Hulk #44 Review

Rulk finally comes face to face with his opponent. Today I will be reviewing Hulk #44. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Hulk #44

So let’s talk about the book. First, a brief recap of issue #43, which I did not get a chance to review. (All those bi-weekly books are really putting a crimp in the amount of books I have time to review) Rulk and the Secret Avengers have a brief throwdown until the Arabian Knight shows up and joins the fight. Cap quickly diffuses the situation and allows Rulk to investigate the situation he came to investigate. He is joined by Machine Man. The two are chatting when they are attacked by a giant monster. Onto this issue. Rulk and Machine Man fight back against the creature, who turns out to be a Manticore, and manage to kill it. Rulk, however is poisoned in the exchange and has to revert to Ross. Ross and Machine man travel into the dessert until they hit a barrier. This barrier is protecting a thriving city. They try to get past the barrier but cannot do it until the Arabian Knight arrives to help. The three reach a city gate where they are allowed to enter by a hologram representing Dagan Shah. They are taken to Shah’s palace where they see Arabian Knight encased in crystal. Before they know what’s happening, they also begin to be encased in crystal as the Arabian Knight dupe they were traveling with changes into Dagan Shah, The Sultan Magus. And that’s the book.

So let’s talk opinions. I am really starting to enjoy this story arc. I love the magical aspect and the Arabian Nights aspect. I love that the action is also starting to pick up and we are getting some monstrous battles against proper Hulk opponents. I like Arabian Knight. I’ve never really heard of him and he seems pretty cool. I like his powers and fighting style. I hope the Marvel fans agree with me and we can get more appearances by this character in future titles. I am also pretty happy with Machine Man. He definitely has a nice level of sarcasm that lightens the mood of the title and makes it flow smoother. The pacing is pretty slow and steady, which isn’t too bad, but not something you want in a Hulk story. You want lots of action and smashing and over the top excitement. Too much talk leads to lack of interest. The story itself is pretty single minded. There is a little bit of political gospel trying to be thrown at us but not too much that it becomes overwhelming. I’m still missing the real action sequences, but it is a definite improvement over the Omegex debacle. The art these issues are stunning. I love the city and the details associated with it. The hologram was really cool. The Manticore looked like it came straight out of a Dungeons & Dragons module. If this level of art is the new norm, then I’m a happy man. I hope that next issue will include some actual action and not more talk. I do, however, want to see an origin or history for Dagan Shah and how he attained his power. It would also be cool to see a Rulk/Magician battle and see if Rulk can absorb some magical energy. Either way, I am really enjoying this story arc quite a bit. That’s my opinion folks. Take it or leave it.

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