The very concept of Weapon H feels like it was made up by every child who grew up in the ’80s. Hulk is cool, Wolverine is cool, why not slap them together into the most badass creation known to mankind?! The only difference is this isn’t our childhood idea, but the idea of Weapon H creator Greg Pak. The series leading up to this has been a rewarding one, developing the character’s personality and home life well enough that when a three-way showdown takes place like Hulkverines, the stakes actually matter.
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
At last! It’s Weapon H versus his predecessors – Wolverine and the Hulk! Once, the Weapon X program sought to recreate the world’s two greatest hunters. They ended up with Weapon H, a man of Adamantium claws and gamma-juiced blood. Now, Wolverine and the Hulk are back in action – and coming after the dangerous creation made in their name!
Why does this matter?
Once Marvel Comics proved a Weapon H was a viable idea we were all wondering when he’d go up against Hulk and Wolverine. This three issue story gives us both!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Weapon H has ups.
Credit: Marvel Comics
Seemingly capable of defying expectations with every book he writes, Greg Pak does it again here with this highly entertaining story. The shocker is that the biggest entertainment value doesn’t come from the trio of heroes coming together, but from the villains. Brainiac is a major player, as well as the woman who created Weapon H, and their coming together is a thing of magic. Pak and artists Ario Anindito and Guiu Vilanova capture the wild insanity of both characters and how even crazy masterminds can fall in love. Their egos are endearing as they find common ground to mastermind new creations only they would love. The creations are, of course, new plays on Wolverine and Hulk, which are fun ways of ramping up to an all-out climax.
This book reads like it was for the fans. Each of the three issues give you what you want, from a Wolverine and Weapon H confrontation to a Hulk and Weapon H confrontation, and then all three coming together. The premise actually makes sense and at its core, it’s all about saving Weapon H’s family from being murdered. Hulk’s new nightmare form plays into the plot too, and Wolverine…well he’s been gone, and now he’s back, okay?
The art overall is darker in tone, suiting the violent element. I love how Weapon H’s kids are depicted with their funny looks and intensity over superheroes. It feels genuine. Wolverine looks the part too in his cowboy hat look he’s known for now that he’s back.
Love is in the air.
Credit: Marvel Comics
It can’t be perfect, can it?
Marvel slapped The Totally Awesome Hulk #22 into the back of the issue, serving as a primer on who Weapon H is which seems unnecessary. It’s also odd how it’s put into the back as I suspect many will read this, get to the older issue and be a bit confused. One could surmise it’s there to help sell the books Weapon H appeared in.
Is it good?
I had a blast with this series and it came as a surprise, even though I’ve liked Greg Pak’s work on Weapon H from the start. It’s a series that doesn’t make sense on paper or seems overly simplistic, yet somehow works. It’s high octane fun.
