Jason Aaron's run on the Incredible Hulk has been one of the most disappointing things I've read in a long time. This is a writer who perfectly replaced Garth Ennis on the superb PunisherMAX, who wrote some of the most twisted Wolverine stories ever, and who is writing the current best X-title out there in Wolverine & the X-Men. So when I heard he was taking over the Jade Giant, I figured we'd get some of the most insane, epic brawls the Hulk has ever been in. But what we've gotten is the strangest take on the Banner/Hulk ideal ever. And it has not been good in any way, shape, or form. In fact, the issue that guest-starred the Punisher was one of the worst books I've ever read. The whole "Stay Angry" arc has been a horrible read. Each part has introduced the dumbest elements ever seen in a Hulk book. From mutated dog drug dealers, to Atlantean hicks, to space bears (which I will admit was an absolute hilarious issue), to a city of sasquatches, this has been a painful story to read. Except for this issue. This is the one where we finally see what Aaron could've done with his run.
The issue's main story is nothing we haven't seen a million times: the Hulk vs Wolverine & the Thing. And it's everything you'd expect out of that almost-annual battle. It's non-stop destruction, clobberin,' slashing and smashing. But it's the dialog that made me love this issue. If you read my review of New Avengers #29 (And if you didn't, why not? Don't you like me?), then you know sometimes all you need for a great story is to have great dialog. This issue shows you can have great dialog at the same time as great pummeling. Each character is given an equal amount of time to shine with their fists and their thoughts. The bickering between the three is exactly how you'd imagine these rivals to act. The funniest take on all three.
Carlos Pacheco really nails the brutality and savagery in the combatants. His art starts out smooth and refined, then ends sharp and rugged once the main event unfolds. I think it's his best art since returning to Marvel. I also think Roger Bonet does an exceptional job on inks giving each character the depth in their muscles to show their strength and ferocity. Laura Martin's colors really shine in this issue as well, giving everything a brutal shine with each blow delivered.
So while I can't recommend this entire Incredible Hulk series, or even this whole arc, I can say if you want an issue where three legendary brawlers pound the living snot out of each other while delivering the most killer one-liners, then look no further than this book.
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