Artist: Matteo Scalera
This is easily one of my favourite series since the start of Marvel NOW!, giving unique and fun stories, that are also really exciting. It has also been one of the most consistent series out from Marvel, as although it's not always spectacular, it's always been great.
Plot
After surviving a huge explosion, Hulk, and Daredevil continue to pursue Agence Byzantine's supersonic weapon, leading them to none other than Baron Zemo.
Review
This was an amazing issue, and a phenomenal continuation from the last issue. Mark Waid has turned this story which was simply good into something phenomenal, and he handled everything in this issue perfectly. The main thing about Waid's writing that I enjoyed in this issue was how he had Hulk intereacting with Daredevil, as it felt so natural, adding depth to the issue. I also loved how Waid handled the action in this issue, as although we got a bit during last issue, he really stepped it up here, and it was simply outstanding. I also loved how Waid managed to rap this short story up so quickly, whilst keeping the excitement, and drama, as well as even adding suspense, which was fantastic.
Matteo Scalera once again did a very good job of the artwork on this issue, and although it may still take a few more issues for me to feel comfortable with him being the new full time artist on this series, it has shown improvement in this issue, as the rough style of Scalera's artwork has been used to the story's best advantages. Scalera also showed a mean Hulk, with plenty of emotion, as due to the amazing action sequences, you really get to see Hulk in his glory, which Scalera handled that perfectly. Scalera also once again did a great job with the layouts, adding more depth, and tone to the issue, as well as even more drama.
The last issue ended with Baron Zemo being Agence Byzantine's buyer, and I was so happy, as he's such a great villain. It was also nice to see him feature in a story that didn't feature Captain America, as although some his best appearances are in them stories, it's nice for a bit of change every once in a while. I also love the tone that Zemo adds to this story as well, as due to him being a classic villain, as well as the fact he was written brilliantly, it added some atmosphere to the story. The addition of Zemo also adds an aura of mystery, as although this issue showed part of his plan, I'm sure there's more behind it, leaving tons of speculation.
This issue would also explain some of Hulk's changes in attitude, stating that he varies in both reasoning, and intelligence. I have to say this is a very clever development to the Hulk character, and it makes total sense, as due to his characteristics, already having a change in attitude due to anger, it is very plausible that his reasoning, and intelligence would vary along with this. I do however hope that Waid remembers this in future writing, and shows it, as I loved it, as it gave a much more classic tone to the green giant, and made the issue more fun to read.
Last issue has some amazing action, but there was a lot more in this issue, making the action from last issue look average. The fight with Daredevil, and Hulk against HYDRA, and Baron Zemo was simply amazing, and the sort of fight that I've been hoping for since the start of this series, as although there has been some amazing fights in the past, I've really wanted to see Hulk against someone like HYDRA, and Zemo, and having Daredevil in the mix made it even better. The dialogue during the fight was also spectacular, and I really enjoyed the fact that both Daredevil, and Hulk enjoyed themselves at certain points, making the fight that much more entertaining, and fun.
Final Verdict
This was a phenomenal issue, and one of the best in the last few issues, really taking the level up a notch. It had outstanding action, as well as a fantastic villain, also having some moments that were extremely fun. It also had some interesting concepts, and developments throughout, and I seriously hope that this is continued from sometime in the future. Due to this I'd highly recommend this issue, as well as the rest of the series, and especially the last issue as well.
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