Hulk: World War Hulk- Incredible Hercules

'Planet Hulk' was one of the most amazing storylines I had ever read. So why have I been delayed reading the 'World War Hulk' aftermath and its numerous tie-ins? The truth is that I still haven't completed my run on those. But I am planning on doing a large dump for books I no longer want (and hope to trade for new stuff). This collection of issues of the Incredible Hulk (#106-111) set during the Hulk's revenge on the Illuminati for killing his wife and child on Sakaar doesn't even focus on the mean green machine. He's more of a secondary character here. Instead, it's more like the Amadeus Cho show. And I hate Amadeus Cho. 

Or at least, I did.

I wasn't a fan of when Cho became the Totally Awesome Hulk. My dislike wasn't the he was Asian. Nor did I care that he was, albeit temporarily, replacing Bruce Banner. I felt that his brashness mixed with awkward interaction as a new superhero was too much like Rick Jones. So much that I really wondered why didn't they just use Rick Jones for this? 

Amadeus Cho is supposed to be like the third smartest person on the planet. So why was he so stupid as a Hulk? He was able to keep his personality, unlike Banner who often is unable to maintain mental control during his changes. Yet despite being a MENSA on steroids, the Totally Awesome Cho was a total meathead compared to his supposed genius. That opinion of the character all changed in this book.

Far from being hulkified, this Cho is rather brilliant. Frightengly brilliant. Amadeus learned the truth behind the Hulk's disappearance and feels that the Hulk's desire for revenge is justified. However, to prevent further bloodshed, Cho bought a million acres in the middle of New Mexico and created a sanctuary for the Hulk; guaranteed to keep away those annoying humans! Too bad Cho used his super brain to rob X-Man Warren Worthington's mega sized bank account to find the project.

Cho's theft prompts Hercules and the Angel to confront the teen. And with proof in hand, Amadeus is able to swing them onto his side, meaning the trio is now in violation of the Superhero Registration Act. With SHIELD and the Illuminati on their tail, Cho and his new allies must make it to the war zone that is Manhattan and convince the Hulk to accept the teen's offer of sanctuary without exacting retribution for the death of millions of his people on Sakaar.

After the events of this book, the title changed from the Incredible Hulk to the Incredible Hercules. Here's where things get confusing. If the cover to this trade tie-in to 'World War Hulk' is to be believed, it was as published as Incredible Hercules. But all 5 issues that are collected here were originally published as issues of Incredible Hulk. Assume either and you would be wrong as the credits attribute this book as being published as merely Hulk. 

I had waited all this time thinking this was the beginning of the Hercules run, which assumed the numbering of the Hulk series for 30 issues. In a way, that's all very true. But if you're trying to collect the entire run, you're going be running in circles with Marvel's maddening way of categorizing and numbering titles as they've done this to at least 6 other 'World War Hulk' tie-ins including a collection of X-Men issues.

I really liked the writing of Greg Pak, which is ironic because he also wrote the Totally Awesome Hulk series of which I was not a fan. Maybe it deserves a second look. Above all, I definitely want to read Pak's Incredible Hercules series, which if it's only half as fun as the contents of this book, I am in for a treat. Let's just hope those books aren't collected under the title of The Avengers or something to that effect or I'll never find them...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

World War Hulk: Aftersmash - Damage Control #3 (of 3)

 

The final (so far) chapter of Damage Control sees the end of the recovery efforts and another classic John Porter solution to Manhattan constant super hero induced problems in regards to the newly sentient Chrysler Building.

I was happy with every aspect of this book except one: it ended way too soon. I am sure Damage Control will pop up in other series from time to time. I just hope DC gets it’s day in the sun and finally gets a regular series to call its own.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

 

 

World War Hulk: Aftersmash - Damage Control #2 (of 3)

In the last issue, the recovery and relief efforts of Damage Control was hindered by the Thunderbolts, demanding that all unregistered superhero volunteers be arrested for violating the superhero Registration Act. Thankfully, one of the Thunderbolts has a personal history with Damage Control and a temporary truce is rendered for the benefit of saving what New Yorkers who couldn’t flee during the World War Hulk rampage. (If you’ve been keeping up with my previous reviews of the older Damage Control minis, you can figure out who I’m referring to as the peacemaker.)

Now the race is on as Damage Control and the volunteers only have 2 days to save those trapped in the Big City. Complicating matters is the Chrysler Building. No, it’s not going to tumble if repairs can’t be made immediately. It’s just become sentient and it wants to go on a tour of Asia, that’s all!

This issue goes from a really good story that goes into depth of the tragedy in Connecticut that started the whole mess with Civil War. Then it gets really bizarre. The great thing about the writing of this series is that co-creator and scribe Dwayne McDuffie can make this story interesting no matter what. Why Damage Control has never been given a full-time regular series status is beyond me! This is the House of Ideas at its best and I want more!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

World War Hulk: Aftersmash - Damage Control #1 (of 3)

After the events of Civil War, there was World War Hulk in which a very pissed off Hulk takes his frustrations out on the Avengers and Illuminati who collectively worked to maroon him in space. As a result of his return to earth, Hulk went wild and the Big Apple was laid waste.

Now with the city cordoned off and declared a disaster area, Damage Control is hoping to win the bid to repair the city from Tony Stark, newly appointed Director of SHIELD. In order to do that, the gang’s going to have to get back together. John Porter is on a sabbatical of sorts, Robin’s been fired, and the construction crew is on the outskirts of town chomping at the bit to get the green light.

Over 15 years has passed from Damage Control volume 3 to this new mini-series and lots has been missed. Other than a couple of appearances on Marvel Universe cartoons, I’ve not come across Damage Control in other books. But apparently, they’ve been popping up in issues of Iron Man, Wolverine, and The Avengers. I missed another hostile takeover of the company, Robin being fired, and surely other events too.

So, this issue meant a little catching up was in order. It also meant that I was going “Huh?” a lot! But that’s okay! Dwayne McDuffie is just as clever and funny as ever. The characters are engrossing and I cannot wait to see what happens next! Especially since the Thunderbolts have just showed up and are threatening to arrest all of the unregistered super hero volunteers that have agreed to join the cleanup!

Awesome stuff!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.