Customer Reviews

Incredible Hulk Vol. 1: Return of the Monster

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Reprints #s 34-39 of the current ongoing "Hulk" series, featuring the debut of Bruce Jones, and a great jumping-on point for anyone who hasn't read the series in a long time, or an ultimate treasure for longtime fans.

Without giving too much away, Bruce Banner is on the run from just about everyone, with the Hulk accused of killing a child in a rampage. The trouble is, the evidence that this ever occured is in short supply, and ulterior motives seem to abound. The six comics reprinted here are all absolutely top-notch (and include one issue from Marvel's "Nuff Said" event, where the comics unfolded entirely without words. I don't know about all the others, but this one worked incredibly well, and blended into the larger story seamlessly) Flawless dialogue, stunning art (including the stunning reprinted covers from the original issues) and a somewhat different incarnation of the Hulk than we've seen before. The thing about the Hulk is that it's been established many years ago that the Banner/Hulk split cracks in more than 2 directions (remember Joe Fixit?) so you can do stuff like this without contradicting continuity.

One of the very best Trade Paperbacks on the market. If you've never read a comic book before, or you haven't read one in decades, this book alone could hook you into the wonderful world of comicdom.

This book is a great read but I feel it's not as good as the second one by a little bit and that's why I gave it four stars. That being said it is still very well written with great artwork to follow it up. I'm just beginning to get into The Incredible Hulk and I find these books to be great. I'd reccomend them for anyone that's just starting out like me or any long time Hulk fan.

The beginning of Bruce Jones fantastic conspiracy run of the Hulk starts here with one of my favorite artists, John Romita, JR. Blamed for the death of a small boy while rampaging as the Hulk, Bruce Banner tries unravel a mystery while eluding mysterious agents that are after him.

This TPB includes Incredible Hulk 34-39 and the new team are Bruce Jones -a veteran horror writer-, the art of John Romita Jr-the son of the legendary Spider Romita and a legend for his previous works Starbrand , Thor etc- and the inks of Tom Palmer

To say that horror writer Bruce Jones is the second coming is an udnerstatement. When you have some big shoes to fill, here for example the legendary Peter David, Jones managed to hit the ball straight out of the park in the six issues collected here. He has reinvented the Hulk by focusing the storytelling on Doctor Bruce Banner (rather than on his green skinned alter ego), a fugitive on the run from the law after a young boy is accidently killed during a Hulk incident; and he also soon finds himself hunted by a mysterious conspiracy. Jones weaves such a meticulously intricate Fugitive-style tale that makes Incredible Hulk such an entertaining read; more so than it has been in years. Issue #35, in which Bruce has a run-in with an autistic child, is completely dialogue free, yet all the more powerful thanks to John Romita Jr's cinematic-esque art. Since Jones has taken over writing duties on the Hulk, the book has become one of Marvel's best comics, and with the price this is an absolute must have for any comic or Hulk fan.

The title alone inspires an expectation that should be nothing short of a reintroduction of the character, and surprisingly, Return of the Monster does not fail to deliver. Along with Straczynski, Smith, Bendis, and Ennis, Bruce Jones has developed Bruce Banner into an individual in conflict not only with his surroundings, but with himself. At any point in time the Hulk comes raging into the pages of this book. Wonderful stuff. I'm not familiar with Bruce Jones' earlier work, but his Hulk story is definitely worth following. Very 'The Fugitive', very entertaining. You get so dragged into the story so bad that you can't wait to get your hands on the next book! You know it's an impossible hunt, but the plot is just too good to ignore. Oh, and John Romita on pencils doesn't hurt either.

Bruce Jones is a godsend for this Book after the mess that was made when Peter David departed. Jones' takes his time, some would say a bit too much, with the characterization and conspiracies that happen to Banner. Bald, on the run as a fugitive for killing a child, Banner has all sorts of trouble coming to haunt him.

He seems more fragile and wiry then shown before, the Paranoia take that the whole world is after you rings very true for Bruce, with seemingly hidden clues coming out of nowhere changing the direction of the story. this is comics at its best and most dynamic.

Romita's art. This guy is a genius, if the critical acclaim for Jones isnt enough, this book needs to be checked out for the prowess Romita shows. While his art is simple and not too outstanding for my tastes, what really delivers is how Romita visually conveys a sense of cinematic style not seen for a long time. And thats where he bags 12 out of 10 for me. Case in point: Banner's run in at the cafe with an Autistic Child, Banner's dreams morphing into real world circumstances etc.

The man is on top of his game here and fluid with a capital F. he draws Banner as a broken fragile man, it seems as if him and Jones share some intuitive thoughts about this Title. I cannot think of a better Artist to add to Jones magnificent take on the Hulk. His panels are just spot on with a little homage to Kirby coming through when the Hulk makes his few appearances. Yes, the Hulk does not come around much in this book but this is so good that you dont even think twice about it. A page turner

a must. Volumes 2 and 3 are a must buy should you want to continue with the story arc

Bruce Jones strips away much of the Peter David history of the character (I suppose it's still there, but it's deeply buried) to return Banner and the Hulk to something like the old days when Bruce had to control his rage in order to control the beast within him. It's not an unwelcome change of pace for a character who seems to embody change, but it's not a homerun either.
The stories presented in this volume are sparse and bare - intentionally. Where Peter David relied on verbal dexterity and wit, Jones often allows the images to speak for him. It's therefore a quick read and in some ways I was disapointed by that. I have nothing against John Romita Jr.'s artwork (except, perhaps, the sameness which he brings to everything he does - Thor, Spider-Man, etc. I long for him to experiment further with his style) but there were times when I longed to read more banter between the characters. If you're looking for serious character development, you're not going to get it here, as the emphasis is clearly on action. Jones did hook me with one thing though - I'm deeply curious about the identity of "Mr. Blue."

All in all a welcome departure and a return to tradition. Welcome back Purple Pants!

Great beginning for the Bruce Jones story arc. Great story. Great art. Good for all Hulk fans.

Would have been nice to know the recommended reading level for this book and the other Hulk graphic comics. The pages of almost naked adults, overly sexualized women and sexual innuendos are totally not appropriate for kids. I bought this and another one for my 11 year old son and was embarrassed by some of the content. Had the reading level been posted like it is with other books on this website then I would have never bought these.