I'm beginning to suspect that the word "closure" doesn't exist in Jones's dictionary, as he keeps teasing a conclusion and answers and then delivering only more of the same. Fortunately, more of the same includes fascinating characterization and dialogue, an imaginative take on the premise and some terrific artwork from a variety of art teams, but I can't deny that the lack of any sort of ending to a mini-arc continues to irk me.
This issue is a showdown between Agent Pratt, Agent Verdugo and Bruce Banner... and yeah, we've been here before. However, Jones varies things a little by having the main conflict taking place between the insane Pratt and the somewhat emotionless Verdugo, with Banner more in the background than anything else. The story does require that the reader accept an attachment to Banner on Verdugo's part that seems out of character, but that's a minor point in comparison to a showdown between two equally ruthless and intelligent opponents.
To some extent, the Hulk and Banner are supporting characters in this issue, as Jones explores the conspiracy organization that he has introduced into the series. The bookend sequence introduces another couple of characters and a new macguffin into the mix, and the focus is definitely on Pratt and Verdugo. However, this issue also features one of the most overt appearances of the Hulk that the series has seen thus far, and Immonen and Koblish handle that very well. He reminds me to some extent of the Gary Frank Hulk, bulky and large and with an intelligence to him, and it's an interesting interpretation of the Banner-controlled version of the monster.
The artwork throughout is hit and miss for me, because while I enjoy the somewhat shadowy style for setting the tone of the book, I also found myself missing the detail and strength that John Romita Jr. and Lee Weeks brought to the book. There's a certain inconsistency to the faces of the characters that drives me nuts. On the other hand, when it comes to establishing a general mood or establishing Pratt as a scary nemesis, the art is just about perfect.
This month, the Incredible Hulk also has another in a great line of covers from Kaare Andrews, and the unusual exteriors continue to indicate that what's inside is something quite different from what most have come to expect from the book. While I really could wish for some closure to the first story, which began over a year ago, the dark and moody approach that Jones has taken to the book continues to capture my attention.
