INTO THE HULKSCAPE As the Infernal Hulk’s Age of Monsters rages across the globe, the INCREDIBLE Hulk is effectively dead, his consciousness locked away in the brutal depths of the Hulkscape. But Hulk discovers he’s not alone… his previous alters are locked in with him, as well as the countless victims and vessels of ELDEST. Could one of the Hulks possess the key to taking back their stolen body? And could they have a way to communicate with their long-lost companion CHARLIE? Infernal Hulk #4 is an interesting chapter in the series but one that might leave new readers a little lost.
Infernal Hulk is a solid series so far. While it builds off of the previous Hulk series written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, it generally has been easy to dive in to for new readers. As long as you knew the basics you were fine and could follow along. Infernal Hulk #4 feels like the exception to that as it dives into a world called the Hulkscape where the Hulk remains as an evil god runs around in his body. While the concept, like the series overall, is pretty straightforward, there’s a lot of details here and some teases to the previous volume of the series that will likely go over the heads of those new to the series. While it’s generally easy to understand the concept, there’s just a lot that feels like is missed.
But still, even with a focus on a follow up to the previous volume, Infernal Hulk #4 is a solid issue with various Hulks battling it out in a strange world and teasing what might be the solution to this problem. But more importantly, the comic also teases the reaction to this new Hulk running around. So far, this Hulk has destroyed American armed forces, battled a giant in the ocean, and is clearly a threat. That’s beginning to be acknowledged teasing a major confrontation to come and wondering who or what might stop this new Hulk?
The art by Nic Klein continues to shine. With color by Klein and Matthew Wilson and lettering by Cory Petit, the series has a sickly glow about it perfectly capturing the otherworldly aspect of this Hulk and what’s going on. The Hulkscape is packed with detail that I’m sure long time readers will appreciate and the various Hulks look great. This is supposed to be a nightmare-like world and it comes off as such in every aspect. This is a series whose art is on point emphasizing its horror roots and helping to elevate the series as a whole.
Infernal Hulk #4 works really well as a piece of the puzzle. There’s small details and teases here that are sure to pay off as the series progresses. But, while it’s a needed chapter, it builds off of the previous volume in a way that new readers might feel lost. But, even with that, it’s an interesting issue that builds on an excellent series.
Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art: Nic Klein
Color: Nic Klein, Matthew Wilson Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
