Hulk: Grand Design - Monster #1

Impulse Gamer

This should be even better when they eventually release the trade paperback and it really is the entire Hulk saga with all the different stories as there was enough to look at here that I could hardly even work out how the Hulk ended up in some of these places such as fighting Evil Space Clowns with Rocket Raccoon.

Un Cómic Más

This comic chronicles the Hulk's greatest moments from its first issue in 1962 through the mid-1980s, illustrated with JIM RUGG's unique and original vision, mixing original Jack Kirby's vintage art with hints of pop art. Each page mixes and narrates one or more of these important events, which shocks, amazes and nostalgically makes you remember the fertile and interesting history of this character and at the same time allows you as a new reader to learn much about the past of the green goliath. It's certainly a great way to celebrate the Incredible Man's 60th anniversary.

Comic Watch

Distilling sixty years of Hulk stories into forty pages, Jim Rugg opts for a less-literal, more abstract approach than his Grand Design predecessors. Rugg's art overflows with subtle flourishes and big swings, which covers up its slightly underwritten script.

Comic Crusaders

ugg being given Hulk’s encyclopedia is a great decision on Marvel’s part. The way he handles Banner’s mythos with such care and makes the 7 foot tall beast appear like he could carry the Marvel Universe on his back (just see his Secret Wars homage page) is a tribute that old Jade Jaws has deserved for the longest. “Monster” clocks in at the era of the early eighties. So if Rugg can keep up the pace for the rest of the Hulk’s rich history, I am eager to see how he handles Ewing’s esoteric run and Cates’ most recent abusive arc. Bruce Banner has always been counted out and undervalued in the Marvel Universe. Despite his various flaws and self-inflicted wounds, it’s about damn time someone showed the green behemoth some appreciation.

The Comicbook Dispatch

Readers, HULK: GRAND DESIGN: MONSTER #1 is more like a project than a comic, which may sound like I’m upset or disappointed. However, it’s quite the opposite. This isn’t your normal comic. And to any reader looking for a new tale, you most certainly won’t find it here. Yet, what you will find is an artistic gem reminiscent of a style and time well missed by this reviewer. Rugg has a way of making comics… about comics. That would be the best way of describing much of his work as well as HULK: GRAND DESIGN: MONSTER #1. His art is more than just pencils. It focuses on a strong design and immense shifts in technique as well. If Jim Rugg’s is swirling in your wheelhouse right now thanks to HULK: GRAND DESIGN: MONSTER #1, go take a look at his earlier work on STREET ANGELS and AFRODISIAC.

Monkeys Fighting Robots

Hulk: Grand Design crams two decades into 40 pages, acting as a scrapbook of the character's highlights.

Marvel Heroes Library

Enjoyable little romp, running through about a quarter of the Hulk’s career with little depth and a tongue-in-cheek attitude. The survey runs very quickly with some matters being glossed over surprisingly quickly e,g, the Defenders are wrapped up in one panel as is the introduction of Wolverine though his panel occupies a full page. She-Hulk gets a page and, surprisingly, the 1970s TV series receives a single full page panel. This makes for a decent intro to the character to bring new readers up to speed though I can’t imagine how the rest of Hulk’s history is going to be covered in only more similar sized issue.

ComicBook.com

Hulk: Grand Design lacks a guiding thesis to connect the always-interesting designs, styles, and compositions on the page.