Thanos vs. Hulk #1
This article will contain spoilers regarding the plot of Thanos vs. Hulk.
After the release of Thanos: The Infinity Revelation, cosmic comic legend Jim Starlin promised his legion of fans a limited series called Thanos vs. Hulk. You may remember Thanos from the big screen this summer during his scene in Marvel’s breakout hit Guardians of the Galaxy or from countless other works Starlin has penned through the years. With the upcoming release of Thanos vs. Hulk #2 on the 14th, ComicsTheGathering, has the scoop so you can decide if the rest of the four part series is worth your time and money.
The first installment of this cosmic adventure had some pacing issues, but is reminiscent of Starlin’s previous work – relieving for all major fans who’ve been awaiting this series. The Jade Giant and the Mad Titan didn’t trade blows in the first issue despite the aggressive cover but it has definitely created a paradigm with an unlikely protagonist. Pip the Troll! The teleporting troll last seen in X-Force appears to have made a deal with the heinous Annhilus to steal and deliver Hulk in exchange for the troll’s apparent love interest. The Hulk has been equalized in a similar way that Greg Pak did it back in Planet Hulk. It seems Pip has realized the kind of universe changing blunder he has made when he enlists the help of Thanos, a mass-murderer. The Mad Titan doesn’t rush into anything right away, because he has schemes and complex machinations to plan before he makes his move – even giving credibility to the threat Annhilus presents. The framework leads the reader to believe that Warlock will become a part of the story.
The stand-out member of the creative team in this issue was colorist Frank D’Armata. The colors in this issue not only brought you closer to the story, but farther apart. Starlin’s writing may leave newer readers feeling alienated, but D’Armata’s handling of the nebulous universe of Banner’s mind resembles the very interworking of the human mind, or Hulk mind depending on for whom you are rooting. Not to say that Andy Smith’s inking isn’t up to snuff, but the coloring transgresses the cosmic chasm – inviting you further. Although, for some the art in the issue was mediocre – claiming the gold outlays of the Mad Titan’s ensemble were dulled, not fitting of a power such as Thanos. The creative team left much for the imagination, indeed, but they gave you exactly what they advertised. A Jim Starlin adventure.
Starlin, like Thanos, has his own motive for this series in the landscape of his other “Infinity,” publications. Although Thanos vs. Hulk #1 is filled past the line with exposition, it is clear this series is important for Thanos as a character. In the past, he aligned with Annhilus and has countered him but this time seems different. This series is going to set the framework for The Inifinity Relativity, and any other of Starlin’s future stories.
While Brolin handles the psychopathic tendencies of Thanos on the big screen, Starlin is still penning gripping titles for a new generation of fans of the cosmic arts. This four-part series with the Hulk promises to be fun and expansive, but it doesn’t seem to be necessary. Starlin hasn’t come to terms with how Marvel is handling their other cosmic titles and continues his usual psychological cluster of backyard - space brawls. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of Thanos or Jim Starlin, your pull list should include another series. However, if you do want to see the Hulk trash about without the Doc Green persona, this series should be most excellent in the coming installments.
Let me know what you thought about the issue in the comments section or hit me on Twitter.
Every week, I will be recommending series you should read that will make you feel closer to the issues reviewed. In addition, collectors should make notice of the Key Issues featured – buy for cheap now, sell for beaucoups later!
Recommended reading: The Infinity Revelations (2014), Warlock (1972)
Key Issue of the week: Captain Marvel #18 (1969) The issue Carol Danvers gets her powers!
After the release of Thanos: The Infinity Revelation, cosmic comic legend Jim Starlin promised his legion of fans a limited series called Thanos vs. Hulk. You may remember Thanos from the big screen this summer during his scene in Marvel’s breakout hit Guardians of the Galaxy or from countless other works Starlin has penned through the years. With the upcoming release of Thanos vs. Hulk #2 on the 14th, ComicsTheGathering, has the scoop so you can decide if the rest of the four part series is worth your time and money.
The first installment of this cosmic adventure had some pacing issues, but is reminiscent of Starlin’s previous work – relieving for all major fans who’ve been awaiting this series. The Jade Giant and the Mad Titan didn’t trade blows in the first issue despite the aggressive cover but it has definitely created a paradigm with an unlikely protagonist. Pip the Troll! The teleporting troll last seen in X-Force appears to have made a deal with the heinous Annhilus to steal and deliver Hulk in exchange for the troll’s apparent love interest. The Hulk has been equalized in a similar way that Greg Pak did it back in Planet Hulk. It seems Pip has realized the kind of universe changing blunder he has made when he enlists the help of Thanos, a mass-murderer. The Mad Titan doesn’t rush into anything right away, because he has schemes and complex machinations to plan before he makes his move – even giving credibility to the threat Annhilus presents. The framework leads the reader to believe that Warlock will become a part of the story.
The stand-out member of the creative team in this issue was colorist Frank D’Armata. The colors in this issue not only brought you closer to the story, but farther apart. Starlin’s writing may leave newer readers feeling alienated, but D’Armata’s handling of the nebulous universe of Banner’s mind resembles the very interworking of the human mind, or Hulk mind depending on for whom you are rooting. Not to say that Andy Smith’s inking isn’t up to snuff, but the coloring transgresses the cosmic chasm – inviting you further. Although, for some the art in the issue was mediocre – claiming the gold outlays of the Mad Titan’s ensemble were dulled, not fitting of a power such as Thanos. The creative team left much for the imagination, indeed, but they gave you exactly what they advertised. A Jim Starlin adventure.Starlin, like Thanos, has his own motive for this series in the landscape of his other “Infinity,” publications. Although Thanos vs. Hulk #1 is filled past the line with exposition, it is clear this series is important for Thanos as a character. In the past, he aligned with Annhilus and has countered him but this time seems different. This series is going to set the framework for The Inifinity Relativity, and any other of Starlin’s future stories.
While Brolin handles the psychopathic tendencies of Thanos on the big screen, Starlin is still penning gripping titles for a new generation of fans of the cosmic arts. This four-part series with the Hulk promises to be fun and expansive, but it doesn’t seem to be necessary. Starlin hasn’t come to terms with how Marvel is handling their other cosmic titles and continues his usual psychological cluster of backyard - space brawls. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of Thanos or Jim Starlin, your pull list should include another series. However, if you do want to see the Hulk trash about without the Doc Green persona, this series should be most excellent in the coming installments.
Let me know what you thought about the issue in the comments section or hit me on Twitter.
Every week, I will be recommending series you should read that will make you feel closer to the issues reviewed. In addition, collectors should make notice of the Key Issues featured – buy for cheap now, sell for beaucoups later!
Recommended reading: The Infinity Revelations (2014), Warlock (1972)
Key Issue of the week: Captain Marvel #18 (1969) The issue Carol Danvers gets her powers!
A Look Inside
