HULK #93 - "Planet Hulk" Part Two - Review & Spoilers

[Expletive Deleted]

HULK #93 by Pak and Pagulayan . . . out today . . .

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HULK SMASH PUNY ALIENS!

Okay, he doesn't really say that. But it's what happens.

After fighting the Emperor last issue, Hulk, AKA Green Scar, gets sent to a gladiatorial boot camp where he's pitted against and teamed up with a variety of aliens. We're introduced to Korg (rocky tough guy), Miek (insectoid thief), Unbound Shadow (holy desert fighter), Lavin and Elloe (natives, soldier and teenager), and Brood (Brood, duh). They fight, they train, they bond, they kick ass. Well, Hulk kicks ass. The rest are pretty secondary.

After their victory, the Empire holds a fest for them. While they're eating, a band of anti-Imperial rebels bursts in and beg the Hulk for his help.

Good issue. I'm really digging this storyline.

[BizarroBeachHead]

Who wrote this issue? On the cover it says PAK, but inside in the credits it lists Daniel Way as the writer. I assume thats just a typo and PAK really wrote it?

[JuggernautRM]

I love the Hulk now.

His anger towards humans is still evident.

Hulk "Their Machines and heroes won't save them."

Bug "From what?"

Heh. Can't wait to see what kind of state he returns to earth, and what kind of havok he will unleash.

[Expletive Deleted]

I assume thats just a typo and PAK really wrote it?That was my assumption, too. Way wrote the prelude storyline, and these kinds of screw-ups do happen.

[Hiromi]

God I'm liking this arc, and anticipating it to continue on strong.

[Jim @ Marvel]

Who wrote this issue? On the cover it says PAK, but inside in the credits it lists Daniel Way as the writer. I assume thats just a typo and PAK really wrote it?


The interior credit was indeed a typo. Greg Pak is writing the entire Planet Hulk saga.

[Tony Starkz]

Story-Greg Pak
Art-Carlos Pagulayan


-In a cave,the Sakaans (pink guys) talk of the Hulk's arrival and how he scarred the emperor.They set out to find Hulk,who they believe will set them free.

-Hulk and several others end up in the Maw.There they are forced to battle amongst each other until only 7 remain.

-From this battle,Hulk's "crew" is formed :

Korg (rock guy who I believe is an obscure Marvel character)

Miek (bug-guy who always calls Hulk "2 hands")

A Shadow Warrior (similar to the Shadow who stopped the Hulk from killing the Emperor)

A Brood alien.

Captain Lavin Skee (former Imperial Guard,one of the pink aliens)

Elloe (daugter of a dead congressman,also a pink)

From here,they decide to be friends until the time comes they are forced to fight each other.

-Hulk and crew are put through several Gladiator type games,one where Korg must battle his own kind,and another where they must battle giant Wildebots.In both instances,Hulk and Co. emerge victorious much to everyone's surprise.

-Hulk and Co. are then treated to a feast where they all pig out.

-Meanwhile,the emperor is notified of the Hulk's survival.His assistant (Shadow from the first issue) also says that "people have been talking".The Emperor states that one slave cannot make a difference.

-Just then the transmission is cut off between the Emporer and the Shadow Warrior.She was transmitting from the same place where Hulk and Co were eating.That area was attacked by the Sakanns from the cave.They come looking for Hulk claiming they will fight for him.They ask Hulk if he will fight for them.

_______________________________

Once again this week,the second book from a new writer's run tops the first.This issue has very solid slam bang theatric action on almost every page.Pagulayan's art really fits what's going on.As much action that goes on,the characters are well written.Hulk's crew are given proper introductions and are already beginning to show depth,especially Miek and Korg.There's lots of witty dialogue and very funny moments packed in here.As cliche as the story may sound,it' is far from that.Pak keeps everything very fresh despite the Gladiator and Spartacus similarities.This issue has everything a comic should.Kudos to Pak and Co. for a jam packed,good looking and well written issue.Planet Hulk Rocks!

Story-4/5
Art-4/5
Overall-4.5/5

[Dial Tone]

The interior credit was indeed a typo. Greg Pak is writing the entire Planet Hulk saga.

