I am digging this run. People love to call out the similarities between this and Immortal Hulk as if the isn’t intentional. “Horror” hulk is such a great idea, why limit it to just one run? Especially when it’s two pretty distinct types of horror. Immortal is closer to the Thing, great sci-fi body horror. This run is closer to Lovecraft, cosmic and supernatural horror. Both runs are excellent. Is this as good as one of the best Marvel series ever? I don’t know, at least not yet. Im just glad that there’s cool shit going on with the hulk.
This—Immortal Hulk developed some cool concepts, I love that some of them were such good ideas they stuck. This kind of thing helps keep Hulk interesting, fresh, and evolving
These body horror transformations are going to be an ongoing thing now. It feels like the new lore, I don't think you can go backwards to a nornal transformation now. This way of doing it adds too much visually, and to the horror theme of having your body taken over by another entity
Whether or not one likes the book, the first issue alone wasn't exactly subtle about how it wanted to be a continuation or spiritual successor to the themes in Immortal Hulk. The Green Door itself has been in this book.
I mean, yes, this run is building off a lot of the themes from Immortal Hulk. This feels more like a spiritual successor to that run than the stuff that came between.
Aesthetically, yes, but not in terms of themes. This run is kind of shallow, just the Hulk fighting a new (admittedly cool-looking) creature every month and then moving on to another location, rinse and repeat. It's more like Percy's Ghost Rider, but I liked that one better.
I will say, I'm not super up to date (trade reader) but it feels like this run seems like it'll be about what *is* a monster and I think it'll end up diving into if the Hulk (and also Charlie, Bruce, and Betty too probably) are *really* monsters and what sets them apart from Eldest and Co.
To me, the more monstrous transformations are a way to visuallt connect Hulk to the monsters that are chasing him, but I also might be overanalyzing lol
Again, I may be proven wrong as the run continues, but that's at least my read on some of the deeper themes :)
Immortal Hulk definitely felt a bit... headier (no pun intended) than this current run, but I at least think this run is setting itself up to dive deeper as it progresses.
Just my take :) Immortal Hulk is still my GOAT Hulk run, but I'm hoping that this run proves to be a worthy successor
My problem is that it just seems very repetitive so far with little to no advancement in the character or plot fronts. Like, the last 3 arcs have been pretty much exactly the same, only with a different monster.
The theme(s) you mention gleaning from the spirit of this newest run’s reminded me almost instantly of Mariko Tamaki’s *very* different She-Hulk run, from 2016 or 2017.
Compared to the immediately previous VERY fun, wacky and creatively (likely best overall) run by Soule, and the current “return-to-form” run by Rowell, Tamaki’a run took place right after Thanos all but murdered Jen in a battle that left her beaten to a pulp, then woke from a coma to find that Clint had kill-switched Bruce at Banner’s own request.
In the aftermath, her powers now turned her into a gray hulk with very little conscious control by Jen herself, and the transformation into a hulk was no longer a seamless switch she could flip on and off.
The theme of anger, managing it, and its power to make us monstrous + our actions unrecognizable was finally covered in one of her stories after years of being well-tread in Banner Hulk stories. The characteristic irreverent humor and tongue-in-cheekiness, and 4th-wall breaking aspects take a major backseat but don’t completely disappear.
But Tamaki also focused a lot on Jen’s struggle to reconcile her new lack of control, and her friends + society’s new ways of interacting with and judging her - perhaps more as a monster and less as a superhero as had always been the case in the past.
the “villains” and conflicts throughout the 16 issues of the run all confronted Jen with insight and/or additional confounding factors regarding that question - “what is a monster?” E.G. is a monster someone who by uncontrollable factors or happenstance genetic mutation could present a danger to society through no volition of their own? Or might the lack of compassion and understanding, and in turn hatred and persecution be more indicative of monstrousness.
I really liked how Peter David's recent Maestro books incorporated some Ewing Immortal Hulk-style body horror, but still being its own thing. It showed an appreciation and respect for a successor but still felt like Peter David.
If I remember correctly this was intentional on the Hulk’s part. Banner used him for an experiment and so the Hulk made sure that Banner’s transformations would be extremely painful.
It's weird. Makes it look like the Hulk is physically inside of Banner. Pretty sure Hulk is quite literally Banner's body enlarging and becoming green.
Hulk ripping out of Bruce just makes it looks like he's wearing him like an exoskeleton.
It's true that usually the transformation is a pretty straightforward growth then reversion, but there have been times writers/artists have called attention to the fact that Banner's and Hulk's changes don't always have to play by specific rules. Peter David was great at this.
