This issue serves as another small part of the expansive Red Hulk mystery that Jeph Loeb started with issue #1 of the new series, but it mostly does a solid job of moving the Defenders/Offenders storyline one step closer to its conclusion.

The writing is bombastic and large in scope, and the art follows suit.  Ed McGuinness’ figures are all looming and packed full of power.  He’s able to draw in a way that is exaggerated without feeling “cartoony,” and I found the visual storytelling immersive and richly narrative.  There’s nothing subtle about Hulk.

I’ve also appreciated Loeb’s effort to draw on years of continuity, introducing numerous supporting characters and villains from throughout the full history of Marvel comics.  He does a good job of offering these characters in a direct way that makes them accessible to new readers while delivering an extra dose of nostalgia for long-time fans.

I expect this story will make a beautiful collection when it’s finished (next issue), and it’s certainly delivering a ton of fun every month!