Incredible Hulk #72 Review

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Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Big Things: Part 2

Written by: Bruce Jones
Art by: Mike Deodato, Jr.
Colored by: Rainier Beredo
Lettered by: Randy Gentile
Assistant Editor: John Miesegaes
Editor: Axel Alonso
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Peter David left The Incredible Hulk quite some time ago now. Yet, the book’s never been anywhere near the quality it was during PAD’s mammoth run. Probably the best written period since PAD’s departure was between issues 12-32 when Paul Jenkins wrote or co-wrote most of the issues. Bruce Jones, the current writer, has been on board since issue 34 and he told some outstanding stories, but he’s been on the book too long. His stuff began to peter out fifteen issues ago, but still we’re in the same mess we were then. It is quite clear now that the current incarnation of The Incredible Hulk comic is never going to become great again. At this point, I’d be thrilled if this comic was consistently decent.

The book just recently moved to the Marvel Knights banner, but all we’ve gotten is more of the same. Sure, Jones has moved away from the confusing X-Files-esque battle with Hulk/Banner vs. Home Base, but now we’re stuck in something similar, but even more disappointing. Now it’s an X-Files-esque storyline of government conspiracy featuring Tony Stark (Iron Man). Through two issues of “Big Things” we’ve seen two ridiculous fisticuffs between Iron Man and Banner/Hulk. I say it like that, because this issue actually features Tony Stark fighting Bruce Banner while each is in Iron Man armor. WTF?

Considering Jones has used a somewhat more believable style to his Hulk stories, this one just doesn’t mesh. The story really is ludicrous and casts Tony Stark in an awful light. The whole deal is based around a storyline in which Stark is attempting to build an Iron Man-like suit for the government so that they can use it in irradiated areas. There’s a girl involved that killed herself, or did she, and the brother of said girl is involved trying to kill Tony. Tony is cast as a complete a–hole living like Hugh Hefner, and he really has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The way Jones is writing Tony, I’d love to see the Hulk rip Tony’s head off before the end of the storyline and toss him in the gutter. Not a great job writing one of Marvel’s well known heroes.

The artwork from Mike Deodato, Jr. is quite good as has been the case throughout his semi-regular work on the book. This, though, is his final issue, as he moves on to greener pastures with a stint on Amazing Spider-Man. Dougie Braithwaite, who worked on the previous Hulk arc) is on tap to finish out the current storyline. I like Braithwaite’s pencils, so at least the book should continue to look good. Yet, it always annoys me to see an artistic change in mid-arc. Any art issues are the least of this book’s worries, though!

The Hulk is one of my favorite characters, but unfortunately, very few writers seem to nail the character. I’ve read every Hulk comic and can say for every great story there’s two mediocre ones. Lately, all we’ve been getting are the mediocre. Still, I don’t want to get too down on Jones work. He did some fine stuff in the first half of his run. Nothing has been solicited past this current arc, and the last two issues seem to be more Hulk vs. IM, which will make four issues in a row. I’m hoping that the next story will be a lot better than this one, but as of now, I’m not holding my breath.

There are very few comics that I collect anymore just because, but this has become one of them. AND I HATE THAT! Here’s to hoping the future’s better than the past year or so of this book. One silver lining is that PAD will be doing a Hulk mini-series in the not-too-distant future. Finally some Hulk stories to look forward to again!