REVIEW: The Incredible Hulk #6

The never-ending war between the man and the big green guy wages on in The Incredible Hulk #6. Can Bruce outrun his personal demons and the very real demon hunting him down?

Bruce and his steward Charlie are on the run from The Eldest and the cops as the news as implicated Charlie in her father’s death. It’s run first, clear her name later for the two as they are trekking across the country. Keeping a low profile, hitchhiking and relying on the kindness of strangers is the mode. It really gives Incredible Hulk, the classic TV series vibes. And like an episode of the show, trouble follows Bruce and he eventually has to confront a mysterious new character with some familiar aspects. The flaming skull screams Ghost Rider, but the bike signage is more Captain America. The action moves quickly and there is no time for an explanation, only time to fight. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson takes things from quiet reflection to all-out brawl quickly while maintaining an air of mystery throughout.

The visuals provided by Nick Klein (art) and Matthew Wilson (colors) fall in-line with the overall theme of mixing the old with the new. The long-hair, 1970’s aesthetic goes for Bruce and The Hulk. This look on The Hulk is quite rare and can take some getting used to but again, it fits in well thematically here. The path traveled by Bruce and Charlie looks appropriately bleak and desolate as well. The artistic standouts of the issue are The Hulk transformation, the design of the mystery Ghost Rider, and his fight with Hulk. Hulk’s transformation is brutal and visceral (even more so than usual) and the fight between Hulk and the Rider looks amazing. No spoilers on how it plays out, but it makes the Rider look very cool, literally and figuratively.

The Incredible Hulk #6 continues the series’ return to one of the more OG versions of the iconic character. The nomadic man running from his past and battling his inner demons is a tried-and-true depiction of the character. But the added twist of a companion and a budding murder mystery spices things up. And throw in a Ghost Rider who isn’t THE Ghost Rider and the plot really thickens. So who is he? And is he friend or foe? So many questions abound which keeps interest high. The main downbeat of the issue is its brevity. It’s moves like lighting but then ends in a flash. But if you are already invested in the story they have been telling thus far, issue #6 is a very interesting addition to the series.

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Coloring – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art by; Nic Klein
Colors by; Matthew Wilson
Letters by; Cory Petit
Published by; Marvel Comics