BannDonny Cates, writer
Martin Coccolo, art
Matt Wilson, colors
Vc’s Joe Sabino, letters
Brad Anderson, cover
Recap
At the end of the last issue, Thor was transformed into a Hulked version of himself due to exposure to an immense level of gamma radiation pouring out of Starship-Hulk. This issue begins with a three-way fight between Iron Man, Thor-Hulk, and Starship-Hulk. Thor shreds Iron Man’s Celestial-formed armor, and Starship-Hulk and Thor-Hulk trade colossal blows. Meanwhile, inside Starship-Hulk, Odin works with Banner to regain control of Starship-Hulk and leverage an advantage only Odin can wield, as it turns out.
Once again Cates pushes the button, who would win in a battle between two of the most powerful Avengers. This story moves at a break-neck pace and literally does not slow down at any point. The most interesting part of this story is the way Odin has played the role of mediator which tips the scales of the fight in many ways. Without Odin’s influence Banner is simply an ego-driven monster. With Odin’s influence, the character taps into a whole new dynamic: Odin’s attempts to save his Hulked-out son from destroying himself. The possibilities are endless and some readers will struggle with the pivot that occurs. They may question how many characters will become Hulk or is anything sacred? I had a brief battle with this dilemma but quickly let it go simply because I love the epic, larger-than-life, battle Cates is nursing in this conflict.
The art remains beautiful. My favorite panel shows Starship-Hulk in Thor’s armor. Somehow, Hulk appears noble and worthy of the armor in a special way. The look on Hulk’s face is one of “bring it on” but with a knowledge of the advantage worthiness brings. My second favorite panel happens inside of the operation center of Starship-Hulk when Odin and Banner puzzle through how to solve the Thor-Hulk dilemma. Odin is depicted as a golden yellow figure making him angelic in appearance. His words have weight because they are coming from a place of experience, authority, and worthiness.
Odin’s inclusion adds to the story because it gives him the chance to post-hummus and vicariously lives through his son within Mjolner. As confusing as this sounds, it works within the context of the story. In addition, Odin’s motivation contrasts with Banner’s sharply. Odin’s concern centers around the hammer and protecting the honor of the thrown. Banner’s focus is on who is the strongest.
The Banner War has been a wonderfully entertaining ride so far. Cates does a nice job of not tipping his hand. At this point in the conflict, it is not clear how the fight will turn out or even what twist in the story might tip the scales. Overall 10/10