Sta.sh
It's been a long time since I written a new journal post, but I just had to make one for this occasion. And I'm also going to review the first two issues of Mark Waid's Indestructible Hulk, which is turning out to be a very excellent series. Well, let's get this show on the road!
Indestructible Hulk #1
Written By- Mark Waid
Art By- Leinil Yu
Overall, this is a very solid first issue for Mark Waid. One thing that I loved about Mark Waid's portrayal of Dr. Banner is the fact that it greatly reminded me of Greg Pak's portrayal of the character. And at the same time, Waid's portrayal of Banner feels like the next logical step/progression of the character... especially if Pak had stayed on as the writer.
Banner making a deal with Maria Hill in order to join SHIELD was interesting, but I can't help feeling that Banner has an agenda. If you think about it, during Pak's or even David's run, Banner had his own agendas and plans. Could it be that Banner has some that involve SHIELD, perhaps manipulating them? It's something to consider.
And could it be that Banner isn't the only one with an agenda? Could both Banner and the Hulk be working together on their own various agendas? Think about it for a second. What if Hulk is just acting savage and animalistic in nature, but in truth he's still cunning and dangerous. It could be that the Gravage/Green Scar/Green King persona is just waiting, hiding how dangerous his intellect and cunning truly from SHIELD.
It would give SHIELD reason to underestimate the Hulk and Banner, allowing their downfall for whatever agenda(s) or plan(s) they have for SHIELD. After all, wasn't SHIELD just as much responsible for Hulk being launched into space as the very heroes that betrayed Hulk/Banner's trust? The answer to that would be... yes!
Until then, we'll have to wait and see.
My Grade
Story/Writing: B+
Art/Visuals: B+
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Watch it here: [link]
Indestructible Hulk #2
Written By- Mark Waid
Art By- Leinil Yu
Another very good issue from the team of Mark Waid and Leinil Yu. The art and writing, as usual, was very impressive. Banner/Hulk's armor and the transformation scene was a real visual treat. Tony Stark is as arrogant as usual, which isn't a surprise.
But do you know what's the most annoying trait, other than his narcism, about Stark? The way he acts like he has no equal, or that he everyone is beneath him... even those like Banner, Richards, and Doom who can outclass him. And just as annoying is when he attempts to "tinker" or "improve" someone else's creation/work and then proceeds to act like he was the person responsible for creating it! Talk about total gaul and nerve, right?!
The fight between Hulk and Iron Man is fun, 'cause it's quite evident that Stark is way outclassed and tries desperately to avoid a confrontation with a being who could crush even his most powerful Hulkbuster armor like a can of soda. And Hulk does snarl one word twice in this issue, referring to the device of Banner's that explodes and destroys a mountain thanks Stark's unwanted tinkering. Thus, it is Hulk who saves Iron Man/Tony Stark from getting killed by his own arrogant actions.
And lastly, the issue ends with a slight cliffhanger that'll lead to Hulk's battle with the towering giant robot known as the Quintronic Man. Overall, this was a very entertaining issue. Definitely what we've been needing after enduring over a year of lackluster stories from Jason Aaron's terrible run.
I really liked the difference between what Banner and Stark do with their intellect. Stark basically builds forward, yet does so with what he already knows. On the other hand, Banner is going for something a lot higher. Banner is setting out to discover and study the unknown in order to build some truly visionary works that'll shake the world, perhaps even the universe, to its core.
It seems they're keeping Hulk's intellect/persona secret for now. He's a force of nature. An unstoppable, indestructible nuclear arsenal that can easily split planets apart with a single blow. Not a bad angle, but I still believe that Mark Waid is planning something regarding the Green Goliath. In other words, I wouldn't count out that we've seen the last of the Gravage/Green Scar/Green King Hulk persona. Not by a long shot! If anything, Hulk is just waiting for his moment to strike... bidding his time, if you will.
I personally see this as a very good setup/strategy for the Hulk. If Waid has proven anything, especially in his excellent Daredevil series, it's that he can set up something interesting in the long or short term. Hulk may be a lot smarter than we, the readers/fans, or SHIELD think he is. I still believe that both Hulk & Banner have their own individual agendas. What they are, I can't say... but isn't that the fun part of it? Not knowing what's gonna happen next?
The Hulk is gonna get his chance to smash his foes verbally as he does physically, but for the moment he's keeping quiet. And I have a feeling that it's not a good thing for his enemies, SHIELD, and the Marvel Universe in general. Nothing is more dangerous and unpredictable as Hulk & Banner working together.
My Grade
Story/Writing: B+
Art/Visuals: A-
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Watch it here: [link]
And lastly, I'm still helming the unique contest in which I'm looking for an artist(s) to work with me on my upcoming Shades of Green: Heart of the Monster, which involves none other than Hulk & Shego.
What I want is for each artist to do an art piece involving Hulk & Shego, whether its an original piece or inspired by one of my short stories or chapters from Shades of Green. Then, whenever an artist's piece is completed, I would appreciate it if they would send me a link to their work either by leaving a message here on this journal or on my profile.
The Rules
- Each art piece must involve Hulk & Shego, but can include other characters from the Marvel Universe or Kim Possible Universe, if the artist wishes. However, the main pairing must remain that of Hulk & Shego.
- The art can be done in any form. Meaning that the artist have full creative choice as to what artstyle he or she chooses to use.
- Note: Shades of Green & Shades of Green: Heart of the Monster take place in the same universe as the animated series, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, so be sure to check out that awesome series, for it might give you some inspiration for your artwork pieces.
- Each artist can submit more than one artpiece involving the characters
The artist that I chose will work with me on my upcoming Shades of Green: Heart of the Monster and other related projects that I intend to do as my personal artist for our mutual benefit. Spread the word, fellow Deviants, for I hope to see great things and exciting results by the time I return! Good luck to all of you who chose to enter!
1st Entry by yumibow- [link]
2nd Entry by YogurthFrost-
Line Art Version: [link]
Colored version: [link]
3rd Entry By Zany88- [link]
Spread the word!
And look out for more of my works in 2013!
See ya later!
Be safe and happy!
Joy 
