Now that Bruce Banner established in issue two that he can trump Tony Stark on an intellectual level from time to time and has proven that they are scientific equals, S.H.I.E.L.D.’s newest agent can start moving forward with establishing his own lab, complete with his own team behind him in the latest issue of ‘Indestructible Hulk’.

In issue three of this new chapter in the Hulk’s story brought to us by the incomparable Mark Waid. Director Maria Hill is evaluating the various applicants looking to fill a spot on Dr. Banner’s team in his S.H.I.E.L.D. sponsored lab. While she’s interviewing each of the potential candidate, the good doctor is off on a mission in the field to shut down AIM’s latest high tech plot, which happens to involve a giant robot called the Quintronic Man that is piloted by the brainwaves of dead scientists. Basically, it’s another day at the office for the Hulk.

Waid is rebuilding this new Hulk book by book and is having a lot of fun doing it. Banner is off being heroic and helping S.H.I.E.L.D. with these dangerous missions that a field team of regular agents can’t handle by themselves. Not only is the Jade Giant doing what he does best, but also we get to reap the benefits of seeing him smash with good reason again. AIM’s glorified Transformer didn’t even stand a chance.

While it’s entertaining to see the Hulk in action, I’m more anxious to get to Banner leading his own team. Once they’re assembled, I’m sure much larger threats and scientific advancements are on their way. Plus, judging by the single panel that each one appears in, they’re an interesting group that could potentially lead Bruce into some trouble in the future.

Essentially, ‘Indestructible Hulk’ has been fairly simple so far, yet there’s been so much character development in so little time. We’re getting used to this new Bruce Banner and we’re getting to see the heroic side of the Hulk that was suppressed for so long by receiving these one off stories sprinkled with long-term tidbits that will result in the new status quo down the line. It’s like an old reliable sitcom that you can flip on whenever you’re looking for something to entertain you for a while at any time.  The quality continues to be solid and the art is a great compliment to the excellent story that’s unfolding. I’d definitely call this book a superhero comic at it’s finest.

Final Score:

 

 

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #3

Written by MARK WAID

Art by LEINIL FRANCIS YU & SUNNY GHO