Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Dead Like Me: Part 3
Written by: Bruce Jones
Penciled by: Dougie Braithwaite
Inked by: Bill Reinhold
Colored by: Studio F
Lettered by: Digital Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile
Assistant Editor: John Miesegaes
Editor: Axel Alonso
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Oddly enough, I missed issue #66 of The Incredible Hulk when it was originally released a couple of months ago. It wasn’t until the Monday before issue #67 was released that I saw #66 at a local book store and realized I missed the issue. I was shocked. Hulk is one of my favorite characters, and the title had long been one of my preferred reads. Yet, I didn’t care, and I really didn’t miss it. The last year has seen the title take a steady drop on my list, to the point where I am now…near indifference.
Is the book bad?
Not really. Bruce Jones is a very competent writer, who has a solid ability with dialogue, and the characters involved are true to what they should be. The book, though, has been caught in an X-Files-style funk for way too long now. I’ve read basically every Hulk comic that’s been printed to date (and I mean every one). I’ve always found the more horror inspired stories or at the opposite end of the spectrum the fun Peter David era of storytelling to be the best Hulk stories in print.
While there are certain horror elements inherent in Jones’ stories, this is really a big intricately plotted conspiracy thriller. Yet, it’s been going on for more than two years, and frankly the pacing is too slow, and my interest petered out long ago. The best bit, of late, has been the rebirth of the long dead Betty Banner. Bruce’s one true love interest has been away from the book since Peter David whacked here at the end of his legendary run. I am thrilled at her return, but it hasn’t changed the course of the book.
“Dead Like Me†is an arc that proceeds from the fallout of the previous storyline. Home Base is the group that Bruce/Hulk has been fighting for what seems to be eons. Home Base was able to get Bruce Banner blood, but they’ve been desperate to get their hands on some Hulk blood, which has been the whole point behind the events in Jones’ run. With the Banner blood they’ve crafted a clone of the world’s most famous Gamma scientist.
In this issue, Jones gives us some really special moments. The story’s quite thought provoking, with bits on cancer treatment, what should a clone’s rights be, and suicide-by-indifference all presented in an interesting way.
Still, the arc feels like most of the recent stories presented in these pages. There’s lots of conniving, and unresolved plotlines, and the Hulk shows up towards the end of this third part, which will lead to the big blow-up that will wrap the storyline up next issue. Nothing special, but like I said, there’s some nice character moments within.
Dougie Braithwaite is an artist that I’ve only seen a few times before. I recall him being the regular artist as the Connor Hawke era of Green Arrow came to a close. He’s doing a solid job with this arc. His work brings the tension to life that’s inherent in the story. The artwork sets the mood of internal conflict and builds toward the conclusion where we get the big reveal of the “Hulk-fight†that’s to come.
After next issue The Incredible Hulk is moving over to the Marvel Knights banner. The idea behind the Knights imprint no longer makes any sense to me, but from what I hear there may be some good things to come. While the idea of an arc focusing on a big brawl between Iron Man and Hulk isn’t all that appealing, it will at least open things up to a larger world again. Hopefully the current storyline will be the last mention of Home Base for quite some time.
A New Hulk by PAD?
Rumors have circulated that this title’s move to the MK banner will pave the way for a more classic superhero oriented Hulk book. Marvel, if you’re listening, Peter David has still shown interest in writing this character. You’d be crazy not to right the wrong that was inflicted when he unceremoniously departed the book. A book, and character, that’s never been quite the same since PAD left.
