The last few days I decided to go back and re-read the Planet Hulk saga. It is one of those rare stories that is even better the second time around. Writer Greg Pak truly created a fantastic adventure in this story. The characters are compelling, the storyline fascinating, and there was opportunity for the Hulk to expand his horizons, so to speak.
After a year of hating what Marvel has done, especially Civil War and One More Day, it is a breath of fresh air to be able to read a tale that wasn't driven by the incessant need to reboot or retcon the players involved. This is what I was craving as a reader. It is an original, thoughful story that is worth the price of admission.
If you didn't read Planet Hulk prior to diving into World War Hulk, I would recommend picking it up. Amazon.com has the hardcover, and it is a gorgeous piece of literature.
It feels good to read a story that engages me without external interference. Reading Planet Hulk is a good way to escape while getting a rare glimpse into what the Hulk character can be without the burden of crossovers. Check it out- you won't regret it.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
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9 comments:
I might have to check this out. Always up for some good storytelling. I think I read a couple issues of the World War Hulk, but as I don't follow every title / character they were covering, I wasn't quite sure how it all fit, although I liked the MSG gladiator arena.
I am helping Dave Cockrum's widow sell his personal comics collection--
Golden & Silver Age books, his X-Men file copies, etc.
For more information, please visit my site. And please be kind enough to note this at *your* blog and pass along the info to help Dave's widow.
Clifford Meth
www.thecliffordmethod.blogspot.com
It looked good but I didn't pick it up. I figured, like 52, if it was good I could get the trade later.
the art reminded me of the Hulk from the late 70s early 80s
Eaglewing, this is truly good stuff. Read as a stand alone, it works for me. After this read-through I think I would have been happy with just the self contained tale being told. At first glance, I didn't think it was my bag, but the excellent storytelling won me over. I am a believer!
Well Folks, you heard what Clifford had to say. If you are interested, head over there! It sounds like he is a man on a mission!
Swinebread, it is interesting that you bring that up. I was very impressed with Aaron Lopresti's artwork on the Planet Hulk storyline. It reminded me of the old stuff as well. Between Lopresti's work here and John Romita Jr.'s on WWH, I was a happy camper.
After a really mixed year, Planet Hulk still feels like a breath of fresh air.
I checked this volume out from the library and enjoyed it quite a bit. A good, solid story from start to finish...which was exactly what the Hulk character needed after all those years of Bruce Jones' incoherent X-files rip-offs.
Mark, I am glad you had it at your library. That is a fantastic way to check it out. It truly is good stuff!
Thanks for reminding me of Planet Hulk. I also liked the story -- and loved the Lopresti artwork. Good stuff.
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