Hulk #5

   Over the years, the Hulk has gone through quite a few changes - from the ever-loving' "Hulk Smash" phase to the intelligent Hulk to the grey (and morally challenged) Mr. Fixit, and, well, you get the idea.

   He's gone through another major change in this series, as the latest storyline started with Bruce Banner being shot - in the head.

   While transforming into the Hulk has restored his physical condition, his intellect was still badly damaged, so Tony Stark took the unusual step of using Extermis (the technical MacGuffin that can work wonders on the body, though with often-dire side effects)

   The effect has been to make the Hulk incredibly intelligent - perhaps more so than Banner. He embarks on a mysterious program, and it's not until late in the issue that his plan becomes evident - and it's one that may affect the entire Hulk family.

   Mark Bagley's art (with Andy Hennessy on inks).is excellent here, kicking off with several high-powered splash pages. He seems liberated by the fact that he only has to  draw one hero, instead of the usual army.

   I'm sorry to see Mark Waid step down as writer, but so far, Gerry Dugan is carrying the torch with no signs of faltering.

   So far, so good!

Grade: A-

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