Incredible Hulk #29

Posted: Tuesday, June 26
By: Jason Cornwell

Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Artists: Kyle Hotz (p), Eric Powell (i)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

PLOT:
As Doc Samson & Dr. Angela Lipscombe continue their efforts to repair the damaged psyche of Bruce Banner, we see they are both growing increasingly frustrated by the emergence of one of the Hulk personas any time Banner is faced with ideas that he finds objectionable. However, we also see that their frustrations are masking deeper hatreds, as Doc Samson looks upon Banner as a rival for Angela's affections, while Angela hates Bruce for his constant need to be helped, while never rewarding those who help him.

With the atmosphere of hatred in the air, we see that this trio are visited by the Hate Monger (who now calls himself Animus), who feeds upon their petty hatreds & unfounded jealousies. As Animus manages to trigger a physical battle between Doc Samson & Banner's Joe Fixit persona, we see Bruce manages to come to his senses long enough to realize they're all being used. Bruce then absorbs Animus into himself, giving him one more monster to keep in check.

COMMENTS:
Fabian Nicieza comes aboard for a guest-issue and he does a pretty decent job exploring the relationship between Bruce, Doc Samson & Angela, without having it conflict with ideas that were established in previous issues. Despite being a guest issue, the events in this issue have a nice sense of importance to them. Plus, after opening with a bit of a dud, by having the Hulk's rage placated by the promise of hot chocolate, Fabian Nicieza managed to deliver a couple very funny moments, with the highlight of the issue being our peek at Doc Samson's dream world.

In any event, while Marvel still hasn't gotten around to announcing who is slated to take over after Paul Jenkins departs, based on this issue I'd be quite pleased if Fabian Nicieza added another book to his pile. On the other hand I have notice that Paul Jenkins' run on the book does run out in September, and Joe Quesada's promise of the death of a major Marvel character in that month, has me wondering if the Hulk's days are numbered (cue ominous music).

One element that I do want to comment on is the villain of this issue looks remarkably similar the Hulk villain Nightmare, but is more likely a character that appeared in the Avengers back in the early 1990's, who called himself the Hate Monger. As I look back on those issues I also noted that those issues were written by Fabian Nicieza, and Fabian Nicieza has recently acquired a nostalgic habit of including his early creations into his present day work. Taking this all into consideration I'd have to say that the villain of this piece is the Hate Monger.

However, by having their confrontation take place in a dreamlike environment, and also due to their similarity in appearance, I'm guessing most Hulk fans are going to be asking themselves if Marvel has lost the copyright to the name Nightmare. It's not an important detail, but I simply couldn't pass on the opportunity to expose an obscure villain posing as more a more well known one.

Kyle Hotz has become this book's regular fill-in artist, and as the issue's credits amusingly indicate this book requires his services on a fairly regular basis. His work is nicely suited to the material, and his style is certainly unique enough that it keeps the book visually interesting. His version of the Hulk is large & imposing, and is nicely contrasted by his skin & bones Bruce Banner, who is looking even more sickly than usual.

Several scenes are given more impact as well, as the scene where Angela picks the rotting carcass of Banner over Doc Samson is given a darkly humorous bent thanks to the art. The battle between Doc Samson & Joe Fixit is also quite well done, as in addition to the nice impact shots, we also have Angela running around in the background like a demented cheerleader. The transformation scenes of Bruce turning into the Hulk, and then back into Banner are also well done.

FINAL WORD:
A nice, solid guest-issue that explores the romantic triangle that exists between the three principals in this book, and in a rare move this issue makes them all look a bit less than perfect. It's about time Doc Samson was made to look as something more than a tireless psychiatrist continually banging his head into the wall that is Banner's fractured mind. It's also nice to see someone finally suggest that Banner is a parasite who one can continually try & help without receiving anything for your efforts but more requests for help. Add Animus to this rising tension, and you have a very solid character study that looks at the unseen, darker sides of this book's supporting cast.