RULK REVIEW : HULK Issue # 43
Sometimes you just get it right. Sometimes the stars align and all the pieces of creativity symbiotically fit into place like it was meant to be… resulting in a slice of perfection that is just heavenly to behold. And that’s exactly what HULK Issue # 43 has with this artist, this colorist, this writer and this storyline.
“Hulk of Arabia Part Two” resumes exactly where Part One left off: Red Hulk fending off an intervention lead by Secret Avengers’ War Machine, Valkyrie & Black Widow. The assembled heroes are trying to prevent Rulk’s personal war in the name of vengeance for the killing of a soldier… a fellow warrior… ex-Colonel William Krugauer. They know the thirst of revenge the formal General feels can voluntarily blind one to the global tension an unsanctioned attack can create, which is why Steve Rogers orders and supervises the counterattack to stop Ross’ personal vendetta before it’s too late. Provided a self serving opportunity to assess his unknown enemy (Dagan Shah), Rulk sees the interruption as strategically sound and agrees to temporarily cease his attack and meet with the Avengers (and local hero Arabian Knight) to gather as much intel as he possibly can before resuming his attack…. sanctioned or not.
The pure excellence of writer Jeff Parker has not shined brighter than in this amazing work, the “Hulk of Arabia” story arc. The way Parker masterfully interjects the Red Hulk into today’s political hotbed that is the Middle East and saturates the event with all the realities of the hyper-sensitive fear of ramification that surround it, is outstanding. It all feels real and resonates with a low underlying tension like an unrelenting pulse… suffering from a dangerously high blood-pressure. Parker continues to understand and exploit the appeal of Red Hulk like no other, superbly stressing that the arrogance and self-righteousness that swells in Ross had multiplied tenfold upon gaining his new found crimson powers, superseding all respect for that ol’ chain of command he followed so religiously (to what benefit?). And just when you think it can’t get any better, Parker enters a new character into the fold. Machine Man!
When Parker’s brilliance is equally matched with artistic brilliance, it’s time to revel in all the goodness with the realization you have one hell of a comic book in your hand. Patrick Zircher’s art is glorious. His characters are stunningly drawn.. and with such a flare of realism that fits superbly with very realistic story such as this. The angles and perspective he chooses are elaborately intense… while his character poses are so extremely dynamic yet perfectly formed (a testament to his craft and his ability to properly keep the human anatomy proportioned, no matter where the point of view.) What about his layouts? Zircher is the King of Layouts… which are cinematic and exciting. And while many colorists have been guilty of diminishing great artwork (Hulk #22 – #24 anyone?), the talents of Rachelle Rosenberg have proven to be an excellent compliment to Patrick’s work.
If you haven’t picked up this issue, do so now. This is truly great work.
5 out of 5 Stars
-A.J.
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.
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GREEN HULK : New AVENGERS Film Promotional Poster
Focusing on the new Hulk, while he does appear similar to the look used in The Incredible Hulk film starring Edward Norton, there are some noticeable changes. The Avengers Hulk appears to have more bulk and muscles then previously visualized. His hair is a little bit shorter now and his facial features look a lot more like the new Bruce Banner actor Mark Ruffalo. Of course this is conceptual art of a cgi character, not a new costume already decided upon and being used in filming as we speak, so ultimately any or all of the Hulk’s features can easily be changed in post-production… so we’ll have to wait and see.
-A.J.
In joyful celebration of the landmark 50th issue of writer Jeff Parker's critically acclaimed HULK Comic, superstar Jeff Parker has graciously and enthusiastically agreed to answer questions from the people who count the most: the loyal fans! Click here to 
REDHULKBLOG.com 