Hulk #11- Review

By Jeph Loeb (Writer), Ed McGuiness (pencils), Dexter Vines (inker), Guru Efx (colors)

Here is a statement about Hulk #11, and about the Jeph Loeb’s Hulk series in general, that you won’t read on any other comic book review web site: I like it. Incredulous, you say? Well, here is an even more radical statement: Hulk is a good comic book.

All right, now I have to back up my opinion, but before I get to the reason why I think the book is indeed quite good, let me make a statement about those who are slamming this comic in their reviews. I think many reviewers come at the comic with a faulty and one dimensional- dare I say snobby- perception of comic books. There seems to be the prevalent opinion that comics need to have layers of depth and work like good novels of short stories, with symbolism and multi-level plot threads. While I’m not saying that comic books shouldn’t be as such, this is only one type of a comic, and is it really necessary for all comics to be literary masterpieces? Can’t a comic just be dumb fun, like Hulk? Why are we as comic readers so uptight and defensive about a simple (very simple) and amusing read?

This observation, that Hulk is a simple, fun, and non-assuming comic, connects to another point I’d like to make. Comic books are lacking a crucial audience, one that will support and allow the medium to be viable in the near and far future: kids. Kids do not read comics anymore. Why? Because there are not enough comics for kids (and the kid in all of us). Are kids going to read Final Crisis? No. Would an 11 year-old enjoy the pacing and the terseness of Secret Invasion? No. Would these same youth enjoy Hulk? Yes. Would life long comic reader who thinks he “knows” what comics should be or do enjoy Hulk? No. But I bet if that very same reader was reading Hulk as a twelve your-old he would be loving every panel of it.

Listen. I’m not saying Hulk is a perfect comic. I’m not even saying that the internal logic that the story runs on makes sense. But it works. It’s good fun. Hulk # 11 brings great battle scenes and decent dialogue to an interesting story that has no other agenda than simple entertainment.

Also, you should buy this comic simply for the art. I challenge someone to find a comic with better art than what Ed McGuiness treats us to in Hulk. You can find its equal, but not its superior. Every panel is something to behold. The expressions on the characters faces are more telling than the text. Great stuff.

As far as this particular story, I give Loeb a lot of creative credit for choosing the settings for the given battles. I found it really interesting that the “over lords” of every setting interjected themselves in the events that transpire in their individual realms.

Overall, Hulk #11 won’t change the hearts and minds of comic book readers who are committed to their opinion of this comic. I for one enjoy this genre of comic and though some might loathe me for saying this, but I hope more comics emulate this type of story, I am pleased with one title helming this style.

Grade: B

-Rob G

Deadpool #6 (Dark Reign) – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Paco Medina (Pencils), Juan Vlasco (Inks), and Marte Gracia (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: With Deadpool #6, the series heads into Dark Reign by putting the Merc with a Mouth on a collision course with Norman Osborn and the Thunderbolts. But first, as revealed last issue, Wade Wilson must deal with Tiger Shark. Should be fun to see how that plays out…

The Story: Deadpool battles Tiger Shark, meets a potential love interest, and comes to the conclusion that someone wants him dead. Also, the titular character cracks jokes and inadvertently becomes part of a hostage crisis. In other words, it’s pretty much business as usual in this issue.

What’s Good: While it certainly isn’t the deepest comic on the stands, the sixth issue works well because the creative team knows exactly what makes a character like Wade Wilson work. On the writing end, Daniel Way’s script revels in dark, offbeat humor and graphic (sometimes gratuitous) violence, while still managing to keep the character thoroughly fun to follow. And with the addition of a possible love interest, it’s almost impossible not to want to root for the main character. As for the art, it continues to be perfectly suited for the tone of the book. Paco Medina and his art team make Deadpool’s world (and the events that take place in it) slick, stylish, and loaded with personality.

What’s Not So Good: Despite the fact that there’s a lot to like about Deadpool’s encounter with Tiger Shark and the chaos that ensues, Deadpool #6 might be the weakest issue of the series so far; considering how strong the others are. But don’t take that as a big negative. The biggest problem is that it feels as though a few parts of the issue only exist to get a laugh. Now I;m not saying I have something against the style of humor Way employs, but this time around some of it just simply gets in the way. For example, a nearly four pages are spent on Tiger Shark’s encounter with a guy in charge of the shark tank at an aquarium. Was it funny? Sure, to an extent. But it feels like the pages could have been used for something much better.

Conclusion: While not quite as strong as other issues, I still consider the Merc’s latest story a hell of a fun read. In addition, it serves as a nice, lighthearted appetizer before the Deadpool/Thunderbolts crossover takes the series into darker territory. Check it out.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Deadpool #5 – Review

By Daniel Way (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Pencils), Juan Vlasco & Sandu Florea (Inks), and Marte Gracia & Raul Trevino (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I am loving what Daniel Way and his art teams are doing with the new Deadpool series. In fact, while I have never found myself to be particularly impressed by any of Daniel Way’s previous work (outside of, shock of shocks, the Wolverine Origins arc that featured Deadpool), I think I can safely say that he may have found his calling. And in my opinion, this is a very good thing; considering how nice it is to have a Marvel book offering an alternative from all of the overly serious stuff the company has put out as of late.

The Story: Captured by the zombie-creating Dr. Lovosnos, Deadpool learns the true nature of his mission. In short, Wade was sent by Zeke to the doctor as payment for the procedure done to his buxom blonde wife. And what does the doctor find interesting about Deadpool? Turns out a person that can regenerate flesh is quite useful to have in handy when you have a whole bunch of hungry zombies around!

What’s Good: Once again, I’m going to have a hard time thinking of a book that’s more fun to read and look at than the most recent Deadpool. You’ll find that one of the most impressive things the issue is how Daniel Way’s clever script puts Wade Wilson’s unique powers and traits to great use. In addition, the frantic, lively visuals are an excellent fit for the off-the-wall zombie story. Truth be told, I couldn’t be much happier with this one.

What’s Not So Good: I can’t really think of anything negative to say about Deadpool #5 other than the fact that, it’s definitely not a book for those who can’t really appreciate the style of humor used in it. Humor is a pretty subjective thing and as such, I’m fairly certain there are a number of people who are just going to flat out hate how the book is handled from a writing standpoint. I am not one of those people, but it is worth mentioning.

Conclusion: What else can I say? The latest issue of Deadpool worked for me in every way. I highly recommend it.

Grade: A

-Kyle Posluszny