Comic Thoughts - Week of June 13, 2007

Short bursts of thought about comics I purchased and read the week of June 13, 2007.

World War Hulk #1: Wow! This is one of those big company-wide crossovers that actually delivers on its promise: HULK SMASH!

The premise is simple: A group of Marvel heroes – Iron Man, Black Bolt, Doctor Strange, and Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) – took it upon themselves to exile the Hulk for the good of the Earth. After his rocket veers off course and crashes onto a brutal planet, the Hulk finds himself fighting for life and freedom. Overcoming great odds, he survives and becomes king of the planet. He takes a queen, who soon becomes pregnant with his child. All is right and perfect for the Hulk, until the day when the ship he was sent on suddenly explodes, killing millions, including the Hulk’s queen and unborn child. Now on a mission of vengeance, the Hulk has returned to the Earth.

In this issue…the Hulk SMASH Black Bolt and Iron Man. And he’s only just getting started. I have to be honest, after Iron Man’s turn into jerk-hero during Civil War, I was glad to see him get pummeled.

John Romita, Jr.’s art takes some getting used to, but it sure does shine destructively throughout this issue. Greg Pak’s writing is both stirring and right – a perfectly plotted issue from page 1. I had hoped to see the same excellent work that created the incredible, year-long “Planet Hulk” storyline, and I was not disappointed. This is the book to beat this summer!

Countdown #46: After 5 weeks of waiting for this series to pick up, it finally does. While the mysteries surrounding Jimmy Olsen still haven’t been explained, the connections between him and the New Gods become much more interesting. Jason Todd and Donna Troy meet the Monitor’s greatest weapon, Forerunner, an alien chick capable of beating down the two anomalies without even breaking a sweat. But the best bit had to be the Rouges just sitting around discussing the lack of courtesy and manners displayed toward those working in the service industries. It reminded me of the opening scene in the movie Reservoir Dogs, when the gang argued about the necessity of tipping your waitress. Fantastic work this week.

Hawkgirl #65: I’m still enjoying this series mainly for the artwork, especially the gritty addition of Renato Arlem’s pencils. The Egyptian stuff – reincarnated lovers and immortal mummies – also keeps it interesting.

Green Arrow #75: A super issue and end to this run of Green Arrow. It had everything this series has come to rely on – idealism and heroics, big fights, political maneuvering, and big fights. I was happy to see Ollie finally use the ring Brad Meltzer introduced in his short run on Arrow, “Archer’s Quest,” to propose to Black Canary. I’ll be picking up the Black Canary mini-series this summer to see how she responds. Also, I’m really looking forward to the Green Arrow: Year One mini-series in August from Andy Diggle and Jock.

Punisher War Journal #8: After combining his own costume with that of Captain America, Frank Castle explains how he’ll take on an army of modern-day Nazis. “This isn’t just a war against an army -- Hate-Monger is waging a war of ideas. And on that kind of battlefield, Captain America can be an H-bomb. I know. I’ve seen it.” What a way for a psychopath to explain Captain America’s level of influence. Great writing, Matt Fraction!

The New Avengers #31: The Skrulls?! And what’s up with Jessica Jones and Luke Cage’s baby in the last panel? I’m hooked; no putting this one off until the trades appear.