Planet Hulk: Review

When I was about 7years old my uncle showed me my first comic book, it was Marvel comics Incredible Hulk. From the moment I laid eyes on the colorful pages and read the bubble text I was hooked; A character who got stronger the angrier he got, the ultimate big brat who couldn’t be stopped, AWESOME! Fast forward many years later and the Hulk has become a pop culture phenomenon spawning a hit 70′s T.V. show, two big Hollywood movies and an animated double feature (Hulk VS). Marvel comics animated features of late have been OK at best. The Avengers animated movies were by far some of, if not the best of the animated movies Marvel has made…until now.

“Planet Hulk” is in my humble opinion THE BEST animated film Marvel has made to date. This film gave back the hope I had for their animated film division because up until now DC’s animated films have been kicking Marvel in the ass. Not anymore, “Planet Hulk” is raw, unadulterated, grown up, violent and true to its source material. Only minor changes have been made to its original storyline, one good enough to make me pick up a comic for the first time in over 25 years.

After I finished with the first issue of “Planet Hulk” I thought…this would make a SICK animated cartoon, no bullshit. So, when I heard last year that it was going to be animated I thought, I sure hope they don’t eff this up. Rest easy Marvel has made a VERY compelling 80 min movie from the 12 issue miniseries starring the Hulk. (spoiler alert) The story goes like this, Iron Man, Black Bolt, Reed Richards(Mr. Fantastic),and Dr. Strange have managed to subdue the Hulk long enough for him to be put aboard a spaceship and “banished” from Earth because of his uncontrollable rage and strength. The spaceship is programmed to land on a far away planet, earth like but where  his strength wouldn’t be as  much of a destructive factor. Hulk crash lands and is captured by some of its inhabitants. Forced into a Roman in lifestyle complete with…you guessed it, gladiator fights. For some reason (I think the planet’s atmosphere affects the gamma radiation) he never reverts to Bruce Banner. When the Hulk is captured he is fitted with a “control” disk attached to his chest that allows him to communicate with the planets inhabitants. Hulk reluctantly starts  fighting  in the gladiator tournaments…then, with a rage so far unseen on earth, he finally gets to cut loose. Along the way he bonds with other captured slaves, who align themselves to The Hulk by something called the “warbound”. They all tell stories of how or why they were captured, all represented well. The movie basically follows the comic storyline perfectly, except for one thing…the changing of the Silver Surfer character to Beta Ray Bill. The way the change is executed is actually not bad, you be the judge.

The way they crafted a DOPE 80 minute movie from the source material is a testament to how seriously Marvel is handling their animated division. The fights, battles and action are all epic, in a Dragonball Z-esque level & scope…fantastic! These are the BEST Hulk fights yet…period. The story is serviceable, animation is good and the voice acting on point. All in all a 9. Rent or buy this one if you’re a Hulk fan, if you’re an action fan, or if you’re a fan of kick-ass adult level cartoons, DON’T SLEEP! “World War Hulk” should be next Marvel… if you’re listening.

Rating: (9/10)

Smite All Cornballs

Sir M

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