Drug becometh, infused by gamma radiation. Unorthodox medical treatments; the chemical effects on matter is different from one person to the next. Addiction has horrific consequences.
THE IMMORTAL HULK #2
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose
Cover Artist: Alex Ross
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letterer: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
An outstanding new arc continues with modern-old school horror elements of the resurrected Bruce Banner walking traveling the nation while using his alter ego to coerce and right the wrongs of people’s actions. In issue #1, Banner released the monster within on a man robbing a convenience store and murdered a young girl, among others; The Immortal Hulk sets the stage for Marvel’s reborn, haunting green goliath while exploring the imperfect psychodynamics of humanity. Question is; “Is Banner and Hulk heroes or monsters who bullies”?
What You’ll Find Out:
Issue #2 explores the mind of Bruce Banner, who is taunted by the original trauma; dreaming of the poison, “The Walking Ghost Phase”, and self-inflictions by his inner monster. Bruce talks to himself, as he tries to occupy his own time before the other guy takes over. Bruce wants to live within himself, as many homeless people can relate and continues to show the simple pleasures of a homeless person. Bruce struggles to hide, like many people, he still needs human interactions.
It does not take long for Bruce to figure out what is happening in this small town and the conclusions that he comes across by the end hit very close to home. The climax of the issue is emotional and devastating.
Bruce investigates and the trail leads him directly to who has been murdering the townsfolk. The responsible party is not like he once was and he attacks Bruce, who changes to his other self. Hulk takes charge and continues the path that Bruce is incapable to go.
Dr. Frye continues telling his story of justifying his actions, but it’s the science that went wrong. Hulk has no interest in the science – “Science is the other guy” – “Me? I look for Irony”. This issue concludes with Hulk burring the gamma-infused Dr. Frye alive!
What Just Happened?
The Immortal Hulk #1 presented a new mysterious look on the psychodynamics between Bruce Banner and the Hulk with a horror vibe. Issue #2 extends the presence of these two distinct personalities and the power of control each has over the other. Al Ewing provides a full set up and begins to explain what is going on in Bruce’s head. There are aspects similar to the Incredible Hulk (1978) TV series, as the plot revolves around Bruce on the run, getting caught up in other’s troubles and releasing the Hulk to allocate justice. Unlike the old TV show, Ewing portrays Hulk as smart with a smart-ass talkative attitude. If you end up on Hulk’s bad side and or lie to him, he will do everything short of killing you and he will do it with a smile.
This provides a small concern to its readers. Though it is in the direction that I have always envisioned Hulk, however, he may be perceived as a bully style of justice. This is a sensitive issue, but I hope that Ewing will address in ways that do not take away from the characters and the story.
Another factor that differentiates Ewing’s Banner mental capacity to past versions is the representation of his “genius” levels. At first, there is a feeling of “Puny Banner”, but then Hulk refers to Banner as the “science guy”. Ewing may just be teasing with the intelligence levels as a fresh take on the fractured psyche arrangement.
These first two issues tend to be a bit slow on the first read, but Ewing provides a well-set story with a dark, eerie tone and introducing a fresh Hulk whose motives may be questionable at best. Banner is clearly out to help, but Hulk executes the work that his other half is incapable to accomplish. Ewing outstandingly builds off the events of Civil War II, where Banner was shot and killed by Hawkeye.
Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, and Paul Mounts continue to provide a strong horror theme art. The reader easily can relate and put themselves in Bruce’s shoes. This creative team uses numerous close-up shots to give the reader a real-world emotional feeling that connects with the ominous tones throughout the story.
Rating: 8 /10
Final Thought: I highly recommend this series to everyone because Ewing, Bennett, Ruy, Jose, and Mounts are exceptionally fresh compelling build-up in both characters and the story.