You know, this is one of those titles you either love to hate or hate to love. I'm kind of on the fence there.. there's love in there, maybe in the form of guilty pleasure, and there's definitely hate, in the form of frustration most of the times.
Ed McGuiness' art has been consistent throughout this whole wacky gamma powered ride. Hulk has had a bit of a cartoony feel though and I don't know if that's entirely good, or bad. Dexter Vines' inks really solidifies Ed's work though. The coloring is top notch, these pages are beautiful to look at. So vibrant and rich. Keep up the good work Jason Keith.
So that was a glimpse at what I've loved about this book.. but how about..what I hate?
Jeph Loeb. Jeph, Jeph, Jeph... oh Jeph. Step up your game man!!! Since the beginning, most of the characters involved in this arc have been totally out of character. You're bringing in a whack load of people that just seem to rip them out of continuity. With Secret Invasion going on, How in the heck did you get Namor, Ares, Iron Man, Human Torch, She-Hulk and the Thing all together to help out ol'green skin? Nothing has been making any sense.. it's like this is all happening in some alternate reality. You are paying no attention to what's going on in the rest of the Marvel U. How has the editor let you get away with this? Oh, I know why... cause you're selling out every book!!!!
There are some very frustrating elements to this story. We are at issue #6 and have only inched closer to finding out who the Red Hulk is (I refuse to call him "Rulk"), BUT.. overall.. the mystery has been working. All of us reading it are biting our nails in anticipation for the next issue.
So, I went ahead and gave this only 2 stars. I know most people have started to give up on this title, and this review might not help matters, but even though I scored it low, I think it is still a good read. If you can check your brain at the door and dismiss the fact that everyone is acting out of character, the fact that we have alot of unanswered question after 6 issues (why & how is Hulk a simpleton again?), and the fact that Red Hulk seems powerful enough to take out just about anyone.. you might just enjoy this book.
That's where the guilty pleasure comes in. I'm frustrated, but also pretty cool with the fact that we still don't know who the Red Hulk is. It's been a good mystery so far and Loeb's got us all scratching our heads.. even more so after this issue.
If you've been reading this since #1, I say you should stick with it.. kick back and enjoy the show. If you haven't been following, I suggest that you stay away and wait for the TPB.. of course, the mystery factor might be spoiled by then, but it will probably be far more enjoyable to be able to read the entire thing in one sitting.
Anywho, I believe I've said enough without actually saying anything at all?.. just following the trend, lol.