The Good
This issue is quite the mixed bag. Now that Hulk and Banner are one again, it's up to Hulk to find out what the criminally insane Banner has been up to. This is a cool new outlook on this book, and I love that we're only seeing the world through Hulk's eyes, as he tries and piece things together to find out what Banner has done while Hulk wasn't angry. I like the idea, as I've said many times before, of Hulk being the protagonist of this story and Banner being the antagonist.
One cool moment in this issue is when Hulk realizes he's about to change into Banner again and he has to stay angry or else Banner will come back. How do you stay angry? Well, have Punisher shoot you in the face a bunch of times.
Overall, I think this story is going to be pretty good, especially how this issue leaves off. In this issue, we get a feel for the new story line and I do like it. I'm very interesting in the rest of the story, especially after the final page of the issue.
The Bad
I loved Steve Dillon's runs on Hellblazer and especially Preacher. His art doesn't really work here. This issue features Punisher and the Hulk, two of Marvel's toughest and most bad ass characters, and Dillon's art does not mesh with the characters or this world. There were times where I really liked what Dillon was doing, like when Hulk was holding onto a chain from the back of the truck, but overall, this is a disappointment for me from an artist I truly enjoy.
The dog-people characters were a bit out there for me. Seeing these guys driving a car was too over-the-top for this book, even though, in previous issues, we saw a slew of mutant animals created by Banner. I wasn't digging this.
The Verdict
It's a right down the middle issue. I was a little bummed with a few things, but I was surprised by a few others. I enjoyed the reverse side of the Banner/Hulk world here as we only see the world through the eyes of the Hulk as he tries to figure out what crazy old Banner has been up to.
On the down side, I didn't like the dog-people part of the story and Steve Dillon's art didn't mesh to well with the characters or the story.
It was an ok issue, and if you're a Hulk fan, pick this up. If you're not, you may want to pass.