It’s been more than 60 years since the debut of some of Marvel’s most basic characters. Over these decades, comics have misunderstood (and re-attacked) Bruce Banner’s gamma bomb-like moments, if not thousands.
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Initially, these letterings were intended as a gentle reminder, a handy catch-up for readers who don’t have the fortune to read the incredible Hulk #1 (or amazing fantasy #15, etc.). But over time, the constant dark repetition of the same historic moments has become a waste of old, boring, almost precious storytelling real estate. The creative team must find something new to justify their trip to these early stories. Their inclusion should have a groundshaking context, even those familiar to comic books with fewer consumer literary figures. You need fresh insights.
Despite the framing of that novel, despite Doctor Strange inducing flashbacks of astral projection with the Blues Banner, a visit to Hulk’s first moment in Hulk & Doctor Strange #1 does not find anything new for us. Certainly there are some waffles as to what causes Hulk’s rage, but the results are not inspired by the putt.
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The story goes like this: Banner, gamma radiation is certainly taking what is in the subject and dialing it (She Hulk, purer in the heart, more integral, hatred, already morally corrupted, much worse), and we cannot confirm why the bomb angered him. He feels that Dock Strange (who plays a very small role in the story’s proceedings that it’s barely fair to charge him in the title) can help him understand his rage.
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The problem is that we know a lot of reasons why banners are angry. Peter David’s legendary run in books from the 1980s and 1990s provided plenty of psychoanalysis of the characters. He grew up under violence, so the gamma bombs amplified the violence. This goes without saying about the supernatural revelation of Al Ewing’s Green Door Age, or the fascinating horror inspection of characters in the current volume by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Company.
So, what does Hulk & Doctor Strange offer? That Hulk’s anger is his anger over death. At the explosion moment, Bruce’s mind is headed towards his death rate (and the unfortunate Rick Jones’ death rate), which somehow creates an angry monster who refuses to die in favor of life.
This is a fairly unfounded new take, given the Hulk is creating death.
Hulk & Doctor Strange sends us back to classic moments, but does nothing to justify a reexamination of one of the most iconic moments in popular culture. It barely justifies that honorable team-up promise. The artwork (by the talented German Peralta) is capable and clean, but nothing groundbreaking with the iconic gamma explosion. This book feels toothless, self-satisfied and unnecessary.
“Hulk & Doctor Strange” #1 rarely justifies itself
Hulk & Doctor Strange #1
This issue sends us back to one of the most famous moments in the history of comics, but without fresh insight.
There’s nothing new or surprising.
