Suspended Animation Review

X-Men Vs. Hulk and Hulk Vs. Fin Fang Foom - Both published by Marvel Publishing, 48 pages and $3.99.

Even during these difficult economic times, I still make the occasional impulse purchase. I did so twice recently while visiting various comics shops in Tulsa.

X-Men vs. Hulk #1The first story in X-Men vs Hulk is a 22-page tale from the mutant team’s past. Logan (aka, Wolverine) sets up a “challenge” for teammate Colossus, by orchestrating a confrontation between the armored X-Man and The Hulk. And, it’s pretty much non-stop action from there.

The story is written by X-Men veteran Chris Claremont, who proves once again that, where Marvel’s mutants are concerned, he is as strong on characterization as he is on pumping a tale full of adrenaline. Artist Jheremy Raapack turns in dramatic, big-as-life visuals that round out the story well.

Also noteworthy is the reprint of X-Men (Vol. 1) #66, another tale of the Children of The Atom battling the Jade Giant. This classic was written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Sal Buscema. ‘Nuff said.

If all of that isn’t enough, X-Men vs Hulk is free of ads, to boot! Kudos to Marvel!

Reprinted in Hulk vs. The Marvel Universe TPBHulk vs Fin Fang Foom showcases another previously untold tale in which Marvel’s gamma-irradiated monster battles a creature created in the publisher’s pre-superhero days. The story, by Peter David, pits the creatures against each other in Antarctica, with a global warming research team caught in the middle. (Don’t worry, no political axes to grind, here.) It’s a fun story, with a creepy air, ala John Carpenter’s The Thing, that ends with, you guessed it, another monster slugfest.

Artist Jorge Lucas manages great emotion in his characters, superior detail and a style that is reminiscent of Jack Kirby.

This book also contains a reprinted Marvel classic (Fin Fang Foom’s first appearance in Strange Tales #89) by Stan Lee and the aforementioned Kirby.

Both books are recommended for fans of fun stories you don’t have to think too much about, as well as comics history buffs.

Mark Allen