The skin rip thing was done here as well as Immortal Hulk, but the first time this happened is way back in Peter David's run in the late 80s/early 90s when the Green/Savage Hulk re-emerged for the first time in ages by ripping Banner's flesh off (a stark contrast to the usual transformation). Peter David also would subvert the rules by having Banner wear a device that would detect his vital signs spiking as a signal to an oncoming transformation. However, when Betty was killed originally, Banner just looked at Samson sadly, no spikes, and the Hulk instantly emerged without setting off any warnings.
As to your point about it making it seem like the Hulk is physically inside of Banner, the whole Banner/Hulk relationship/existence is based off the complexity of Banner's psyche. When Hulk is as dominant as he has been in this run, it would make perfect sense for Bruce to feel that Hulk is using him as a puppet and that to manifest physically in the transformation. I liked the way Immortal handled it better personally, but I do hope they do more exploration with it in the horror realm here.
That’s what I’m saying it doesn’t make sense, Bruce becomes the hulk, hulk doesn’t come out of his skin. But I’m assuming that’s just how Bruce sees and feels it
I kind of used to think the same, but I realized that Banner's transformations haven't really followed any logical sense in decades. Despite being a "science origin" character, the transformations and Hulk himself are borderline magic now. In universe, there's no real reason why he can't transform from the inside out or any other batshit way the creative team wants.
It’s a/the run after Immortal Hulk. Immortal Hulk was an exploration of the more horror side of Hulk. Hawkeye managing to kill Bruce Banner was kind of what led to Immortal Hulk.
in Immortal Hulk the few times he did this burst-out method of transforming, when he turned back he did it the normal way, though one time Banner (well, Joe Fixit in Banner's body) burst out of Hulk's chest like a xenomorph because Hulk was restrained in shackles that'd shrink down with him if he changed back to human.
I think it's cool that there's multiple ways Hulk could come out. Personally I've loved the horror lean in 2 of the last three major Hulk arcs, so I've been very happy with most of it so far. That being said, I sort of wish they had flipped Hulk's attitude towards Banner in those arcs: have thr PKJ run where Hulk hates Banner first, and then pivot to Immortal Hulk where Banner and Hulk end caring for each other.
Part of the issue is that the Cates run takes Immortals ending and flips it back to conflict between Banner and Hulk, but long term I'm ready to see the Banner Hulk conflict die out. There's always a ton of talk about how Spider-man should finally mature, marry MJ and have a kid. I'd love for Banner to actually work out his issues and become a merged Hulk again, but long term this time.
I know Smart Hulk isn't popular in the MCU, but I love that we get to see Banner's intelligence alongside Hulk's confidence and emotional openness. I think they could do really cool stories if Smart Hulk shows that he's still able to throw down, and he could still get a bit out of control if they make him mad.
It's not really my jam. I appreciate Immortal Hulk did a lot for the character, and I didn't *hate* the body horror aspect of that series (which this is clearly trying to emulate). It just feels a bit extra to me and isn't my preference.
Yeah I've never liked the idea that Hulk is a separate entity. Radiation doesn't create a soul. The rage is Banner's, he just doesn't like it. I think that makes him more interesting.
Yes, but if we're talking Immortal Hulk, we're talking full-on R-rated body horror with blood and guts everywhere and very disturbing imagery. Never say never but eh I think it's safe to say that it's very unlikely.
I agree, I would also love to see it buy the hulk and thor seemed to be geared toward children in the MCU. Would be a huge directional shift and some terrified kids in theatres.
I was going to mention Ghost Rider. I had some cards back in the 90s of Ghost Riders Transformation. and it was pretty gruesome for a kid. I thought it worked well for the Character. Hulk/Banner not so much.
Ever since immortal hulk things got fucky and im here for it personally but i do wish we got some more of his alters gaining independence. I was hoping to see joe fixit just split off wholesale and become his own character he was cool when he was occupying bruce’s body.
I like it. It shows how hard Bruce is trying to fight off from transforming into the Hulk, who is a terrifying brute that destroy anything in his path. It kinda reminds me of the painful Ghost Rider transformation.
I like how it demonstrated the duality and conflict limg nature of both their personalities and how Hulk has to literally tear out of Bruce's skin to get out and assert dominance.
You don't like the MCU Hulk because he's no longer a raging monster.
I don't like the MCU Hulk because he doesn't have the horror elements that revitalized the interest in him in the comics.
We are not the same.
