What may be Peter David’s most unique take on Hulk is in trade paperback form with Hulk: Joe Fixit. So far, David has carved out a chunk of prequel series with Marvel characters utilizing Symbiote Spider-Man and Maestro to plumb the depths of past characters. Now it’s Joe Fixit’s turn. Created by Peter David in 1986, Joe Fixit is a version of Grey Hulk, a morally ambiguous Las Vegas tough guy. More in control than the rampaging Hulk, Joe Fixit allowed David to explore the side of Hulk who had no problem breaking some legs to get his point across. Call it an identity tryout.
Nostalgia is strong in this series. Right out of the gate, Joe Fixit faces off against Kingpin with some help from Spider-Man. This first issue is a perfectly good introduction to the character, detailed by a news program reporting on him. We’re reminded that nobody knows who he is because his gray skin makes people think he’s not the Hulk. Spidey happens to be in town, and while he’s headed back home, he runs into Kingpin and realizes trouble is brewing.
Given the characters used, this book has an old-school feel. Gone are the giant alien invasions or longwinded story arcs, and instead, we’re getting a good old-fashioned team up to beat the near-invincible and super-strong Kingpin. You’ll come for that but stay for Joe Fixit’s new funny business attitude. He’s tough, revels in being bad, and isn’t to be messed with. He’s not a bad guy or villain. He does things differently. That makes Spider-Man’s inclusion a smart one since he’ll likely disagree with Joe Fixit’s methods at every step.
Halfway through the story arc Bruce Banner rears his head, and he’s very upset with Hulk. We learn the Hulk took on the persona to be somebody, or at least to be something more than a raging monster. It’s a fascinating albeit short look at the Hulk trying to find an identity.
If the story seems a bit thin, Marvel seems to throw Spidey in for good measure.
Credit: Marvel
Utilizing often underused characters like Absorbing Man and Hydro-Man makes a great opportunity to get goofy, which David does. At one point Spider-Man’s identity is going to be revealed. Only when the mask is removed do we see he’s had his face painted. I’m unsure how that keeps his identity under wraps, but it’s a kooky idea. This collection also houses Incredible Hulk (1968) #347, which reveals a much older time for Marvel and helps identify the vibe of this modern take on Joe Fixit.
Yildiray Cinar draws the series, giving it a complex, modern feel. With colors by Dee Cunniffe with Matt Milla, the book looks as good as anything Marvel puts out today. Most notably, Joe Fixit looks natural in a giant blue pinstriped suit. Kingpin may steal the show, though, as his hulking mass and furious demeanor are present throughout. He’s a force, and you get that from his look and his fighting ability. There are also some iconic Spider-Man visuals you’ll want to check out.
The series does lack interesting character work, particularly with Joe Fixit himself. He’s not necessarily the most complex character, but with a miniseries about him, you’d hope for a bit more than “Hulk tries out being a gangster tough guy.” For much of the miniseries, we are never allowed to see Joe Fixit outside of his duties or how folks perceive him, making him a mystery throughout. This issue is more of a series of events and moments than a complex or compelling narrative. There’s tons of potential, but if it plays out as a classic revenge tale, it’ll be a fun revisit of Joe Fixit, but not much more.
Hulk: Joe Fixit is a good reintroduction to the character and a fun return to old-school comics when a dust-up in Las Vegas was your main hook. I can’t say the story is all that complex, nor are its characters, but it’s a good time if you’re looking for a nostalgic return of a character introduced in 1986.
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