Hulk #19 – Review

By: Jeph Loeb (writer), Ed McGuinness (penciller), Mark Farmer (inker), Dave Stewart (colorist)

The Story: The Intelligencia, having split with their ally the Red Hulk, send the Fearsome Four to invade the Baxter Building under the leadership of one of their own, the Wizard. Red Hulk sneaks in too, acting on a larger plan. And in a secret lair, MODOK and Doc Samson trade barbs over what to do next about the Red Hulk.

What’s Good: The Fall of the Hulks one-shots set up this arc, and now Fall of the Hulks is upon us! Loeb opens with a bang, as he launches plotting and counter-plotting forces, each sneaking around the other, feinting and moving for position. It’s a caper plot with more than two sides and it’s a lot of fun to watch! I’m fascinated (and have been for about a year) with the new, plotting, scrawny Banner that has influence over so many people stronger than him. What also intrigued me were the references to the top eight smartest people in the world. Reed Richards was obviously a target and I love that McCoy was mentioned as well. And, if memory serves, that means that Amadeus Cho will also become involved in this, thereby pulling in Hercules? Interesting….

The art was a treat. I’ve always been a fan of Farmer’s inks. He adds a soft humanity to the faces. McGuinness is obviously very talented as well and I loved the level of detail and texture he brought to the Thing, the Wizard and Klaw. Muscles move the way they’re supposed to under McGuinness’s pencil and the dynamism of the action makes me slow down the reading.

WCBR’s Picks Of The Week

Alex’s Top Picks

Pick of the Week: DMZ #49 -A fantastic issue of DMZ and the sort of book that makes you reflect on just how far the characters, and by extension us readers, have come since the start of the series.  It’s also the first issue in a while that feels truly full and significant.  Great work all around.

Most Anticipated: Wolverine: Weapon X #9 -The conclusion of the utterly sensational “Insane in the Brain” arc has me pumped, as all manner of mayhem is sure to break loose.  I can’t wait to see how it all ends in what is no doubt one of the most creative, and hence most fun, Wolverine stories in years.

Other Picks: Fables #92, Uncanny X-Men #520, Dark Avengers #13, Amazing Spider-Man #618, Green Lantern Corps #44, Spider-Woman #5, Captain America #602

DS’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Batgirl #6 – Miller continues to deliver top-notch Gotham fun and in this issue we got to see how the rank and file of Gotham’s superheroes view Dick. Great stuff. Top of the pull list!

Most Anticipated: Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural #4 – I love stories of the sorcerer supreme and Marvel really has Drumm in a tight spot with Nightmare having spread his terror across the Earth.

Other Top Picks: Captain America #602, Blackest Night: Flash #2, Green Lantern Corps #44, Power Girl #8, Justice League of America #41, Hulk #19, Realm of Kings: Inhumans #3, Dark Avenger #13, Thunderbolts #140

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Batgirl #6 – Miller delivers in another consistent and entertaining issue.

Most Anticipated: Green Lantern Corps #44 – Last week was a dud in Blackest Night books, so this week should make up for it with some Guy Gardner rage.

Other Top Picks: Superman/ Batman #68, Blackest Night: The Flash #2, Amazing Spider-Man #618