Immortal Hulk #16
Nicolas Duncan
Recap
Throughout the years, there has been many interpretations of Banner and his alter ego; Hulk. During, the “No Surrender” event, Avengers #684 issue by writers; Jim Zub, Mark Waid and Al Ewing explored the Hulk’s background of multiple deaths and the roadmap to The Immortal Hulk! – Now, Ewing articulates the best fan favorite features by taking a fierce lead to an outstanding new dark, horrific, and psychodynamic arc that keeps the reader on the edge at all times!
Over the last fifteen issues, 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, we learn more about Doc Samson, his role with the Hulk and connections to philosophical and religious traditions. There are some really good conversations between Samson and Hulk as the doctor psychologically analyzes immortality and the presumed dissociative identity disorder. We see more of the Hulk’s point of view of the world with some insight into Banner’s own mindset. The bonding session comes to a pause as this issue reaches its end with a cliffhanger that answers a question, but even more RISE! Rick Jones’ body is missing from his grave!
So, you have not been collecting the Immortal Hulk? GO GET IT NOW!
Review
In Immortal Hulk #16 continues the Rick Jones mystery story. It seems that Rick’s body was snatched by some men in black government types with FBI looking badges. The body was delivered to a secret lab where there are gamma experiments to bring Rick back to life. Hulk and Doc Samson is on the path to find Rick’s body, which leads them to a military base, Shadow Base. As the investigation continues, they are attacked by some sort of gamified monsters. Hulk kills them, which reminds me of the 2003 Ang Lee Hulk film.
All of a sudden, this UV light turns on and guts the gamma powers for the Hulk and Doc Samson. This artificial “sunlight” is strong enough to reverted Hulk back to Bruce Banner.
Samson gets shot dead centered his forehead and another shot gazes Bruce on the side. Bruce runs and hides as there seems to be no honor amongst these so-called government officials. The danger closes in, Bruce disappears in the mental abyss and someone else is set free to “fix” what Banner cannot.
Meanwhile, reporter Jackie McGee, is sent on a Hulk siting, but this story like any other. Jackie is sent to Betty Ross-Banner’s home to learn more details. Jackie learns that the forensics found blood, bone fragments, and brain matter at the scene. Last issue, we saw Betty getting shot in the head, but may not have died. There is a gamified red bird-like creature overlooking the scene. Is that actually Betty?
Al Ewing continues his awesome brand of psychodynamics and makes us curious as each issue sheds some light to our intriguing minds. Ewing always takes us through a horrific loop as he dangles those carrots to keep us wanting for more! The Rick Jones’ narration throughout this issue gives us goose bumps as we get closer to the cliffhanger. Ewing brings certain characters back into the fold as he continues to excite us with mind-blowing moments.
Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose~ continue to deliver stellar artwork, kickass gamma battles, and character details that make this a horrific tale. This team can make each Hulk transformation more grotesque than the last. Their brilliant style works perfect with Ewing’s brand of story.
There is so much to think about until next issue and in my opinion; Immortal Hulk remains one of the best Marvel books on the shelves today!
Final Thoughts
Horrifically interesting with outstanding dead-on Hulk backstory references!
Immortal Hulk #16: It’s Joe
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9.5/109.5/10