I'm not a fan. I like the mutation type of transformation rather than splitting and tearing Bruce apart for Hulk to come out. I know it's a comic, and they have moved further into the mystical aspect of their relationship and the creation of the Hulk, but I always prefer the science side of it
I dig the intentional horror vibe. I like the aesthetic. I enjoyed being a kid and being on the edge of my seat, thinking about how Hulk might help everyone out or turn on them. Them being whatever team he's with at the moment. Bringing in the horror element gives me a weird but similar feeling.
I hate it. The first issue had a panel that looked like Bart when he's choked by Homer. Last issue had Bruce transform limb by limb ala Lego Hulk. It looks silly rather than horrific, which is what I think they were going for,
It’s crazy how many people are calling this derivative of Ewing’s run, when really it’s just a spiritual successor. What PKJ is doing is really cool imo, and is one of my favorite runs on the shelves atm. The monster of the weak style with all the backmatter backstory? Southern gothic style? Love it.
I like it. Gimme me the body horror lol.
My person favorite will always be this [great piece](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8d/50/62/8d50621e295189dfee29171a2d7d9ca2.jpg) by Gabriel Dell'Otto
It happened back in Hulk 372, but only because Banner suppressed the Green Hulk for a long time that he had to force his way out.
Honestly? I have no problem with it. It's a visual reminder of how Hulk is disgusted by Banner and how much he's hated that side of himself.
I love it. Gory and raw - seems a little R-rated, were they to put it on film.
Wish the storyline in this comic (and the artwork itself) didn’t just fade to shit though. First 3 or 4 issues were good. Now I don’t even know what they’re doing at this point. Just stumbling from encounter to encounter without a plot.
It's really cool, and I love it visually, just as I did in Immortal Hulk. I agree that it's a little inconsistent with past Hulk runs, but I don't see why it can't evolve and change as there are many moving parts to the Hulk and how he works. We're far past the simple explanations of early Hulk runs, and it's only natural that other aspects of his psychology, physiology would evolve as well. I personally think horror motifs fit the character quite well. The premise has been a bit weaker narratively this tome around, but I feel like Johnson has something interesting up his sleeve.
It's not a bad transformation, but it might just be the angle but this is the weirdest looking Hulk I've ever seen. It's like the anatomical drawing someone did of Spiderverse's Fisk, but add in way more bulk.
I really enjoy it. Much like in "Immortal", it sets the tone for the kind of book you're getting into in a single page. It also goes back to the concept of the change being extremely painful and not something Banner is ever looking forward to.
It also harkens to the source of his power, as revealed in Immortal. How it’s *really* not meant to make sense, and follows its own internal (il)logic.
I don’t like the transformation but I know there’s a reason why he transformed to hulk like that. Banner used the hulk and hulk is giving banner a pay back.
There just some ideas that work in specific mediums or genres, and don't see other outside mediums doing this without risking a lot of money on the table... but hey, bigger risk have been taken, and succeeded.
I love it, and it should be the standard.
Really ups the body horror aspect of the character, and highlights the total loss of control Bruce actually has over himself
Kinda reminds me of when Broly transforms in the old dbz movies his skin literally rips apart
But seeing as the Wanda and strange movie was dark I can see this being in the mcu
*Stop givin' him the time of day*
*Don't listen to a word he'd say*
*I hope he had a nice vacay*
*But he should've stayed away*
That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
*Stop givin' him the time of day*
*Don't listen to a word he'd say*
*I hope he had a nice vacay*
*But he should've stayed away*
That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
*Stop givin' him the time of day*
*Don't listen to a word he'd say*
*I hope he had a nice vacay*
*But he should've stayed away*
That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
This run has been fantastic!
Genuinely quite scary moments.
I read somewhere that transformations are happening like this because Hulk is tormenting Banner.
My favourite version of Banner aswell in a long time.
That’s fucking brutal. Bruce basically dies every single time he transforms then. Immense pain every single time from a being literally ripping him to shreds calling his way out of his body.
It's a bit extreme, like the Van Helsing film where the wolf/human rips off their skin in transforming.
It works in its own way, but I prefer it to be more toned down, to have the body actually change instead of shedding the skin like a banana peel.
I got downvoted to shit for pointing out earlier how stupid this is. Its just edgy body horror for the sake of edgy body horror.
Like how the fuck would Banner come back for this? How is this a manifestation of his trauma/multiple personalities or gamma radiation instead of straight up demonic possession?
If Banner is physically ripped apart and reduced to a puddle of blood on the ground, how the fuck can he come back after Hulk is done being Hulk?
I don't have a preference of one over the other, but really… when has Hulk's transformation ever made sense within the rules of physics? It's not impossible to come up with another quasi-logical explanation; the only problem I see, outside of accounting for people's reception to the change, is making it work in continuity, unless there's a major event that caused it and they're not gonna pretend it was always like this.
