Hulk #9

What a great source of frustration this comic has become - but at least it's consistent!

For nine issues now we've been "treated" to stories about the Red Hulk, a reprehensible murderous monster. Recent issues have also included the "real" Hulk, Bruce Banner, as he meanders around the country, turning into different incarnations of the Hulk (gray Hulk, dumb Hulk).

The consistency in the comic has been the artwork. This issue is another half-and-half experience, with the first half being drawn by the amazing Art Adams, and the second half being drawn by the talented Frank Cho.

The Green Hulk must face an army of Wendigos (those cute little Canadian creatures that eat humans like they were potato chips). Joining him in the fight are Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, The Sentry and a surprise guest star who saves the day by exhibiting a power he's never had before. The story by Jeph Loeb is dopey at best, if not downright insulting.

The Red Hulk is fighting for his life against the Lady Liberators, with a nice nod on the cover to the original '70s Avengers story featuring the all-female team of superheroes. Here Frank Cho gets to flex his artistic muscles, drawing a bevy of beauties who battle the crimson bad guy. Once again, outstanding art - dopey story, as the ladies stand around for hours, apparently biding their time until Red decides to try an escape. Surely these heroines are smarter than that.

So it's the same review as before for this book: if you only buy comics for artwork, this is a sure bet. If you actually like to read the words inside, keep walking.

Grade: C