World War Hulk (Marvel Comics)

Customer Rating:
Summary: TPB collects five issue Marvel 2007 Hulk mini-series
Comment: This trade paperback collects Marvel's 2007 five issue "World War Hulk" mini-series. After a grueling stay on the alien planet Sakarr where he ascended from slave to king, Hulk returns to Earth with his allied Sakaar gladiators to punish the Illuminati of Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Doctor Strange and Black Bolt for blasting him into space. Crazy with anger, Hulk orders the 24 hour evacuation of Manhattan while Earth's superheroes attempt to repel him. While sometimes interesting, Pak's plot too often falls into a series of simple battles and features too much of the dull Sentry. Big fans of the Hulk will like this but the $25 list price seems high.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A real slam-bang, action-packed smackdown
Comment: Even if it was short (especially in comparison to the year-long "Planet Hulk" epic that preceded it), "World War Hulk" is a very satisfying, action-packed read. This is exactly the kind of story that long-time Hulk fans will love: one by one, Hulk wipes the floor with almost all the other Marvel heros. Been waiting to see the jolly green giant peel Iron Man's armor off like a grape? That's the first big fight. The Avengers, FF, Doctor Strange and others follow. Black Bolt is a mere footnote to the main action. Particularly satisfying is a bare-knuckles smackdown with the Thing that has some of the best action art I've ever seen in a comic: John Romita Jr.'s use of computer-enhanced effects, particularly blurring effects, is stunning, and gives these issues a kinetic texture that we used to have to dream about. I thought this was a completely satisfying action epic. Not sure what the end meant, but I'm ready for the next graphic novel, so I can find out! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)

Customer Rating:
Summary: Hulk Smash, and Smash, and Smash
Comment: I am a huge Hulk fan. When I was a kid, it was one of the comics I would pick up each month. When Planet Hulk arrived, my fanfare for the Green Goliath was renewed. Even though this story might be a bit lacking in plot - it is supposed to be. I have learned that when the Hulk is really mad, he smashes and usually doesn't stop for a while. That is basically what this story is about. I think everyone knew that going into it, so I am really not sure why people seem so upset about the story. After the long-winded, highly policital (and still not over yet) Civil War Saga, I just wanted to beat the living snot out of most of the Marvel Universe. Luckily, the Hulk did that for me. If you want to see the Hulk barrel through the entire Marvel Universe, this is the story to get. If you are looking for plot, look elsewhere - there is only smashing here.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Mindless Fun
Comment: It was good to see the Hulk get back to mindless smashing of opponents instead of reading months of puny Banner hiding from the big bad secret organization that was out to get him.

Nice change of pace and a fun read.

Customer Rating:
Summary: This wasn't that good.
Comment: I have been a HULK fan for decades. Although I do not buy HULK comics at the comic store, I often buy HULK trade paperbacks and Graphic Novels with HULK in it.

Highly recommended are HULK and Thing: The Big Change. Planet Hulk. Various Peter David HULK runs. HULK: The End. HULK: Future Imperfect.

This is supposed to be a no-brainer recommendation,but I cannot recommend it for casual comic fans. I think HULK fans will tolerate this limited series, but it can easily be forgettable. First off, the art is not that great. I'm not a fan of John Romita Jr. and I acknowledge he's a living legend, but his drawing style is hit or miss. I'm opting for pass on his art here. The writing should be superb, as it is written by HULK savior Pak. but I cannot see his genius nor can I feel the intensity of HULK's smashing in this series.

World War HULK has a lot of Marvel Universe heroes, but the smashing is at times boring and all too generic. Heroes weren't born and villains weren't terrifying. Hulk smashed but so what? Where was the major characterization or the major significance that resulted or arose? This needed to be major and for 19.99, it didn't deliver.

I do not recommend this book for casual fans and for those who want to try out HULK, try the recommended books above. Don't bother with this one. Marvel comics puts out books much better than this and so spend your money elsewhere.