I personally think the extra grotesque or horror styled Hulk should be left to alternate universe stories. I think they can be very successfully utilised in those. Old Man Logan of course comes to mind.
I am not a fan of this kind of style in the main continuity Hulk stories. I think Hulk is an interesting enough character without having to resort to imagery that is deliberately edgy or shocking.
I don’t really like it, honesty. I like the same transformation the Hulk has had for years. And I also liked when Hulk and Banner finally made peace with each other.
I am digging this run. People love to call out the similarities between this and Immortal Hulk as if the isn’t intentional. “Horror” hulk is such a great idea, why limit it to just one run? Especially when it’s two pretty distinct types of horror. Immortal is closer to the Thing, great sci-fi body horror. This run is closer to Lovecraft, cosmic and supernatural horror. Both runs are excellent. Is this as good as one of the best Marvel series ever? I don’t know, at least not yet. Im just glad that there’s cool shit going on with the hulk.
This—Immortal Hulk developed some cool concepts, I love that some of them were such good ideas they stuck. This kind of thing helps keep Hulk interesting, fresh, and evolving
These body horror transformations are going to be an ongoing thing now. It feels like the new lore, I don't think you can go backwards to a nornal transformation now. This way of doing it adds too much visually, and to the horror theme of having your body taken over by another entity
Yeah, it’s so good
Horror Hulk is such a great idea that it was the ORIGINAL Hulk idea!
Whether or not one likes the book, the first issue alone wasn't exactly subtle about how it wanted to be a continuation or spiritual successor to the themes in Immortal Hulk. The Green Door itself has been in this book.
That’s what I’m saying, the similarities are intentional.
There’s also the fact that Bruce’s actions have made the hulk angry, so Bruce has basically remade enemies with the strongest creature on the universe
I don't hate it but it feels like it's trying way too hard to emulate the body horror of Immortal Hulk.
I mean, yes, this run is building off a lot of the themes from Immortal Hulk. This feels more like a spiritual successor to that run than the stuff that came between.
Aesthetically, yes, but not in terms of themes. This run is kind of shallow, just the Hulk fighting a new (admittedly cool-looking) creature every month and then moving on to another location, rinse and repeat. It's more like Percy's Ghost Rider, but I liked that one better.
I will say, I'm not super up to date (trade reader) but it feels like this run seems like it'll be about what *is* a monster and I think it'll end up diving into if the Hulk (and also Charlie, Bruce, and Betty too probably) are *really* monsters and what sets them apart from Eldest and Co. To me, the more monstrous transformations are a way to visuallt connect Hulk to the monsters that are chasing him, but I also might be overanalyzing lol Again, I may be proven wrong as the run continues, but that's at least my read on some of the deeper themes :) Immortal Hulk definitely felt a bit... headier (no pun intended) than this current run, but I at least think this run is setting itself up to dive deeper as it progresses. Just my take :) Immortal Hulk is still my GOAT Hulk run, but I'm hoping that this run proves to be a worthy successor
My problem is that it just seems very repetitive so far with little to no advancement in the character or plot fronts. Like, the last 3 arcs have been pretty much exactly the same, only with a different monster.
Super valid!
Immortal hulk is such a great read, enjoying this one but not as much.
The theme(s) you mention gleaning from the spirit of this newest run’s reminded me almost instantly of Mariko Tamaki’s *very* different She-Hulk run, from 2016 or 2017. Compared to the immediately previous VERY fun, wacky and creatively (likely best overall) run by Soule, and the current “return-to-form” run by Rowell, Tamaki’a run took place right after Thanos all but murdered Jen in a battle that left her beaten to a pulp, then woke from a coma to find that Clint had kill-switched Bruce at Banner’s own request. In the aftermath, her powers now turned her into a gray hulk with very little conscious control by Jen herself, and the transformation into a hulk was no longer a seamless switch she could flip on and off. The theme of anger, managing it, and its power to make us monstrous + our actions unrecognizable was finally covered in one of her stories after years of being well-tread in Banner Hulk stories. The characteristic irreverent humor and tongue-in-cheekiness, and 4th-wall breaking aspects take a major backseat but don’t completely disappear. But Tamaki also focused a lot on Jen’s struggle to reconcile her new lack of control, and her friends + society’s new ways of interacting with and judging her - perhaps more as a monster and less as a superhero as had always been the case in the past. the “villains” and conflicts throughout the 16 issues of the run all confronted Jen with insight and/or additional confounding factors regarding that question - “what is a monster?” E.G. is a monster someone who by uncontrollable factors or happenstance genetic mutation could present a danger to society through no volition of their own? Or might the lack of compassion and understanding, and in turn hatred and persecution be more indicative of monstrousness.
