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With the help of Doctor Voodoo, The Incredible Hulk and Banner have descended into the Soul Cage in search of the evil spirit know as Sumanguru in hopes of reviving Charlie. Unfortunately for them there are worse things trapped in this evil prison realm, and they can’t aren’t on the best of terms. Can the Hulk and Bruce banner put aside their messy relationship and work together long enough for Charlies sake? Or are they too fractured and doomed to eternal suffering?
- Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
- Illustrated by Nic Klein
- Colors by Matthew Wilson
- Letters by VC’s Corey Petit
- Published by MARVEL Entertainment
Doctor Voodoo Humbles The Incredible Hulk
When we last left The Incredible Hulk, he was on yet another rampage, infuriated by the dark Fate that had befallen his friend Charlie. The fallen angel know as Frozen Charlotte had trapped Charlie’s soul within a small figurine of her own flesh and blood. Hulk’s path led him to the Strange Academy, where Doctor Voodoo stands guard. After reverting the Hulk back to Bruce Banner, the situation was explained and Voodoo gave them a solution…a very dangerous one.
Can Banner and The Incredible Hulk Survive The Soul Cage?
This issue begins in the setting of the Soul Cage. Here, the souls of Hulk and Banner can exist separately and the Hulk has a score to settle with Bruce.They fight across a backdrop of rotted trees and dilapidated structures. It’s not until they notice a prisoner being eaten alive that they realize how much danger they are in. But, it’s when Banner is swept up by these demon bird humanoids, and served for dinner to the family, that he and Hulk hash things out and agree to work together to find the flesh weaver Sumanguru.
Character Exploration in The Incredible Hulk
Phillip Kennedy Johnson provides a great back and forth that showcases the deep, complicated relationship between Banner and Hulk. They really don’t like each other and Johnson highlights that as the squabble through a prison of evil, exorcised souls. It’s the look on Hulks face when Banner blames him for what happened to Charlie that provides a turning point for the book, and shows an emotional depth to the Hulk.
Beyond the two main characters, the evil spirit Sumanguru is introduced in a fantastic way. As his collection of monstrous creations attacks, his dialogue is dripping with dramatic, over confident flair.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Crocodile Black Shouldn’t Be Missed!
The Wonderfully Horrific Art of The Soul Cage
Artistically, Nic Klein and Matthew Wilson continue to raise the bar for horror in the Marvel comics world. They set the tone early on in The Incredible Hulk series, and they haven’t slowed down. Monster creations have been the highlight in this run, and issue #13 brings in some of the best. A whole world of monsters where needed to fill the Soul Prison and Klein didn’t disappoint. There are giant bats, demon birds and their offspring, and most importantly, Sumanguru.
The realm of the Soul Prison itself is designed to evoke disgust and uneasiness. A giant decaying tree stands among it all. Human anatomy adorn the tree: eyes, intestines, and bones. A river of blood flows from within, meandering itself among tombstones and mausoleums. Matthew Wilson highlights all of it with an earthy palette, highlighted by purples, pinks, and oranges.
Everything Points to 8.5/10
The horror element to The Incredible Hulk continues to grow and expand. I absolutely love these dark and disgusting issues. The body horror is turned up to 11, which I believe fits so well into The Incredible Hulk’s vibe. It’s also interesting to explore more of the Hulk/Banner relationship on and emotional and psychological level. To see them both exist at the same time and interact rings on some heavy moments. After they work together and defeat Sumanguru, we get the next piece of the puzzle to saving Charlie. I’m totally invested in seeing her saved and what that will mean for The Hulk and Banner.
