As always, email us your questions or comments at pcs@popcultureshock.com or give us a call at 1-888-817-5766 and we’ll address your feedback on the next show.

The following review is excerpted from Comic Book Revolution (click here to read the full review)

Writers: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Pencils: Clayton Henry
Inks: Salva Espin

Art: 8/10
Story: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

This title is nothing but pure fun and that makes it a real breath of fresh air from the typical doom and gloom that we seem to be getting on the majority of the comic books currently on the market.

Incredible Hercules #122 certainly supplies tons of action as the reader never has to go more than a couple of pages without getting an action scene. Yet, at the same time, this issue is not a mindless brawlfest. This is a very hard thing to do but Pak and Van Lente manage to pull it off. Also, a writer always earns bonus points in my book when they can work a sound effect like “Crakkajamma!” into a fight. Classic.

There are numerous moments that make the reader break out into a smile or chuckle, nicely integrated within the context of the story and never feel shoehorned or out of place.

Up until now, I have always found Hercules to be a somewhat boring character. Often, Hercules came across a bit generic and nothing more than a poor man’s Thor. Not anymore. Pak and Van Lente have done an amazing job with Hercules and have made him an extremely fun and charismatic character. It is hard not to love this version of Hercules.

I dig that Van Lente and Pak are playing up Hercules as a simple minded brawler who loves a good adventure, drinking and bedding women. Hercules is rather hedonistic and it fits his character perfectly. This is a refreshing change of pace from your typical modern day comic book hero who is either damaged or traumatized in some way or they have a Spartan view of life and do not allow themselves to indulge in the riches of life.

Clayton Henry and Salva Espin have a nice clean style of art that effectively conveys the story to the reader. Plus, Henry is great at nailing the facial expressions of the various characters.

Overall: This is a great action adventure comic book that offers something different from your typical dark, moody and somber comic book that dominates the market.

“Super Power Blues,” a short film written and directed by filmmaker and comic book writer Greg Pak, has won this week’s Reel 13 online contest at thirteen.org and will screen Saturday, June 7, on New York’s Channel 13.

The 7 minute film stars Sakura Sugihara and Brian Nishii in the story of a Japanese superheroine living in New York City who has to save the world day after day — when all she really wants to do is sleep with her boyfriend.

“Super Power Blues” will air on Channel 13 at 11:09 pm on Saturday, June 7, right after “Some Like It Hot” and just before “Camp.”

The film can also be viewed online at http://www.thirteen.org/artsandculture/watch-the-reel-13-winner-for-june-7-2008

For more information about Greg Pak’s films and comics, visit http://www.pakbuzz.com .

World War Hulk is over—but the Aftersmash has only just begun! In World War Hulk: Aftersmash, the surviving heroes must find a way to rebuild the war torn isle of Manhattan while a new hero seeks to follow the Hulk’s path…with a goliath impact! World War Hulk architect and acclaimed author Greg Pak teams with artist Rafa Sandoval for this special one-shot that lays the foundation for the future of Hulk’s world and the new directions for many of the WWH survivors. The Warbound, the Renegades, Heroes for Hire, Iron Man, Tom Foster, and Damage Control all seek to change course in their lives, but just how are their fates intertwined? This extra-sized issue also includes bonus material not found anywhere else!

As characters head in startling new directions, the effects of this one-shot will ripple throughout the Marvel Universe and into two all new series—World War Hulk Aftersmash: Warbound and World War Hulk Aftersmash: Damage Control. Just how do the survivors move on after World War Hulk? And is the war truly over?

The incredible answers smash on through to the other side this December in World War Hulk: Aftersmash!

WORLD WAR HULK AFTERSMASH: WARBOUND #1 (of 5)
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils by LEONARD KIRK
Cover JIMMY CHEUNG
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—11/29/07, On-Sale—12/19/07

WWH AFTERSMASH: DAMAGE CONTROL #1 (of 3) (NOV072153)
Written by DWAYNE MCDUFFIE
Penciled by SALVA ESPIN
Cover by NIC KLEIN
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—1/3/08, On-Sale—1/23/08

The millennium’s most massive Marvel smashfest concludes in World War Hulk #5, as the Hulk and Earth’s heroes square off one last time…but who is the real hero of this war? Acclaimed writer Greg Pak teams with industry penciling legend John Romita Jr for the explosive conclusion to the story that’s got everyone buzzing! Now that Sentry has involved himself in this epic conflict, does the more-powerful-than-ever Hulk stand a chance? And will anyone close to them survive this clash of the titans?