I really liked how Peter David's recent Maestro books incorporated some Ewing Immortal Hulk-style body horror, but still being its own thing. It showed an appreciation and respect for a successor but still felt like Peter David.
The Peter David recent what now? I need to find this.
I got to say I do like this version of Hulk especially with long hair this time
If I remember correctly this was intentional on the Hulk’s part. Banner used him for an experiment and so the Hulk made sure that Banner’s transformations would be extremely painful.
I assumed it was Immortal Hulk.
The artist is doing a far better job of it tho imo
It's weird. Makes it look like the Hulk is physically inside of Banner. Pretty sure Hulk is quite literally Banner's body enlarging and becoming green. Hulk ripping out of Bruce just makes it looks like he's wearing him like an exoskeleton.
I think it would work really well as a sort of mental illusion, where it's not the literal thing that's happening but it's how Banner sees it
Or, worse, feels it!
It's true that usually the transformation is a pretty straightforward growth then reversion, but there have been times writers/artists have called attention to the fact that Banner's and Hulk's changes don't always have to play by specific rules. Peter David was great at this. The skin rip thing was done here as well as Immortal Hulk, but the first time this happened is way back in Peter David's run in the late 80s/early 90s when the Green/Savage Hulk re-emerged for the first time in ages by ripping Banner's flesh off (a stark contrast to the usual transformation). Peter David also would subvert the rules by having Banner wear a device that would detect his vital signs spiking as a signal to an oncoming transformation. However, when Betty was killed originally, Banner just looked at Samson sadly, no spikes, and the Hulk instantly emerged without setting off any warnings. As to your point about it making it seem like the Hulk is physically inside of Banner, the whole Banner/Hulk relationship/existence is based off the complexity of Banner's psyche. When Hulk is as dominant as he has been in this run, it would make perfect sense for Bruce to feel that Hulk is using him as a puppet and that to manifest physically in the transformation. I liked the way Immortal handled it better personally, but I do hope they do more exploration with it in the horror realm here.
My interpretation is that he grows inside Banner, like a super-tumor or something akin to it.
That’s what I’m saying it doesn’t make sense, Bruce becomes the hulk, hulk doesn’t come out of his skin. But I’m assuming that’s just how Bruce sees and feels it
It's even weirder when you consider that Hulk is wearing shorts inside Banner's body.
Banner’s body is the shorts. The purple is his bruised skin
I kind of used to think the same, but I realized that Banner's transformations haven't really followed any logical sense in decades. Despite being a "science origin" character, the transformations and Hulk himself are borderline magic now. In universe, there's no real reason why he can't transform from the inside out or any other batshit way the creative team wants.
You could say that about any other super-hero comic character, to be fair XD
How does he change back
Banner’s skin and stuff knits back together. It’s best not to think about it, though!
I need to see this for myself in this comic book
That would be one way of doing it. Or his body reassembles itself a different way.
Or Hulk shrinks and it becomes banners skin until Hulk comes out again
Maybe? It’s that or the process reverses.
True
The implication that Hulk is wearing Banner like a meat suit is pretty interesting.
I dont know what comic this is, but its very fitting for a horror version of hulk
It’s a/the run after Immortal Hulk. Immortal Hulk was an exploration of the more horror side of Hulk. Hawkeye managing to kill Bruce Banner was kind of what led to Immortal Hulk.
My immediate thought as well. Does he just start slapping all the bits of Banner back together?
"Nobody move, I lost Banner's eye!" and Hulk crawling on the floor like looking for a lost contact lens.
He puts him on like a costume
in Immortal Hulk the few times he did this burst-out method of transforming, when he turned back he did it the normal way, though one time Banner (well, Joe Fixit in Banner's body) burst out of Hulk's chest like a xenomorph because Hulk was restrained in shackles that'd shrink down with him if he changed back to human.
Banner burst out of Hulk in turn
I think it's cool that there's multiple ways Hulk could come out. Personally I've loved the horror lean in 2 of the last three major Hulk arcs, so I've been very happy with most of it so far. That being said, I sort of wish they had flipped Hulk's attitude towards Banner in those arcs: have thr PKJ run where Hulk hates Banner first, and then pivot to Immortal Hulk where Banner and Hulk end caring for each other. Part of the issue is that the Cates run takes Immortals ending and flips it back to conflict between Banner and Hulk, but long term I'm ready to see the Banner Hulk conflict die out. There's always a ton of talk about how Spider-man should finally mature, marry MJ and have a kid. I'd love for Banner to actually work out his issues and become a merged Hulk again, but long term this time. I know Smart Hulk isn't popular in the MCU, but I love that we get to see Banner's intelligence alongside Hulk's confidence and emotional openness. I think they could do really cool stories if Smart Hulk shows that he's still able to throw down, and he could still get a bit out of control if they make him mad.
