Comic Review: The Immortal Hulk #50

Comic Review: The Immortal Hulk #50

Marvel Comics

Writer: Al Ewing

Artist: Joe Bennett

The pinnacle of Hulk runs ends on its highest possible note after three years as Al Ewing concludes The Immortal Hulk.

The Immortal Hulk #50, the series’ final issue, wraps up many of the series’ major dangling plot threads by bringing the Savage Hulk and a cosmically powered Joe Fixit into their final confrontation with the One Below All, currently controlling the hell-bound body of The Leader. I’m sad to see this series come to an end after three years, and as much as I would have loved to see Ewing continue this series for as long as possible and expand on concepts like the distant-future World Breaker in issue 25, or the Hulk vs. capitalism arc that followed, it’s relieving that the series didn’t overstay its welcome or become stale. This final arc featuring The Leader, and the concluding issue, are prime examples of what made this series an ever-fun, horrifying, and thought-provoking read. In classic Immortal Hulk fashion, Ewing combines brawling action and introspective philosophy for his big finish, and succeeds in delivering an exciting and emotional finale that once again touches the deepest foundations of the Hulks’ origins and character. In doing so, Ewing proves once again why his take on Hulk stands above all.

Joe Bennett’s recent controversies, which led to Al Ewing’s decision to cut ties with the artist upon the conclusion of Immortal Hulk, have unfortunately soured me on the artist as a person. For those who can successfully separate art from artist, there is at least a consistent level of quality here. I’ve praised Bennett highly in the past for his earlier work on Immortal Hulk. While I don’t condone his controversial actions, it’s impossible to deny that the aspects of his work that I enjoyed last year are still present. Again, as a conclusion to a story that leaned heavily on body horror and striking splash pages as depicted in Bennett’s unique style, Immortal Hulk #50 embodies everything that made the series appealing. From The Leader’s monstrous final form to the appearance of a certain cosmic entity to the practically-glowing final page, everything about this finale looks fantastic.

External factors aside, Immortal Hulk #50 is a fantastic ending to a series that was at the pinnacle of superhero comics. It’s everything that made the previous 49 installments what they were, stuffed into an 80-page package. From its scope to its action and art to its final statement on who the Hulk is and what he means to Bruce Banner, Al Ewing delivers an ending that cannot be missed.