Hulk No. 10
Published by Marvel Comics. Plot and script by Jeph Loeb. Pencils by Ed McGuinness. Inks by Dexter Vines.
The Deal: It’s the latest issue of writer Jeph Loeb’s run on the Hulk — a run that’s been packed with big action scenes and tons of guest stars. This month’s edition of the comic brings the original Defenders roster (Dr. Strange, Namor, Silver Surfer and the Hulk) back together again. Loeb’s stint on the book has also heralded the return of big-name artists like Art Adams and Ed McGuinness.
The Good: Well, the art in Hulk is beyond beautiful. But with legends like Adams and “new jacks” like McGuinness handling the penciling chores (and with the steady hand of Dexter Vines on the inks), it’s hard for the art to look crappy. McGuinness drew this latest issue and every page and every panel drips with his signature clean-yet-dynamic style. Oh and the color — by Guru EFX — is rich and bright. Good stuff.
The Bad: Wow, the writing in this comic is really awful. It’s almost hard to believe that a few months ago writer Greg Pak was churning out the terrific “World War Hulk” story line. That arc ended with Hulk’s alter ego Bruce Banner captured and mentally exhausted — and it left a number of Marvel’s biggest heroes morally “scarred.” But under the current creative direction of Loeb, the book is just hard to read. Yes, it’s action-packed — like any good Hulk comic should be. But the best Hulk tales always packed an emotional punch along with the fight scenes. Loeb’s run is devoid of anything resembling substance.
The Verdict: Someone please make it stop.
Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.
This article appears in Mar 10-17, 2009.
