HULKVERINES #1: Kill or Be Killed

The moment Marvel announced Weapon H: a new Hulk hybrid with the added powers of Wolverine, it seemed inevitable that all three parties would cross paths at some point. However, have been many challenges. During the “Weapons of Mutant Destruction” crossover event between Weapon X and the Totally Awesome Hulk titles, Greg Pak and Mahmud Asrar did a good job in creating a new character, but not enough to keep the interest. Unfortunately, Weapon H became forgettable until Pak gave us a new ongoing title. Pak is doing wonders for character buildup for Weapon H and I am hooked. After 12 issues of Weapon H, we finally get Hulkverines #1, where Clay Cortez, Bruce Banner, and Logan finally meet – and it is bad news for everyone!

All hail to The Leader!

Ario Andindito’s artwork is exquisite with facial details on the first few pages and the colors by Morry Hollowell and Andrew Crossley adds to the excitement of this all-time Hulk foe. Pak caught the essence of The Leader as this villain took the information provided and made it about him killing his longtime adversary.

Pak was creative as he made page 7 of this issue and connected to the Immortal Hulk #7, which was an AWESOME book! “Many names hath GOD given him, names of mystery, secret and terrible… the destroyer, for his arm breaketh and grindeth to pieces, wherefore the fear and dread of him are upon all flesh, and the Avenger, for he is the anger of GOD, his breath shall burn up all the souls of the wicked” – Anna Kingsford. Check out my review on the Immortal Hulk #7 at https://comic-watch.com/comic-book-reviews/immortal-hulk-7-the-avengers

The next few pages we are given a breath of fresh air as Pak included the down to Earth, family man, the average Joe… or Clay Cortez and his family. There is some emotional family moments in Weapon H #4 that is work observing. Check out my review at https://comic-watch.com/comic-book-reviews/weaponh4 .
Some may find this unnecessary or even boring, but I find Clay relatable and admirable in many ways. I guess, that is why Weapon H could connect to others as well. Pak has created an honorable character that matches and maybe exceeds Captain America in some ways. Check out my review of Weapon H #7 at https://comic-watch.com/comic-book-reviews/weapon-h-7-youre-that-soldier .

As the Cortez family is enjoying some well-deserved time together, Clay hulking out a sneezing fit. This is found to be strange; because Clay also has Wolverine’s healing ability and strong immunity. The first thought that our family man thinks is that he has been compromised in some way and protecting his family is his priority. He looks at his wife, Sonia, and muddles “Plan C”. The next few pages are emotional, but Clay quickly comes into contact with Bruce Banner.

I have to say, that I do NOT like the motive that Pak provided for Banner to seek out Weapon H. I have higher expectations for his writings and storyline craft. Once, getting through that little hurdle, it doesn’t take long for some action as they battle each other.

Andindito, Hollowell and Crossley outdid themselves on the artwork during the fight sequence, except, when Hulk was absorbing Weapon H’s gamma. This would have been much more horrific if Al Ewing and artists, Joe Bennet and Ruy Jose~ would have provided more input to the current status of the Immortal Hulk.

It’s not long until we see The Leader observing and studying as he sees his plan in motion. One of the bright points is the reintroduction of The Leader, one of the most conning, sneaky little guys that make it easy not to like. Pak nails the villain’s character right on the head, and as expected, The Leader’s somebody you want to try jumping into the comic book yourself to help take down. I would like a progression on this character. I believe a little psychodynamics from Al Ewing would be helpful. In this issue, The Leader just cannot help himself and he just had to threaten Weapon H with the one thing that means the most to him. The intellect of this bully may be able to manipulate, but will always get his ass delivered at the end. The slicing and dicing is about to happen and then the third party of Hulkverines shows up.

There is a lot going on with all three of these characters in their own solo title. The Immortal Hulk and Wolverine has returned and better than ever before. Weapon H may have been given some awesome gifts, but he is own entity and I love the character development. So, bring on Hulkverines #2 already!