Now that’s what I’m talking about!!
I knew I hadn’t spent five issues dragging through Indestructible Hulk for nothing. Issue #6, where the all-powerful Walt Simonson steps up to the art table, is the best issue of Indestructible Hulk so far and, if you include Jason Aaron’s godawful run, could be the best Hulk issue since Greg Pak left the series. This is an adventure story, one involving Frost Giants, Thor, inter-dimensional travel and, of course, the Hulk. Indestructible Hulk #6 also comes equipped with an ending that will have the twelve-year-old comic book fan inside you hyperventilating.
Our story opens with a woman in shadows attempting suicide. Her attempt is stymied by an email from SHIELD regarding Bruce Banner. Jump ahead three weeks and Banner, now an agent of SHIELD, is working with his newly assembled science team. In secret, Banner handpicked the members for a secret they think they’re hiding. Writer Mark Waid doesn’t elaborate, he allows that bit of information to marinate. Banner and his team, using a small piece of Thor’s hammer ramped up to ludicrous speed, have opened portal to Thor’s dimension. Banner is looking for an element that could end the need for fossil fuels.
When our intrepid team of scientists land in the snowy otherworld, Thor lands with a warning to beat a hasty retreat. Much to Banner’s surprise, Thor doesn’t recognize him. In fact, Thor isn’t acting like himself at all. Cue the Frost Giants, who attack and attempt to kill Banner. Naturally, this leads to a Hulk out and a team up with Thor to put some whip ass on the Frost Giants. When Thor is separated from his hammer, Hulk attempts to lift it and succeeds. The last page is Hulk screaming “Hulk. Worthy!” The mind boggles at what could come next.
Mark Waid nails it with Indestructible Hulk #6. The last five issues have seen Waid try to be too serious with Hulk, but now he can open up and have some fun. It’s obvious Waid is having a good time writing this story arc, the energy he brings forth is palpable. Writing Hulk has always been a delicate balance of emotion and action. Waid taps that here, balancing the devious plot of Bruce Banner with the rock ‘em, sock ‘em Hulk and Thor battle Frost Giants scenes. It’s the same kind of timing and balance that allowed Greg Pak’s run to be so successful.
Then there’s the art. My god. Walt Simonson. What can I even say? Masterful? Brilliant? Unlike anyone else to ever pick up a pencil? Sure, all of those things are true, but that still isn’t it. Simonson’s work is stunning; every single panel is richly detailed and exciting. I love how he draws Thor, with a gentle nod to Jack Kirby. Simonson’s Hulk is his own creation, an angular work of absolute perfection. If Indestructible Hulk had zero dialogue, it would be amazing, but the combination of both makes it a must read. Andres Mossa’s colors are executed perfectly. I’m wondering if he’s worked with Simonson before, simply because he knows exactly how to color his work.
Walt Simonson and Mark Waid are a perfect combination for Indestructible Hulk. This is what comic books are all about.