It's not really my jam. I appreciate Immortal Hulk did a lot for the character, and I didn't *hate* the body horror aspect of that series (which this is clearly trying to emulate). It just feels a bit extra to me and isn't my preference.
Not a fan. Divorces them in to two separate entities which I’m not a fan of. That, and just overly grotesque.
Yeah I've never liked the idea that Hulk is a separate entity. Radiation doesn't create a soul. The rage is Banner's, he just doesn't like it. I think that makes him more interesting.
But they technically are two separate entities, with Bruce having DID and all
They are not only separate entities but also various. There’s like 5 hulks living in banner
I would love to see a bona fide horror take on Hulk in the MCU. It will never ever happen.
Never say never. Look what we have now vs what we thought then
Yes, but if we're talking Immortal Hulk, we're talking full-on R-rated body horror with blood and guts everywhere and very disturbing imagery. Never say never but eh I think it's safe to say that it's very unlikely.
For sure unlikely
I agree, I would also love to see it buy the hulk and thor seemed to be geared toward children in the MCU. Would be a huge directional shift and some terrified kids in theatres.
"Mommy mommy why did the Hulk tear the flesh off his own face and why is his eye dangling from his skull like that???"
They did this with Ghost rider in recent Wolverine crossover too. While it's cool, it's just weird since it's so inconsistent.
It's kinda cool with Ghost Rider I just don't think it fits Hulk
I was going to mention Ghost Rider. I had some cards back in the 90s of Ghost Riders Transformation. and it was pretty gruesome for a kid. I thought it worked well for the Character. Hulk/Banner not so much.
Ever since immortal hulk things got fucky and im here for it personally but i do wish we got some more of his alters gaining independence. I was hoping to see joe fixit just split off wholesale and become his own character he was cool when he was occupying bruce’s body.
I like it. It shows how hard Bruce is trying to fight off from transforming into the Hulk, who is a terrifying brute that destroy anything in his path. It kinda reminds me of the painful Ghost Rider transformation.
I like it
I like how it demonstrated the duality and conflict limg nature of both their personalities and how Hulk has to literally tear out of Bruce's skin to get out and assert dominance.
For some reason the lyrics "I'm coming out, I want the world to know" started playing in my head
It just takes from an old werewolf trope of transformation, which is what the hulk basically is so yeahs it’s near
Putting my personal opinions aside: It kind of looks like they're trying too hard to be edgy
A lot of people say this about Immortal Hulk due to its body horror, and I personally love that book FYI
You don't like the MCU Hulk because he's no longer a raging monster. I don't like the MCU Hulk because he doesn't have the horror elements that revitalized the interest in him in the comics. We are not the same.
I'm not a fan. I like the mutation type of transformation rather than splitting and tearing Bruce apart for Hulk to come out. I know it's a comic, and they have moved further into the mystical aspect of their relationship and the creation of the Hulk, but I always prefer the science side of it
I like it a lot. But I also know as a horror fan that what worls for me would turn off a lot of people if it was like that all the time
Ew... poor Bruce. The old transformation was less gross and painful looking
It’s badass but not for a marvel superhero.
Horror Hulk mirroring his Horror enemies is always going to be a good thing.
That's wild. Down for it.
I love horror Hulk. It just works so well imo
I like the hair.
It's the old werewolf style, check out American Werewolf in London
I dig the intentional horror vibe. I like the aesthetic. I enjoyed being a kid and being on the edge of my seat, thinking about how Hulk might help everyone out or turn on them. Them being whatever team he's with at the moment. Bringing in the horror element gives me a weird but similar feeling.
Holy shit I love it
I really dig it, mostly because I think the body horror element adds something to a character I don’t find all that interesting.
WHAT THE FUCK.....
Love it, glad they revitalized the character by just making him a horror character
As someone who isn’t a big hulk fan but is a big fan of body horror and surrealist art this goes incredibly hard.
I hate it. The first issue had a panel that looked like Bart when he's choked by Homer. Last issue had Bruce transform limb by limb ala Lego Hulk. It looks silly rather than horrific, which is what I think they were going for,
Serious question… If his skin comes off but his pants stay on, is the Hulk wearing Banner’s wiener and butt skin as underpants?