“Dangerously entertaining, and Greg Pak deserves a raise,” said ComicBookResources.Com’s Hannibal Tabu, who also praised the action as, “a bloody and destructive battle conveyed with all the raw power and kineticism that you can only get from John Romita, Jr.”

Challenging your very notions of vengeance and justice, World War Hulk #5 will leave the Hulk—and Marvel Universe—forever changed. There’s no going back for the Green Goliath, as he enters the final battle in this critically acclaimed blockbuster event…and only one side can win! Once this issue is finished, shockwaves will ripple through Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, and more! And did we mention that there’s an announcement about THREE—yeah, count ‘em!—new major titles in the final pages?

The most “incredible” blockbuster of the summer is back in World War Hulk #4 (of 5)! From acclaimed writer Greg Pak and living legend John Romita JR comes the fourth chapter of the Marvel Comics event that has captivated critics and fans alike. The Hulk has converted Madison Square Garden into his own battle arena and captured those heroes who opposed him. The seemingly defeated Doctor Strange has returned, bonded with a demon to increase his own power…but at what cost to the Sorcerer Supreme? And when the dust settles, who will go too far to ensure their victory? The answer will shock you!

ComicBookResources.Com’s Hannibal Tabu declared World War Hulk #3 a book “too good not to own” and said that the issue was, “Just mean and quotable and fun.”

“Marvel’s very own special effects master does not disappoint,” said Comixfan.Com’s Jason Grasso of Romita JR’s art. “I just ask that you save my seat while I refill my popcorn.”

BrokenFrontier.Com’s Adrian Zettlemoyer exclaimed, “Romita flexes his muscles in this issue and reminds all the readers just why he is one of the top artists in the history of the medium… everything he does just feels right.”

As the penultimate chapter of World War Hulk smashes into stores, don’t miss the stunning World War Hulk By John Romita Jr poster, featuring the stunning art of John Romita JR! And if you missed out on the first sold out issue, be sure to pick up World War Hulk #1 John Romita Jr 2nd Printing Variant, in stores September!

WORLD WAR HULK BY JOHN ROMITA JR. (JUL072247)
55×16 Color Poster…$15.99
On-Sale—9/05/07

WORLD WAR HULK #1 JOHN ROMITA JR. 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (JUN078044)
Written by Greg Pak
Pencils and Cover by John Romita Jr.
64 PGS./Rated T+…$3.99
On-Sale—9/12/07

Boy genius Amadeus Cho pulled together a team of Renegades to side with his big green hero during “World War Hulk” — but what will happen to his faith in the Hulk’s heroism when he discovers the horrors lurking beneath Madison Square Garden? The Hulk takes center stage with a terrifying confrontation and a stunning revelation that lays bare the central question of whether the Hulk is a hero — or a monster.

32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99
IN STORES: August 8, 2007

32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99
IN STORES: July 25, 2007

[unformat]





[/unformat]

[unformat]





[/unformat]

So when I finally got a chance to sit down with Pak again, I knew that we had to talk about The Kid.

[unformat]





[/unformat]

[MEDIA=3]

We also talked in depth about fan favorite Amadeus Cho (created by Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa) and his part in World War Hulk.

[MEDIA=4]

As World War Hulk rages in Manhattan, Incredible Hulk #108 looks at the conflict from a different perspective; how will the Green Goliath deal with his best friend, Rick Jones? Written by Greg Pak, the man behind the best selling Planet Hulk, and fan favorite penciler Leonard Kirk (Agents of Atlas) bring you an exhilarating issue featuring Rick Jones, a pivotal figure in the Incredible Hulk’s past…and future!

No one in the universe knows the Hulk better than the loyal Rick Jones who has stood by the savage beast through the good and the bad. However, in his absence, the Hulk may have formed a closer bond with Miek The Unhived, his first ally from the alien planet Sakaar. What will happen when the Hulk’s oldest friend meets the Hulk’s Warbound comrade? Also, whose side is Rick really on? These answers and more come in the all new Incredible Hulk #108!

With every tie-in issue of the red-hot World War Hulk selling out quickly, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders for future issues of this incredible summer blockbuster. Tune in to find out if the Hulk and his Warbound will spare or smash the “puny human” known as Rick Jones!

