REVIEW: Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1 is a gorgeous comic
By Zack Quaintance — This week’s Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1 reminded me exactly why I’m so glad that Immortal Hulk became a breakout hit book over the course of the last couple of years. The main series has been fantastic from the jump. It started as a horror-tinged take on the classic Marvel Comics character, played out in that space with some truly chilling early story concepts. Sales and critical success ensued, and the book then leveraged its popularity and success to explore more esoteric territory, its growing audience in tow.
Part of this has seen Immortal Hulk mastermind Al Ewing and his collaborators launching a series of eclectic yet roundly excellent one-shots, many by idiosyncratic creators and comics autuers, albeit those that tend to work in superhero circles (think Jeff Lemire, think Declan Shalvey). This week’s Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1 is the latest comic in that mold, coming to us with an Alex Paknadel script and artwork by Juan Ferreyra.
Conceptually, this book projects the concept of the Immortal Hulk backwards through time, all the way back to pre-historic early man. It’s a different sort of spin on the Hulk concept, with radiation nowhere to be found, instead going all in on a concept introduced by the main Immortal Hulk run — the Green Door. All of this is interesting, albeit much more so to the (many…many!) readers of the prime series. And Alex Paknadel scripts it well, committing sincerely to the concept as well as what it means for the people in his tale on a micro level.
The real star of the show here, however, is the Juan Ferreyra art. I’ll be forthright here — Ferreyra is one of my favorite modern comics artists, and I’ve bought ever last book he’s worked on for some time, even when it happens to be stories or characters I care little to nothing about (see Spider-Man: Noir). Ferreyra is fearless and experimental with his art, yet never does he sacrifice narrative clarity or pleasing aesthetic. He is perhaps the taker of comics biggest yet also best-looking risks, and in this book he uses charcoals to absolutely stunning effect.
You could care nothing about Hulk and still enjoy this story. The graphic sequential storytelling is that immersive, that stunning. There are subtle character close-ups that convey great feeling and there are massive set pieces that reveal sweeping landscapes and horrific body horror monstrosities. It’s a versatile comic, and it doesn’t stop with just the main narrative.
This issue also features a backup story that is equally as gorgeous and well-done, yet by an artist who couldn’t be more different than Ferreyra in style. This comic sees writer David Vaughan (brother to comics juggernaut, Brian K. Vaughan) penning an Immortal Hulk short for Kevin Nowlan, and it’s predictably excellent. Nowlan’s sharp, clear lines excellently contrast the grittier story subject matter, really making it stand out when the monster inevitably erupts at the exact right time. If you’re a fan of superhero comic book art, you really can’t do better than the one-two punch found in this over-sized one-shot issue.
Overall: If you appreciate excellent comics artwork, this is a must-buy book. The main story features the singular and striking work of Juan Ferreyra played out in charcoals, while the backup is by all-time great, Kevin Nowlan. It’s all just so good-looking. 9.0/10
REVIEW: Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1
Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1
Story By: Al Ewing and Alex Paknadel, with backup by David Vaughan
Script By: Alex Paknadel
Art By: Juan Ferreyra, with backup by Kevin Nowlan
Letters By: Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
AL EWING AND ALEX PAKNADEL INTRODUCE THE ORIGINAL HULK! Ten thousand years ago, something green and glowing comes to poison the ancient ground of the Fertile Crescent — and the hearts of its people. One boy is left to bear the consequences — and, for the first time...to open THE GREEN DOOR. Plus: Bruce Banner faces a challenge unlike any he's seen before as writer David Vaughan makes his Marvel debut!
Price: $4.99
Buy It Here: Immortal Hulk - Time of Monsters #1
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Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.
