By Greg Pak (writer), Ariel Olivetti (art)
The Story: For those who missed Incredible Hulk #600, here’s a quick update: the Hulk is no more and all that’s left is puny Banner. This issue is the first day of the rest of Bruce’s life living Hulk free as he tries to be a hero as a human and also fix the relationship with his wayward son, Skar.
What’s Good: The idea of Greg Pak back on a Hulk book is good, whether or not the idea translates into reality remains to be seen. It’s also good that Banner is back into play, though without his better (or worser) half. Pak makes Banner interesting by giving him a carefree, daring, and borderline death wish personality. He’s supremely pragmatic and also heroic. I’m not to sure of what his motivations are or what his true sense of identity is, but that mystery makes this an interesting read.
Surprisingly, Skar is actully dymanic and interesting. It was a bit of a shock to see how “human” he is as he has a swagger and attitude about him. I would by lying if I knew anything about his character and truthfully, he seemed like a throw-away concept initially, but I’ll buy into his use as an interesting plot device, for now.
Regarding the art: Olivetti has a lot of strengths, and his best work to me, involves him drawing fully costumed characters. Also, his landscapes are very impressive to go along with his awesomely drawn Skar.
What’s Not So Good: If anyone ever wondered why the style of interior art of a comic book is different then the style of cover art, Olivetti’s work in this issue is a great example why. Every panel looks beautiful, but is stiff and awkward. It’s hard to tell a good story visually when every panel looks like it was painted from a muse. The characters look like lifeless cut-outs.
As far as the story itself, it doesn’t have a lot of spunk to keep it really engaging. There is just something missing, perhaps some of the seriousness or purpose that painted Planet Hulk or some of the fun that fuels the Incredible Hercules.
Conclusion: It’s funny that this week’s Red Hulk widely panned Loeb read was better than the much anticipated Pak Green Hulk installment. Its not that this comic was bad, it wasn’t, it was just kind of a snoozer. Also, the ending didn’t leave anything special to look forward to. This point coupled with the fact that there are no back stories or secondary plot threads in play, point to ominous signs for this series. That is until the next “big” event that Marvel always relies on boosts sputtering stories.
Grade: C
-Rob G
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Ariel Olivetti, comic books, Greg Pak, Incredible Hulk, Incredible Hulk #601, Incredible Hulk #601 - Review, Marvel Comics, Weekly Comic Book Review
Banner should at least retain some heroic qualities from his past powers. So, I guess, it would be interesting to see the Green Scar through Banner. Marvel and Loeb really messed up my interest in my favorite super-hero. The last good comic that was worth buying, for me is SKAAR #12. Rulk is a ridiculous bottom feeder of energy. Reprehensible. I will never buy comic that the Rulk is featured, or, for that matter, that Loeb writes. Green Scar should return or Skaar should hand the red hulk his ass!
How was the Savage She-Hulk back-up? It sounded like a bit of a snoozer.