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When you’re a reporter a lot of your job is about finding the truth however difficult it may seem. In Immortal Hulk #4, that difficult way is apparently through Sasquatch, who enters the story and serves as a reminder of Bruce Banner’s college day beginnings. He’s also creepy as hell, but to find Bruce Banner sometimes you have to turn over some cracked rocks.
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
Walter Langkowski is an ex-football star, a space diplomat and a beloved super hero. Walter Langkowski is charming, healthy and outgoing. Walter Langkowski is the opposite of Bruce Banner. And Walter Langkowski is going to die today, because he went looking for Banner… …and found the IMMORTAL HULK. Rated T+
Why does this matter?
This issue serves as a reminder of who Sasquatch is and where he’s come from. He’s essentially the same character as the Hulk (but in a different form) and it’s fun to see how Ewing pulls apart these characters to reveal how they are similar.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
The horror vibes continue to be quite strong in this series and they start with Walter Langkowski who is creepy as hell. I’m not exactly sure he’s supposed to be creepy, but he’s got a weird look that sets me on edge. That adds up to a surprising twist in the story which leads to a horror movie cliffhanger like no other. His inclusion allows Ewing to probe Langkowski turning into the Sasquatch as well as his days as Bruce Banner’s roomate. There’s a duality being explored here that is interesting and should pay off if (or is it when) Sasquatch faces off against Hulk.
The final five pages of this book are nearly perfect. The pace is sharp, the approach surprising and interesting. There’s a build up to the big horror cliffhanger that works very well and will make your inner child scream, “Let the Hulk out to save the day.”
Joe Bennett is drawing some of the most pretty monster images I’ve ever seen. I’m sure inker Ruy Jose and colorist Paul Mounts are helping too (Sasquatch’s fury muscular skin is proof of that). There’s a level of detail that is so good with this issue I had to stop and just stare. Take for instance a scene where Langkowski is asking a few folks at a bar some questions. The level of detail around his eyes through the glass in his glasses is exceptional. It’s very realistic helping to knock the horror vibes out of the park.
Bruce was kind of a dick, huh?
It can’t be perfect can it?
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Part of me wonders how much flashback we really need here. Some of it seems unnecessary although this may be due to Bruce/Hulk not making much of an appearance at all. It’s hard to care much since we are seeing Langkowski’s perspective on the past.
Is it good?
This comic is subverting the superhero themes for something darker and more meaningful. Ewing is writing a story that’s captivating and scary while using one of the most prominent heroes ever created. It’s shocking, deliciously surprising, and scary good fun.
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