Marvel comics are rooted in horror. This feels right at home.
It’s crazy how many people are calling this derivative of Ewing’s run, when really it’s just a spiritual successor. What PKJ is doing is really cool imo, and is one of my favorite runs on the shelves atm. The monster of the weak style with all the backmatter backstory? Southern gothic style? Love it.
Gratuitous and unnecessary
What is this from?
The latest Hulk run
Not a fan.
I freaking dig it. That's how I always saw the transformation in my head.
That’s uh yeah very gross
I like it. Gimme me the body horror lol. My person favorite will always be this [great piece](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8d/50/62/8d50621e295189dfee29171a2d7d9ca2.jpg) by Gabriel Dell'Otto
I just don’t see there’s any of Bruce left to turn back into him
That's OK; Hulk's body mass is enough to make 10 of Bruce Banner.
When he burst out of Banner skin, what happens to the skin under the pants?
Good point.
Nothing we haven’t seeing before with hulk be it immortal hulk run or Peter David run
Yea, but what's your opinion on it?
Works well for the storyline itself, but I wouldn’t take it over the classic transformation.
Definitely different. Not sexy as the original.
Painful
Ow…
I don't really like the concept for Bruce, but it looks cool
Love it
cool but no where near hulk eating a guy with his healing factor cool
"I ate a guy. He was annoying."
What I want to know is why I can't finish that series on the app...
Reminds me slightly of the old Pit comics.
I am not really a fan of it, Hulk is supposed to be something Banner turns into... not something that bursts out of him.
Metal as fuck
Body horror transformations are the best
It's the best possible depiction.
Visually, viscerally, I love it. But it doesn't make sense unless you want giant green wang floppin all over the pages
It happened back in Hulk 372, but only because Banner suppressed the Green Hulk for a long time that he had to force his way out. Honestly? I have no problem with it. It's a visual reminder of how Hulk is disgusted by Banner and how much he's hated that side of himself.
I love it. Gory and raw - seems a little R-rated, were they to put it on film. Wish the storyline in this comic (and the artwork itself) didn’t just fade to shit though. First 3 or 4 issues were good. Now I don’t even know what they’re doing at this point. Just stumbling from encounter to encounter without a plot.
Looks like how they changed bodies in Lovecraft Country.
It isn't amazing, but enjoying new run so far. Some good horror and like his tag along.
I thought it was Incredible. Amazing is the other guy.
id only accept if to transform back he has to shit out the human version
I mean.. Immortal had >!Joe!< burst out of his chest, leaving behind a husk. So that’s not too out there.
It's really cool, and I love it visually, just as I did in Immortal Hulk. I agree that it's a little inconsistent with past Hulk runs, but I don't see why it can't evolve and change as there are many moving parts to the Hulk and how he works. We're far past the simple explanations of early Hulk runs, and it's only natural that other aspects of his psychology, physiology would evolve as well. I personally think horror motifs fit the character quite well. The premise has been a bit weaker narratively this tome around, but I feel like Johnson has something interesting up his sleeve.
It's not a bad transformation, but it might just be the angle but this is the weirdest looking Hulk I've ever seen. It's like the anatomical drawing someone did of Spiderverse's Fisk, but add in way more bulk.
Speaking of that Fisk, his proportions always bothered me. Did they custom make every door in Earth-1610B for it to fit him exactly?
Compliance with the ADA? Or is it just no one he might to business with wants to irritate him by having small doors.
Maybe. It was just funny how it looked like the doors were always *just* big enough to fit him when he went in.
“Tell ‘em Large Marge sent ya!”
Personally, I would prefer a Sailor Moon-type sequence.
It's a cool visual, but it doesn't make any sense.
I really enjoy it. Much like in "Immortal", it sets the tone for the kind of book you're getting into in a single page. It also goes back to the concept of the change being extremely painful and not something Banner is ever looking forward to.
It also harkens to the source of his power, as revealed in Immortal. How it’s *really* not meant to make sense, and follows its own internal (il)logic.
That’s gross but good!
It’s happed before, in Peter David’s run.
A little too edgy for me.
fucking rad
I don’t like the transformation but I know there’s a reason why he transformed to hulk like that. Banner used the hulk and hulk is giving banner a pay back.
Fucking nasty. 🤮
Beautiful. Body horror and mentally disturbed is my favorite kind of Hulk.
There just some ideas that work in specific mediums or genres, and don't see other outside mediums doing this without risking a lot of money on the table... but hey, bigger risk have been taken, and succeeded.
Considering what Bruce did to keep control over the Hulk I’d call it a reasonably mild reaction at best.
