Reviewer: Tim Sheridan
Story Title: Part 2: Truth Hurts
Written by Bruce Jones
Art by: Jae Lee
Colored by: June Chung
Lettered by: Randy Gentile
Assistant Editor: Cory Sedlmeier
Editor: Alex Alonso
Publisher: Marvel Comics
So what did we all want from this story? We wanted the Hulk and the thing to fight. That was it really. All we needed was for Hulk to smash, and for Thing to make a comment about it, and then smash back. Very simple. However, this is nothing like that. We get them TALKING about a fight between the two of them. Now somehow this can work in other books, but please, not in a Hulk book.
I really wanted to like this series. I was really let down by the end of Bruce Jones’ run on the regular Hulk book. So I thought he could redeem himself by making this mini series his swan song, and a good one at that. But I’ve been nothing but disappointed by this series, now halfway over with, and nothing has happened. Jae Lee’s artwork has grown on me. At first, I was really not impressed with his work at all. But as time has gone by, I’ve appreciated it more and more, and now very much look forward to seeing a book he has something to do with. However, I feel he is being woefully unutilized here on Hulk/Thing.
About halfway through the book, Hulk says, “This has gone beyond tedious. Adios and good luck.” Look pal, I feel the same way. We get pages and pages of set up, with no pay off! Hulk gets angry so he throws a minor tantrum. And then we flash back to the Fantastic Four saying they have to go get Hulk and…uhm…maybe bring him in or something.
Thing even comments that Hulk is acting way out of character, but there is no clear indication as to why. I would have liked even a bit of a hint.
Yeah, so look, don’t go out and get this book. You want my review, there it is. Unless you like disappointing comics, stay away. Everyone involved is capable of so much more, which is why it is so disconcerting.
And hey, this book was $3.50! What up with that?!
The only thing I could think of is maybe that Bruce Jones knew he was leaving Marvel, and this was sort of his f*** off to the company. Other than that, I’m quite upset.
But hey folks, Peter David is gonna be back on Hulk soon, so we have something to look forward to. Hopefully at least a story.
Final Word: Worst Hulk comic I’ve ever read, and I own all the John Bryne issues from 1999!
