The Incredible Hulk #12 – Review

By: Jason Aaron (writer), Carlos Pacheco (pencils), Roger Bonet (inks), Frank Martin (colors), and Chris Eliopoulos (letters)

The Story: Hulk finds himself trapped in a forgotten Antarctic prison, caught in a brawl with Wolverine and the Thing.

The Review:  This issue of Incredible Hulk ends up posing a question that is no doubt familiar to comics fans:  how far can great art and pure action scenes alone carry a comic?

For what it’s worth, Carlos Pacheco is at his very best this month.  It’s been some time since I’ve seen work from him look this stunning, dynamic, and detailed.  There’s a lot more ambition to his work here than the often merely passable work he’s done on Uncanny X-Men.  The action scenes are great, the environments look great, and the character’s look great.  A lot of credit, however, has to go to Roger Bonet and Frank Martin, who have really taken Pacheco’s artwork to a whole new level, giving it a lush, almost painted feel with absolutely incredible shading.  Bonet and Martin take great artwork and take it into artbook/showcase territory.  Overall, I’ve not been thrilled by Stay Angry (well, outside of the ridiculous first issue), but Frank Martin has really reached amazing heights on this story and I look forward to what he does next.

Whiteout Vol.1 TPB – Review

By Greg Rucka (writer) & Steve Lieber (illustrator & letterer)

I found out about this comic because of the movie adaptation that’s coming out with Kate Beckinsale as the lead. Why didn’t I hear anything about this great book before? This is sad! There must be lots and lots of great collections that I don’t even know exist. Why can’t publishers advertise and market their great old works more effectively? I just don’t get it.

The story is set in Antarctica. Carrie Stetko, an U.S. Marshall stationed there, is investigating a murder in one of the camps. There are five other people in the camp that have gone missing as well. She needs to complete the investigation in the next two weeks, because the base is shutting down for the winter with most of the staff will be leaving. As the days get colder, she’s forced to deal with bad weather, a population of mostly men, and a loose murderer. Her character is completely believable, with flaws and a troubled past; props to Greg Rucka for fleshing her out so well. The black and white art by Lieber perfectly fits the harsh and barren world of Antarctica.

The trade is only $13.95, cheaper than the usual, but what makes this a must buy is the great story. Oni Press has the first chapter available to read at their website. I also bought Vol.2 and I’ll be reviewing it soon. Lieber told me that there is a 3^rd volume in the works as well. Can’t wait for it! (Grade: A)

-Daniel Yanez