Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Skaar Son of Hulk #12

Skaar Son of Hulk #12
Marvel Comics
Pak, Lim, Buchemi & Adams

This issue pits green Hulk versus his son. Sure, you might expect the comic to be one big battle but you would be wrong. Instead what we have here is the merging, finally, of the various incarnations of the Hulk from the main Hulk series and the World War Hulk series. This comic actually makes huge strides in explaining a lot of the nagging Hulk questions for the last year and a half. The comic provides some small insight into Skaar as well, but this comic finally makes the Hulk an interesting character again. It’s been so long since I’ve read a coherent and relevant Hulk story I was thrown off my chair with this effort.

The comic is just so simple. Skaar wants to fight Hulk for vengeance and per the tradition of his home planet. The son must challenge the father and the father must attempt to put down the son. However, Hulk has no idea who Skaar is. In fact, he doesn’t remember the warbound either. Hulk is drawn to Skaar but doesn’t have any idea why. So, Hulk smashes.

Hulk has glimpses of his memory returning during the battle but is easily distracted and doesn’t exactly mediate on the new findings very well. With Hulk’s new unpredictable personality he turns his back on Skaar to rescue some humans. Eventually, Skaar realizes he can’t possibly fight Hulk because there is no satisfaction defeating an enemy who has no idea you even exist or what your affiliation is.

This is a terrific issue. Not only does it tackle the new version of Hulk in the main title, but it also clearly maps out he intentions of Skaar and it manages to speculate what Hulk’s motivation might be if he actually had a memory. The comic features a backup about Silver Surfer visiting another planet that features creatures with the old power. The two stories point to separate issues of two different titles to continue their stories and oddly, neither is the issue of Incredible Hulk #600, which is the next comic to come out in the Hulk property. Read your solicitations for spoilers.

The artwork is tremendous. The coloring used stands out the most. The color of Skaar’s eyes, the red lava pouring out of the Earth and so many more images help this story feel epic in every way possible. The art takes advantage of the cast very well. The comic takes place out in the middle of no where but the comic provides a heavy level of detail even when its just rock to give some great scale to size up the characters. The comic is a very good looking comic.

I realize Hulk is niche character and that not everyone likes every single incarnation. I like the Hulk with a brain and this one has it, but he is just a little forgetful. It’s a fresh twist on the character and reminds me of how new this all felt when I read Planet Hulk. There have been some great Hulk stories over the years and I don’t know where this one will stand but it certainly feels like things are heading for something really special based on the usage of the Hulk in these couple of issues of Planet Skaar. I definitely recommend this comic if you liked your Planet Hulk-type stores.

4 out of 5 geek goggles