McGuinness Offenders Cover McGuinness Defenders Cover Arthur Adams Variant
Marvel – July 2009 – $3.99 – 32 pgs – Color
Writer: Jeph Loeb – Art: Ed McGuinness – Regular Covers: Ed McGuinness
Synopsis: The Red Hulk (Rulk) stands victorious having killed the Hulk, and is given the choice to join the other battles or wait for them to finish. Red Hulk joins the battle and begins a rampage against both friend and foe, easily destroying them all. Rulk, however, is no match for Galactus and the Elders become fearful of Galactus’ rage. The dead heroes are restored, and Rulk becomes so enraged he beats the Grandmaster to death. Hulk then punches Rulk through a rock, and the battle ends. The Collector will not honor the original agreement to revive Jarella because his dead brother (Grandmaster) was the one who made the arrangement. Rulk scoffs at Hulk because although he originally wanted to kill the Hulk, he has achieved a greater victory because Hulk is “heartbroken.” Rulk then says, “Just as you left me, Banner.”
Review: This has to be one of the worst story lines I’ve read from Loeb. Absolutely nothing happened of any consequence from these last three issues besides the Grandmaster, an elder of the universe, dying from a few punches to the face, which is absolutely dumb. It is not a requirement for a story to necessarily effect continuity or anything for me, but it just wasn’t even enjoyable! The only thing I liked in this issue (besides the art) was the moment Galactus completely overpowers Rulk. In the end it appears Loeb wants us to pay attention to the fact Rulk gets his revenge by causing Hulk to be sad, which makes no sense because Jarella is already dead. I guess what Rulk REALLY meant was that he got his revenge by causing Hulk to have a sad memory. I almost don’t care who Rulk is anymore, sigh…
Story: 3.5 – Writing: 5 – Art: 8.5 – McGuinness Covers: 8 – Adams Cover: 9
Overall: 6.38
