General Information
Title: World War Hulk #4
Author: Greg Pak
Illustrator(s): John Romita Jr. (pencils), Klaus Janson (inks) and Christina Strain (colours)
Original Publication Date: Cover dated November 2007
Cover Price: $3.99 US, $4.75 US
Past comic reviews can be found
here.
Premise
Doctor Strange is the last person able to stand against the Hulk and his Warbound. Channeling Zom, he faces the Hulk one on one.
High Point
"Tell you what... I'll give you a lesson."
Low Point
This is not the Zom I know. One of the defining aspects of the character was (spoiler guard on) the very, very specific conditions that must be met to banish him from this realm, one of which was the need to be at Stonehenge! End spoiler.
The Scores
The originality isn't that hot for any part of the series. You've seen it before, but that doesn't mean it's not still fun. I give it 3 out of 6.
The artwork is brighter than the past few issues have been, but the pencil and ink work is consistent with what we've seen. Computer blurring effects are very well used. I give it 4 out of 6.
The story is still moving along at a pretty good clip. I'm irritated by the inconsistency between this and Zom's other (and first) appearance. It's a big part of the character that seems to have been ignored just to make Dr. Strange an even bigger gun. It led to some very good dialogue, but needed to be better set up and handled. The rest of the issue is strong, delivering what it should. I give it 4 out of 6.
The characterization is very nice, laying out the boundaries of what characters expect and do. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response is good. Despite the problems reconciling with an issue of "Strange Tales" from 40 years ago that many of today's readers likely never read, it's a lot of fun. I give it 5 out of 6.
The flow is smooth, carrying the story from panel to panel quickly and efficiently. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, this continues to deliver the smashing fun that was its sole promise. I give it 5 out of 6.
In total, World War Hulk #4 receives 31 out of 42.
World War Hulk Review Checklist
