REVIEW: ‘Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine’ Issue 1

Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, art by Jonas Scharf, colors by Alex Guimarães and letters by Cory Petit.

In this issue, the Infernal Hulk kidnaps two mutants, and one of his greatest rivals is sent to find them. Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1is the first of four one-shots that end the Infernal Hulk saga, where four major entities of the Marvel Universe face a new and terrifying version of the Hulk.

Bruce and Hulk were ripped apart, then stitched back together by a demonic entity called the Eldest. Johnson doesn’t waste much time getting into the story, quickly throwing Wolverine out of the Blackbird and into the Hulk’s territory. There is some exposition to get through, and it’s quickly shrugged off to get to the action.

And thus begins one of the most grizzly fights between these two ever. Wolverine was not expecting the savagery that comes from this version of the Hulk, a freakish strength that is entwined with a vicious brutality. The rest of Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 is just violence, with Wolverine trying to do as much damage to Hulk as possible, and getting the reverse done to him.

With these two, who have been locked in battle for years, the fights can just keep going. The damage is devastating, but both have resilience. But the real devastation comes later, when a sudden vulnerability triggers a horrifying finale.

The small cast in Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 really brings out the best in the characters. Johnson pits two of the fiercest figures against each other, kicking off these one-shots with a formidable opponent for Hulk. Against the Hulk, especially this version, Wolverine doesn’t have to hold back, almost fascinated with what he’s facing. He is happy to hack off body parts, especially as it becomes clear there’s something else within Hulk. The entity is truly demonic and ancient, and that voice is haunting.

The damage done to Wolverine only makes him more feral and furious, refusing to back down or run from the fight. And then there’s Jubilee, who brings a very different spark and energy to the comic. When the fight starts to fizzle out because the damage is just too much, Jubilee livens it back up. And one of the most intriguing elements of Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 is the last scene, because it’s extremely abstract and unexpected. It becomes a flurry of confusing emotions.

The art is gloriously gruesome, with Scharf really shining in Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1. Its rawness is what makes him work well, because the sometimes messy style is now part of the gore. Hulk is instantly, inherently frightening, with such an inhuman face that is both Hulk and Bruce Banner. Sometimes Hulk had emotions and something to connect to, but now that’s completely gone, replaced by the demonic presence within him.

The fight itself is savage from the start, immediately highlighting how violent it’s going to be. Dismemberment and viscera become commonplace, and Wolverine actually does a lot of damage early on. The gulf in power seems drastic, but that has never intimidated the tiny Canadian. But then the violence reaches levels Hulk and Wolverine have never reached, culminating in something stomach-churning.

But with Wolverine, the reader has no reason to worry because he can recover. Fear takes hold when Jubilee enters the fight. She’s capable and feisty, but this Hulk is something different.

The colors are dark, gloomy and perfect for the atmosphere. Wolverine wears his tan suit, and Hulk has dark gray and blue skin, so there isn’t much vibrancy within the pages. The brightest tone is the green blood seeping from Hulk’s wounds, which shows how unnatural he is. The lettering for Hulk does a terrific job of creating a scary voice, and the sound effects make the punches and injuries even more uncomfortable.

Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 is a vicious and violent descent into darkness. It’s a grudge match after generations of fighting, with an extra, ancient texture. Wolverine debuted in The Incredible Hulk, so the two will always be connected. But this incarnation of the Hulk is something different, more frightening and extremely ruthless. Because of that, this book has a much darker feel, and it’s only the start of a relentless set of one-shots.

Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.