HULK #49

[ ETERNAL BARGAIN ] 

Have you ever heard about the group called the Eternals? They're a super-race which has been ripped out of the journals! Rulk's never heard of them either - he's a true non-believer - and only read things by erstwhile Colonels. As well as other stuff by Writer: Jeff Parker; Artist: Elena Casagrande; and Publisher: Marvel Comics in April 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

May God help Rulk and his gang (or the Marvel equivalent), especially after what he gets up to in this installment of the Hulk, entitled 'The Incident'.

You see, from Olympia, a group of Earthbound God's, called 'The Eternals', observe Rulk's current battle with one of Zero / Ones monsters next to a live volcano in Hawaii. And even though they are all too aware that he is successful in this endeavor, with a little help from his crew and one of their own, Sersi. What they are not too aware of, is if Rulk and his kind should be allowed to do what they do upon the earthly plane.

So what do 'The Eternals' do about this? Well, to begin with, they pontificate amongst themselves about the ways of man, and how they themselves should be treated with much more candor than the 'Earth Heroes' presently do. However, when they suddenly notice how Rulk briskly manhandles Sersi in a rather harsh manner, one of these God's, Ikaris, decides to fly over to Rulk, and then try to kick the living ka-ka out of him.

Heavens to Betsy!

Thankfully, though, this fight is a fleeting one; in which both God and Rulk do their best to hold their own. Still, that does not mean that this dilemma is over and done with you know, oh no - because it will be continued. 

May God have mercy on Marvels soul.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

I did like reading most of the theological discussion with the Eternals, whilst they were prancing about upon Olympia. But because I am a silly type of a chappy, my favorite piece of dialogue was when Rulk said 'Burn, you b*stard', after he threw that monster into the volcano.  

Well, it cut's the chase, doesn't it, ha!

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

My personal favourite scene in this story was how Rulk's fight with that monster was incremental battle-wise, and lent itself to joviality. Well, it was innovative in the way that Machine Man was explaining to the Rulk how he should defeat this beast by the punch. Moreover, I did like 'The Eternals' spoken segment too - that was very fresh.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

All in all this issue was a fairly self-contained story that did not go practically anywhere. OK, so I am sure that we will see the Eternals pop up again in the future. But that was the only real ramification of this issue really - the possibility - not the fact.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: The most creative thing story-wise about this tale; was the whole discussion amongst the Eternals, on how they should be worshiped more than they actually are. Theoretically this scene brought up a number of issues relating to how Gods fit into the realm of comic book lore, and how today's superheroes are like the mystical God's of old. Interesting theory, I am sure you will agree. And a subject that Batman producer, Michael Uslan, has talked about in the past.

ART: I really did enjoy Elena Casagrande's artwork in this comic book. Compared to some of her previous offerings, it was much more bolder, cartoon-like, and has a very nice pace and exuberance that was very pleasant to follow. Good on you girl, I never knew you had it in you. Class.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

SERSI: Look at Sersi, then look at Monica Bellucci. Look at Sersi, then look at Monica Bellucci. Look at Sersi, then look at Monica Bellucci. Now do I have to say any more than that?

IKARIS: Now this God looks like the type of God who got picked on at God school, right? So what actor looks like he was picked on at actor school the most? Personally speaking, Robert Pattinson of 'Twilight' fame fits the bill just nicely, thank you very much. All you have to do now is stick him in some Lycra and dye his hair blond, and we'll have a perfect match.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

May God Have Mercy On Your Sulk, Rulk. So Say's The Eternals.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

I am trying to think of something that is both cartoony and has a biblical slant to it as well? Oh sod it! This comic is like a Biblical Cartoon, unless you can think of some think better Jesus?

FINAL thoughts...

Whilst I am writing this review, I am listening to the Scott McKensie song 'San Francisco'. So it is pretty safe to say that I am feeling fairly relaxed with myself am at the moment. Moreover, you can also say the same thing about this comic book as well.

You see, it does not bother me that Hulk is not in this Hulk-titled comic book series. It also does not bother me that this issue was a so-so issue as well. Plus on top of that, it does not bother me that certain God's don't like certain superheroes anymore either. But what does bother me, is how there is no clarification on the state of play of this titles future. Come on Marvel, put us out of our misery, call this series Rulk and stop messing about.

Love light and peace.

MARKS out of 10? 8