Connect with us
Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 review: Clever, creative storytelling

Comic Books

Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 review: Clever, creative storytelling

Hulk + magic = big changes.

You might not know it, but in two weeks Marvel Comics is getting a brand new super team. Okay, maybe not exactly brand new since The Defenders has existed before, but not like this. With a new horror show that is Hulk, Silver Surfer, and Namor to name just three, this is a team that should be quite new in their approach. Prior to the launch, Marvel is releasing solo issues giving readers a hint as to how this motley crew gets together. First up is Hulk.

So what’s it about?

Read our preview.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Why does this matter?

Al Ewing has been writing a lights-out series with Immortal Hulk which makes this a must read for me. This issue is a good one-shot with a mystery twist that should get folks interested in where the character goes from here. Let’s just say Ewing introduces something that changes the character in a big way.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 review: Clever, creative storytelling

Doctor Strange, NOOOOO!
Credit: Marvel Comics

Bruce Banner has good reason to be unhappy with himself. He’s basically carrying around a 5 ton monster inside himself and he’s watching the monster take lives. This issue gives Banner the controls as he attempts to figure out what happened to a magical character. As he carries out his detective work he takes a lot of lumps, but pushes through. There’s some punishment he’s dishing out, but also a determination that makes his endeavor heroic. This all leads to a character changing object that most likely will shift how this character is used going forward. It’s a fun element too.

Something everyone will be talking about with this issue is how Ewing and artist Simon Di Meothe use reprinted panels from classic Incredible Hulk scenes. One might think this is due to Stan Lee’s passing, but chances are Ewing and Di Meothe planned this way before his death. It’s a clever use of old panels in part because they are so strikingly different than Di Meo’s sketchy, detailed and darker art. It’s also an interesting storytelling mechanic as it draws your attention to the history of the Hulk and how different he once was. This character has been through a lot which adds a layer you may not be thinking of when reading him.

The art by Di Meo is strong and hammers home the punishment Banner goes through. Sure, he’ll heal once he changes to the Hulk, but damn does he take a licking. Banner’s exhausted body language shines through too and when Hulk shows up–you know he’s gonna–it’s via an impressive double page splash.

Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 review: Clever, creative storytelling

Note the classic Panel.
Credit: Marvel Comics

It can’t be perfect can it?

Aside from the ingenious use of old panels, the issue does seem to drag its feet in regards to its purpose. It’s a slow pace that doesn’t necessarily need to be as slow as it is here. Banner basically drags himself around a dead town trying to figure things out and it tries your patience. There’s also a bewildering interlude that has no context although I’m sure it’ll mean something in the greater Defenders picture.

Is it good?

A solid Hulk story due to its ingenious way of using classic Jack Kirby and Stan Lee panels. This story also changes the Hulk in a clever way, setting the stage for a new kind of hero once he joins his new team.

Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 review: Clever, creative storytelling
Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1
Is it good?
A solid Hulk story due to its ingenious way of using classic Jack Kirby and Stan Lee panels. This story also changes the Hulk in a clever way, setting the stage for a new kind of hero once he joins his new team.
Hulk changes in a big way
Great use of classic Kirby and Lee panels
Overall a meaningful chapter in the Hulk saga
The pace can drag, especially with the strange unrelated interlude popping in and slowing things down
8.5
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Marvel reveals Rachel Summers and Betsy Braddock to get X-Men series

Comic Books

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men' X-Men Monday #244 - Christos Gage Talks 'Weapon X-Men'

X-Men Monday #244 – Christos Gage Talks ‘Weapon X-Men’

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Connect
Newsletter Signup