HULKVERINES #2: Slash & Grab; So Says the Leader!

What can we really say about Hulkverines? Last issue we saw battle between Weapon H and the Immortal Hulk, something fans have been waiting for quite some time. After an infection induced into Weapon H by The Leader, the hunt is on, but was abruptly halted by Wolverine. As we open up Hulkverines #2, we expected to get a conclusion to this monster mash.

Well, that just not the case quite yet. In the beginning of this issue we see Sonia, Clay, aka; Weapon H’s wife, driving with the two kiddos in the car. At first is seems that Sonia is driving recklessly to impress the kids, but then we see she intentionally drove into a river. The SUV pulling a James Bond and becomes submersible and goes into some sort of underwater bunker that is occupied by the Grandmother. This may seem super weird for those who may not be following Weapon H, but there are good references in this story to direct us to an explanation. The idea is that they are super spies, the kids are fully aware; the grandparents are in on it, but there’s a conflict between Weapon H and other superheroes. In fact, we see a nasty brawl between our infected hybrid monster and Wolverine.

These two know that individuals with their animal instincts, viciously attacks each other without holding back. However, Weapon H is still bleeding and the healing factor is not kicking in to cleanse the wounds. Clay doesn’t have time for this and leaves the misguided Wolverine, because his family is in danger. The person that Weapon H has been pursuing, the Leader, has lead Clay to another confrontation with agents of the Shadow Base. Then, the Immortal Hulk interrupts and wants to take his turn first and SMASH Clay to the ground. Logan pulls up on his motorcycle and helps Clay to escape.

The leader feeling frustrated that his prey is on the move, he summons his humanoids. There is someone else there who has a set of humanoids and clashes the scene. Doctor Alba, the original creator of Weapon H, puts up a good fight with the Leader, which results in mutual respect. This part was beautiful with an odd kind of romantic flirtatious going on between the two mad scientists. Greg Pak did a good job as Alba and the Leader were discussing how to dispose of Weapon H and the manipulations connecting them. There is an association to this story and the Weapon H #12 issue, as we now knows that the Leader may not be the one pulling the strings.

Later, Clay and Wolverine catch up with the Immortal Hulk. As the sun begins to rise, and Bruce Banner appears as he falls into the river. Unknowing if Banner can swim, Clay and Wolverine jumps in to the rescue. Then Clay sees the underwater base with his wife looking straight at him. As a major part in the Weapon H series, we see again the funny and warm “family” part to the story.

Meanwhile, at Shadow Base Remote Facility FN34, we find out what might result from the relationship between Dr. Alba and the Leader. This may take us to a conflict that we have not seen yet.

It’s clear that Greg Pak is leading heavily in great aspects of comic books, as enemies we must fight, and then we become friends. That’s exactly what he did with the relationships between Weapon H and the Immortal Hulk and between Weapon H and Wolverine. Now, they have unified enemies and must work together towards the conclusion.

Do I think this story has any kind of substance? Greg Pak knows exactly what type of book this needs to be and holds the attention to the Hulk fans, the Wolverine fans, and now the Weapon H fans. Pak provides plenty of call backs to the Weapon H series. He doesn’t bring much character formation, but it is a fun and interesting story that brings the monsters together, fighting each other, and ultimately finding the connecting balance.

I enjoy Guiu Vilanova’s artwork in this issue as it provided outstanding fight scenes. Morry Hollowell & Chris Sotomayor both have a unique approach to Vilanovia’s art. This makes some areas confusing and outstanding in other areas of this issue.