RULK REVIEW : HULK Issue # 52 by Jeff Parker and Carlo Pagulayan

WARNING : There is a MAJOR SPOILER in this review, so stop right here if you’ve yet to read this outstanding issue.  Get your @#$ to the comic book store now, enjoy all the goodness that is Jeff Parker’s HULK and we’ll wait for you here!  Now, without further ado…

In this oh so enjoyable issue of HULK #52 “I  am Legion“, the Red Hulk takes on the final lap of his quest to rid himself of the evil apparition that has latched onto him ever since the events of Circle Of Four.  After successfully ridding himself of the “haunts” that were unleashed upon him in the last issue, Dr. Strange now leads the Rulk through a subterranean network called Monster Metropolis to find the underground lab run by the Legion of Monsters, a team of creatures that do their best to enforce law in the monster world.  With the help of some “strange” enchantments, a key member of the Legion may be able to trap the menacing apparition that wants Ross dead… and even identify it.  And once its identity is revealed, Dr. Strange is confident the excavation of this menacing spirit will be elementary, finally relieving Ross of his supernatural burden.

Writer Jeff Parker crafts a simply wonderful conclusion to his “Haunted Hulk” storyline, an issue that gratifyingly has it all.  The opening is all action, where Parker throws monster upon goulishly delicious monster at the Rulk… and at the Legion’s Manphibian and Werewolf who quickly come to the Red Hulk’s aid when the situation starts looking bleak.  Much like how L.M.D.s and androids appeal to Thad’s cold and efficient human side, it’s terrific how Ross relates to the Legion team with his alternate monstrous side.. leaving only interaction with humans and their super powered freaks as undesirables.  Parker also recognizes that Ross is the ultimate comedic straight man, a fact that Jeff exploits wonderfully thanks to some sadistic humor by Manphibian which results in a more than hilarious payoff.  It begs you to wonder how many other writers in comics can actually make you laugh out loud like this?

We’ll get to the satisfying conclusion momentarily, but the amazing “wow factor” spurred on by the numerous wonderful beasts that artist Carlo Pagulayan creates reaches a heavenly critical mass in this issue.  His genius talent of bringing such glorious monsters to life almost has me convinced these ghoulish creatures actually live in Pagulayan’s basement, only to pose for the mighty Carlo for panels in this very arc!  They’re all so brilliant, as well as Pagulayan’s rendition of the Red Hulk (that already has garnered tons of praise.)  His Legion of Monsters is superb too, proving when Carlo is drawing various monstrosities… look out… because this talent is really in his element!  Now while some of the color choices are odd and confusing (a green colored hand that appears to be Manphibian’s swipes at the throat of a banshee… yet reveals to be the Werewolf’s) Val Staples hits more than he misses.  These monsters are colored beautifully.

The conclusion of this issue finally reveals the long awaited identity of the ghost that has plagued the Red Hulk for so long, with absolutely thrilling results. Shockingly… the spectre is revealed as no one other than… Dark Samson, the evil alter ego of Dr. Leonard Samson!

The big reveal brought a level of anticipation and excitement to the read that has been rarely matched in comics today. And the fascinating nature of Dark Samson’s return asks more questions than it answers, a testament to writer Jeff Parker’s craft.  What are we suggesting here when a shadow of Samson’s evil alter ego (that should have passed on with his spirit) was actually capable of latching on to traces of gamma radiation left by Rulk’s brief visit to the underworld, allowing him to begin reconstituting himself?  Could all gamma beings have this capability, a chance at immortality?  Does it only apply to gamma beings who haven’t passed on peacefully?  Why couldn’t the gamma infused Abomination attempt the same feat, or did the essence of Dark Samson simply get to the traces of gamma radiation first?  Enquiring fans want to know, and will be debating the implications for years to come.

Jeff Parker’s magnificent decision to return the dead Leonard Samson into the fray (as well as the method behind the evil doctor’s resurrection) is drenched in brilliance.  Issues like this reveal Parker at his best: A story telling mastermind… especially when his tales draw from the distant echoes of the past.  Much like re-exploring the mental reconnection between Ross and Zzaxx to the repercussions of assaulting a Watcher, when Parker weaves in threads of the Red Hulk’s past into today’s storied tapestry, Jeff reaches a new level of awe, excitement and fascination.  It pours the reader a glass full of comic wonder… and craftily reminds us why we loved comics in the first place.

