Al Ewing ended his outstanding last issue of Immortal Hulk by introducing Walter Langkowski A.K.A. Sasquatch into the story, but why is he searching for Bruce Banner? Langkowski better be careful because most people that go looking for the Hulk turn up dead.
WRITTEN BY: Al Ewing
PENCILS BY: Joe Bennett
INKS: Ruy Jose
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Cory Petit
WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
IMMORTAL HULK SPOILERS TOO!
Summary
Walter Langkowski A.K.A. Sasquatch met up with Jacqueline McGee to help with her story on the Hulk and as a type of liaison with the Canadian Government/Alpha Flight. There search for the Hulk led them to a South Dakota bar where Walter gets stabbed in the back trying to break up a fight.
After rushing him to the hospital, he’s pronounced dead… until the sun goes down. Banner arrives in disguise at the hospital to warn the reporter and the hospital to evacuate. It’s at that time that Walter, who was pronounced dead, emerges as Sasquatch from the table scaring the bejesus out of the doctors. Holy Guacamole, where is this going next?
Banner Bites
There is a ton to unpack from this issue so let me look at just a few delicious nuggets starting with Bruce Banner going to Penn State for a semester. As a PA native, Ewing scores points by having Banner a member of that fine university for at least a semester.
Next, Ewing explains the purple pants! Banner wanted to be more like Einstein so he bought 10 identical suits and researched the color purple, deducing “it’s going into style.” Was it needed? No, but it’s hilarious and the little additions that make this book one of the best in comics right now. Lastly, if Langkowski is telling the truth, Banner sounded like an obnoxious $&@!, which probably led to the Hulk in the first place.
Langkowski’s Backstory
Ewing‘s explanation as to why Department H chose to look into funding Langkowski’s research makes total sense. Department H thought Walter’s strength outmatched Banner’s normally so his gamma monster would outmatch the Hulk. Plus, Langkowski’s laid back attitude would be easier to control. And whether it’s new or old continuity, I love Ewing‘s idea of a dark dimensional demon named Tanaraq taking over Walter at one point making him more of a rampaging monster than the Canadian Government thought.
The Art
Joe Bennett and Ruy Jose’s art is amazing as usual. Their knack for detail and texture adds a sense of realism and weight to all of their characters and their environment. As always, Bennett and Jose’s dynamic art style grabs the readers attention, throws them into the story immediately, and brings the page to life. Bennett shines with his intricate detail to the characters facial expressions, smoothness of lines, and realistic placement of shadows that make the page pop. The panels are easy to follow and Cory Petits lettering guides readers through the issue safely. Nice work team!
Should you buy this issue?
Heck yeah! You get a backstory of the Hulk through the perspective of Walter Langkowski WHILE getting a backstory of Sasquatch at the same time. Ewing gives extra insight into how Hulk maneuvers from town to town, a clue that gamma radiation appears to be emitting anger sensations, and a small tidbit of what drives Jacqueline to want to chase down the Hulk so badly. Readers get all of this as well as Bennett and Jose’s amazing art that’s just next level. You got to pick this issue up.
Should you add this to your pull list?
No doubt! Since Ewing, Bennett, Jose have been doing IMMORTAL HULK,the story has been excellent and the art has been so impressive. They haven’t had a single down issue yet. Call your comic shop and add this to your pull list right now!
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