by Mike Favila, Senior Editor
Official Synopsis:
THE AGE OF MONSTERS HAS BEGUN! As an enraged Hulk tries to take control of Bruce Banner’s body permanently, a mysterious immortal turns every monster in the Marvel Universe against Banner in an attempt to free their creator, the primordial Mother of Horrors. With the help of an unlikely new friend, Banner and Hulk must try to stop the world from getting plunged into darkness in this terrifying new series!
Creative Team:
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Nic Klein
Colorist: Matt Wilson
Letterer: Cory Petit
The Incredible Hulk #1 (or Legacy numbering #782, if you prefer) begins in the dark. More specifically, in Iraq, in an old, nondescript tomb. No explanation, no ‘Previously On’, the story just unfolds. Before you know it, there’s skin ripping, coworkers getting ripped apart in silhouette, and a promise from unnamed gods: “The Green Door is shut.” I was hooked immediately. I’d do more summary here, but you really deserve to read this yourself. This issue is a stunner. I had so many questions right away. The prelude in Hulk Annual #1 (out last month) seems to have a few hints.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson is really swinging for the fences in The Incredible Hulk #1. I admit, I hadn’t read too much of his previous work, but I’ll be fixing that immediately. I’m not used to the high elements of horror from a Hulk book, although essentially, that’s what the premise of Hulk has always been. Monster takes control of the host, laying waste to a life preciously assembled? Aren’t we all afraid of what could come out of us if we were just had a terrible day, or provoked by some idiot? It’s our basest fears, made literal. The write up at the end of the book from describes Hulk as the apex predator. As somebody capable of going toe to toe with Wolverine, this couldn’t be more apt.
Nic Klein’s art is moody and visceral. Some of the linework evoke a bit of Bernie Wrightson’s best pages. The settings are evocative, without being superfluous. What a great match to this crazy story. The bonus covers are a side bonus. I don’t know how they got these variant cover artists, but I would love to see the George Perez or Herb Trimpe versions. Either way, this art is a generous gift for all Hulk fans.
Overall:
I know what I’ll be picking up next month, the hour it comes out. If you like true horror, The Incredible Hulk #1 is a must read. Even with a plethora of monthly comic choices, Johnson and Klein make this book appointment reading.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Incredible Hulk #1 5/5 forgotten gods!
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