THE INFERNAL HULK #3 – Brought Right Back

Creative Team – Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Kev Walker, Nic Klein, Cam Smith, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Cory Petit

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with The Infernal Hulk #2 here!

The Story

*Trigger warning: The Infernal Hulk #3 contains suicide content. If you or a loved one is struggling, please be sure to contact a professional or talk to someone close to you. You’re important, you’re valued, and you’re loved.*

So far, we’ve seen the devastation and the motivations of Eldest, who is now the Infernal Hulk, but what about Bruce? According to the prior issues, Bruce has disappeared with no chance at finding him, which is exactly the way Bruce wants it. Hiding out in Indiana with the love of his life, Betty, Bruce was sure he had it figured out. Creating an entirely new identity, him and Betty are working a normal job under new names and have new friends who know nothing about their past lives. Doing this can ensure that both Bruce and Betty are the safest they possibly can be and could potentially move on from the Hulk era of their lives.

All seems well and good except the Infernal Hulk is on a rampage, and Bruce may be the only one who can help. While this is happening, some things aren’t as innocent as they appear. Sporting a bandage on her wrist, Betty is hiding a sinister secret about how she’s adjusting to this new life and how she’s trying to move past her trauma. Things are not going the way Bruce thought they were, and their lives may be in more danger than ever, especially Betty’s.

The Writing

I know I sound like a broken record saying this run gets better and better with every issue, but it’s true! Phillip Kennedy Johnson is able to harness the tragic emotions of Betty and the fear Bruce feels when he sees the Infernal Hulk on a rampage. Keeping you glued into the story, Johnson shows you the darkness Betty feels and doesn’t sugarcoat one bit, which gives so much depth to the story. It shows that it’s not as simple as moving to a new town and hiding out as the trauma follows you wherever you go. This was an emotionally charged issue that fits the streak of outstanding storytelling by the writer.

The Art

The art continues to be inspired and hard-hitting, which is no surprise given who’s on the creative team. In The Infernal Hulk #3, we get a much more down to Earth look at Bruce’s life with times of the monstrous magic making its appearances, that show the madness behind the scenes of Betty and Bruce’s minds. There’s an innocent energy that’s given to Bruce’s life with the looming feeling of larger than life supernatural madness of the story.

Nic Klein, Kev Walker, Nic Klein, Cam Smith, Matthew Wilson, and Cory Petit all bring so much to the artwork. Such as the emotional drawings, or the vibrancy of the colors that contrasts the normalcy of Bruce’s new life. Once again, the artists go far and beyond to bring a beautifully created comic.

Final Thoughts

Like I said, this comic run gets better and better with each issue! The Infernal Hulk #3 is emotionally charged and keeps you locked into the story until the very end.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of The Infernal Hulk #3!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of The Infernal Hulk #3, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!