Incredible Hulk #1

Incredible Hulk #1 variant by Ladronn

By Jason Aaron and Marc Silvestri

The latest Hulk series has come to a close amid controversy and major success. A planet ruled by the Hulk brought in new readers while the red-skinned 'replacement' has been both embraced and rejected by fandom. Several multi-part stories and crossovers later and the monthly book starring Bruce Banner expired in a Hellish vision of destruction. It was quite a ride and will be difficult to top. The Hulk has an extremely devoted and passionate fanbase that does not shrink from making their opinions known. So how can a new ongoing series by a new creative team succeed?

The plan has been to introduce a new spin on an old idea by splitting up Hulk and Banner. In the coda of Fear Itself #7, Hulk expelled Banner from their union in some mysterious fashion that confused even his human self. Walking off to finally be left alone, Hulk trod into the distance in much the same manner as we had seen his puny alter ego several times over.

The new issue opens with Hulk living the life of a hero underground with the moloids (denizens of the deep often utilized by the Mole Man). Fighting savage monsters that would not look out of place on the distant planet Sakaar, Hulk shows some kind of pity and compassion for the creature, acknowledging that this is a somewhat somber and brooding persona of the Hulk, far more sophisticated that we usually see. He has also grown out his hair and is sporting a beard, confirming that some time has past since we last saw him in print.

Hulk by Marc Silvestri

Despite the accolades and devotion of the moloids, Hulk remains aloof and distant, refusing to take part in the revels celebrating his victories against the threats of the underworld. He knows that trouble is coming for him. The law of averages holds up this sentiment that trouble always finds him and this time is no different. Sure enough, as soon as Hulk lowers his guard and relaxes several high-powered mechanized attackers assault the dwelling along with a drilling machine that pierces their defenses.

After a few fists are thrown and machines smashed, one of the attackers sheds her armor to reveal that they are not here to hurt Hulk but ask for his help against something only he can defeat, Banner. In a far away jungle setting, generically modified creatures round up subjects for their master, the clearly insane Bruce Banner.

Even though I am a fan of the Hulk, I was reluctant to get invested in a new series. I enjoy Aaron's writing on the whole and am a fan of Silvestri's from his X-Men work back in the day, but... another Hulk comic? I wasn't sold. The new issue is rather remarkable in that in a short number of pages it shakes up the status quot, shows us sides of Banner and Hulk we had not seen before and delivers the smashing action that readers long for.

The artwork by Silvestri is not to everyone's taste and I can dig that. His linework is very scratchy and thin leading to a more cartoonish look that is far more abstract that many readers are used to. In my opinion, it suits the horror element perfectly and works with the mood quite well. It may look dated as well to some, but there's a reason why Silvestri is a renowned artist and I think subsequent issues will prove why.

If you were holding out on this series because you were either unsure of a new take on the Hulk or just exhausted from over-exposure of the green goliath, you should give this a try. If you are a newcomer, this is a great jumping on point as it does not rely on any backstory (so far, anyway).