Doc Green is on a Mission
Gerry Duggan's Hulk #5 feels like a breath of fresh air. After enduring 3 years of mostly mediocre Hulk stories since Greg Pak's departure, we're finally treated to an issue that is very engaging and very fun. There was just so much that I loved about this issue. If you haven't picked it up, you're really missing out.
We've got a new Hulk persona in town, or rather in the psyche of Banner/Hulk, named Doc Green. And he actually stands apart from previous incarnations/personas of the Green Goliath. He's not only extremely intelligent and very powerful, but he's got a bit of a mean streak despite his seemingly calm and level-headed demeanor. From what's been seen, Doc Green isn't afraid of causing vast destruction or endangering human lives. It's a very scary, and very interesting take on the Hulk character.
I'm honestly grateful that Gerry Duggan made it quite clear that this version/incarnation/persona of the Hulk has his own unique POV & personality, even going as far as despising the name of Hulk and demanding to be called 'Doctor Green'. It brings up a lot of questions, including the control and relationship that Doc Green not only has with Banner but the numerous other Hulk personas within his mind as well. I see a lot of potential here.
I also like the fact that Mr. Duggan knows and realizes that Hulk is a vastly powerful being, one of the most powerful heroes in all of comics and definitely the Strongest One There Is. Therefore, he knows what readers and Hulk fans enjoy. He even manages to throw in some wicked cool surprises!
I mean, showing a living but time-frozen Maestro Hulk in Kang's Trophy Room at the end of time along with a bunch of other cool items from numerous heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe? That was awesome! Part of the fun is just looking for and finding all the Easter Eggs located there!
Another thing I must applaud Mr. Duggan for is for actually utilizing the scientific assistants and giving them a role. Not only that, but he's actually made me care about them. That's something that the previous writer failed to accomplish (and that's not the only thing he failed at in regards to the Hulk/Banner, but I digress).
And I'm very curious as to how this story will unfold. Doc Green wants to rid the world of Gamma Weapons and Gamma-Powered Beings. That apparently means the other Hulks: She-Hulk, Skaar, Lyra, A-Bomb, Red She-Hulk, and Red Hulk. Apparently Doc Green has came up with a cure using his own blood, but one has to wonder of the consequences this will have.
I also been thinking about something. We know that Hulk's cure is derived from his own blood, thus it cannot cure him. It makes me contemplate something: Will Doc Green's cure work on those who share his bloodline? Jen, Skaar, and Lyra all share his bloodline, so it could be quite possible that this cure may not work on them at all.
For the rest of the Hulks and Gamma Beings out there, they might be in a heap of trouble. Then again, who is to say this cure will be permanent? It might be only temporary. Like I said, this topic brings up a lot of interesting inquiries. And I honestly can't wait to find out!
Even though this is a mostly set-up issue, this one packs a wicked, smashing punch! But someone else deserves major credit here. Mark Bagley's art is fantastic. From the action scenes to the quiet moments, he delivers.
Not since the time when Greg Pak was on the series have I enjoyed a Hulk comic this much. Gerry Duggan's first chapter of OMEGA HULK is not only a very strong and promising start, but it's also loads of fun and a true visual treat.
The only complaint I have is that Marvel should have relaunched the title with a fresh #1, because in all honesty Gerry Duggan deserves it with this incredible issue. And am the only one loving the covers done by Gary Frank & Alex Ross? All in all, a very promising start to what I hope will be a very long and very epic run on the Jade Juggernaut.
If you're a Hulk fan, you must pick up Hulk #5! Don't miss out on...
THE OMEGA HULK!!!!!
4.5 out of 5
9 out of 10
