General Information
Title: World War Hulk: Aftersmash
Author: Greg Pack
Illustrator(s): Rafa Sandoval (penciler), Vicente Cifuentes (inker) and Val Staples (colorist)
Original Publication Date: Cover dated January, 2008
Cover Price: $3.99 US, $4.05 Can
Past comic reviews can be found
here.
Premise
In the wake of World War Hulk, there are a lot of pieces to pick up, friendships formed or destroyed, and roles left vacant. This gives some idea of how the Marvel Universe will put itself back together.
High Point
Tony Stark in the medical bay. A lot of people complain that he's become a jerk through Civil War and the Illuminati, but there's no doubt that he's exceptionally capable. (Personally, I think the personality traits that give him the "jerk" label have always been there; go back to the original Tales of Suspense run, and you'll see a number of instances in which he's hurt those close to him because he's convinced it's for the greater good. That's a discussion for another column, though.)
Low Point
Tom Foster's attitude changed a little too quickly.
The Scores
As the entire one shot is simply a culmination of the existing event, it doesn't come across as particularly original. Herc's actions are a direct reference to Marvel Team-Up #28 (December, 1974), and the interaction between the human and alien heroes is entirely too predictable because it is the cliche response we've seen so often. I give it 3 out of 6.
The artwork is generally well done. I wasn't thrilled with some of the human faces, but there are enough good ones mixed in with well done alien and robotic faces that it's not a major problem. I give it 4 out of 6.
The story puts the pieces in place for the new status quo, even if it does so in ways that are entirely too predictable. I give it 4 out of 6.
The characterization of each player is short and sweet, given the large cast for a story this short. We get the basics, but not details. I give it 4 out of 6.
The emotional response is fairly strong, despite the predictability. You always know what's coming next, but it's still heavy on the actions with enough interesting dialogue to hold the reader's interest. I give it 4 out of 6.
The flow is actually quite good. There are a lot of simultaneous plot threads here, and they all run full steam ahead, taking place over about the same amount of time as it takes to read the issue. It's a lot of rapid action that needs to be balanced, and that is quite well done. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, it's a decent epilogue, but not a great one. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, World War Hulk: Aftersmash receives 28 out of 42.
World War Hulk Review Checklist
