A Different Shade Of Green Revolution In Immortal Hulk #26
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Bruce Banner is now in control of Shadow Base, and he has one goal: to destroy the human world. After taking control, he released a manifesto on the internet which has left everyone, from Roxxon to Iron Man to Amadeus Cho, reeling. It’s also inspired numerous activists and protestors to return to the street flying the color green. Bruce meets with Amadeus in the aftermath of the video going out, and Amadeus is very skeptical of what Bruce said. Amadeus understands that Bruce is angry, but he’s unsure whether it’s anger or a genuine need for change motivating Bruce’s actions.
Immortal Hulk #26 turns the Hulk into a revolutionary movement. What previously seemed to be a pseudo-nihilistic lashing out at the broken state of our world has now morphed into a concerted effort to replace that broken world with something better.
This comic deals with the reaction to this “declaration of war,” with Roxxon and “Roxx News” being the primary outlet for discussion of Bruce’s online manifesto–well, that and Bruce’s conversation with Amadeus Cho.
Amadeus, aka Brawn of the Champions, is the level-headed and well-meaning pushback against Bruce in the comic. In fairness, he has reason to be skeptical of Bruce given the man’s history. That said, nothing Bruce says is wrong.
The actual contents of the video manifesto are drip-fed throughout the comic, and its contents aren’t all that shocking …until he promises violent retribution from the Hulk.
Joe Bennett once again works his magic, giving us a highly-detailed comic full of visually expressive characters. Ruy Jose’s inking is strong and adds impact and weight to the visuals, and color artist Paul Mounts gives the art life with his vibrant palette.
Immortal Hulk #26 is a less action-oriented yet still tense installment for the series. It changes lanes from unknowable cosmic horror and brutal superpowered battles to questions of political tact, revolution, and a need for desperate and radical change. It’s intriguing and promises for some interesting events in the near future. Needless to say, this comic earns a recommendation. Check it out.
Immortal Hulk #26 comes to us from writer Al Ewing, artist Joe Bennett, inker Ruy Jose, color artist Paul Mounts, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, and cover artist Alex Ross.
Final Score: 8/10
