Express Review – Immortal Hulk 42

The Immortal Hulk 42 is scratching my comic itches, and it took me a little while to put the elements together. The writing is solid with good dialogue that moves you through the story and keeps a good pace. Al Ewing (the writer) seems to be laying a foundation for the next issue as there wasn't much action in this one, but something interesting is happening with the Jackie McGee character that could make this a Key issue or at least preluding to one in the next couple of months.

The art was slightly mashed as the credits show four artists working on this standard 28-page issue and I think the colorists help hold the line for continuity where the art changes weren't too jarring. The page layouts weren't flashy or minimal (which I appreciate) and the pacing, art, and story have an old school Swamp Thing vibe going on – if you don't know what I mean those earlier Swamp Thing runs are worth a read. I'm not saying this book is the second coming of Alan Moore, but I am saying I'm enjoying the overall experience of this current series. I paid a cover price of $5.25 Canadian dollars for this issue and there are awesome variants by Joe Bennett and another by Alexander Lozano if you can get your hands on them.

Bottom Line: As a collector, this one might show promise as a Key issue or a precursor to a Key. A good read either way and I'm looking forward to where the series is heading.

Stay focused fellow humans!

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