World War Hulk Review – “World War Hulk #2”

It looks like I somehow missed posting the “Irredeemable Ant-Man” review I wrote. That’ll go up shortly.

General Information

Title: World War Hulk #2

Author: Greg Pak

Illustrator(s): John Romita Jr. (pencils), Klaus Janson (inks) and Christina Strain (colours)

Original Publication Date: Cover dated September 2007

Cover Price: $3.99 US, $4.75 Can

Past comic reviews can be found here.

Premise

The Hulk and his Warbound start smashing those who get in their way, starting with the Avengers before moving on to the Baxter Building.

High Point

Clobberin’ time. That’s some freakin’ sweet art!

Low Point

Omitting the bulk of the Warbound/Avengers throwdown. People don’t buy a Hulk miniseries for the talking, they buy it for the smashing. Don’t skip the smash, particularly when the series is outselling “Planet Hulk” both as issues and in hardcover; a significant portion of the readership hasn’t seen the Warbound in action, and they don’t yet know what this group can do.

The Scores

It’s still not very original, and it’s still fun. I give it 2 out of 6.

The artwork is very good. Something about JR Jr’s jawlines usually bothers me, but the combination of Janson inks and Strain colours is working very well, particularly in the High Point of the action. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is minimal, but it’s there. We get a glimpse as to what the Sentry is up to, and what Reed Richards and Dr. Strange are trying to do in order to defuse the situation. Again, we’re not here for the story, we’re here for the smashing. I give it 3 out of 6.

The characterization is all there. She-Hulk has another great moment, as does the Hulk when he faces Ares. Iron Fist and Dr. Strange share a great scene as well. It’s pretty remarkable, given the size of the cast and amount of combat. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response is still strong, as this does a great job of delivering the action and fun the title promised. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow is all here. This is a fast paced story, and it doesn’t let up. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, this is an imperfect title that still delivers on all of its promises. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, World War Hulk #2 receives 31 out of 42.

World War Hulk Review Checklist

  • World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker
  • World War Hulk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, complete
  • Incredible Hulk #106-110
  • World War Hulk: X-Men #1-3
  • World War Hulk: Frontline #1-6
  • Iron Man #19-20
  • Avengers: The Initiative #4-5
  • The Irredeemable Ant-Man #10
  • Heroes For Hire #11-15
  • World War Hulk: Gamma Corps #1-4
  • Ghost Rider #12-13
  • Punisher War Journal #12