens way too quickly here.

Even weirder is the how the fight ascends into space. Now, I can see Hulk defying some universal laws of physics, but come on, he holds his breath all the way to the moon and back?! This is just a little too over the top – even for me. But I’ll admit, the kicking of Thor’s helmet is hilarious and one that will be long remembered.

I don’t know about you guys, but when I read the conversation between Green Hulk and Abomination it reminded me of the Dinobots talking in Transformers. Anyone else get that vibe? (Grade: C)

– J. Montes

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Hulk #3 – Review

By Jeph Loeb (writer), Ed McGuiness (pencils), Dexter Vines (inks), Jason Keith (colors)

The Hulk is nothing like the work Greg Pak did on his Incredible Hulk run. What Jeph Loeb has done is distance himself as far away as possible. And to be honest, if I were Loeb I’d do the same thing. Pak’s run was epic, and arguably the best Hulk story ever told. Seriously, how do you top a story like Planet Hulk?

With the Hulk, Loeb strips the story away and returns us to Hulk’s silver age roots. Like an old school Stan Lee story, this book features a minor mystery revolving around the red-skinned Hulk’s identity and tons upon tons of monster fighting. It’s mindless fun and other than the aforementioned mystery, I could care less about anything else in this book. I’m completely entertained by what almost appears to be two plush dolls smacking each other around. Ed McGuiness deserves a lot of credit for this book. His visuals are visceral, earthshaking, and epic in scope.

I know a lot of people are hating this book and I was one of them initially. But understanding this book’s identity is one of the keys to enjoying it. If you can accept the voice Loeb is giving this book, you’ll be plenty entertained. It’s pure fan-service. It’s the Hulk unleashed, beating monsters and wrecking stuff. This is what made the Hulk fun! And as long as Loeb and McGuiness can keep this train rolling, I’ll stay on board. Because sometimes you go to the movies to see an Oscar worthy performance. And other times you just wanna see things blow up. This is the latter, and I’m enjoying the fireworks. (Grade: B)

– J. Montes

Hulk #2 – Review

By Jeph Loeb (writer), Ed McGuinness (art), Dexter Vines (inks), Jason Keith (colors)

Okay, despite Tony Stark acting like a complete idiot, Hulk #2 delivers a lot of fun. Maybe I just expected too much from Jeph Loeb. I mean, the guy’s responsible for writing some of the most best and cerebral superhero stories out there. Of course, it doesn’t help make things better after the amazing things Greg Pak has done on The Incredible Hulk book. But, I finally get what Loeb’s trying to do now: This is his monster book.

It’s definitely not the regular Hulk we’re used to – this one’s cold, murderous, and devious. The obvious answer as to who he is takes a twist, and to be honest, I have no idea who he could possibly be now. Maybe Doc Savage? This is the only plot thread worth caring about and after it runs its course, I wonder what’ll be left, substance wise.

But going back to what I originally said, this is a monster book. Even the forth coming title we’re given for the next issue (“Creatures on the Loose”) clearly hints that we’re about to see some Silver Age inspired action. And that’s not a bad thing.

Loeb has clearly written this book with Ed McGuinness’ talent in mind. While the story still isn’t very good, the art will completely blow you away. There are no less than three double-page splashes – each one completely worthy and grand in scale. Art collectors will be drooling over the page where Hulk slams a fighter jet down on old Shell Head.

As much as I’m not caring for the story, I am looking forward to the big slugfest coming next issue. Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines just make it so much fun. I completely give them all the credit for making this series somewhat bearable. (Grade: C+)

– J. Montes