Indestructible Hulk #6
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Walt Simonson
Colors by Andres Mossa
Review by Bobby Shortle
One of the joys of being relatively new to the world of comics is you get to be surprised on almost a daily basis. Today is just such a day. I have been a fan of Mark Waid’s Indestructible Hulk series, but I’ve always felt there was something missing. In contrast, I’ve always heard fantastic things about Walt Simonson for his work on Thor, and other titles, but I have never read a full issue illustrated by him. So, imagine my joy when I realized that not only was I in love with Simonson’s work, but that he was also the secret sauce which Hulk was so badly in need of. His personality driven art combined with Mark Waid’s stellar writing, make Indestructible Hulk #6 the breakout issue of the current run.
The book continues the attempts of Dr. Bruce Banner to leave behind more than a legacy of destruction. He has decided to use his amazing brain, not to try and get rid of the Hulk, but to use the time he isn’t smashing to save the planet. This credo takes Banner, and his research team, to Jotunheim, realm of the Frost Giants, in search of an element that will help ease the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. It is in this far off world that they run into Thor.
It probably will come as little surprise to anyone, but Mark Waid writes a hell of a Thor. He is brimming with all the hubris, charm, wit and ferociousness that makes the character so amazing. There isn’t a moment where you stop to consider the fact that this isn’t a character he usually writes, and that kind of dexterity is very impressive. The only downside to having a new addition with a huge personality like Thor’s is that the yet undefined research team gets swallowed up. Waid has been seeding some interesting backstories for Banner’s team, but he has yet to pay them off. This isn’t a weak point per se, but it is something that nagged at me during an otherwise flawless issue.
Indestructible Hulk #6‘s dramatic leap forward in effectiveness is thanks in large part to the art by comics legend Walt Simonson. For the first time in this series I can see the charm and cleverness of Mr. Waid’s writing there on visual display. In fact, there is no pixel, panel or page that isn’t brimming to the top with personality. This is larger than life, vibrant work that not only drives the story, but also compels me to review pages over and over again. This, along with Alan Davis’ work on Wolverine, is proof that veteran creators are just as important as they ever were, and I hope reactions to these books drives Marvel to hire them more often. I would also be remiss not to mention Andres Mossa whose bright colors bring the whole package together.
Verdict:
Buy It- If you’ve been loving this series, have considered walking away from it or even if you haven’t picked it up yet, Indestructible Hulk #6 is the issue that will cement it onto your pull list. Mark Waid and Walt Simonson are a match made in comic book heaven and there pairing has birthed a visually bombastic romp that shouldn’t be missed. So, if you like your stories witty, your art larger than life and your comic books just plain fun, go get this…NOW!
