The Incredible Hulk #2: The Highway Down

The Incredible Hulk #2 is a pure-blooded, old-school horror comic reminiscent, in the loosest of ways, of E.C. & Warren Publishing’s bold and gritty comics of yesterday. It’s moody and rich with a Molotov mixture of desperation and tension, as the team clearly understands how creatives can utilize the Hulk to tell stories of a strange variety.

This issue picks up with Bruce and Charlie arguing about whether Charlie should be allowed to tag along with Bruce as he attempts to escape his now antagonistic relationship with the Jade Giant resting inside his psyche. As they go in circles, Charlie unable to grasp the danger Hulk presents, and Bruce unable to reconcile with the idea that there are situations out there more perilous for her than tagging alongside him, the two are interrupted by the sudden appearance of the undead. They find themselves caught up in a dark ceremony that answers only to the Incredible Hulk!

Nic Klein’s art in this issue will undoubtedly outshine the writing, which isn’t a knock on the quality of storytelling on display. PKJ, as expected, is on his A-Game. Klein has gone above and beyond on this issue, delivering visuals that evoke so much atmosphere, emotion, and tone that there wasn’t a need for dialogue. Every scene is depicted in a way that is entirely communicated through body language, coloring, and some highly creative paneling that allows the team to do more with less. This edition engrosses the reader and refuses to let them go until they’re done with it.

Regarding writing, PKJ is skilled at tying exposition and plot advancement together to ensure the reading experience is always clear and concise. It allows the characters to shine brighter, which is vital for an issue like this that focuses on establishing the relationship dynamics between Bruce, Hulk, and Charlie. All three have a level of tension with one another that fills each scene with the suspense of a loaded gun.

The moments within the church move our overarching plot forward after some excellent character-building, and while I won’t go into spoilers, I manage to be both unnerving and thrilling all at once. Overall, this issue is decisive.