The Illuminati called the Hulk a monster — and shot him into space. But Amadeus Cho, the boy genius who took on Reed Richards in INCREDIBLE HULK #100, calls the Hulk a hero — and prepares for his return. With just his big brain, a lot of guts and a few billion dollars stolen from Warren Worthington III, Cho tackles the insane task of building a team of heroes willing to side with the Hulk against the rest of the Marvel Universe. Will Hercules and Angel become the Hulk’s Champions? Will Namor be his Defender? And what happens when the Prince of Power meets the Green King on Manhattan’s shattered streets?
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

IN STORES: 2007-06-20

Marvel’s massive summer smashfest begins! Exiled by a group of Marvel “heroes” to the savage alien planet of Sakaar, the Hulk raged, bled and conquered through the pages of last year’s “Planet Hulk” epic, rising from slave to gladiator to king. Now the Hulk returns to Earth to wreak his terrible vengeance on Iron Man, Reed Richards, Dr. Strange and Black Bolt — and anyone else who gets in his way. Stronger than ever, accompanied by his monstrous Warbound gladiator allies, and possessed by the fiercest and purest rage imaginable, the Hulk may just tear this stupid planet in half. The epic story of anger unbound begins with this special double-sized issue written by “Planet Hulk” scribe Greg Pak and penciled by the legendary John Romita, Jr.
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

IN STORES: 2007-06-13

Written by Greg Pak, the man behind the best selling Planet Hulk, and featuring pencils by fan favorite Leonard Kirk, fresh off Agents Of ATLAS, this clash of worldviews will leave Rick and Miek very different people…if either friend of the Hulk survives! And how does this affect the Hulk? You’ll have to tune into Incredible Hulk #108 to find out!

INCREDIBLE HULK #108 (MAY072122)
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils by LEONARD KIRK
Cover by GREG LAND
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—7/5/07, On Sale—7/25/07

Brendan: It’s finally over. A full year has passed, and the mega-story that was DC Comics’ most ambitious project ever reached the climactic finish.

So how was it?

The problem with judging 52 up to this point has been the lack of precedent. A normal miniseries is generally about seven issues. The first two issues set Act 1, the next three give Act 2, and we wrap up with the last two. In this series the acts were each about eighteen issues long. While this was an exciting prospect and a true novelty, eighteen issues of setup was a difficult burden for much of the audience. One would not be wrong to say this series was slow at times.

But, that was the payoff.

Two weeks ago the mini event of World War III gave us all some much needed action. If 52 was going to feel like a meaningful series in DC history, we were going to need to see some people get fucked up. Black Adam, my personal favorite character of the series, fucked some people up. In so doing, we got the explanations for the varied “One Year Later” mysteries. Last week gave some resolution to that event. So, if WWIII was the huge crazy go nuts battle at year’s end, how would the series finally resolve? What could there possibly be left?

It turns out, lots. As was leaked in Dan Didio’s DC Nation column a few months back, the multiverse is alive and well in the DC Univ…Multiverse. Consequently, the Grant Morrison-acid trip-inspired-evolved Mr. Mind, after a year of burrowing about in Skeet’s innards, is hungry for the whole reality spawning pie. It’s up to Booster Gold, Rip Hunter, and Supernova (?) to stop him. (Spoilers! They do)

For me, the series paid off. Mike Mckone made a spectacular return to DC for the bulk of this book. Since his work on Exiles he has drawn some of my favorite superhero comics. His stuff is slick. Justiniano does some good work following his great art on WWIII’s Week 50. The rest of the book is rendered by 52 mainstays Chris Batista, Pat Olliffe, Darick Robertson, and Eddy Barrows. The large art cast didn’t distract at all, and in fact gives weight to the expansive scale of this project by each giving the denouement of the stories key players.

I think 52 did well to close the book on some very long running stories. From the initial kickoff of Identity Crisis, through the first Countdown, all of Infinite Crisis, and now 52, we had a story that dealt with a scale that only the DC Multiverse could handle. It was a story that only comics could tell, pushing the boundaries of what periodical comics can do in the ways they tell stories. We got some hugely heroic moments from a lot of underutilized characters, and a plot that no one could have predicted. A hero was redeemed, an Odyssey occurred in space, a family was made stronger, a love persevered, pride killed, and a woman found peace with herself. Add to that another all purpose continuity fixit, a couple big fight scenes, a definitive change to the status quo, a few spin off series starring DC’s new A list, and you’ll have 52. What were you expecting?

