Two short Hulk stories with surprising team-ups await within this one-shot: Iceman & Angel then Dazzler!
Hulk Team-Up #1
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Marc Sumerak and Alex Zalben
Artists: Sanford Greene and Joyce Chin
Cover: Michael Golden
Summary: Mutant mayhem in a Battle by the Bay! While exploring their new home in San Francisco, X-Men Iceman and Angel discover that the weirdest part of the city isn’t its eclectic populace or crazy landmarks, but the monsters that pass through — namely the Incredible Hulk! Now they’ve got to track down Hulk and get to the bottom of a series of earthquakes (because THAT never happens in SF…) before the Red Hulk shows up bringing his trademark good cheer to San Fran. Did we say good cheer? We meant destruction and carnage. PLUS: Dazzler rocks out at the Fillmore and Hulk’s got backstage passes! Will the Pop Princess get Smashed, live in concert?
Review: This Hulk one-shot isn’t going to be winning any awards except for maybe the Kids’ Choice Awards if Nickelodeon had a comics category. If Dazzler was just a smidge less sexy in the second story, it would be a great issue for young readers but I‘m afraid her curvaceous femme fatale imagery is a bit over the top for that target audience. However the stories are too simplistic for teen market. All mutant stories have the core lessons to be learned about being an outcast versus fitting in with society.
The first story, “Aftershocks,” has the Uncanny X-Men on a mission to break up a brawl between Rulk and Hulk. Shortly after a decent smack down, Iceman and Angel investigate radiation spikes in the Arizona desert. Poor Iceman learns quickly that he should not be in a desert, Lesson #1. Angel is left to stop Hulk who is busy chasing a band of giant robot harpies who look like his dead wife Betty. Unfortunately, it takes the stronger powers of Archangel to crush the robots; however it’s the sensitivity of Warren that connects with the Hulk and restores his calm. Then in that Dawson’s Creek sort of way, they bond over the burdens of their other personalities. Lesson #2 - Dissociative identity disorder can help when your friends are in trouble.
Part 2 is cleverly named “Smash Hit” since it combines the crushing power of the Hulk with pop superstar Dazzler and her amazing sound transformation blasts. Lesson #3 - not all sexy men should dance just because a beautiful woman asks. And let’s not forget Lesson #4 - if you’re going to dance and sing on a stage wearing nothing but a corset and panties, have better security than relying on your back up band because the stage will be stormed.
The only reason to pick up this issue is to share it with your favorite ten-year-old niece.
September 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I have to completely disagree, and I think you were being more than a little hard on this issue. I really enjoyed it—the main story was great, and the second part was obviously silly but a lot of fun, as well. I would definitely recommend this, as light doesn’t necessarily equate to bad.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I would also disagree! But then, of course I would
Thanks for checking out the issue!
September 25th, 2009 at 5:24 am
I didn’t think it was bad at all just not as good as it could have been! I just know readers expect a lot more depth and forget that they are reading a kid’s book. Don’t forget that Tiny Titans is my current #1 book! You can be simple and pure with a parable but there should still be a little more “umph” and less “after school special.”
September 25th, 2009 at 6:25 am
And in all honesty, I totally agree
Don’t tell anyone, though.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Your secret is safe with us!
September 25th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
You know I love you, right, Alex? I do! I swear!
September 27th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Yeah, yeah