Immortal Hulk #11
Nicolas Duncan
Recap
Previously, we learned that Hulk/Banner can “presumably” be killed; however, the night is for the monster. Hulk has some sort of regenerative and absorbing abilities, but to what extent? Bruce Banner is taunted by the original trauma and his father’s strong grip. Although, Banner continues to have self-inflictions by his inner monster, Hulk executes the work that his other half is incapable to accomplish.
Last issue, the Gamma signature of Banner/Hulk has been detected. Without clear plans, Gamma Flight’s mistakes are high as Shadow Base has been infiltrated with the gruesome battle between Hulk and the Absorbing Man! And, then… Hulk in his skinny suit rips the skeleton from Absorbing Man’s mangled body.
Al Ewing and his super team blend their skills well with the character build-up in the right places as we reach the ending to the 10th issue. The green door has opened and Thaumiel has been breached!
Review
Immortal Hulk is so damn good that it is becoming a huge challenge for me to review each issue without sounding like a broken record. It’s awesome that this is the only complaint I have about the book. This is a must have in your comic book collection!
Al Ewing and his creative team continue to carry that torch of their predecessors and take fans back to the gothic horror inspirations for Hulk. Immortal Hulk #11, Ewing engages a frightful tale that explores the dark and morbid nature of humans with Shakespeare references and influential theories on psychodynamics.
This story is pure religious existential horror, with Ewing weaving pages of absolutely beautiful philosophical narration about Hell, the wrath of God and the in-between pages featuring Hulk’s eerie encounters.
.
Throughout this eleventh issue there are some serious intellectual thoughts for the reader in regards to “What is Hell”, the absence of God, “Does God have a Hulk”, and “Does God have a shadow”. Hulk and reporter, Jackie McGee, have walked through the Green Door and has entered Thaumiel (shadow side of the Tree of Life). The two walk through the land while having heavy heart to heart conversations about releasing anger. This section improves character development for both Jackie and the Hulk as their relationship builds with mutual respect for one another.
Ewing takes this necessary anger management conversation to a more metaphorical narration. These pages brilliantly articulate the topics and enhance the storytelling. Ewing throws in logical questions and statements as he makes the reader think while wondering “What is God’s anger”. Ewing’s exquisite narrations take the story to more references of a Hebraic and Jewish mysticism dynamics.
The storyline continues its gruesomeness through exploring the Qliphoth realm. The souls or “shells” are the evil or impure representation of the spiritual force. Hulk and Jackie meet up with some important people of their past. This is so freaking cool and emotional beyond comprehension. I am not spoiling everything, but the ending is going to grab you! You just have to pick up Immortal Hulk #11 and see for yourself!
The artwork by Joe Bennent and Ruy Jose are incredibly grotesque in his depictions of the Hulk and each hollow shell character. He creates a magnificent and chilling version of Hell. The page where Hulk tears a certain someone into pieces, Bennent’s art will make your stomach churn. Paul Mount’s coloring skills excels in this issue as he switches between black and white to the modern-old school horror elements that perfectly accentuates the various apocalyptic and symbolic energy of the imagination.
Final Thoughts
This is a must read comic book!
Immortal Hulk #11: This World Our Hell
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10
