Al Ewing continues his famous run on the Immortal Hulk with a second deluxe action-packed volume published by Panini Comics in the Marvel Deluxe line.
Al Ewing impressed Marvel Comics readers by beginning his tenure at the helm of the regular Hulk series due to the innovative nature of his ideas (despite his recourse to classic concepts) and his ability to provide long-term interest in character stories. It didn’t shine as much as it should for a long time. Now, thanks to Panini Comics, we can enjoy his shocking debut in a Marvel Deluxe volume. The Immortal Hulk 2 – Disgusting.
Taking your foot off the accelerator
Ewing started with this Immortal Hulk, laying the groundwork for horror and developing epic stories that read with great pleasure and make one think back to when comics were done differently in a good mood. This volume marks the second year in the series and, not the least bit disappointing, the scriptwriter is giving more to the main character and almost spoils the horror B series tone. It started.
We’ll be revisiting many of the characters in this superhero universe, and with each passing issue, it seems like new guests who aren’t necessarily welcome join in. The series is losing its essence in its quest to reach a point where it can confuse readers looking for slapstick, monsters and superpowers without losing the unique personality that the screenwriter has installed.
Persecution and abuse took place
One of the fronts the Hulk faces throughout this volume is General Reginald Forton, aka the white-marked General Thunderbolt Ross (now Red Hulk). Here, to mix with the monsters created by the gamma rays, when it becomes a real disaster for our green man, he will use every resource at his disposal without hesitation. Although his real explosion comes when he definitely leaves his humanity behind and somewhat unfairly gives his voice a monstrous abomination.
Continuing with the parade of creatures, we see the arrival of our main character, the respected psychiatrist: Doc Samson. But this will be the first of many, as Rick Jones (now known as A-Bomb), Return of the Grave (anyone left dead in the Marvel Universe?) Betty Ross (now known as maybe Harpy or maybe Red She-Hulk) and Another series of characters that function more as support services than as essential elements to the narrative…
The inner voice of the monster
If we ignore the cross we get in this form with the event of absolute carnage, the final volume may not be as intense as the first, but despite this, it has enough positive points to keep the reader going. In this series of beliefs. And beyond the parade of monsters here, Ewing continues to triumph when it comes to developing the character of Bruce Banner and his dark side. Particularly noteworthy in this regard is our protagonist’s conversation with past versions of himself.
While it solves some unknowns pending from the previous volume and creates new innovations, what is interesting is to see how the central character interacts with the darkness, an enemy that cannot be defeated with a slap. And it’s one of the aspects that elevates the quality of these jokes, as the ghastly voice that torments him is used perfectly. We also have to add to this the greatness of the scriptwriter to close each issue, which shows that we are dealing with a more pretentious series than usual.
For the picture, we have to thank the work of Kyle Hotz, which is included here and which, unfortunately, we will see from now on. On the other hand, Joe Bennett, who holds most of the rest of the numbers, continues above acceptable levels and has little to complain about in his work.
Published by Panini Comics in hardcover, the volume measures 17 x 26 cm and contains 296 color pages. and the US edition of issues #14 through #24 of the regular series The Immortal Hulk and Absolute Carnage: The Immortal Hulk, in addition to covers from all issues included, an introduction by Xavi Sanz Serrano, and an extensive gallery of alternate covers at the end. It has a recommended retail price of €36 and goes on sale in December 2023.
Marvel Deluxe. The Immortal Hulk 2 – Disgusting
Jackie Magee is in hell. Carl Creel is in hell. Walter Langkowski is in hell. New Mexico is in hell. Earth is in hell. We are all in hell.
Hiding under whatever exists is now in charge, Bruce Banner belongs to him. The final scene comes against General Fortin, a man willing to do anything to destroy The Immortal Hulk once and for all, even if it means becoming the thing he hates the most.
As Shadow Base declares war on anyone with a gamma mutation, Banner must decide what kind of Hulk he wants to be and what kind of monster he wants to be.
Authors: Kyle Hotz, Felipe Andrade, Ryan Bodenheim, Al Ewing, and Joe Bennett.