Though this series started off on a strong note, as it progressed, it just kept getting more and more implausible. It reaches the pinnacle of ludicrous plotting in this final issue, as Jones stretches the reader's ability to suspend disbelief to the limit right away and just keeps going. Still, I can't deny that the book boasts some strong personality, and Kolins captures the power and ferocity of the title characters quite well.
Bruce Banner and Wolverine have finally managed to catch up with Shredder and his hostages. While the feral mutant settles an old score with the bloodthirsty hitman, Banner focuses on the task of getting the Hatcher boy some much-needed help for the venom coursing through his veins. Logan gets some unexpected help with Shredder, but the snakebite problem requires a solution that could prove more deadly than the problem itself.
I love Kolins's take on the Hulk. His massive muscled frame seems to explode off of the page, conveying the immensity of the character's power and rage. The action is choreographed quite well, and the art maintains an exciting tone throughout the issue. I was also particularly impressed with Loughridge's muted colors. They maintain a mature atmosphere, but they also allow the bright green of the Hulk's skin to really pop out at the reader.
There's a nice tone to the interplay between Logan and Banner in this issue. The dialogue is sharp and quick, and it reminds me of the kind of banter one might hear in a reluctant-buddy action movie, a la 48 Hours or the original Lethal Weapon. The two characters don't care for one another at all, but they've met so many times that there's a familiarity there that they can rely upon.
Maggie is suddenly transformed into a superfluous character in this concluding issue, which is unfortunate, since she stood out as one of the strengths in previous issues. I didn't much care for Kyle's flip attitude by the end of the issue either.
Wolverine finds just the kind of snake needed to save Kyle's life? And it only takes Kyle minutes to recover fully? Only the Hulk's blood can save Kyle? Unbelievable coincidence upon unbelievable coincidence pile up over the course of this issue, and it gets so convoluted and over the top that one can only laugh. Bruce Jones is capable of far more complex and compelling plotting than this.