Uh...a typo? A typo would have been if they spelled Greg Pak as Greg Pack or Geg Pak. Blowing that off as a "typo" is just WRONG!

That was totally inexcusable, and the editor really needs a good ass chewing, because it's obvious that he wasn't doing his job by letting something like that go to press. It was hardly just a typo...

[jeffb1982]

How long can Hulk stay Hulk and not change back

[Chou Blaster]

How long can Hulk stay Hulk and not change back


Hulk can go a while without not changing back to Banner. (As long a Banner perosna is within Hulk's pysche, he cannot die being the Hulk for too long. Unlike if he were mindless.)

Given how Survial instict is needed to save his hide, and is peeved off that the Puny Humans used him.

I honestly doubt Hulk is goin gto allow himself to become Banner any time soon.

[lordlad]

one of the best hulk story in YEARS

[Tony Starkz]

I'm really looking forward to the whole status quo shifting.This is awesome.

[Effect]

I love the Hulk now.

His anger towards humans is still evident.

Hulk "Their Machines and heroes won't save them."

Bug "From what?"

Heh. Can't wait to see what kind of state he returns to earth, and what kind of havok he will unleash.

So he doesn't even think himself as human anymore? He's Hulked out 24/7 now or whatever the time is like on this planet?

Hmm I have to track down the first part to this story. Pretty interested now.

[StoneGold]

So he doesn't even think himself as human anymore?
He never really did. At least, not most of the time.



Humans are puny. Hulk is not.

[Mick Martin]

Well, I'm pretty sure the preview for Giant-Size Hulk #1 stated that it will contain the first Planet Hulk chapter with Bruce Banner. So, he will be making an appearance.

Honestly, more than anything else makes me want to stay off the Internet. Not just because I don't want to be spoiled, but because I'm waiting for the oversized hardcover and the more I hear about the story, the weaker my tpb/hc-only rule gets.

[Hiromi]

So he doesn't even think himself as human anymore? He's Hulked out 24/7 now or whatever the time is like on this planet?

Hmm I have to track down the first part to this story. Pretty interested now.

Miek: "All your people being so strong two hands(referring to Hulk)?"
Hulk: "I don't have any people."
Miek: "On your world? No more like you?"
Hulk: "No. Just puny little humans. Like Banner."

And like Stone said, heck he doesn't even really consider himself and Banner as the same person, much less as humanity his species.

[ChrisIII]

Isn't this whole Planet Hulk thing just really a redux of the Crossroads saga from the 80s, as well a the Jarella storyline?

Although given the increasingly convulted continuity of the Hulk on Earth, perhaps a trip to some other place for a while is a good thing.

I haven't read Hulk in a while but it sounds from the dialogue like he's back in his "Grayvage" state. (Green, brutish but not too dumb)

[Effect]

So does anyone think is this basiclly making the Hulk into a cosmic character rather a purely Earth based one? Is this Marvel's intent?

Gotta say it would be interesting to see Hulk on another planet or at least visiting other planets and not be limited due to always being on Earth he would be contained.

[CyberCoyote]

I haven't so much as considered buying Greenie's book since pre-Reborn. I got sucked in last issue and gotta say this is just such a great arc. MEan, nasty, vile Hulk, lotsa critters he can smash with impunity, a burning hatred for all things Earthen. The art is beautiful (in a destructive and bloody way) and the writing is great fun.

The 'Classic' Marvel characters are all doing it for me again, thanks Marvel, great curve ball!

[Will.S]

Isn't this whole Planet Hulk thing just really a redux of the Crossroads saga from the 80s, as well a the Jarella storyline?
Nope.

Superficial similarities aside, it's a pretty different story. And yeah count me in as among the people who loved the story, wow Greg Pak is kicking some ass with this (and interestingly he was doing signings at my store today but I had to work, argh!).

The whole team dynamic is very cool and I'm surprised to see a Brood being among them and cooperating, they're a very odd and ruthless species. Love Hulk's characterization as well, tough, cocky and brash and kicks ass. Korg was another good character as well, strikes me as the noble type that Hulk would have as a right hand man. Carlos Pagulian's artwork is absolutely phenomenal, he's a great pick for this story.


