World War Hulk is over. Bruce Banner has been locked away and the world has returned to normal…until the Abomination arrives and battles a new mysterious Hulk. Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness’ new, red Hulk smashed it’s way into stores this week. Was it worth the wait? Did it live up to the mediocre hype that was built up for it? Not really.

Loeb’s writing is descent but, since this is the first issue of the title, it moves a little slow and basically just builds us readers up towards the first big reveal of Hulk but then disappoints by not showing us anything. The only remotely interesting moment of the comic was the reveal of Bruce Banner in his holding cell. To be honest, it just wouldn’t quite feel the same without him.

Having never been a huge fan of McGuinness’ artwork in the past, I wasn’t overly impressed with what we were offered in Hulk #1. While it’s nowhere near the worst thing I’ve ever seen, I personally don’t think that McGuinness’ thick, cartoony artwork works well with the overall idea of this book. Things could change a little bit once we actually see red Hulk. I would personally like to see someone a little bit rougher doing the artwork for this title such as Michael Lark or Steve Epting. Then again, what do I know?

Hulk #1

4.6/10 (How’d you get that?)

While this is hardly the worst thing to come out of Marvel recently, *cough* One More Day *cough* this issue is just a little disappointing considering it was one of the titles I had been waiting to pick up since the end of World War Hulk. Let’s hope that Loeb and McGuinness’ second issue makes up for this one. Judging by the cover that was previewed at the end of issue 1 featuring the reflection of red Hulk on Iron Man’s mask, things should be picking up nicely. As for this issue, you can probably save yourself the $2.99 unless you’re absolutely Hulk-crazy As for issue 2, that could be a different story.