Adan: Awesomeness abounds in this issue of greatness rolled in superbity! Okay, maybe there’s a little hyperbole here, but this really was pretty damn good. The explanation of the multiverse was handled expertly, as was the Mr. Mind/Skeets/Rip Hunter/Booster Gold finale to the whole endeavour (although I still think the kids dropped the ball with the whole OYL bit). Yes, Giffen’s Justice League International (the best of them all) may have suffered some massive casualties in the past three years, but some of them have risen to greatness again thanks to this massive series: Animal Man, Booster Gold, and especially Elongated Man. Way to go Rucka, Waid, Johns, and Morrison, as well as all the artists. Also, the editors and production staffers for getting this thing out every week. I honestly didn’t think you’d pull it off; in fact, I gave you a maximum of twelve weeks before one of them was late. I’d like my words back, so that I can eat them.

Alien Pig Farm 3000 #1

Brendan: Right off the bat, this book was what all comics should aspire to be. Why, in the first five pages we see aliens, dinosaurs, The Finger, and rednecks. Those are ingredients for success. The premise is pretty simple; aliens crashed on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago, and today some bumpkins find them. Hilarity, of course, ensues. So the setup is strong, and the loose, cartoony horror illustration holds up. In fact, even the lettering of Jason Hanley stands out in establishing the off the wall mood. The narrative voice of the series also goes a long way to engage the reader. Unfortunately, the promise of the first act fails to carry throughout. Where the simple setup of aliens juxtaposed with hicks was spot on perfect and funny unto itself, the story itself quickly falls back on easy redneck humor that is neither funny nor original. This laziness seems to carry itself into the dialogue, where exposition is overly telegraphed. This is the kind of book that gets better the more outlandish it stays. I had enough fun to want to see where the next issue goes, but the leash may be short.

Adan: Brendan is right. I like dinosaurs, aliens, and to some extent, hillbillies. But how come we have to immediately go to the “hicks have sex with their sisters” joke? The main character seems pretty intelligent, more so than any of the other characters, definitely, cooking up ways evade the cops using the terrain and traps he’s set up. In fact, after the dinos and aliens set-up, we get an extended “Dukes of Hazzard”-type chase sequence, complete with bridge jumping. It’s pretty fun, but it’s not my bag.

Books With Pictures #3

Brendan: The first two issues of this series were lovingly crafted insights into the world of comic book retail. As a non-comic outsider, Melissa, mouthpiece of writer/ artist Sina Grace, takes an often hilarious look at comic culture. This issue, though, was a big disappointment. Porn is funny, comic customers and retailers feel awkward around pretty girls, and people can be assholes. None of this is really fresh ground. This book felt rushed and lacked a literary center. In the notes following the story, Grace admits that it has been ten months since the last chapters were actually crafted, but instead of growing as a storyteller he seems to have lapsed. The first issues showed promise, but I get the feeling that he is going to have to find a new story to tell. This one just feels over.

Adan: I thought it was pretty funny, but I haven’t read the first two issues. It was a spot-on recreation of the retail clerks and the customers of a comic book store (although their girl-to-boy ratio seems to be higher than most). My favorite joke in the book was the “Tongue in Cheek” joke because plays-on-words are the best kind of jokes (also, I’m a huge nerd). So, yeah, I disagree with the Coach and will be looking for the previous two issues so that I can laugh at avatars of myself and my co-workers.

Incredible Hulk #106 and World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker

Adan: First things first: read Incredible Hulk before you read the Prologue, because that’s the order that will make the most sense. That said, I love this Amadeus Cho kid. He is fantastic! Also fantastic, Hulk’s Warbound. If Cho actually gets together with the gladiators and becomes their brains, the Earth is fucking toast. I especially liked She-Hulk’s talks with Doc Samson about the Hulk and why he thinks the Illuminati were right to shoot him into space and why she thinks they’re a bunch of wankers. The Prologue also features a very funny Mini-Marvels retelling of the New Avengers: Illuminati one-shot and the Planet Hulk storyline, as well as a reprint of Amadeus Cho’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15.

Brendan: Mastermind Excello! Yes, he truly seems to be the breakout star of the upcoming promoto-vent World War Hulk. Seeing his first appearance was a treat, and I especially like the tongue in cheek description captions. He really feels like the chaotic wrench for Reed and Tony’s power structure. Booyakasha. Giarrusso’s strip is hilarious, but also a surprisingly viable take on that story. Peter David lays the groundwork for what should be a cool Hulk tale by finding the voices of She-Hulk and Doc Samson. I’ve been as leery as anyone concerning this obvious cash in following Civil War, and I don’t plan on altering my reading list to fit the World War checklists, but if the Hulk book and main mini stay this entertaining it should be a big hit.

