World War Hulk #3
I’m flummoxed, Marvel is currently publishing a miniseries/summer event called World War Hulk written by Greg Pak and drawn by John Romita Jr. Essentially, it’s the story of the Incredible Hulk’s return to Earth after being banished off-planet by a group of the planet’s most powerful heroes (Dr. Strange, Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Namor. Black Bolt and Professor Xavier) and, wouldn’t you know it, he’s very angry.
The first two issues of the event were really quite similar, Hulk smashed, heroes threw themselves at Hulk and he smashed some more. When I read issue one, that pattern was okay, I mean. Greg Pak gets paid for this, of course he wouldn’t just put out five issues of mindless fighting. Well, we’re at issue #3 and guess what? So far he has.
This issue sees the army (under the command of General “Thunderbolt” Ross) get involved. What this entails is basically a line of tanks and attack helicopters advancing together (quite absurd) down a New York street and displaying zero knowledge of the past 150 years of advancement in tactical thinking only to be ripped to shreds by the Hulk in a rather nonplus scene that well, is kind of boring. An actual plot seems to be developing with Dr. Strange and his quest to redeem Bruce Banner within the Hulk while delving into the darker arts himself, but really, I don’t think Strange’s ambiguity will be pursued, the next two issue will most likely involve more punching.
I feel as though I must highlight some good points from World War Hulk #3 and two come to mind. One: Greg Pak really made General Ross likable and he seems to have a real grasp on the General and the human nature beneath his stereotypical exterior. Two: the art of John Romita Jr. is astounding, this guy is a master, and if you like what you see in World War Hulk, then I implore you to check out both The Externals and Wolverine: Enemy of the State, both of which can be purchased in a convenient hardcover and are excellent examples of the modern comic book.
