Written by: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art by: Nic Klein
Colors by: Matthew Wilson
Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover art by: Nic Klein
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: May 1, 2024
The Incredible Hulk #12 sends the Hulk to Strange Academy to find help freeing Charlie’s soul from a figurine doll. The solution, however, may be worse than the problem.
Is The Incredible Hulk #12 Good?
Give credit where credit is due. Phillip Kennedy Johnson gives everyone a break from the monotonous hamster wheel of the monster-of-the-month storytelling with a little variety in the plot, meaningful cameos, and possibly worthwhile potential. The Incredible Hulk #12 may not be the best Hulk comic you’ve ever read, but it’s far better than the last six months of Hulk comics.
When last we left Hulk, he smashed Frozen Charlotte enough to bring Lucifer into the mix to take his long-lost betrothed away, never to bother the mortals again. Unfortunately, Hulk was too late to prevent Charlie’s soul from being placed in one of Frozen Charlotte’s dolls for eternity.
Now, Hulk uses the opportunity of being in New Orleans to smash his way through the front door of Strange Academy for help in correcting Charlie’s predicament. Doctor Voodoo greets the giant and puts him under wraps long enough to assess the situation. Voodoo prescribes a visit to the spirit of an evil wizard with the power to convert unused years into flesh, presuming that brand of magic can restore Charlie. The visit requires Banner to enter a soul prison, find the wizard, and strike a deal with a truly evil man.
Banner quickly agrees, and Voodoo sends him on his way. Suddenly, Voodoo finds that sending Banner into a soul prison separates Hulk from Banner, possibly giving the green giant the freedom he’s been searching for.
What’s great about The Incredible Hulk #12? Finally… FINALLY! We take a break from the water treading. Admittedly, the story doesn’t appear to have anything to do with the Eldest or the Mother of Horrors, but at least it’s something different. Plus, the outcome of this issue leads to the possibility of splitting Banner and Hulk’s souls with gobs of consequences.
What’s not so great about The Incredible Hulk #12? Doctor Voodoo’s ability to subdue and manipulate Hulk so easily looks cool but opens up a can of worms. If it’s that easy, why can’t Voodoo or Doctor Strange or any other mystical Marvel powerhouses rid Banner of Hulk for good, or at least create a permanent “cage”? When you lift one character up by tearing another down, these are the kinds of problematic continuity gaffs that result.
How’s the Art? Finally… FINALLY! Nic Klein is back on the internal pages, and this issue looks great. No disrespect intended to the revolving door of guest artists pitching in over the last several months, but they’re just not on the same level as Klein. The art in this issue is packed with energy, power, and grim purpose.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces
The Incredible Hulk #12 thankfully takes a break from the monster-of-the-month model when Hulk visits Strange Academy for mystical help. The story developments lead to gobs of potential consequences for Hulk, and Nic Klein’s return to art duties is a breath of fresh air.
8/10