Incredible Hulk Volume 1: Return of the Monster Tpb

The beginning of Bruce Jones fantastic conspiracy run of the Hulk starts here with one of my favorite artists, John Romita, JR. Blamed for the death of a small boy while rampaging as the Hulk, Bruce Banner tries unravel a mystery while eluding mysterious agents that are after him.

This TPB includes Incredible Hulk 34-39 and the new team are Bruce Jones -a veteran horror writer-, the art of John Romita Jr-the son of the legendary Spider Romita and a legend for his previous works Starbrand , Thor etc- and the inks of Tom Palmer

Reprints #s 34-39 of the current ongoing "Hulk" series, featuring the debut of Bruce Jones, and a great jumping-on point for anyone who hasn't read the series in a long time, or an ultimate treasure for longtime fans. Without giving too much away, Bruce Banner is on the run from just about everyone, with the Hulk accused of killing a child in a rampage. The trouble is, the evidence that this ever occured is in short supply, and ulterior motives seem to abound. The six comics reprinted here are all absolutely top-notch (and include one issue from Marvel's "Nuff Said" event, where the comics unfolded entirely without words. I don't know about all the others, but this one worked incredibly well, and blended into the larger story seamlessly) Flawless dialogue, stunning art (including the stunning reprinted covers from the original issues) and a somewhat different incarnation of the Hulk than we've seen before. The thing about the Hulk is that it's been established many years ago that the Banner/Hulk split cracks in more than 2 directions (remember Joe Fixit?) so you can do stuff like this without contradicting continuity. One of the very best Trade Paperbacks on the market. If you've never read a comic book before, or you haven't read one in decades, this book alone could hook you into the wonderful world of comicdom.

To say that horror writer Bruce Jones is the second coming is an udnerstatement. When you have some big shoes to fill, here for example the legendary Peter David, Jones managed to hit the ball straight out of the park in the six issues collected here. He has reinvented the Hulk by focusing the storytelling on Doctor Bruce Banner (rather than on his green skinned alter ego), a fugitive on the run from the law after a young boy is accidently killed during a Hulk incident; and he also soon finds himself hunted by a mysterious conspiracy. Jones weaves such a meticulously intricate Fugitive-style tale that makes Incredible Hulk such an entertaining read; more so than it has been in years. Issue #35, in which Bruce has a run-in with an autistic child, is completely dialogue free, yet all the more powerful thanks to John Romita Jr's cinematic-esque art. Since Jones has taken over writing duties on the Hulk, the book has become one of Marvel's best comics, and with the price this is an absolute must have for any comic or Hulk fan.

Bruce Jones is a godsend for this Book after the mess that was made when Peter David departed. Jones' takes his time, some would say a bit too much, with the characterization and conspiracies that happen to Banner. Bald, on the run as a fugitive for killing a child, Banner has all sorts of trouble coming to haunt him. He seems more fragile and wiry then shown before, the Paranoia take that the whole world is after you rings very true for Bruce, with seemingly hidden clues coming out of nowhere changing the direction of the story. this is comics at its best and most dynamic.Romita's art. This guy is a genius, if the critical acclaim for Jones isnt enough, this book needs to be checked out for the prowess Romita shows. While his art is simple and not too outstanding for my tastes, what really delivers is how Romita visually conveys a sense of cinematic style not seen for a long time. And thats where he bags 12 out of 10 for me. Case in point: Banner's run in at the cafe with an Autistic Child, Banner's dreams morphing into real world circumstances etc.The man is on top of his game here and fluid with a capital F. he draws Banner as a broken fragile man, it seems as if him and Jones share some intuitive thoughts about this Title. I cannot think of a better Artist to add to Jones magnificent take on the Hulk. His panels are just spot on with a little homage to Kirby coming through when the Hulk makes his few appearances. Yes, the Hulk does not come around much in this book but this is so good that you dont even think twice about it. A page turnera must. Volumes 2 and 3 are a must buy should you want to continue with the story arc