It is a promising start for Marvel’s new series Infernal Hulk, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, with an action-packed first issue. There is a caveat though that it might not be for anyone who does not enjoy gore and blood!
Spoilers ahead for Infernal Hulk #1!
Immortal Hulk, the incredibly brilliant and critically-acclaimed series from Al Ewing, changed the tone for how Hulk stories could be depicted, introducing a world of body horror. This style has clearly continued with Infernal Hulk which goes all out with some gruesome scenes from illustrator Nic Klein.
For those starting this series fresh, it might have been a surprise to find that the Hulk was not actually in the issue. Bruce Banner and the Hulk had been split, physically ripped apart by the being Eldest who was now in control of Hulk, using Hulk as their vessel. Eldest has plans as well, monstrous plans.
The build-up to introducing Eldest and his goals is great. Like all good horrors, the tension increases slowly, the weather worsens, and you are introduced to people you realise are not going to be around for much longer. In this case, a cadre of soldiers and vehicles have been called to apprehend who they thought was Bruce Banner as the Hulk. Johnson does well delivering unease and borderline panic among the soldiers, before they even see Eldest.
Klein’s drawings and the colouring from Matthew Wilson really help with the escalation in tension. The heavy black lines contrasted with the exaggerated lighting really lend themselves to creating the foreboding atmosphere. They switch up a gear however with the unveiling of Eldest, who begins to eviscerate the soldiers in shockingly gory fashion.
This is not a random attack by Eldest, this is all part of his design. Inhabiting the Hulk’s body, Eldest has access to that incredible strength and durability Hulk is known for but this is not all he can do. Eldest is incredibly powerful, offspring of the Vinruviel the Mother of Horrors, and has access to powerful magic too.
One of the best looking pages is the full-page spread of Gologolthia, the Living City. Eldest had raised it to create to a new Age of Monsters, one the other Marvel heroes will have to combat. It is perfectly hideous to look at, no doubt it was fun for Klein to design, and Wilson’s palette here is very reminiscent of John Higgins‘ work in Watchmen.
“The Mother of Horrors is dead. Her eldest lives. Obey me.“
Eldest, the Infernal Hulk
At the centre of the Living City of Gologothia is Eldest on a throne, having declared himself King. He subjects are dead soldiers, morphed and transfigured into zombies. Among his new followers are a soldier David Bridger, who Eldest sensed had something different about them and had spared the transformation. Bridger is actually a Johnson creation from War is Hell, where he, after a particularly nasty special ops mission in Afghanistan, becomes a host for the spirit Jinni Dagaal, the War Devil.
What Johnson and therefore Eldest have planned for Bridger will be interesting to see! Similarly, we saw Banner at the end of the issue, just as other heroes are reacting to the news, but how quickly will Bruce be involved, trying to remove Eldest from the Hulk? No doubt he will not sit out too long.
A strong start for Infernal Hulk and definitely one to keep an eye on as the series gets going. Johnson hints in the text at the end that not only will Gologothia be a sanctury for monsters, but perhaps some humans too.
Buy Infernal Hulk #1 second print Dan Panosian variant – Forbidden Planet UK (I earn a commission)
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