9/10

[TheCurse]

from what i hear banner shows up in the following issue :eek:

[Tony Starkz]

So does anyone think is this basiclly making the Hulk into a cosmic character rather a purely Earth based one? Is this Marvel's intent?

Gotta say it would be interesting to see Hulk on another planet or at least visiting other planets and not be limited due to always being on Earth he would be contained.

Nope.JQ has already mentioned that Hulk will be coming back to Earth and taking on some Marvel heavyweights once PH is over.

[Tony Starkz]

from what i hear banner shows up in the following issue :eek:

Banner appears in the Giant-Sizer.Not the next issue.

[Grizsly]

I was very impressed with the first two parts of Planet Hulk, and I was even more happy to see the letters page in the back of part two, containing praises all around for PH, and many of them echoing my thoughts in that they haven't been this interested in the Hulk for years, since even the end of Peter David's run. I concur - the plodding, Banner heavy Bruce Jones storylines just bored the bloody hell out of me, Jenkins, well, he's another plodding, awful writer.

Good to see some real action, a lot of Hulk, less Banner, and no stupid psychological nonsense, just pure unadulteraded mayhem in space.

Nice one.

[Zero Hunter]

I had been away from the Hulk for probably 6 years before this arc started. Now it is one of my most looked forward to titles each month. This creative team has taken a character that had been so misused and forgotten and turned him back into an A level read. I loved part 1 of PH and part 2 was just as good. Definetly sticking around for the long haul on this one.

[StoneGold]

I haven't read Hulk in a while but it sounds from the dialogue like he's back in his "Grayvage" state. (Green, brutish but not too dumb)
Not quite. From what I can tell, he has the full Banner intelligence and Grey's survival skills, if not quite his personality. He's a bit more feral and laconic than Grey usually is.

[steve2275]

Nope.JQ has already mentioned that Hulk will be coming back to Earth and taking on some Marvel heavyweights once PH is over.

......in 2007 :)

[Jomero]

Not quite. From what I can tell, he has the full Banner intelligence and Grey's survival skills, if not quite his personality. He's a bit more feral and laconic than Grey usually is.


No, he's right. This smacks of the "Grayvage" Hulk. I don't think he has Banner's full intelligence. He's crafty and cunning though, just like Joe Fixit. But you're right that he is more feral, just like the Savage Hulk. Savage + Gray = Grayvage.

Pretty much the Hulk that appeared after the "merged" Hulk in PAD's run. The same Hulk that appeared in the Pitt crossover. That's the Hulk we're seeing right now.

He's not as smart as Banner, but still nowhere close to stupid.

[Kevinroc]

No, he's right. This smacks of the "Grayvage" Hulk. I don't think he has Banner's full intelligence. He's crafty and cunning though, just like Joe Fixit. But you're right that he is more feral, just like the Savage Hulk. Savage + Gray = Grayvage.

Pretty much the Hulk that appeared after the "merged" Hulk in PAD's run. The same Hulk that appeared in the Pitt crossover. That's the Hulk we're seeing right now.

He's not as smart as Banner, but still nowhere close to stupid.

At a panel at Wizard World LA, Pak said that Hulk was in his "Grayvage" form. He hinted that this would not always be the case during the story but for now I think we can safely say "grayvage" as that is what the writer has said.

And while I didn't think this issue was quite as good as the first one, I still enjoyed it a lot. So far this has been a really fun, exciting story.

[Dial Tone]

This continues to be a great story!

Does anybody inderstand why it couldn't even sell 40,000? Seems like a disappointment.

[StoneGold]

I'm just guessing retailers are a bit leary of Hulk after a couple years of poor performance. See how the second printings do, that'll be interesting.

[agrich]

Isn't this whole Planet Hulk thing just really a redux of the Crossroads saga from the 80s

It's not a redux, but I agree with you that there are similarities.

Hulk banished for the good of both himself and the world.

Dr. Strange involved both times.

Hulk's adventures at the Crossroads typically send him to worlds where he is not the "strongest one there is."

Savage, brutish Hulk incarnation.

Some of these are, sure, superficial, but the premise is similar. I think this story, however, clearly has more ambition and more going on than that one did, which ended up being fairly disappointing. (For anyone who's curious, those were issues 300-312 or 313. One of those was the issue that first introduced the idea that Banner was an abused child, with the Hulk Banner's enraged anger and frustration even then, that Peter David once said inspired a lot of his run. If memory serves.)

