The Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 Review

Writer: Al Ewing / Artist: Simone Di Meo / Marvel With Bruce Banner wrapped up in a murder mystery, Al Ewing pens an excellent first issue as Simone Di Meo breathes Earthy life into each panel. If the opening words of this issue fail to sent shivers down your spine, the cathartic walk stumble through the desert and bone chilling thoughts that Bruce must navigate on a daily basis might spook the most indomitable of wills. There is so much to like about this Hulk alone, lost in New Mexico tale. The first panel is an ode to OG Hulk, and a much simpler time in comics. What’s interesting, is the old school comic inclusion doesn’t end with that opening shot, oh no. We’re treated to a handful of scenes that splice in throwback panels to compliment the storytelling unimaginably well. If there was a letter at the end of this one, I’m 99% sure it would be a love letter to the original six-issue Incredible Hulk run from 1962 and how it changed Ewing or Di Meo, and sparked the inspiration for this Defenders tie in. Luckily, it’s only a peppering of images because the actual book is so well done that you don’t want it to be overshadowed or cluttered.

There is a fitting balance of tenacity and caution in Bruce Banner’s search for the killer of his friend…or friend of a friend, if you will. When he manages to come across someone who might be of some use, the inevitable happens. No, no not the big green guy. The unusual for a genius scientist, yet typical for Bruce Banner, fistticuffs. Wh…