The Immortal Hulk #11
Marvel Comics
Written by Al Ewing
Art by Joe Bennett
Inks by Ruy Jose
Colors by Paul Mounts
Letters by Cory Petit
Hulk and McGee take a spiritual journey through hell in this issue.
The issue starts by asking a pretty interesting question about the nature of God and whether God has a shadow. The implications and questions persist throughout this issue and adds an intriguing philosophical slant to this story.
Another interesting aspect of the story is that McGee’s fascination with the Hulk has a focus. A personal focus that speaks to privilege in a broad sense, but also privilege in relation to Hulk specifically. She brings up some interesting points about how acceptable his anger is in the world vs hers. That he can be responsible for death and destruction, but still be welcomed back as a hero and Avenger is a pretty valid point to be made by one of the victims of his rage.
The consequences of that rage continue as Hulk is visited by both Rick Jones and Thunderbolt Ross. Hulk’s violent attack against the latter is witnessed by the mystery figure in the form of his father.
As Hulk and McGee deal with their demons, Puck decides to stop letting Creel feel sorry himself and use the villain to find a way to free them.
This is a well done and smartly written journey for both the audience and the characters. Ewing does an amazing job with the characters. McGee’s journey with Hulk leads to some great character moments for her as well as development of the Hulk mythology and a perspective on the Hulk that is never talked about. Keeping the Hulk consistent in his reactions makes for an entertaining debate between the two of them.
Joe Bennett’s art is mesmerizing. The look of the emaciated Hulk is disturbing enough, but the reveal of Rick Jones was jarring. Everything from the characters to the highly detailed backgrounds is designed to illicit an emotional response from the reader and on that, it succeeds.