Marvel Knights: Hulk #1

    Avatar image for k4tzm4n
    k4tzm4n

    41857

    Forum Posts

    9127

    Wiki Points

    74651

    Followers

    Reviews: 16

    User Lists: 1

    Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

    The Good

    Let it never be said that Joe Keatinge's new Hulk series is light on smashing. Even though Hulk technically doesn't appear in Paris, this book makes an explosive debut and the threat he's facing has made a staggering entrance.

    The writer does a fine job setting the stage, but the details surrounding the grand picture are light and this issue appears to be all about giving us the absolute bare basics, but doing so in an entertaining fashion. There's some sharp and enjoyable dialogue here (most notably with the Uncle) and it's not too long before matters get truly hectic. Without giving anything away, let's just say Paris is going to need to set aside a lot of funds for repairs and there's some really twisted panels as it all goes down.

    In some comics, the attention to detail with the location can take a bit of a hit. Piotr Kowalski and Nick Filardi make sure this isn't one of those comics. On the very first page, the two strike you with a totally immersive and commendable page of Paris. It doesn't go downhill from there, either. Every room and outdoor setting has its own sense of life and, in turn, really sells the moments Keatinge crafts. The final page is a real jaw-dropper, too.

    The Bad

    My biggest gripe is how this book throws you right into the middle of a bigger story and then has to use an info-dump to fill us in. The villain literally has to monologue in the end (apparently to herself) just to help tell us the basics about why this is all going down. Also, it's unclear why Banner can't transform, but I'm sure they'll dive into that.

    Very minor distraction: subtitles are used for one scene, but then the book reverts back to translated dialogue.

    The Verdict

    The plot is still pretty light on details, but for the most part, that's alright since this is an opening chapter and it does just enough to sink a strong hook into us. I'll definitely stick around for the second issue and that's all thanks to solid writing, a staggering second half and impressive work on the environments. If this is what the book has to offer without Hulk, I can only imagine how crazy it'll get if the Green Goliath does finally appear.

    Avatar image for bezza
    Bezza

    5019

    Forum Posts

    0

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 7

    A Hulk book without the Hulk eh? Not sure if that can work - will have to check it out!

    Avatar image for grenadeflow
    GrenadeFlow

    2140

    Forum Posts

    40

    Wiki Points

    0

    Followers

    Reviews: 0

    User Lists: 0

    Banner looked like the dude from the comic "sex"

    I enjoyed this

    This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.