[Cowlander]

!!!Green "motherfakkkkin" Scar!!!!

The whole time vs the robots I was waiting for the soccer announcer to let out "GOALLLLLLLLLL" for the crowd. It was that well done a scene. The panel design is really adding to script here, the angles are nice but still clear and not to jarring. He keeps the epic/roughness of the script intact. This is just great.

I havent picked up Hulk since David left the first time. This is the first time I'm waiting and anticipating Hulk. Great work all around. If they stay on the book they got one more sale out of me.

[MythicBrawn]

I certainly expect Banner to make an appearance. And, there is already foreshadowing of what is going to happen when Hulk returns to Earth.

[Will.S]

Did anyone get that sweet Hitch variant cover? I went with the Ladronn cover myself but I was real close to nabbing that one as well.

[Mick Martin]

Did anyone get that sweet Hitch variant cover? I went with the Ladronn cover myself but I was real close to nabbing that one as well.

It's ironic because even though I'm not a big fan of the Ultimate Hulk, I like Hitch's renderings of that version and his art impresses me in Ultimates a lot more than Millar's writing does, while I've never liked any of his work on the standard MU Hulk. Not his stuff for the video game or that variant cover. It's something about the faces I don't like. I can't really put my finger on it.

[Will.S]

It's ironic because even though I'm not a big fan of the Ultimate Hulk, I like Hitch's renderings of that version and his art impresses me in Ultimates a lot more than Millar's writing does, while I've never liked any of his work on the standard MU Hulk. Not his stuff for the video game or that variant cover. It's something about the faces I don't like. I can't really put my finger on it.
Hmm, so you like Hitch's Ultimate Hulk more than his renditions of 616 Hulk? I get that, I sorta felt the same way because everytime I see Hitch's green Hulk I think the Ultimate Hulk but I still like it and accept it as such ;)

[twilight]

I love The Hulk's gang,especially The Brood.

I hope most of them survive.

[cable guy]

Somehow I managed to grab another issue of 92, instead of issue 93. :mad:

Actually it was in the 'New This Week' shelf.

It's still my fault I did't notice.

Anyway I have to wait til next week now. :mad:

[Core]

Somehow I managed to grab another issue of 92, instead of issue 93. :mad:

Actually it was in the 'New This Week' shelf.

It's still my fault I did't notice.

Anyway I have to wait til next week now. :mad:

I've done that before as well. There was a period of about a year when many of the covers on FANTASTIC FOUR comics looked largely the same month to month, so if I wasn't attentive to the issue numbers, it was pretty easy to wind up with a second copy of the previous month's mag.

[cable guy]

I've done that before as well. There was a period of about a year when many of the covers on FANTASTIC FOUR comics looked largely the same month to month, so if I wasn't attentive to the issue numbers, it was pretty easy to wind up with a second copy of the previous month's mag.

Yep... Variant cover. I think.

And alot of times, I don't even look at the number.

[Hulk_Is]

Where can I find what Bryan Hitches cover looks like? I'm not a fan of his artwork, but I'm diggin' Planet Hulk like manna from heaven-- so I'd like to see his reprint art.

[Will.S]

Where can I find what Bryan Hitches cover looks like? I'm not a fan of his artwork, but I'm diggin' Planet Hulk like manna from heaven-- so I'd like to see his reprint art.
Ask an ye shall receive:

http://www.sequart.com/news/graphics/Hulk92second.jpg

[Meta 05]

I picked up the first two issues of PLANET HULK. I just am so mad i never gave hulk a try earlier.I hope that the series after this whole story arc is still well written an well drawn, because if it is i am definatly keeping the title.I really knew nothing about hulk beyond the typical bruce gets mad becomes hulk, i really like the 616 hulk with his different personalitys its really interesting.Everytime i pick up something old school by Marvel it manages to outshine any DC book i try.

[Zero Hunter]

If you like this version you should pick up the Peter David Visionaries: Hulk 1 and 2. The same type of personality.

[Hulk_Is]

Thanks, Will.S!

It's o.k. art, but the first print cover art (current cover artist name escapes me at moment) has been already seen, so now I guess I'm spoiled on it!

