Thunderbolt Ross – in a cell deep below the ground – is a prisoner of Doctor Doom And he is not alone. Brilliant military, criminal and political minds have been gathered against their will in a prison complex that serves as a “Think Tank” to help carry out Doom’s plan for global domination. But the Red Hulk has other plans! Guest starring Machine Man and Deathlok! Red Hulk #1 so far is the most surprising debut of “One World Under Doom.”
When Red Hulk was announced, I’ll admit I rolled my eyes. The character is currently on the big screen and it felt like that the comic was a way to attempt to profit off of an increased interest. There’s also the factor of the comic debuting as part of an event. That combination, I went into the comic with rather low expectations. But, I should have known better based off of its creative team because the comic is good, really good.
Written by Benjamin Percy, Red Hulk #1 has Ross captured by Doom an in unknown location. He, and others, are being used by Doom to test out different scenarios that might destabilize his rule. This “think tank” is made up of an interesting combination of characters and together they’ll need to figure out a way out of their present situation.
The direction of the comic is very unique and interesting and plays off of some real world history where individuals were brought together to come up with crazy scenarios post-9/11. But, what’s more interesting is that Doom has gone in this direction. While the characters might have put up some resistance, you’d expect either for Doom to come up with this himself, or have a more willing group to help him. There’s also the question as to why they’re not giving Doom crap help. Far more intriguing is that it has echoes of Reed Richard locking himself up years ago just coming up with issues and solutions to them.
But, with that, Percy really so far gives us a pretty basic prison break story. Ross is able to connect with other prisoners and by the end they’re planning their escape. That part of the comic is something we’ve seen many times before including the details in how they connect, but there’s still a lot that’s original and makes the plan interesting and engaging. It’s a concept we’ve seen but Percy delivers it in a way that sucks readers in.
The art by Geoff Shaw is great. With color by Bryan Valenza and lettering by Cory Petit, the comic bounces between big action and “quieter” moments where readers can focus in on the details. Ross looks disheveled, weak, and broken as he’s held in Doom’s prison. That’s in contrast to the scenario we’re presented that shows the traditional rampaging monster he can be. It’s an interesting contrast and using the rampaging visuals first just nails home the “broken” Ross we’re presented with after.
Red Hulk #1 is a solid debut. I’m sucked in and want to see what happens next with the prison escape and how this rather odd group works, or doesn’t, together to achieve their goals. I’m sure there’s a lot more surprises to come and right now, I’m here for it.
Story: Benjamin Percy Art: Geoff Shaw
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
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