Hellboy: Darkness Calls #1

Adan: YES! New Hellboy! And right in the first six pages there is a HUGE revelation! Oh man, how I have waited for Mike Mignola to give this to me. It’s creepy, it’s a little bit confusing, but most of all, it’s great! Hecate shows up, as do tons of other witches, and Hellboy doesn’t deal well with witches. They tend to want to kick his ass. Duncan Fegredo’s art is perfect for this book (well, not as perfect as Mignola’s, but he’d take years): it’s spooky and dark, and there’s this heaviness to it, even during daylight scenes, that seems to just grab foreboding right out of the air and make lines with it. It’s really quite good.

Brendan: Good story, good art, good times. Fegredo has come a long way since his Kevin Smith years, and his Hellboy manages to feel right without just being a Mignola rehash. Don’t have anything bad to say, really. This feels weird. Let’s move on to…

Nascar Heroes #1

Adan: A NASCAR driver with superpowers. Heck, a whole pit crew with superpowers. And an evil NASCAR driver with superpowers. How can you not love the heck out of this book (I don’t even like NASCAR)? It’s a pretty simple premise (evil guy is doing crazy experiments so that he can win more easily and our hero gets caught up in it, as does his pit crew), but with cars! And not just any cars; NASCAR cars! Look, you’re gonna read this, and you’re going to like it. Not because it’s some kind of fantastic thing or anything, but because it’s such a ridiculous premise.

Brendan: I may have had my ridiculous premise fill with Alien Pig Farm. I will say this, for speedster lovers this issue was at least as good as the first eight issues of the latest Flash run. Probably better, even. I learned, in perfect infomercial style, a lot about how NASCAR works, and what qualifies as a fast pit time, (9.8 seconds! That’s amazing!) The art was a nice surprise, and had the clean feel of a very good animator. It’s a NASCAR world, apparently, and we’re just living in it. Or something. I guess. But what happens when Jimmy Dash meets the NFL Superpro?

Sensational Spider-Man Annual #1

Brendan: “He’s my husband. You’re just some dude.”

MJ can be pretty great. So this is an oversized annual, but nobody fights. Blasphemy, you cry, but wait- it is actually a pretty sweet love story of Pete and MJ. In fact, I would contend that this issue is proof that Marvel is committed to the Parker marriage for the long term. This would be a waste of a story if she’s just going to die in a few months. Of course, it could be the opposite. Guess we’ll have to see.

Matt Fraction continues to perform as one of my favorite writers working. His story works well, both in addressing the current upheaval for the Parker family, (hospital bills, running from the law, tax season) and looking back in Spider-Man history. Salvador Larroca does good work both in creating a look for Peter that evokes shame and lawlessness as well as doing a hell of a John Romita Sr/ Ross Andru impersonation of the Coffee Bean years. Ultimately, this issue is a character piece about why these two are in love. Fraction’s voice is perfectly suited to the story, especially coming through strong in the voice of a twenty-something couple. They feel modern and familiar, which does more to make them relatable than any dissolution of their marriage would. Big fan of this issue, and also a big fan of SHEILD making an appearance without Iron Man. Hate that guy.

Adan: I am a HUGE fan of Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, and this annual feels like a natural extension of that series (in fact, maybe Fraction should take over that title once Sean McKeever leaves) because Spider-Man most definitely loves Mary Jane, and Mary Jane reciprocates with all her heart. It’s a sweet story, filled with flashbacks to simpler times. But the Coach is wrong: there is some action. It’s small, but it’s there amidst the sweetness and love.

Welcome to Tranquility #6

Adan: A most satisfying ending to the first arc of Gail Simone’s WildStorm comic. Mr. Articulate’s murderer is revealed, as are a bunch of other things that dovetail nicely into one bang-up ending. Everybody has their moment in the sun, including crazy-ass pilot MInxy Millions, and everybody gets to help save the day… well, most everybody. Some people just get their asses beat. If you’ve never read an issue, then pick up the trade when it comes out, but definitely, definitely check out. It’s probably the best thing coming out of WildStorm right now.

Brendan: Gail Simone had a great handle on the large cast of this book. The characters each have unique voices and memorable powers or hooks. Neil Googe and Billy Dallas Patton do a great job making the story look great. The plot itself feels reminiscent of the Minutemen flashbacks of Watchmen, so that doesn’t suck. In fact, it is really nice to see one of these Worldstorm books not sucking, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.

