Immortal Hulk (2018-) #33 (750) Review

Immortal Hulk #33 (750)

Marvel Comics

Writer: Al Ewing

Artists: Joe Bennett and Nick Pitarra

This is the 33rd issue of Immortal Hulk, but it is also the 750th issue of the main Hulk title overall, so not only does this issue move us into the next arc, it celebrates a milestone. Anniversary issues are an odd beast, and often writers struggle to juggle the nostalgia with forwarding momentum. Al Ewing skilfully combats this by continuing to tell his ongoing story while using the narrative as a device to comment on the Hulk’s history and what he means as a character. It also features the return of one of the Hulk’s most popular personas, the Green Scar from Planet Hulk. And there is a massive reveal at the end, but I won’t spoil that here. We’ll talk about it next issue!

The consistently brilliant team of Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Corey Petit, Paul Mounts, and Ruy José knock it out of the park. Joining them is artist Nick Pitarra, who beautifully illustrates the sections inside Banner’s mind. Bennett and Pitarra’s art contrasts nicely. The real-world segments use Bennet’s grotesque yet grounded style to their advantage, while the mindscape segments make great use of Pitarra’s more exaggerated style. This works to the story’s advantage as it creates a clear distinction between the parallel yet interconnected events.

As for Ewing’s script, it brings Banner’s conflict with Roxxon to a head and resolves the Xenmu arc in terrifying fashion. There is some truly gross body horror in this issue. I don’t know how much is Ewing and how much is Bennett’s interpretation, but either way their twisted minds came together to bring us some truly creative horror visuals. It’s been said many times that bringing Hulk back to his horror roots was an inspired touch, and this issue just continues to prove that.

Overall, this is a fantastic anniversary issue and an even greater conclusion to this arc. I’ve probably said it before but Immortal Hulk really is the gift that keeps on giving. I continue to be eager to see what this team does next. They are redefining Hulk’s mythos while honouring the incredible legacy left behind by the greats. Stan Lee, Bill Mantlo, Peter David, Grek Pak, and other creators too numerous to name would be proud.

Ewing creates a thrilling end to this arc while leaving us on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Due to the current pandemic, there’s no guarantee that current release dates will hold. Whenever #34 comes out, I can guarantee I’ll be there to talk about it with you all.

Keep it green, as Mr. Ewing would say!