The Immortal Hulk #21
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 twenty 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-selves are incapable to accomplish.
Last issue, Rick Jones, the Abomination, melted Hulk’s limbs. Betty Ross Banner, now known as the Red Harpy, KILLED the Hulk, while eating his heart. “This is now the hour of death and rebirth”. – Timothy Leary. The Immortal Hulk lives again and reaches a mutual understanding with his love, his wife, Betty.
Bruce finds himself back down below and confronted by his father once more. Bruce learns a new lesson articulating science of gamma, the Green Door and religion. Al Ewing masterfully and beautifully constructed thought-provoking Ancient Hebrew and Jewish mysticism in such a magical way. The cliffhanger of The Immortal Hulk #20 implies that one more gamma soul has risen from the dead!
Review
Al Ewing slows down the action to focus on character development in The Immortal Hulk #21. General Reginal Fortean’s life lessons with personal and professional connections draw a clear understanding as an enemy of the Hulk. Previously, Fortean robbed the grave of Banner’s best friend, Rick Jones, and grafted into a new Abomination. A type of monster we would see from a horror film. During the battle of the monsters, Hulk gruesomely tore Jones from the Abomination, fleeing with his friend. Now, Fortean has made it his “mission” to retrieve the Abomination’s remains. Why? This issue digs deep into Fortean’s psyche to show us what makes him tick. Narrating this issue, we learn crucial moments in Fortean’s life that shaped him into this 42 year old driven military man.
Ewing does an excellent job describing that it is Fortean’s “duty” to take down the Hulk at any means necessary. Sound familiar? Fortean exists for order and has become an extension, an admirer of Thunderbolt Ross. Like his mentor, Fortean has become what he has been fighting against. Now, he is about to learn another life lesson. What is next for Fortean, Ross and the Immortal Hulk?
Ewing has released another top shelf Marvel story with strong character building. This issue, Ryan Bodenheim takes the mental for the artwork, which fits well with Ewing’s vision. He may not be at the same gruesome caliber to Joe Bennett, but Bodenheim definitely provides some eye catching visuals. Of course, my personal favorite was a classic Hulk scene.
Final Thoughts
Each issue we learn something more about a character and The Immortal Hulk #21 intrigues the reader enough to be excited for what Ewing will bring next for our favorite green goliath.
The Immortal Hulk #21: A Secret Order
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10