Weekly Comic Book Review

by Jeff Parker, Harrison Wilcox, Scott Reed, & Paul Tobin (writers), Zach Howard, Ben Oliver, Aluir Amancio, Ramon Rosanas, Ryan Stegman, & Ig Guara (artists)

The Story: As Fall of the Hulks transitions into World War Hulks, we pause for a moment to get glimpses into the recent pasts of some of the major players of the story-line.  And no, none of them are the Hulk.

What’s Good: Well, I’ve got to admit that I had low expectations for this one, and I was generally not surprised with what I found.  However, the two stories (out of the six) that I actually got some enjoyment out of were the two that I was convinced would be the worst.  Harrison Wilcox’s Red She-Hulk tale and Jeff Parker’s Deadpool yarn are hardly worth the price of admission, but they succeed at being illuminating and funny, respectively.  Parker’s introduction of Hulkpool in particular induced a few smirks from this reviewer, as did the return of Bob, Agent of… well, you’ll see.

What’s Not So Good: Most of this comic, basically.  You’d think when picking up a comic book called World War Hulks #1, you’d actually get the first chapter of the World War Hulks event.  You’d be wrong.  Instead, you’ll find that you’ve purchased what amounts to a filler issue, giving you (purportedly) insight into several of the gamma-augmented characters running around before the plot kicks into high gear.

You’d think that there’d at least be one Hulk (red or green) in this comic you’ve dropped your hard-earned $4 on.  You’d be wrong.  Instead you’ll find several characters that are all technically “hulks,” but are not the Hulk you’re looking for.  (Especially that annoying Cosmic Hulk robot that was obviously brought into the story to have a Green Hulk running around and showing up on covers, despite the fact that Bruce Banner no longer can transform into his emerald-hued alter ego.)

You’d think when eagerly opening up this issue, having just run home from the comic shop, you’d at least learn interesting tidbits about the spotlighted characters that will help you better understand their future actions.  You’d be wrong.  Instead, you’ll find out that Marlo, Rick Jones’ wife, might wait for him while he runs off and plays hero.  Or she might not.  You’ll discover that Bucky ran into Glen Talbot during his Winter Soldier days, and that Talbot is tough.  You’ll discern that Betty Ross is either a huge cheater or just really has daddy issues and that she should have stayed dead.  Oh, and Talbot’s tough (And should have stayed dead, too.)  You’ll detect that you’re not clear why some Hulks are red, while others are green, and blue, and some don’t change color at all.  You’ll ascertain that the Deadpoolification of Marvel is still really annoying.  Finally, you’ll realize that I’ve used every appropriate synonym for the word ‘learn’ I could find in the thesaurus.  Well, I didn’t use “detect.”

Conclusion: Skip it.  Unless you’re a hardcore Hulk or Deadpool completist, you really do not need this comic.  Skim through the Deadpool story in your local shop, and then buy S.H.I.E.L.D. #1.

Grade: D+

-Joe Lopez

Filed under: Marvel Comics Tagged: | Aluir Amancio, Ben Oliver, eff Parker, Harrison Wilcox, Hulk, Ig Guara, Paul Tobin, Ramon Rosanas, Ryan Stegman, Scott Reed, World War Hulks, World War Hulks #1, World War Hulks #1 review, Zach Howard