The past few years of comics centered around the Hulk have been complicated. Things took a cosmic turn with retcons making the Jade Giant effectively immortal and tying him and gamma radiation to the One Below All. This has left many fans confused. Luckily, a new mini-series, Hulk Smash Everything, offers a retro take on the beloved hero — and it is hilarious.
The story starts at the Sanctum Santorum, where Doctor Strange is trying to read in peace. His studies are interrupted by the arrival of the Hulk, who keeps shouting “Hulk Smash Strange Doctor!” This is revealed to be the work of The Leader, who is in the midst of another evil plan for world domination.
Said plan requires the retrieval of three particular items. To acquire the first, The Leader decides to turn his old enemy, Hulk, into his weapon. This leads him to disguise himself as Doctor Strange, attack Dr. Bruce Banner at a lecture, and let hilarity ensue while he robs the Sanctum Santorum.
Hulk Smash Everything a welcome return to form
Writer Ryan North has quietly delivered some of the funniest stories that Marvel has published in recent memory. He does this not by setting up jokes, but by reveling in the sheer absurdity of the characters. The Leader, for instance, toots his own horn regarding his super-intelligence and the brilliance of his plans. Despite this, he can think of no more elegant way to summon the Hulk than by dressing as Doctor Strange and hitting Bruce Banner with a frying pan.
This would be amusing enough, but North does not forget the title of this comic is ‘Hulk Smash Everything.’ And while Hulk does not quite manage to smash “everything” by issue’s end, it is not for lack of trying. Indeed, the issue ends with Hulk lost in time and getting ready to vent his anger on a group of dinosaurs.
All of this is epically illustrated by Vincenzo Carratu. The artwork has a subtle manga influence, with light speed lines denoting the most intense action. Despite this, it is also pure classic Marvel Comics mayhem, with vivid colors provided by Federico Blee.
If you’re the sort of casual comic reader who wonders whatever happened to Hulk just smashing things, wonder no more! Hulk Smash Everything is a wonderful tribute to everything that makes the Jade Giant incredible. It is also one of the funniest comics’ I’ve read, lovingly parodying the most enjoyable excesses of the genre.
Grade: 9/10
Hulk Smash Everything #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
