I enjoyed the first issue of this limited series, but there was a problem with the credibility of the plot. I expected that might improve as the series progressed, but unfortunately, Jones stretches the reader's suspension of disbelief even further. There's are still enjoyable elements to be found here -- not the least of which is Kolins's artwork -- but ultimately, the book suffers from teamup-itis reminiscent of yesteryear. The reason(s) the heroes (and villain) meet up is because someone decided it was high-time for another Wolvie/Hulk title, not because it works within the context of a compelling story.
Bruce Banner awakens in the middle of the charter airplane wreckage, and the pilot and three other passengers are nowhere to be seen, but he soon encounters an old enemy. The two drug dealers have forced the pilot at gunpoint to guide them to a small town where their contact awaits, but she refuses to do it if they won't let her help the teenage boy who's been poisoned. Meanwhile, the man from whom the dealers stole has dispatched a specialist to teach them a lesson.
The title characters play little part in the drama in this chapter, and it shone a spotlight on the forced nature of the team-up tale. The most irksome aspect of the book, though, is the introduction of the Shredder, yet another blood-thirsty assassin with claws. Aren't there enough of these guys running about the Marvel Universe? What's worse is how his role shatters the six-hours gimmick from which the story draws its title. He's hired for a job and finds himself in the Canadian wilderness within an hour? It just doesn't work with the tight timeframe that Jones has set for this book.
Despite my dislike for the Shredder character, though, I do like the look Kolins has devised for him. The design is reminiscent of the one for the Black Hood that was a part of DC's !mpact imprint -- featuring the Archie super-heroes -- several years back. The Shredder would be right at home in the world of one of Guy Davis's books -- like Danse Macabre or this week's Nevermen followup limited series. I also enjoy Kolins's take on Banner's body-altering rages.
At its heart, 6 Hours boasts a strong, compelling story... and that's Margie's efforts to keep her young charge alive. Jones also takes us back to see the boy's mother's grief and guilt, adding to the emotional and realistic impact of the plot. It's when the superhuman characters get involved that I lose interest.