And Others…

Adan: Geoff Johns’ last issue of Teen Titans was a complete and utter disappointment. I’m pretty sure he just stopped caring after awhile. On the other hand, Brian K. Vaughn’s sole issue of Midnighter was great. The storytelling technique he uses this issue is something I don’t think I’ve seen before, and it worked really well.

Brendan: Yeah, it felt like there was a really good, touching story somewhere hidden in Johns’ last Titans go, but it was hidden amidst the crap. For whatever reason, though, I’m looking forward to the new era of the book. Beechen has been very good on Robin. Astonishing X-Men was a good one, and Cassaday seemed to go the extra mile on backgrounds with definite results. Green Lantern was interesting and artist Daniel Acuna seemed to progress a bit, but the real draw was the great Sinestro Corps backup. Also… Nextwave is showing up in a comic this week! Can you be the one to find them first!?!?!

Adan: Oh yeah, I forgot about that. It’s a pretty funny cameo, as are all Nextwave appearances, really.

WARBOUND, Part I
When the Hulk returns to Earth for the senses-shattering events of “World War Hulk,” we can all guess which puny humans will fight against him. But which of Earth’s heroes will fight for the Hulk? Don’t miss the shocking revelations as Amadeus Cho, the boy genius who took on Reed Richards on behalf of the Hulk in Incredible Hulk #100, confronts She-Hulk and Doc Samson — and precipitates a gamma-powered smash-fest in the wilds of Jersey! Featuring the return of Hulk artist extraordinaire Gary Frank!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

This May, the road to war begins in World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker, as the Hulk begins the long journey to revenge. Written by classic Hulk scribe Peter David and featuring the art of Al Rio, Lee Weeks & Sean Phillips, World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker brings you up to speed on the Hulk’s recent journey and provides the perfect jumping-on point for readers new and old, who will get a rare glimpse into the psyche of the jade giant.

Months ago, the Illuminati sent Hulk into space, hoping the monster would find peace on another world, leading to the now classic Planet Hulk storyline. Hulk landed on Sakaar, and now through a series of tragic events, the Hulk is back…and he isn’t just going to smash—he’s going to destroy!

In the wake of Civil War, the MU is already in enough chaos as it is, but it’s one boy named Amadeus Cho whose actions may take things to the next level. In Hulk #106, Cho prepares for the Hulk’s arrival by gathering a group of super heroes to side with the Hulk in the coming war. Who will join with the Hulk and who will fight him?

Stephen Gerding, of Kung Fu Rodeo, couldn’t stop raving about Planet Hulk, the best selling epic tale of which every issue sold out and which leads into World War Hulk. “We’ve been treated to a Hulk-as-Conan storyline that writer Greg Pak has made into the most interesting time in the Jade Giant’s life since Peter David left the book,” said Gerding. “Combine the writing with stronger than I’d expected art and amazing covers from Ladronn … and you have the biggest surprise from Marvel in years.”

With the Planet Hulk HC collection arriving in June to coincide with World War Hulk roaring into the summer, Marvel urges retailers to check their orders for World War Hulk, as the rave reviews for Planet Hulk continue to roll in. Fans, don’t miss your first chance to join the excitement in the pages of World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker and Hulk #106.

Note: the page count on World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker has increased from 48 to 64 pages and will now feature an extensive sneak-peak at the World War Hulk event at no extra cost!

WORLD WAR HULK PROLOGUE: WORLD BREAKER (MAR072086)
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by AL RIO, LEE WEEKS & SEAN PHILLIPS
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 4/12, On-Sale – 5/2/2007

INCREDIBLE HULK #106 (MAR072085)
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils and Cover by GARY FRANK
Rated A …$2.99
FOC – 4/12, On-Sale – 5/2/2007

HULK: PLANET HULK HC (APR072362)
Written by GREG PAK
Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN, AARON LOPRESTI, JUAN SANTACRUZ, GARY FRANK, TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
Cover by LADRÖNN
392 PGS./Rated A …$39.99
FOC – 5/10, On-Sale – 6/13/2007

PLANET HULK CONCLUSION
Sons of Sakaar, remember their names! Korg, Miek, Hiroim, Elloe, the Brood Creature and Caiera the Oldstrong! These are the heroes of Sakaar, the Green Scar’s Warbound allies and the Hulk’s greatest friends. As they face the terrifying conclusion to the PLANET HULK epic, who will live? Who will die? And who will pay when the Worldbreaker reveals his true face? Don’t miss the shocking end to PLANET HULK — and the launching pad for Marvel’s WORLD WAR HULK summer blockbuster.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: 2007-04-04