June 2007
"Why World War Hulk Won’t Suck"
I’m sure a lot of you comic fans have grown tired of the obligatory summer crossover events. Every war, crisis, and countdown seem like publishers’ attempting to empty our wallets with hit-and-miss stories. I’ll admit though that I loved Civil War (if you don’t count the Thor clone) until the last issue. All that build-up and Captain America gives up, noticing somehow for the first time EVER that war causes collateral damage. This guy was the hero of World War II, and he doesn’t know the consequences of war? And then they kill Cap as an afterthought in his own series. Wouldn’t killing him in the last issue of Civil War made for a smash-bang ending? Tony Stark would have crawled into a bottle of Jack Daniels (isn’t Iron Man more fun when he drinks?).
One year earlier Marvel gave us House of M. A great series with a crap ending. “No more mutants,” except the popular ones. DC gave us Infinite Crisis and 52, both enjoyable series’ with so-so endings. I enjoyed following the characters through the stories, but I’m getting tired of everything coming back to the multiverse.
If you haven’t noticed a pattern, we seem to be getting great “event” stories with disappointing endings. In a strange way, this is a compliment to the writers. If they hadn’t done such a great job with the build-up, I probably wouldn’t care how they ended. Also, these are characters that I’ve invested time and money into for years. I realize now that I’ve been TOO invested in the outcome of these stories.
Here’s where World War Hulk comes in. I wasn’t going to touch this one. After all, I hadn’t read Incredible Hulk since the 1980’s. Then June’s issue of Previews came out with a a stunning four page sample, featuring the concise words of Greg Pak (Incredible Hulk) and the distinct pencils of John Romita Jr. (Eternals). Then it hit me: Does it really matter how this story ends? I’m ready for a fun summer story without being promised that comics will never be the same. May’s prologue issues brought me up to speed in no time: The Illuminati tried to get rid of Hulk by shooting him into space, now he’s making his way back to kick some tail. Ah, the simplicity of it. No piles of continuity, no dark real world parallels, just a quick thrill ride with no strings attached. It’s about time.
With Greg Pak writing the mini-series as well as the regular ongoing Hulk series, he has a lot riding on his shoulders. I’m not very familiar with Pak’s work (except for Incredible Hulk #106 and his short House of M: Iron Man series) but his straightforward storytelling shows great promise. What really draws me to WWH and IH is the unique pencil work of John Romita Jr. (Sentry) and Gary Frank (Supreme Power). Romita uses an economic style where it feels like every stroke of the pencil matters, while Frank’s ultra-detailed work brings the characters to vivid life. I’ve been impressed by both of these artists for years, I think you will be too.
Tune into World War Hulk for a smashing good time.
Here's a tease from the House of Ideas: http://www.marvel.com/videos/World_War_Hulk_Teaser
Peace and Rage,Cory Johnson
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