Broken Frontier

Fall of the Hulks: Gamma is a companion piece to the previously released Alpha issue and sets in motion events that began when Loeb took over the title two years ago. These issues' main focus is to put characters in play, define allegiances, and introduce the audience to the upcoming event’s heavy players. 

Having dropped the Hulk title after the #600 issue, I was surprised to see just how much the story had not moved forward. There was no need for adjustment or catching up. The fact that the recap page is filled with pictures and less than fifty words of text should indicate the type of effort involved in enjoying the story. With that said, the affair as a whole is not bad and proven worthy by John Romita, Jr.’s amazing art alone. 

Mirroring the first issue of Hulk, the story starts with Doc Samson, Ms. Marvel, and Captain America stepping in for Iron Man and She Hulk, at a crime scene involving the Red Hulk. Through Samson’s deductive reasoning, we are shown through flashback what happens, culminating in the reveal of a major character’s death. A character dating back to the origins of the Hulk and steeped heavily in the series’ mythology.

The rest of the story is framed around said character’s funeral, occupied by a who’s who of the Marvel Universe and also giving us a peek at Steve Rogers’ possible new status quo. The eulogies given are gateways for exposition, plot points, and character references that are bound to become important, some of them even by issue’s end. Therein lies the problem. The story is almost transparent, yet maintains an entertainment value and charm that keeps one entertained. It's a balancing act that Loeb applies deftly to the proceedings. It’s written in such a fashion that it's far too easy to notice the foreshadowing and heavy references. There are not one, but two moments where Bucky Cap says, “Hrmm,” like he’s thinking this might be important information. Loeb is almost blatantly telling us what to see and feel, making some scenes very hamfisted.

Romita’s style is always on target and he turns in some dynamic and exciting art. His action is never dull to look at and continues to outshine artists half his age. Coupled with Klaus Janson’s inks, this is the best the title has looked since McGuinness’ last arc. 

Since the word Go, this title has been one long, loud, and opulent comic and Romita delivers on that. In fact, Hulk’s abrasive action and smash has been its main redeeming factor. Jeph Loeb has orchestrated one mega fight after another and if that’s what you want, there is no reason for you to shy away.

This is a pretty thick story boasting extra pages and back up material, making the retail price easier to swallow than the monthly title’s, which are the same. All in all, Fall of the Hulks: Gamma is a popcorn fun story with great art, major reveals, and it acts as a great set up for things to come. If you make yours Marvel and have even the faintest interest in seeing what the Hulk corner is up to, this is a decent primer, made better by the penciler.  Turn off the noggin and enjoy.