5 out of 5 Stars 

-A.J. 
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.  
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May 25, 2012 | Categories: Carlo Pagulayan, HULK (2008), Jeff Parker, Reviews | 11 Comments

RULK REVIEW : HULK Issue # 51

In HULK Issue # 51 “Haunted Hulk Part Two : The Blood Curse of the Forgiven”, the Red Hulk has embarked on a quest that has taken him deep into the Pyrenees Mountains of Catalonia, searching for the redeeming body of water called the Penance Pool.  According to one of the mystic texts obtained by Dr. Strange, legends dictate that this pool is a form of holy water, with magical properties that can cleanse the former General of the onslaught of apparitions that have been haunting him as of late.  Of course, the mysterious shadowy figure that unleashed these ghosts upon the Rulk knows this baptism suggested by Dr. Strange will work most effectively to stop the dead from attacking… so through deception convinces a team of the living (or rather undead) to dispatch and make sure the Red Hulk never reaches the pool alive.

Like its predecessor, Part Two of writer Jeff Parker’s supernatural tale is a pretty enjoyable ride.  The army of haunting apparitions of numerous fallen soldiers along with the villain Abomination all return, now accompanied by the fallen ex-Colonel William Krugauer (a death he tried to avenge in the “Hulk of Arabia” story-arc).  The dead continue their goal to try to penetrate the impenetrable psyche of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.  Albeit less horrific than the previous issue, their ghostly words are penetrating, and resonates deeply when they finally threaten to haunt his daughter Betty as well. 

Will Krugauer Returns! 

Yet unlike its predecessor, this issue’s installment digests with an underlining flavor of being somewhat insubstantial to the pressing story at hand.  Dr. Strange is still in the United States, working feverishly with an unnamed assistant for a cure to the Red Hulk’s plight (or at least to uncover the identity of the shadow that severely has it out for Ross) and Strange already has proven in the last issue he has the power to keep the dead “haunts” away from the crimson giant in the good doctor’s proximity.  Yet Dr. Strange strangely sends the Rulk out of his protection anyway to a legendary (possible fictitious) pool that may or may not drive the spirits away.  What will not be resolved by this quest however is the reveal nor the ability to conquer the evil entity that unleashed the vengeful spirits on the Rulk in the first place.  It all slightly feels like a forced plot device to simply make room for an appearance of the vampire reborn clan The Forgiven, which all becomes mildly distracting.

And Jeff Parker’s coolest creation, a monstrous guard that protects the Penance Pool (summoned into action by an eerie screaming skull) was delightfully grotesque and chilling, yet unfortunately appears only briefly.  And its gruesome battle with the Red Hulk (resulting with one of its heads ripped off) was only left to our imagination.   This battle unfulfilled feels like it would have been much more rewarding to witness than the sparring we were served featuring a street gang like of renegade vampires (that  found their redemption in the very same pool.)  However frustrating, Jeff Parker’s writing is still sharp and leaves you looking forward to the next installment.

The next panel we see featuring this awesome creature, it unfortunately has been long since dead.

Artist Carlo Pagulayan, the talent who also superbly drew the Planet Red Hulk story-arc, continues to impress.  His rendition of the Red Hulk is pure genius, not merely for the sheer massive, raw and powerful frame (which showcases maybe Carlo’s greatest gift), but for his uncanny ability to give the red hot monster such a recognizable look facially, which is unique to every other character in the Marvel Universe.  And when the Rulk is in the heat of battle, Pagulayan’s art explodes with all the crushing dynamic one could hope for in a book like this, with panel layouts incredibly easy for the eyes to follow.  And whether grabbing his chin after the Rulk is slugged with a weapon or reacting to the ridiculous offer the vampires make in their half-assed apology, the poses Carlo draws makes Jeff Parker’s sharp Red Hulk dialogue even that much more impactful… as only great artists can do.

It will take much more than ‘The Forgiven’ to bring this Rulk down!

The grotesque guard monstrosity was amazingly realized, drawn beautiful yet horrific… leaving me even more disappointed we saw such little of it.  And Val Staples did a decent job coloring it, but the pallet (especially the chronic pink skies) felt like a disservice to the “Haunted” tone Parker established and was trying to maintain.  The cover however was pure brilliance by all talents involved.  Simply stunning, and one of the best we have seen in a while.  Outstanding!

3 out of 5 Stars 

-A.J. 
A general falls. A red monster rises. Stay tuned.  
Follow the RED HULK BLOG on Twitter @ RedHulkBlog 

May 10, 2012 | Categories: Carlo Pagulayan, HULK (2008), Jeff Parker, Reviews | 11 Comments