With a new series, the status-quo for the Hulk has changed. It has changed a lot. As revealed in the first issue, the real threat to the world is the Hulk, it’s Bruce Banner. The Hulk was actually protecting the world from Banner who is the one who could destroy everything. Now, Banner has taken over in the Hulk’s body using the Hulk’s anger as fuel to power the engine to the machine/Hulk hybrid Banner has constructed. Then there’s the whole apparitions that Banner is seeing too. He might be losing it. There’s also a pocket dimension that Banner has guided his Hulk “starship” through. Yeah, as I said, it’s a new status-quo.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t completely sure what to think of the debut issue. There was a lot to like but the concept overall felt a bit mixed as if it didn’t know if it wanted to be sci-fi, horror, or comedy. In the end, it was a mix of it all and generally worked in a weird way. Hulk #2 continues Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley‘s vision for the Hulk continuing to mix sci-fi, horror, and comedy together for a result that’s again a bit different.

The issue continues the setup of what’s to come as the Hulk hurtles through the pocket dimension and already causing destruction. There’s something interesting to what Cates and Ottley has done with the issue. The Hulk, of no real fault of his own, has again caused death and destruction unaware of what has been done. There’s something to say about the Hulk’s nature and past through this small detail.

The issue also continues the interesting mix of genres and styles. The series is completely entrenched in sci-fi/horror but Ottley’s exaggerated art style drives into comedic territory. There’s an over-the-top aspect to the art that makes it hard to not laugh at. Ottley is joined by Cliff Rathburn on ink, Frank Martin on color, and Cory Petit on the lettering. The team creates a style that really sets the tone for the story being crafted with Cates. Any other art style and lettering and the series would have a very different feel to it. The visuals to the comic help make it and takes the comic from its rather serious concepts to “comic” territory that you can’t take too seriously.

Hulk #2 gives us a bit better of an idea as to where the series is going and takes us much deeper into the sci-fi aspect of it all. There’s still a lot of questions out there and it’s kind of obvious as to where the series is going in some of its aspects but it feels like it’s going to deliver one hell of a ride. This is a very unique take on the characters and one that definitely is keeping readers on their toes.

Story: Donny Cates Art: Ryan Ottley
Ink: Cliff Rathburn Color: Frank Martin Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics