RULK REVIEW : HULK Issue # 46
This is it. This is the final battle between Red Hulk and the all-powerful Sultan Magus, ruler of the mysterious city of Sharzhad and the man indirectly responsible for the demise of ex-Colonel William Krueger.
When the confrontation begins, the Sultan clearly has the upper hand, empowered by being in close proximity to the alien technology that transformed him from the rebel Dagan Shah into the unstoppable titan of the Middle East. But as the battle rages on, the Red Hulk eventually has his enemy on the ropes and is one breath away from putting Magus out of commission… permanently. Then, suddenly, the magic carpet is pulled out from underneath him.
In HULK Issue # 46, writer Jeff Parker writes a frustratingly good conclusion to his “Hulk of Arabia” story-arc. It’s satisfying to see the end of the Sultan’s rise of power within the Rulk’s grasp, yet frustrating that he can’t squeeze the life out of it, especially when it doesn’t require a fortune teller to foresee the city of Sharzhad will not stand quietly.. but will likely cause terror in one form or another for years to come. But sometimes, things just don’t end clean and that’s reality… and Jeff Parker’s point. At least readers get to relish in the devastating blow the Arabian Knight deals to the Sultan Magus, albeit brief. Either way Parker does a bang up job here, and will make it that much more pleasureable when Red finally is able to pluck one of the thorns from his side (M.O.D.O.K., Zero/One, Black Fog, Sultan Magus) and be able to deliver that gratifying knockout punch.
It’s been such an enjoyable feast for the eyes ever since illustrator Patrick Zircher took over the art for this book. Paired with the unique coloring of Rachelle Rosenberg , the realism Zircher puts in each and every character has been a grand dose of brilliance, perfectly matched with Parker’s very mature storyline. As other artists take over the next few chapters of the HULK book, Zircher’s work will certainly be remembered by Red Hulk fans everywhere with the utmost delight… and as the best artist to grace this series’ pages since Ed McGuinness.
Thanks Patrick. Amazing work.
4 out of 5 Stars
-A.J.
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.
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RULK REPRINT : HULK Issue # 42 Review
Back on August 13th, 2011 I posted an advance review of HULK Issue # 42 “Hulk of Arabia Part One”. Considering this terrific issue finally hit comic book shelves this past Wednesday, I felt this post was deserving of a second printing. At the bottom of the review I also added the variant cover, and some results of the beautiful coloring work by Rachelle Rosenberg. Here’s the review:
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of being able to read the 42nd issue of the HULK comic series “Hulk of Arabia Part One“. Due to hit comic stands October 5th, advanced copies in the form of an ashcan became available via this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego. Smaller than a traditional comic with only black & white interior art, this marketing tool was distributed to a select few and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy. What I found is the best Jeff Parker HULK issue to date.
General Fortean is out hunting Rulk again and it is not surprising that Ross is finally losing his patience with him. At any time the Red Hulk can put Fortean out of commission permanently, yet he still pulls his punches, out of compassion for the obsessed General that so mirrors his formal self. Yet, that compassion is slipping because his former comrade doesn’t let up. Then, suddenly, General Fortean lets up. He not only backs off… he retreats. Rulk ponders “he’s not one to retreat in battle“.
It’s not long before Annie, his life model decoy companion, calls the Red Hulk back to base camp with some news to report. General Fortean received a transmission that an ex-Colonel, current mercenary Will Krugauer was killed in the Middle East. Fortunately the transmission doesn’t concern Ross, Annie concludes. Ross responds “It concerns me“. Krugauer was his friend, and after gathering some intel, the Rulk abruptly leaves to enact revenge on the army who killed him. Annie can’t stop Ross and fears the worst. She has no choice but to put a call through to Steve Rogers… “This is exactly what he’s always feared would happen.”
Writer Jeff Parker masterfully strikes all the right chords with “Hulk of Arabia Part One“, a tale of good but flawed intentions, a tale of revenge and regret. Parker understands and utilizes that it’s the General’s brash and arrogant selfish actions (which keeps him on the outside of the hero community looking in) that makes red giant so compelling. Just when you think you can trust the Red Hulk, you can’t, and Captain America is forced to send in the Secret Avengers to stop him.
Learning that artist Gabriel Hardman’s last days of drawing the Rulk are approaching won’t be troublesome one bit with Patrick Zircher on the job. His superior art in this issue results in one fantastically drawn Red Hulk and associated characters. The art is so well done that part of me wishes this book would stay in black and white, in fear that the coloring would diminish Zircher’s beautiful work. His use of silohettes are terrific and his action scenes are outstanding, especially the panels drawn in the Red Hulk’s perspective… like when his fists smash the Earth under some soldiers feet sending them flying into the air.
Parker’s and Zircher’s work combined has resulted in a perfect issue. Can’t wait for Part Two.
5 out of 5 Stars
-A.J.
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.
Follow the RED HULK BLOG on Twitter @ RedHulkBlog
VARIANT COVERS:
Advance RULK REVIEW : HULK Issue # 42
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of being able to read the 42nd issue of the HULK comic series “Hulk of Arabia Part One“. Due to hit comic stands October 5th, advanced copies in the form of an ashcan became available via this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego. Smaller than a traditional comic with only black & white interior art, this marketing tool was distributed to a select few and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy. What I found is the best Jeff Parker HULK issue to date.General Fortean is out hunting Rulk again and it is not surprising that Ross is finally losing his patience with him. At any time the Red Hulk can put Fortean out of commission permanently, yet he still pulls his punches, out of compassion for the obsessed General that so mirrors his formal self. Yet, that compassion is slipping because his former comrade doesn’t let up. Then, suddenly, General Fortean lets up. He not only backs off… he retreats. Rulk ponders “he’s not one to retreat in battle“.
It’s not long before Annie, his life model decoy companion, calls the Red Hulk back to base camp with some news to report. General Fortean received a transmission that an ex-Colonel, current mercenary Will Krugauer was killed in the Middle East. Fortunately the transmission doesn’t concern Ross, Annie concludes. Ross responds “It concerns me“. Krugauer was his friend, and after gathering some intel, the Rulk abruptly leaves to enact revenge on the army who killed him. Annie can’t stop Ross and fears the worst. She has no choice but to put a call through to Steve Rogers… “This is exactly what he’s always feared would happen.”
Writer Jeff Parker masterfully strikes all the right chords with “Hulk of Arabia Part One“, a tale of good but flawed intentions, a tale of revenge and regret. Parker understands and utilizes that it’s the General’s brash and arrogant selfish actions (which keeps him on the outside of the hero community looking in) that makes red giant so compelling. Just when you think you can trust the Red Hulk, you can’t, and Captain America is forced to send in the Secret Avengers to stop him.
Learning that artist Gabriel Hardman’s last days of drawing the Rulk are approaching won’t be troublesome one bit with Patrick Zircher on the job. His superior art in this issue results in one fantastically drawn Red Hulk and associated characters. The art is so well done that part of me wishes this book would stay in black and white, in fear that the coloring would diminish Zircher’s beautiful work. His use of silohettes are terrific and his action scenes are outstanding, especially the panels drawn in the Red Hulk’s perspective… like when his fists smash the Earth under some soldiers feet sending them flying into the air.
Parker’s and Zircher’s work combined has resulted in a perfect issue. Can’t wait for Part Two.
5 out of 5 Stars
-A.J.
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.
Follow the RED HULK BLOG on Twitter @ RedHulkBlog
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 
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