Can’t deny, I was kind of disappointed with Indestructible Hulk #10. With the previous Thor story taking a few issues to resolve itself, I was hoping the idea of a blind Hulk would get a longer story arc. Instead, writer Mark Waid does a fast wrap up job in order to move along to the next story. I’m not sure why, since the idea of Hulk being blind seems a goldmine as far as storytelling goes. I’m guessing it’s part of a greater uneasiness with the whole series.
There is a lack of cohesion to the Hulk that has plagued the character since Greg Pak left. While Jason Aaron’s run was abysmal, it was an indicator of a real problem with the Hulk. How do you keep telling stories about him? Aaron attempted a lengthy story arc and failed. Mark Waid is telling smaller stories, and succeeding thus far. Indestructible Hulk #10 is the first chink in that armor. Not only because a plot involving Baron Zemo ended as though he was some run of the mill villain, but the very end also seemed to indicate that these smaller stories won’t be ending anytime soon.
“Blind Rage” had a strong beginning. Daredevil was brought in as a key player. Not just a hero ally, Daredevil also doubles as Bruce Banner’s lawyer. The set up Banner has worked out with SHIELD is impressive, but always overshadowed by the idea that the secret agency might do away with him. If Hulk becomes a liability, they could snuff out Banner and nobody would be the wiser. Now Banner has Matt Murdock holding SHIELD at bay. If anything happens to him, Murdock leaks the whole issue to the press. We also learned that Baron Zemo was engaged in receiving weaponry that was far and above anything a terrorist like Zemo should have.
With that set up, Waid could have stretched “Blind Rage” out for at least three or four issues. He opted to wrap it up in two, so the end result is not that compelling. Daredevil and Hulk track the weapons and beat Zemo. Hulk is really only blind for a few minutes, but it is the most exciting part of the book. Blind Hulk is out of control, and causing major damage. He nearly eviscerates a bus of innocent people. Daredevil manages to get the situation back under wraps, but not before Banner is left wondering how long before SHIELD decides he’s outlived his usefulness.
My unease here is that Waid will continue this short story arcs, but I’m hoping this is all leading to something bigger and better. It doesn’t take much to put Hulk into a situation that is wonderful. The seeds of Planet Hulk were small, but grew into the best story involving Hulk in a decade. As good as they have been, Hulk needs richer territory to explore to continue on as relevant.
Matteo Scalera’s art is really hit or miss in issue #10, mainly due to the mouths of the characters. They are over-pronounced, to the point that they often make their owners look like monkeys. It might be Scalera’s obvious manga influences, or just that he has an issue with scale. Whatever the case, the mouths tend to give the whole issue a comedic vibe it doesn’t need. Scalera needs to step up his game.
(3 Story, 3 Art)
