The Immortal Hulk #23
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.
Recently, General Fortean attacked the Gama Flight team and shot Walter, aka Susquatch, multiple times with one in the head. It seems that Walter, may be down permanently this time. Meanwhile, we have some great character moments in the last issue. The hypocrisy of General Fortean to bring order to chaos and taking down monsters, he has falling into the same path as his predecessor, General Ross. He has become what he claims to be fighting against. It is interesting how quickly Fortean “adjusts” to waring the Abomination skin, almost like a symbiotic attachment. We were left hanging with a new and fresh Rick Jones. There are so many open questions that Al Ewing left our imaginations running wild and hold the excitement for what is next for each character of the Immortal Hulk!
Review
The Immortal Hulk #23, Al Ewing strategically utilizes quote from a military leader, “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable – Sun Tzu”, and morphs it as the plot for this issue. General Fortean puts his plan into action as his outer-shell, The Abomination, has a card up his sleeve or it’s rather in his repertory system. Throughout this issue, the dialogue is pointed and potent, with plenty of characters indulging in the action. However, Fortean brilliantly limits the flow of information of his secret weapon and the reader won’t see this until the end of this issue. By the way, it’s gruesome as any horror motion picture!
Ewing does not focus on character development in this issue, like I was hoping to see with Rick Jones. However, the reader will get the sense that McGee feels there is something off about Rick despite the fact that he seems to maintain the same positive “voice” he has always had. Ewing excels in his talent to bring the personal emotions out in each team involved in this Monster Mash. McGee steps into the narrator’s role again to give perspective in her role helping to plan the fight with team Hulk. The Absorbing Man and especially, Puck, are the highlights of the Gama Flight for me in this issue. But, I am a little bias when it comes to Puck the bad ass. General Fortean’s Hulkbuster team have their challenges and their science team, lead my Dr. McGowan is faced with her worst fear. The Immortal Hulk #23 is a roller-coaster ride that the reader will raise their hands high in the air and scream while being thrown up and down, side to side in this horrific action story.
Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, and Belardino Brabo produce some gruesome artwork during the fight sequences. This beautiful imagery of horror and gore fills several pages with body twisting and morphing that makes you think; “Damn, that’s nasty”, but awesome at the same time. This team with the coloring by Paul Mounts and Matt Milla takes their mad skills and masterfully creates spectacular gamma monster fight with each meticulously sculpted panel. The details and vibrant colors intensify the high points of each sequence to meet the expectations of the fans of the Immortal Hulk.
Final Thoughts
Horrific action to your very bones with complex mysteries that keeps the reader wanting for more!
The Immortal Hulk #23: The Face of the Enemy
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 10/1010/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10