“INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK” #11 REVIEW

Indestructible Hulk #11

Written By: Mark Waid
Art By: Matteo Scalera
 

With Indestructible Hulk #11, Waid and Sclaera offer a stellar, immersive set up for their new arc, as they send Hulk through the time-stream. A plot that could easily be clunky, with its time/space continuum nature, is broken down and given emotional weight for Banner, as he is sent on a mission to save…continuity!

This issue introduces T.I.M.E. (Temporal Irregularity Management and Eradication), a division of S.H.I.E.L.D. that investigates time rifts. The cold open, in a matter of one page, introduces a horrifying and thrilling scenario where an Agent (Goddard) of T.I.M.E. disappears through a rift and reappears in present day with various parts of his body at different stages of life.

With so much explanation of the new threat, Waid still manages to pack a raucous punch, literally, as Hulk punches a plane to a halt in a jaw-dropping 2-page spread. Even though we’ve seen the character do so much physically, Scalera is still able to surprise us with Hulk’s strength.

An obscure villain, “Zarko, The Tomorrow Man,” is introduced to explain to Banner that terrorists called “Chronarchists” are trying to tear apart the time-stream, by rewriting history. With ease, Waid ties the threat to Banner personally, by explaining how it could affect ever meeting Betty Ross, and even alter the Hulk’s origin.

Complex, but delivered in an incredibly engaging manner, Indestructible Hulk #11 is the  template for a “part one” done right. While a great issue in its own right, it makes me wish I could find a rift in time to get to the next installment right away.

Score: 9.2/10