REVIEW: ‘Infernal Hulk Vs Fantastic Four’ Issue 1

Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, art by Cian Tormey, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr and letters by Cory Petit.

After beating Wolverine, the Hulk’s next target in this issue is the Baxter Building, where a weapon is being built to try and stop him. This issue is the next chapter in a series of one-shots, each featuring this second Hulk battling against Marvel’s greatest heroes.

In the first battle, the fight was distant, but the attack has now reached Manhattan. Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is a perfect example of how heroes and horror comics can blend. The fight takes place in dark and haunting tunnels beneath the Baxter Building.

There is a darkness to Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 from the beginning, but Reed and the rest of the family try to work on their confidence. But as soon as the fight begins, dread and pure fear set in. It’s intense and heart-pounding as the Hulk reveals he is far behind what Bruce Banner used to be. 

It’s not just a physical punch-up; The Thing is more than capable of dealing with that. There’s magic and transmutation and so much more. The outcome of Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 could probably be expected, but it’s the execution of it that’s so shocking.

The Fantastic Four are the most experienced group of superheroes in the Marvel Universe. They have faced everything and everyone, and never backed down from a challenge. But in the first pages of Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1, they are already unsettled.

However, it is very rare to see this family afraid. This issue harnesses fear, and having the likes of Johnny be so terrified sends shivers down the spine. This Hulk really is a monster, and the way he talks seems to dig at the primal parts of the brain. The extreme power of Sue, Ben, and Johnny isn’t enough to temper the monster.

The art is disturbing, yet you can’t look away. The fight is very different from the previous chapter, with a wide variety of powers. Reed is busy in Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1, so it largely falls to the other three. And while they display their awesomeness, Tormey then proceeds to have fun. Anything can happen, because the Hulk can transform beings and objects into other elements. It’s horrifying to see it unfold, yet there is a morbid curiosity. It’s visceral and brutal.

And then there’s the Hulk’s strength. Even someone as malleable as Reed gets nasty injuries. The detail, force, and ferocity Tormey etches into the pages are breathtaking, and there’s a terrific sense of scale. The fight can be taken far into the tunnels, isolating the heroes and removing any chance of backup.

The colors demonstrate the Hulk’s demonic transformation. The members of the Fantastic Four bring light and vibrancy. But this version of the Hulk is never bright. In fact, many pages show him as incredibly muted. The only intense colors come from the neon green blood inside his body. The lettering is fantastic for depicting fear, fading energy and rage.

Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is an engrossing escalation. These one-shots show unbelievable bravery, because there’s no holding back. Anything can happen to the heroes, as we saw with the mutilation of Wolverine and what happened to Jubilee. This happens again with the Fantastic Four, and it’s staggering to see. The battle is brutal, bloodthirsty and ruthless, and it means that time turns pitch black at points in this comic.

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