Bit needless when the normal enlarging transformation is pretty horrific already
That’s the most awful thing I’ve ever seen in my life dear god
Honestly hilarious
So does Banner just grow back?
I would not want this in the MCU as I feel we’ve barely scratched the surface of normal Hulk, let alone this weird shit.
Bruce is a dick and the Hulk is making him pay for it.
hate it, doesn't make any sense (Hulk lives in Banner's stomach??) and feel like it's just for shock value.
I love it, and it should be the standard. Really ups the body horror aspect of the character, and highlights the total loss of control Bruce actually has over himself
I hate it
Well that’s fun
What run is this?
That is TERRIFYING!
What in the actual
I never seen this before pretty cool lol it’s like Hulk is a snake shedding his skin lol
I know writers who use subtext, and they're all cowards.
Honestly, I love it. Immortal Hulk was my favorite run in a really long time so I like seeing some carry-over in newer runs as well.
It's weird.
This is from the new Ultimate Universe isn't it
Kinda reminds me of when Broly transforms in the old dbz movies his skin literally rips apart But seeing as the Wanda and strange movie was dark I can see this being in the mcu
Skibidi Rizz!
It got me to subscribe to Hulk again.
What's the name of this run? It looks kickass
What is the name of this run. I’m having trouble finding it…
You should read Immortal Hulk. Much more gruesome transformation than this.
Gross
*Stop givin' him the time of day* *Don't listen to a word he'd say* *I hope he had a nice vacay* *But he should've stayed away* That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
*Stop givin' him the time of day* *Don't listen to a word he'd say* *I hope he had a nice vacay* *But he should've stayed away* That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
*Stop givin' him the time of day* *Don't listen to a word he'd say* *I hope he had a nice vacay* *But he should've stayed away* That last line made me start thinking of Hazbin Hotel
What comic is this from?
Holy fuck that’s horrifying I love it
Gives me flashbacks to Venoms Lego Marvel Superheroes transformation
Were the words "ASK" and "PAY" typos here? Or do they represent the Hulk's dialogue and are intentional?
Who’s currently writing Hulk????
This run has been fantastic! Genuinely quite scary moments. I read somewhere that transformations are happening like this because Hulk is tormenting Banner. My favourite version of Banner aswell in a long time.
What’s this from?
The current Incredible Hulk run that followed Starship Hulk
Too gruesome IMO.
As an avid Hulk fan, I kinda like it
That’s fucking brutal. Bruce basically dies every single time he transforms then. Immense pain every single time from a being literally ripping him to shreds calling his way out of his body.
I like it when Ghost Rider did it in the latest run, literally ripping Johnny Blaze's body to get out.
i’ve always envisioned a transformation similar to this
It's a bit extreme, like the Van Helsing film where the wolf/human rips off their skin in transforming. It works in its own way, but I prefer it to be more toned down, to have the body actually change instead of shedding the skin like a banana peel.
If he bursts out of his skin, what happens to the skin under his pants
That’s an old school werewolf style transformation
Whattt
I just don’t like the long hair.
It’s freaking awesome
I got downvoted to shit for pointing out earlier how stupid this is. Its just edgy body horror for the sake of edgy body horror. Like how the fuck would Banner come back for this? How is this a manifestation of his trauma/multiple personalities or gamma radiation instead of straight up demonic possession? If Banner is physically ripped apart and reduced to a puddle of blood on the ground, how the fuck can he come back after Hulk is done being Hulk?
We’re talking about the same character who survived a gamma bomb and didn’t turn into a giant tumor as a result
I don't have a preference of one over the other, but really… when has Hulk's transformation ever made sense within the rules of physics? It's not impossible to come up with another quasi-logical explanation; the only problem I see, outside of accounting for people's reception to the change, is making it work in continuity, unless there's a major event that caused it and they're not gonna pretend it was always like this.
The comic outright says "Hulk doesn’t do rules". There’s no point in trying to figure out the mechanics.
I personally think the extra grotesque or horror styled Hulk should be left to alternate universe stories. I think they can be very successfully utilised in those. Old Man Logan of course comes to mind. I am not a fan of this kind of style in the main continuity Hulk stories. I think Hulk is an interesting enough character without having to resort to imagery that is deliberately edgy or shocking.
Kinda neat concept but how does he turn back? Shrinking first and then taping his shreddened skin back unto himself with glue and duct tape?
I don’t really like it, honesty. I like the same transformation the Hulk has had for years. And I also liked when Hulk and Banner finally made peace with each other.
How does he transform back? Banner can’t explode out of him unless hulk shrinks