Sunday, May 4, 2014

THE INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK Vol. 3: GODS AND MONSTER

THE INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Vol. 2: GODS AND MONSTER
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Walt Simonson, Matteo Scalera
$24.99, Marvel Comics, 144 pgs.
ISBN 978-0785168324

The Indestructible Hulk is one of Marvel's most entertaining titles. Dr. Bruce Banner has at last given up trying to cure to his "condition" (by "condition" I mean "tendency to turn into a green, rage-fueled monster when he's angry"). Instead, he has agreed to let S.H.I.E.L.D., the Marvel Universe's top spy agency, control the Hulk, using him as a living weapon of mass destruction. In return, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s unlimited money and resources support Banner's scientific research: his way of atoning for the Hulk's many destructive rampages over the years. It's a remarkably effective set-up, one that finally succeeds in making the vain and brilliant Banner a co-star worthy of his green alter ego...and gives the Hulk plenty of opportunities to smash bad guys, guilt-free, in spectacular fashion.

This second volume guest-stars Thor and features artwork by the great Walt Simonson, an industry veteran perhaps best-known for his landmark Thor run back in the 1980s. Seeing Simonson draw Thor again is an old school fan's dream--Simonson's art is as bold and exciting as ever--and writer Mark Waid's script turns Simonson loose to draw all kinds of cool stuff. It's destruction on an epic scale...exactly what you want from a Hulk comic guest-starring the mighty Thor.

TIPS FOR LIBRARIANS: Marvel's "premier edition" hardcovers may cost a little more than the paperback editions, but the increased durability is worth every penny. The cover stock does tend to pick up dirt, though, so you'll want to cover the book.

READERS ADVISORY NOTES: Great fun for teen and adult readers. Also, if you're trying to expand your collection's audience, Walt Simonson drawing Thor again, even though it's just this once, is an opportunity to appeal to lapsed readers from the '80s generation. Finally, Mark Waid is among the industry's most prolific writers, so if your patrons enjoy this book, he's written plenty more you can recommend to them.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Superhero action/violence

Review©2014, C. Michael Hall.

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