Infernal Hulk #1 Review: Avengers Member Is Marvel’s Newest Villain

Although he was one of the original Avengers, the Hulk’s history as a hero is complicated. Because of Bruce Banner’s troubled mind, many different versions of the Hulk have emerged, each with its own personality. Some have been gentle giants who just wanted peace, while others have been destructive forces. But the new Hulk appearing in Infernal Hulk #1 is different – it isn’t connected to Banner at all, and it could be the most dangerous one yet.

Infernal Hulk #1, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and illustrated by Nic Klein, continues the story from the last Incredible Hulk comic. The issue begins with a recap, explaining how a demon named the Eldest took control of the Hulk. While inside the Hulk, the Eldest consumed its own mother, gaining the power of both creatures and transforming into the new, powerful Infernal Hulk.

The first issue of Infernal Hulk largely focuses on the Hulk battling a military battalion. The soldiers believe they’re fighting an angry Bruce Banner, but quickly realize this new form of the Hulk is far more dangerous. This monster doesn’t just destroy; it twists everything around it into terrifying creatures. It also resurrects a forgotten city, evoking the eerie settings of H.P. Lovecraft, and plans to use it as a base to create a monstrous army.

Infernal Hulk packed with action, but little else

Infernal Hulk #1 is a bit of a mixed experience. While it delivers plenty of brutal action, beautifully illustrated by Nic Klein, the first issue doesn’t offer much beyond that. The story doesn’t explain where this new, demonic Hulk comes from, which is frustrating because it’s easy to miss the brief summary on the cover. It seems like this new #1 was meant to attract new readers, but the comic itself doesn’t provide any background on the Hulk’s supernatural beginnings.

It’s a little strange to see a stumble like this, because Phillip Kennedy Johnson is usually so good at keeping things clear and connected. But honestly, even he might struggle to make sense of what’s happened with the Hulk in recent years. It’s gotten incredibly complicated – there’s this whole thing about making all the gamma-powered characters essentially immortal, and then they went and created this being called the One Below All. It’s a lot to unpack!

Okay, so I’m cautiously optimistic about Infernal Hulk. It looks like the story’s aiming to fix things and get back to a place where Hulk’s power isn’t tied to Hell, which is good. But honestly, after reading the first issue, it feels like a slow burn. I think this story will play much better when collected as a graphic novel rather than following it issue by issue. It’s not bad by any means, but I worry it might be a bit confusing for anyone just jumping into the series, and it didn’t really grab me right away.

Grade: 6/10

Infernal Hulk #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2025-11-26 18:57