|
The Incredible Hulk #266 August 1981 |
caught in the heart of a nuclear explosion, victim of gamma-radiation gone wild, doctor robert bruce banner now finds himself transformed in times of stress into seven feet, one thousand pounds of unfettered fury - the most powerful creature to ever walk the earth - stan lee presents the incredible hulk
Miscellaneous Comments: 12 December 1999
Don't know why I read this. Just dug it out and read it.
Loved it.
Type of Series: Anti-Hero; Action-Adventure; Sci-Fi; Fantasy;
Similar Comics: This era of The Incredible Hulk is a lot like Ghost Rider, or Sleepwalker, or any series where the mild-manner central character has an alter-ego possessing independent will of its own.
Typical Issue: Typical of this era were stories where Banner was lured somewhere by a evil-doer who then brought forth the Hulk and enlisted his aid in some way.
Strengths: I always look back on these issue of being somehow lesser than the Peter David years, because the Hulk was just a dumb pawn in the stories. But that view tends to overlook the fact that sometimes the stories themselves could be very good. Case in point: Issue #266.
Weaknesses: The fact that the Hulk is just a big dumb pawn in his own series is still a weakness in my opinion. Even when the stories are good.
Plotting: The plotting of this issue is simple but effective. The High Evolutionary is having a problem, Banner happens by, and he soon finds himself (or rather the Hulk) enlisted.
Logic: Fine.
Originality: The idea of a foe going after the hero because he desires his own demise is nicely quirky.
Ending: Sad. Well-written.
Re-Readability: Because I'm a fan of The High Evolutionary this is - for me - a hugely re-readable comic.
Impressive Characters: In this outing, the most sympathetic character is The High Evolutionary. His pain and anguish are nicely captured.
Impressive Writers: Bill Mantlo is the man responsible for this enjoyable tale.
Impressive Artists: Sal Buscema's wonderful art style graces these pages. I have this notion sometimes that all Marvel comics should be drawn by Mr. Buscema.
Impressive Dialogue: The Hulk's final thoughts on the battle: "All he wanted to do with all his power was find a way to die. All Hulk wants to do with his power is find a way to live. Living is harder, Hulk thinks, but better than dying."
Impressive Scenes: The final moments of the battle are quite affecting, as we see pieces of the High Evolutionary's armour coming off in the Hulk's fists. Ouch!
Less-Than-Impressive Dialogue: The chief baddie has a tendency to over-explain things. For the Hulk's benefit? For our benefit? Who knows? But it sure is irritating. Again and again we are reminded that the armour is actually responsible for what is happening. The armour. Understand?
"I needed the Hulk to destroy my defiant armour."
"Armour still intact - defying my attempts to de-evolve myself."
"It was my armour that raised my hand against you."
"My armour is trying to prevent you from slaying me."
"I created it... and now it defies me."
"I cannot command my armour."
Fine, fine, we get it already! Shut up!
Continuity: None really. This is complete self-contained. Mention is made of the fact that this story takes place on the anniversary of the Hulk's creation. And this story takes place after the Marvel Two-In-One story where The High Evolutionary and The Thing went on the trail of Counter-Earth.
Guide:
Reviews:
Other Info: This is the last appearance of The High Evolutionary before his re-emergence for The Evolutionary War. A saga that is a particular favourite of mine.
Three Things I Really Like About This Issue:
The High Evolutionary himself and his sad, lonely predicament.
Those closing words by the Hulk.
Three Things I Really Don't Like About These Issues:
GRADE: A
Review by Michael Leddy
Comments are welcome: rikerdonegal@hotmail.com
|
A BRIEFING WITH MICHAEL |
SECTION VI: COMIC-BOOK REVIEWS |
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Homepage