The Incredible Hulk #99

Written by Greg Pak

Pencils by Aaron Lopresti

Cover by Ladronn

 

Somewhere along the way through Pak’s epic (well, it is 12 issues) fantasy/sci-fi Hulk tale, he stopped focusing on the characters as much to let the plot begin to control each issue. He had a much finer balance through the first four issues but then something happened here at the beginning of ‘Anarchy.’ Each issue tried to fit in the same amount of characterization but was forced to settle for quick fixes and hasty generalizations since so much time was needed for exposition as each issue was almost entirely self-contained.

 

For those three people who read all my reviews, it may seem like I complain at people for going too slow, too fast, too much information and not enough but the truth is that a perfect comic finds a balance between all these extremes. This just happens to be an example of too many good ideas crammed into a single issue, ideas that need more downtime to truly have the desired effect. Maybe 16 issues would have been the better count, allowing all these characters room to breath.

 

The Hulk has been roaming the countryside with his band of misfits since he escaped the gladiator life four issues ago. A lot has happened in these past four issues. We’ve been introduced to new characters, had character transformations (some literally) and dealt with the conflict between saving a people from a greater threat and punishing them for their sins. This is all good stuff, but condensed like it is, a lot is lost for expediency.

 

We can see a very specific intent to write for the trade and a bit of a planning problem since Pak probably had to lay out a basic plan way, way back in 2004. First act, Hulk becomes gladiator and then frees himself. Second act, he builds his reputation and sets himself up to fight the emperor. Third act, he fights him. Pretty simple really but Pak has tried to fit in more than the limited schedule can handle.

 

It isn’t as drastic as I may make it appear. Pak still is able to keep a lot of the plots slow-burning and spread out. Caiera, the Oldstrong Shadow Warrior (right hand to the emperor), has been a turncoat in the making since the first issue, and she finally comes over to the Hulk’s side in this issue. Miek’s sub-plot has also been slow in coming from weak and insecure loner to proud and confident king. That’s right, king. He’s found a queen bug to start a hive with and procreate his species so he’s taken to being called King Miek.

 

It is his sub-plot that brings the most intriguing drama. What do you do when halfway through saving a people you find that they are slavers? But this question tends to get lost in all the obligatory fight scenes. When Hulk landed on this planet, it seemed like Pak had a deep and rich culture planned out for the inhabitants. Somewhere in all the running around that feelings and tone disappeared.

 

This issue sees the introduction of ‘spikes,’ a parasitic creature that looks and acts exactly like ‘The Flood’ from Halo. Even if you don’t account for the unoriginality, they get brought up and taken care of in the matter of two issues making them feel all the more unimportant. If Pak doesn’t even give them attention then why should we be expected to care either?

 

This could all be better, so much better. Unfortunate really, that this series is losing steam from all the ideas crammed into each issue. Pak can still slow things down for the fight with the emperor, and it looks like he will. The book could use one foot on the brake right now.

 

Rating - 6