Hulk Review

  Planet Hulk Review: 5 Reasons This Marvel Classic is a Slog By Daniel Boyd INTRODUCTION: Revisiting a Marvel Legend Welcome to our Planet Hulk Review. I recently finished re-reading this 2006 epic, and honestly, it felt like a chore. I first read this book in 2013 alongside World War Hulk. At the time, I remember loving it. Many fans consider Greg Pak’s run a highlight for Marvel. Consequently, it often appears on “must-read” lists for new comic geeks. However, revisiting it today changed my mind. I realize now that I was likely looking through rose-tinted glasses. STORY: A Meandering Plot on Sakaar In this Planet Hulk Review, we must address the pacing. The plot meanders and lacks the punch found in other classic Marvel stories. It begins with the Illuminati—including Iron Man and Doctor Strange—sending Hulk into space. While these characters often do shady things, their motives here feel thin and out of character. Once Hulk arrives on Sakaar, the story loses its Marvel identity. It essentially becomes a generic sci-fi comic. Because the plot feels so detached from the main 616 universe, I found it hard to care about the peril. Furthermore, the Hulk is a difficult protagonist to relate to when he is written this way. CHARACTER: When the Hulk Starts Talking I have a confession: I dislike it when the Hulk speaks in articulate sentences. In this story, he strategizes and governs like he studied The Art of War. This makes him feel less like the “Hulk” we know and more like a different character entirely. Some fans argue that this book is merely a setup for World War Hulk. However, 330 pages of setup is simply too much. The narrative drags significantly, making the reading experience feel like a long-distance slog rather than an exciting adventure. ARTWORK: Talent Wasted on a Dull Script? The artwork in the book is decent and consistent. I genuinely enjoyed the pencils by Carlo Pagulayan and Gary Frank. However, I feel the creative team’s talents were wasted on a lackluster script. The inks by Danny Miki and colors by Chris Sotomayor are professional and polished. Yet, much like Jim Lee’s work on All-Star Batman, great art cannot save a flawed story. The visuals are the only thing that kept me turning the pages. VERDICT: The Final Planet Hulk Review Frankly, I wish I had never revisited this book. It let me down and changed my positive memories of the story. If you loved this book years ago, I recommend against re-reading it today. Story: 4/10 Art: 8/10 Overall: A disappointing revisit. Check out our other Marvel reviews: Review – Swamp Thing: The Root of All Evil Review – Watchmen Want to see if you agree? Buy Planet Hulk on Amazon.