There’s no rest for the wicked, and that rings horrifyingly true for the Infernal Hulk. Creatives Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein continue their tale of terror as the corrupted hero conquers Atlantis with disturbing ease. When even Namor proves powerless against this monster, we’re left with a chilling question: can anybody stop him?
After establishing the living city of Golgothia in the Appalachian mountains, the Hulk sets his sights on Atlantis. Namor dismisses warnings from his fellow New Avengers, his characteristic arrogance once again rearing its ugly head. It’s not until Hulk summons Ngathil the God-Eater, one of Eldest’s eldritch siblings, that Namor realizes the danger he’s in. He watches helplessly as the Hulk defeats a creature that makes even the King of Atlantis look weak. By the time the battle ends, Namor has learned there’s a new hierarchy in the sea, and he’s no longer at the top.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Horror-First Approach
PKJ is presenting a Hulk that’s fully untethered from morality, with the push-and-pull between him and Bruce Banner long gone. With Eldest as his evil co-pilot, he unleashes havoc wherever he goes, collateral damage be damned. The most chilling moment happens when Namor tries to thank him for dealing with Ngathil. The Hulk makes clear he has no interest in helping Atlantis – he simply doesn’t kill them because their deaths don’t interest him. He delivers this line with his hand firmly around the King of Atlantis’ neck in an unsettling panel. This is the exact scenario the Illuminati were trying to avoid by launching Hulk into space during the Planet Hulk storyline. After seeing it unfold, they may have been right all along.
The issue’s biggest weakness is its continued sidelining of Banner. He and Betty Ross only appear in the final two pages as they observe the Hulk’s rampage on TV. His apparent detachment is strange for a character long defined by his tortured dynamic with the Jade Giant. This series has never been solely about the Hulk’s destruction, and Banner’s moral perspective is what transforms that destruction into tragedy. Without that contrast, we lose the internal conflict that makes this character so compelling in the first place.
Nic Klein’s Body Horror and Stellar Colors
Klein is once again stellar here. He seamlessly switches environments from lush mountains to the depths of the Atlantic without missing a beat. Atlantis and its inhabitants are fully realized, while Ngathil’s design is terrifying and immense. The creature’s entrance on page eight – bursting through the ground, massive claws extended, and its maw agape – sets the stage for the epic battle to come. Once Hulk is devoured by Ngathil, the panel borders transform from standard lines to the monster’s stomach lining in a stellar creative choice. Each scene is separated by twisted guts as the Hulk battles free, crushing internal organs and ripping apart monstrous sea bugs like paper. Meanwhile, Kev Walker handles the final two pages of Banner and Ross in Indiana. It’s solid work, though it feels less memorable following Klein’s visual spectacle.
Matthew Wilson’s colors continue to elevate Klein’s artwork. The Hulk’s menacing purples and neon greens create a rich contrast against the deep blues of Atlantis, while Ngathil’s visceral reds enhance the revolting scenes inside his stomach. Letterer, Cory Petit, continues to make his mark with the sound effects. You can almost hear the action as each panel is brought to life by his dynamic fonts and word placement.
Verdict
The Infernal Hulk #2 continues to escalate PKJ and Klein’s story with ruthless efficiency. The visceral destruction and body horror on display make this a must-read for fans willing to watch a hero become a monster. Now that we’ve seen the Hulk humble Namor, it begs the question: who’s next on his list?
Review: The Infernal Hulk #2 Proves the Illuminati Were Right All Along
The Infernal Hulk #2 continues to escalate PKJ and Klein’s story with ruthless efficiency. The visceral destruction and body horror on display make this a must-read for fans willing to watch a hero become a monster. Now that we’ve seen the Hulk humble Namor, it begs the question: who’s next on his list?
