Film synergies aside, Red Hulk #1 is an interesting new series as the characters lacked in the comics. It was also written by Benjamin Percy. Benjamin Percy writes a significant proportion of recent horror comics. Combining his love for Gore and violence with Red Hulk makes it seem like an easy thing to bring this character to a new level of brutality. In Red Hulk #1, tone is certainly important.
Red Hulk #1 begins with one of the boldest sequences I’ve read for a while. General Ross is on a yellow sea passenger plane. His watch informs him to stand up, and soon he is in the bathroom and hulks out. The plane quickly jumps out of the plane as passengers rush out of the plane and the Hulk rushes to the North Korean nuclear power plant facility. It is a horrifying sequence that ends with a possible World War I, showing how the brutal, monster red hulk is.
The story then cuts Doom Doom into a cell phone where Thunderboltros is imprisoned. Everything that happened is imagined and we realize that a test from Doctor Doom is imagined. The story begins when Ross and other familiar Marvel characters need to break out or die.
A wonderful montage page.
Credit: Marvel
Much of this issue is a prison story, unlike Shawshank’s red. Characters like Deathlok are there for Doom’s use, but what Doom doesn’t think they understand can come together and become stronger. Percy gets into Ross’s mind with a well-written caption in a story that leans towards breakouts worth reading.
Geoff Shaw’s art is great, with good storytelling between the layout and panels. The opening sequence is fantastic with good action and thrilling drama. Much of the rest of the matter is lonely, the characters are locked up in prison, but even so, you’re investing in their stories. What he accomplished here isn’t easy and more action can boost entertainment, but this comic isn’t boring.
By the end of Red Hulk #1, you will be invested in Motley Crew, which makes up the prisoners of Doom. As they are largely stuck in their cells, you’ll want to see how they break out and how they interact. Benjamin Percy’s gritty, terrifying storytelling and Jeff Shaw’s kinetic artwork converge to transform confinement into a melting pot of rebellion.
“Red Hulk” #1 hooks you with a great opening and premise
Red Hulk #1
By the end of Red Hulk #1, you will be invested in Motley Crew, which makes up the prisoners of Doom. As they are largely stuck in their cells, you’ll want to see how they break out and how they interact. Benjamin Percy’s gritty, terrifying storytelling and Jeff Shaw’s kinetic artwork converge to transform confinement into a melting pot of rebellion.
Bold and dynamic opening sequence that instantly draws attention
A fascinating story with well-written captions that delve into Ross’ thinking
An interesting set-up that combines high stakes combat with a compelling prison breakout storyline
Homage to prison breaks the story (reminiscent of Shawshank’s redness) may not resonate with anyone