[Jessica Drew]

Best damn comic of the week.

[WolverinesSon]

I like when Hulkies on the barge talking to Miek and he says "not even earths heroes can save them". Looks like Hulk has revenge on the mind. Can't wait to see what happens.

[Aufbach]

Just it read it yesterday. Great stuff.

[Soundrave]

Anybody else catch this in the July solicits?

PLANET HULK: GLADIATOR GUIDEBOOK
Written by ANTHONY FLAMINI & GREG PAK
How did the Empire rise to power? What is the origin of the Death’s Head Guard? Who are the Spikes? Learn the answers to these questions, plus many more revelations, in the pages of the PLANET HULK: GLADIATOR GUIDEBOOK – an essential companion to Greg Pak’s top-selling PLANET HULK storyline! Featuring profiles on the Hulk, the Silver Surfer and the Brood, the GLADIATOR GUIDEBOOK presents a detailed look into the planet Sakaar and its many inhabitants!
48 PGS./NO ADS/Rated T+ ...$3.99


and the solicit for the regular book:

INCREDIBLE HULK #96
Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by AARON LOPRESTI
Cover by LADRÖNN
PLANET HULK: ANARCHY, Part 1!
On the run from the Imperial Army after escaping from the Great Arena, the Hulk and his crew of Warbound gladiators take refuge in a small farming village with a dark secret. Learn the horrifying truth about Miek’s past—and discover if our heroes know the difference between justice and revenge! The smashing continues!!!
32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99

Looks like they changed artists for the new chapter.

The guidebook sounds awesome though. It sounds like they really put a lot of thought into this planet and its citizens. Maybe they'll be playing a lasting, signficant role in the Marvel Universe beyond the Planet Hulk storyline?

Hey, just thought of something . . . we know the Death's Heads are on this planet . . . and we know that in the Amazing Fantasy stories the Death's Heads were involved in an invasion of Earth in the future . . . and we know that the Hulk is pretty pissed-off for having been betrayed by his Earth friends . . . maybe Hulk is the one that comes back to Earth with the Death Heads and leads the invasion?

[Will.S]

Yeah that handbook is pretty interesting.

Kinda sucks to see Pagulyan not drawing the issue but Lopresti is pretty solid.

[mandog]

I just recently got back into comics after a few year break. And, issues like Hulk 92 and 93 make me damn glad I did

[UniqueFrequency]

It sounds like they really put a lot of thought into this planet and its citizens.

they would if it could help them sell a $3.99 book :rolleyes:

[Soundrave]

they would if it could help them sell a $3.99 book :rolleyes:

What? :confused:

[phantom1592]

How is the transformation now? I can never keep track. Is it still Anger, or does he change at will. Not sure how he could stay "angry" this long without sleeping or something.

[Soundrave]

How is the transformation now? I can never keep track. Is it still Anger, or does he change at will. Not sure how he could stay "angry" this long without sleeping or something.

I think the transformations are still triggered by anger/adrenaline.

I guess there's just a lot on this planet to make him angry.

[UniqueFrequency]

What? :confused:

what i meant to say was, it makes sense for the writers to put a whole deal of thought into the Planet Hulk aliens and what not, because then they could churn out a $3.99 book that people will buy :)

[StoneGold]

what i meant to say was, it makes sense for the writers to put a whole deal of thought into the Planet Hulk aliens and what not, because then they could churn out a $3.99 book that people will buy :)
I'm just going to chalk it up to language barrier issues, but your attempt to explain your previous bizarre statement was just as confusing.

[Hombre]

I'm just going to chalk it up to language barrier issues, but your attempt to explain your previous bizarre statement was just as confusing.

Wouldn't you hate it if you had pay $3.99 for a comic and find out later that it doesn't contain enough aliens?

[StoneGold]

Wouldn't you hate it if you had pay $3.99 for a comic and find out later that it doesn't contain enough aliens?
No. But I'm anti-alien.

[Hombre]

No. But I'm anti-alien.

I'm just alienated :(

[UniqueFrequency]

I'm just going to chalk it up to language barrier issues, but your attempt to explain your previous bizarre statement was just as confusing.

well it's alright. i won't do it another time.