Uncanny Origins #5

Madman Dig Cover!

     Issue #5 examines the ends and outs of the fateful day that Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma rays and unleashed a Hulk upon the world. Like the last issue, this is more of a story of Hulk's first 24-hours on earth than a who's who in the Hulk mythos. Though I have read this story in the original form of Incredible Hulk #1 almost 100 times, the Uncanny Origins version of Hulk's origin does offer some things that I never knew (and always wondered about) like just how and why did Rick Jones end up on that bombing test range- especially if it's supposed to be on a secure army base!

   The last 2-3 pages give a very good general overview of the Hulk's life story after his first night. Though it's not explained why the Hulk goes from only coming out at night to whenever Dr. Banner gets agitated. Another thing completely glossed over it Hulk's part as a founding member of the Avengers. I know that this is the behemoth's solo story but his whole troubled history with Earth's Mightest Heroes is such an integral part of his history, I am surprised that the creative team doesn't even devote one little panel to it.

   Regardless of my small problems with this issue, it's a very good read. It's very well written by Glenn Greenberg (Dracula: Lord of the Undead) and the art was excellent. For the past 4 issues, Dave Hoover has done an exceptional job transforming the Marvel Universe to look more like the DC cartoon universe. X-Factor's Pablo Raimondi pencils this issue and to be honest, I couldn't really tell that this series had switched artists on me. 

   Killer cover by the way!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.