An event-level threat has shown he’s unstoppable while he uses Hulk’s body, so what can the heroes do? In Infernal Hulk #9, it’s a two-pronged last-ditch effort. One of which is the central focus in this week’s issue, as Bruce Banner knows the only way to beat a Hulk is with a Hulk! But where do you find a Hulk body?
Infernal Hulk #9 opens on Carlo Danvers zipping through the universe. Through captions, Phillip Kennedy Johnson has Iron Man explaining to her how important it is that she find someone to help against the Eldest. It’s an opening that helps solidify the stakes while checking in on the main Marvel heroes who have entered this series multiple times.
From there, the focus swings entirely to Doctor Voodoo and Bruce, who first enjoy a nice glass of wine before heading into the depths of Hell. Well, not literally, but a kind of monster hell. Johnson makes a point that Bruce is an addict, and he seeks power. While it may not seem entirely true given the circumstances, the metaphor is a longstanding one that is worth remembering.
If you’re a fan of Marvel magic, this issue has nice touches in Doctor Voodoo’s many magical trinkets and the items he gives Bruce to protect himself in the other realm. This scene, drawn in a creepy way by Adam Gorham, is a reminder that a human can’t survive on the other side.
Doctor Voodoo has a cool crib.
Credit: Marvel
As the issue progresses, monster attacks interweave with the two heroes’ journey, along with a refresher on a key character from Johnson’s run. This conversation helps remind us of the epic Johnson has already unfolded while tying into a key scene where monsters attack a small town later in the issue. The journey eventually leads to a direct confrontation and a twist that’ll be fun to see as Bruce Banner, the puny human, takes on a monster.
The final few pages offer up a heap of violence and monster madness. That includes a check-in on Eldest and a reminder that he’s roaming the backwoods of America. This issue is capped off with an excellent double-page layout of a werewolf fight you won’t want to miss, plus the promise of a major throwdown. We’ve seen monsters bursting from human flesh so many times in this series and in Immortal Hulk, and yet Gorham makes it look brand new again.
This issue suffers from being a bit of a table-setting one, plot-wise, as Hulk and old friends get into position for conflict. Even the opening sets up a wait-and-see scenario.
Infernal Hulk #9 serves as a bridge toward the series’ next major confrontation, but Phillip Kennedy Johnson ensures the journey is never dull. Bruce Banner and Doctor Voodoo make for an engaging pairing, while Adam Gorham continues to excel at grotesque monster designs and horror-infused action. Although much of the issue is devoted to positioning the players for what’s next, the supernatural atmosphere, inventive visuals, and thrilling final pages make the wait worthwhile.
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