Two big Marvel guys that have obvious blockbuster movies coming out this Summer star in this conclusion to this mini-series set in the Ultimate Marvel universe.

To catch you up, Bruce Banner comes to Tony Stark hoping that he can help him eliminate the Hulk from himself once and for all. Stark whisks Banner off to his Ironworks facility in the desert and things don’t go well. Banner Hulks out and starts thrashing the place but luckily Stark has an Iron Man suit nearby and is able to incapacitate the Hulk. The timing of this couldn’t be worse. A militaristic unit shows up and captures Stark and Banner so their commander, The Leader, can take their blood and inject it into himself so he can become the Ultimate Human. Now, the first 3 issues of this mini were lackluster and, in fact, I think this really should have just been a 2 issue tale. This issue gives us the Hulk in all his smashing glory but still leaves a lot to be desired. But Cary Nord’s art is amazing and I love the Hulk, green or in the case of this story – grey, in full on destructive mode. I expect more from writer Warren Ellis but you can tell that this series was really all about generating some further interest in the upcoming films of both characters. Grade: C+

DC Comics: DC Universe Zero

I won’t go into much about this. You should pick it up since it’s only 50 cents and is basically a primer for upcoming events in the DC Universe all tieing into the Final Crisis event. The last page drops a big hint to the return of a major character and has got me really excited about where DC is going with all of this. Grade: A

Marvel Comics: The New Avengers #40

Damn!!! I was talking shit about writer Brian Michael Bendis a few months back saying that I thought he had too much on his plate and that he was shelling out a lot of crap. I might have been right about that then but now….this guy is kicking ass! With awesome art by Brian Cheung, this issue gives us the background story as to how the alien shape-shifting Skrulls have managed to infiltrate some of the most powerful people of the Marvel universe. This is a really interesting tale and has a somewhat jaw-dropping revelation at the end. If you are following this big Skrull invasion storyline then you need to read this issue! Grade: A+

And just a quick mention that the Iron Man movie in theaters this coming Friday is getting some really positive feedback from critics and most importantly, the fans….check it out this weekend!

Until next time—Peace…

Dark Horse Comics: The End League #1

Writer Rick Remender and artist Matt Broome bring us a post-apocalyptic tale where almost all of the world’s superheroes are dead and the supervillains rule with fear and pain.

This issue was really cool as it gives you a great introduction to this world and characters that are epic in scope. The creators have imaginitively given us versions/mash-ups of some of our favorite characters from Marvel and DC. You’ve got your Superman, Wonderwoman, Captain America, Flash, Ghost Rider, Doctor Fate and so on. The heroes are looking for the Hammer of Thor hoping that it will turn the tide in their favor and the world can start to heal from all the destruction. This is an interesting read with super art that I think you should definitely give a try. Grade: A

DC Comics: Countdown to Final Crisis – 17 and counting…

I won’t spend a long time on this but this issue is the one that the sh*t really starts happening in. Mary Marvel and Eclipso have an epic face-off….The Monitor that Donna Troy, Jason Todd and Kyle Rayner have been “Earth-jumping” with finally reveals his master plan….and the big war starts here. I’ve been back and forth on this book. I didn’t think it was measuring up to DC’s weekly book from last year, 52, but this one is starting to kick some ass. Grade: A-

Marvel Comics: Ultimate Human #1 (of 4)

Set in Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, this one has Bruce Banner coming to Tony Stark for a way to cure him of becoming the Hulk. Of course, this doesn’t go well. This issue, written by Warren Ellis with amazing art by Cary Nord, has some great moments in it but overall I was disappointed. First issues are often “set-up” issues so the next issue hopefully will kick a bit more. With Warren Ellis writing I expect nothing less. Grade: C+

Until next time–Peace….