REVIEW: ‘Red Hulk’ Issue 1

Red Hulk Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Benjamin Percy, with art by Geoff Shaw, colors by Bryan Valenza and art by Cory Petit.

Red Hulk Issue 1 is part of the One World Under Doom event. General Ross and many others are prisoners of Doctor Doom, who now rules the entire world. While they are kept in separate cells, the prisoners must work together to break out.

Most of Red Hulk Issue 1 is purposefully stationary. Aside from the opening, which is potentially a dream or a flashback, the entirety of the issue takes place inside Doom’s secret prison. It’s filled with political prisoners. Time has become irrelevant and unknown, and there is no knowledge of how long Ross and the others have been there. The pacing is methodical and slow, making their miserable lives monotonous and painful. But slowly, those inside start to work together.

A prison break begins, told with a real drive and suspense. As with other tie-ins that see resistance against Doom, it feels like ants fighting against a T-Rex. However, Red Hulk Issue 1 has a goal that feels attainable, if not extremely difficult. Each move of rebellion brings with it extreme tensions and suspense, with fear of reprisals just around the corner. The brutality of Doom is shown multiple times with just a wave of the hand. Some of these prisoners may not see the light of day again.

The selection of characters is fascinating, slowly being introduced. Some are known figures, often seen in miniseries and other fan favourites. Others are humans, found in interesting positions and occupations. General Ross is the only captive to speak yet, so his personality is the one that takes over. With the other Red Hulk appearing somewhere else, the fact that this one hasn’t been seen in a long time makes more sense if he has been held in a prison by Doctor Doom, the man who now runs the whole planet.

Ross has gone stir-crazy, lashing out and furious. The narration has a militaristic tone. It’s clear and direct, gruff and honest in every line. The method of communication across the comic is a unique concept, and it’s intriguing to see how it is utilised in the comic format. The whole tone of the book is dark and stoic, reflecting the nature of the story and the characters themselves. Ross has never been one for joking around; his goal is all about escape and survival.

Percy investigates an underrated part of Doctor Doom that makes him so unsettling as a supervillain. His use of Doombots has been a staple of the character since his earliest appearances. Robotic clones that have his voice, personality and a modicum of his power. What makes them unnerving is the fact that you don’t know whether the cloaked mask figure in the panel is a Doombot or the real Victor. A normal Doombot is dangerous; the genuine article is unbeatable for these characters.

The art is gritty and severe. Throughout Red Hulk Issue 1 is a lack of hope or sunlight, and the prisoners have been there a long time. Ross looks old and bedraggled, even after he tries to clean himself up. He’s no spring chicken, but he is a tough old machine. The actual machines, such as androids, robots, and Doombots, appear in the book, too. The tech on display is rough, violent and menacing. Doctor Doom often shows glimpses of magic and superpowers, often used to deliver pain or misery.

The prison cells can be tedious, but that is the point. They’re dull and dreary, suffocating the souls and minds of those within them. Shaw expertly works with the dimensions of the space, making it claustrophobic and crushing. As the action starts, that is where the book begins to find its energy. The opening features an intense appearance of the Red Hulk in perhaps the most nightmarish location for a Hulk to emerge, carrying enough anger and anxiety.

The colors keep the reader entertained and interested in the page. The beige bricks of the cell walls may be deathly gloomy for their inhabitants, but occasionally, more vibrant shades stand out between the four walls. The inhuman characters have bright uniforms and looks, whilst the green of Doom’s cloak always catches the eye.

His powers are stark and captivating, but that usually results in something awful happening, too. We are constantly looking for glimpses of red, as it would be a sign of real strength. However, with an inhibitor collar on, that release is beyond reach for most of the issue. That only makes it more impactful when it eventually appears. The lettering is easy to read and dramatic in the most important moments,

Red Hulk Issue 1 seeks inspiration from one of the greats. The influence of The Great Escape can be seen in every atom of this comic, which has been fantastically adapted into a superhero story. With General Ross at the helm, the book really feels like a war movie. The sense of camaraderie among prisoners is incredible and heartfelt. Blending a prisoner-of-war story with Hulks, robots, and Doom is effective and engrossing.

With each tie-in, a new angle of Doom is shown. Not just of his grand plan but just how much of an absolute monster he is. It could be argued that for years, Doom has fallen behind when it comes to being a villain, with others trying to steal his crown. But in One World Under Doom, particularly Red Hulk Issue 1, Victor is reclaiming that throne and staying on it.

Red Hulk Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.