Immortal Hulk #6
Nicolas Duncan
Recap
Stan Lee has been quoted numerous times over the past fifty years saying that his primary inspirations for Hulk were more of a gothic horror genre with influential theories on psychodynamics. Each issue of the Immortal Hulk thus far, Al Ewing and his creative team continue to carry that torch of their predecessors and take fans back to the roots of the 60’s and 70’s, an analogy of the fascinating Dr. Jekyll/Mister Hyde aspect between Bruce Banner and his reflection.
Hulk is reborn in this horror tale that explores the dark and morbid nature of humans. Ewing uses these themes with the traumatic experiences that Bruce/Hulk and Langkowski/Sasquatch has experienced to provide a fresh new direction for longtime fans as well as new readers. I am not going to give out any major spoilers as you just have to pick up each issue and see for yourself!
Review
The Immortal Hulk #6 opens with Bruce Banner self-reflecting death and rebirth, but his memories are rather obscure. He feels uncomfortable letting his dark other shadow-self out in the night. Often, comics include historical trends and address societal problems about the narrower relationship to the individual. We can relate to the deep personal experiences as one try to hide from the outside world. Our connection to the character(s) can be identified through similar behavior and social experiences.
Previous issues, Ewing focused on supporting characters to their role in the story. Immortal Hulk #6, he places the attention mainly on Banner as the narrator and we begin to understand his thought process. We learn that Banner sees Hulk as a separate entity, another personality that may even be smarter. Hulk wants to be released and Bruce knows there is something that his other self is afraid to disclose to the host personality.
Meanwhile, we learn that a new guy: General Fortean is taking over the Hulk-busting by keeping tabs on Banner/Hulk’s close ones. We learn that Fortean is using factors disclosed in previous issues to create Gamma-infused monsters to do what General Ross could never accomplish: take down the Hulk. That is not an easy task and we need a Hulk to take down “The Hulk”. Fortean believes that Langkowski may be the key to opening the door to that problem. But, where is Langkowski, also known as the Sasquatch?
That takes us to the Alpha Flight Space Station where Langkowski is being treated by Shaman and later interrogated by Captain Marvel. As the dots are being aligned on the gamma signature map, Carol locates Banner’s location. She arranges the current Avengers to meet her and Bruce’s cousin is pissed. That’s nothing compared to when Banner realizes that Carol knows the secret to the Immortal Hulk.
This issue does not have much action; however, Ewing’s Banner dialogue is much needed for this psychodynamic mysterious series. Lee Garbett creates the nightmarish feeling throughout Immortal Hulk #6 that only adds fuel to Ewing’s horrific fire.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a reality check in human psychology with a twist? After all, one may connect because this Hulk/Banner also reflects the thousands of darker parts of ourselves; therefore, I “alone” do not exist. This is a must-have masterpiece!
Immortal Hulk #6: I Alone Do Not Exist
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
