The latest in the revived “Marvel Knights” line, “Marvel Knights: Hulk” continues the trend of combining fresh indie talent with the publisher’s biggest heroes, with terrific results.
Written by Joe Keatinge
Illustrated by Piotr KowalskiAN ALL-NEW HULK EPIC SPOTLIGHTING THE UNIQUE TALENTS OF TWO RISING STARS!
• Marvel Knights returns as a platform for the continuing influx of unique independent voices to Marvel—as writer Joe Keatinge (Glory) and artist Piotr Kowalski (Sex) unleash the green goliath!
• An amnesiac Dr. Bruce Bannner awakens on the banks of the Sienne—and soon finds himself in a desperate race through the streets of Paris! Who is hunting him—and how are they both transforming into grotesque Hulks?
• A mind-bending mystery + an iconic city + huge monsters = quirky cool Hulk action downloaded directly from the mad minds of Keatinge & Kowalski!
You really have to hand it to Marvel for having their finger on the pulse of the comic industry. Publishers like Image, Dark Horse, and Oni Press are pushing the boundaries of what a comic can do, thanks to their willingness to foster new creative visionaries. With the new “Marvel Knights” line, the publisher unabashedly caters to the indie crowd that might find superhero comics a little too pedestrian.
Indeed, this issue carries an air of sophistication about it. The opening sequence has more in common with an art house foreign film than typical super hero fair. Panels flash back and forth between past and present, the former viewed through a dingy sepia filter, the latter entirely in french (accompanied by subtitles). A bizarre meet cute leads into the basic plot of many a quirky rom-com. That is, until the bloodthirsty secret agent types show up.
To be fair, writer Joe Keatinge and artist Piotr Kowalski aren’t here to reinvent the wheel when it comes to super-heroic fare. In fact, the first chapter of “Hulk” is written as much for the Avengers crowd as it is for the creator conscious comic fan. Keatinge’s ability to bridge that gap in a single issue is truly commendable.
Though easily accessible, readers may not be terribly impressed by the plot, at least right out of the gate. The Hulk himself barely makes an appearance here, and much of the issue’s plot consists of well trodden tropes for the character. The character Dyane makes an interesting foil for Bruce, although there’s nothing particular memorable or noteworthy about her. Still, there’s plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting, and the issue moves at a refreshingly brisk pace.
Equally as impressive as Keatinge’s scripting is Kowalski’s unique visual style. The artist behind the extremely provocative “Sex” may seem like an odd choice for a super hero title, but it’s that disconnect that makes this work even more interesting. It should come as no surprise that this is a gorgeous book, made all the more so by the Parisian setting. Nick Filardi’s subdued and simple color palette compliments Kowalski’s work spectacularly.
Kowalski doesn’t hold sway to any convention, seeing fit to do his own thing entirely. His Banner doesn’t look all that much like Banner, and his Hulks don’t look all that much like Hulks (they are slightly more abominable…), and that’s all ok. It seems somewhat fitting that the art be as continuity light as the story.
“Marvel Knights: Hulk” #1 feels right at home next to the likes of “Daredevil” and “Hawkeye,” books that aren’t afraid to do things differently. It’s is a not so much a re-imagining of the Hulk, but rather a familiar story viewed from a different angle. Lost, hunted, and doubtful, Keatinge and Kowalski crafted a Banner that is recognizable, without relying on any precursory knowledge of the character. Somewhat paradoxically, comics are becoming more mainstream as well as more artistically focused. Books such as this seem to be the logical treatise. Fun, smart, well written and illustrated, this is a terrific example of how good comics can be.
Final Verdict: 8.4 – Buy.
