The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
Published by Marvel Publishing, Inc.
416 pages
$34.99 retail

After hearing about it for the last few years, this Johnny-come-lately finally sat down and read Planet Hulk. In my defense, I believe I am part of a growing group of comics fans who are being forced by escalating prices, not only to wait for the trade, but to wait for it to go on sale on Amazon or Ebay. Sue me.

You are most likely familiar with the scenario: The Hulk is tricked onto an interstellar vessel by the heroes of Earth in an attempt to relocate him to a planet where he will neither harm nor be harmed. Instead, he lands on a savage planet where gladiatorial games are all the rage, becomes a champion of the arena, wins the hearts of the people, and so on. If it sounds like The Incredible Hulk Meets Gladiator the Movie, that's because it is. If it sounds like I find the plot itself rather simple, that's because it is. However, being simple doesn't mean it's not good.

Writer Greg Pak takes an uncomplicated premise and steps on the gas, infusing it with ground-shaking action and intriguing characterization, as the Hulk forms a bond with a wildly diverse group of warriors. In fact, it's no exaggeration to say that the most interesting characters are the guest stars of the book.

Pencilers Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti and company clearly had a good time with this story, as the Hulk appears as massive, ill-tempered and formidable as he ever has. Additionally, everything about this world is strange and alien, adding to the atmosphere of the story. And of course, the action breaks on the reader like a sequential tsunami. 

What are you trying to say, oh wordy reviewer? Just that this was a fun story, from start to finish. And, isn't that supposed to be what comics are all about?

Planet Hulk is for the big kids and grown-ups, and can be found wherever comics are sold.

Review by Mark Allen

Jezebel Jade
Published by Comico Comic Company
32 pages 

One of my all-time-favorite comic book stories is Jezebel Jade. If you recognize the name, then you've probably seen at least one of the only two Johnny Quest episodes in which she appeared. And, I'm talking about the original '60's series, not the one produced in the '90's. 

In this three-issue miniseries, produced by Comico in 1988, Jade is a professional thief who, after a near-bungled burglary, impersonates a mysterious woman dubbed "The Witch of The East," and, as a result, unwittingly gets involved in a case with a young American government agent named Race Bannon. From that moment, the story comes hard and fast. 

Writer William Messner-Loebs pens a wonderfully engrossing tale that holds the reader from beginning to end. He adds a great deal of complexity to an otherwise-underused character in Jade, and even manages to give insights into a young Bannon that 26 episodes of the initial JQ series did not. Loebs also creates great character interaction between the two, as the tension they feel toward each other is as strong as the attraction. 

The artist for the series is well-known fan favorite, Adam Kubert. Son of artistic legend Joe Kubert, Adam's talent is evident in this, one of his earliest endeavors. His knack for action sequences, as well as humor and more subdued scenes of romance, would do any artist proud. 

And, while his early work shows a marked influence of his father's style, there are also plenty of instances of stand-alone artistic brilliance that is pure "Adam." This truly is a series that's as fun to look at as it is to read. 

Jezebel Jade, while not recommended for the youngest of readers, is definitely suggested for everyone else, especially if you enjoyed Johnny Quest as a kid, or even now as an adult. I know I do! Back issue prices vary, so shop your local comic book retailer, as well as online retailers and auctions.

Spiderman/Kingpin: To the Death
1997 Marvel Comics
Priced at $5.99. 

Spider-Man has gone berserk, preying on the criminals of New York City. The bullet-ridden corpses of both small-time crooks and "made men" are turning up, with witnesses screaming the same statement made by the evidence; Spiderman has turned killer! This is all news, however, to Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, as he finds himself hunted by the law and superheroes alike. Only one member of the super-powered community believes Spidey is innocent, and it is the man who may know him best of all; Daredevil. Together, the two masked adventurers go into action to prove the innocence of ol' Webhead, and uncover a diabolical scheme involving a "mad" scientist, a strength-enhancing, but deadly serum called "Death's Arrow," and the ever-dangerous Kingpin of Crime.

This is the premise of the 1997 Marvel work, Spiderman/Kingpin: To the Death, which is worth a look by all long-time comic fans for two very good reasons; Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. Lee, co- creator of such memorable characters as Spiderman, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, the X-men and Daredevil, writes this titanic tale. It is perfectly illustrated by Romita, the man whose notoriety as a Spiderman artist among silver age fans may be surpassed only by Steve Ditko, Spidey's co-creator. Together, the two manage to weave a tale that is fresh, and yet possesses just the slightest bit of nostalgia. One of the most enjoyable elements of this story is the character-switch that seems to take place as Daredevil, normally possessing a cooler head than the Web-slinger, has the Death's Arrow introduced into his system. Going after the Kingpin with a vengeance, D.D. must be found and calmed by Spidey, who must administer the antidote before the serum runs it's deadly course.

Masterful storytelling, and superior artwork that is definitive of these two characters, awaits the reader who finds this back-issue treasure at their local comic store.

Lou Fine spent less than six years as a professional comics artist, but has had more influence than some who spent a lifetime in the field.

Born in November of 1914, Fine was stricken with Polio as a child, leaving him with a bad leg, and restricting him from physical and athletic games with his peers. As a result, he focused his time and attention on drawing.

While studying engineering at New York?s Cooper Union College, Fine?s mother passed away. It is believed by some that this loss led him to begin studying art, against his father?s wishes. Influenced by such artists as Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, Heinrich Kley and others, Fine eventually became one of comics? master draftsmen. 

Lou Fine began his professional career drawing for the Eisner & Iger studio in 1938. During his short tour of sequential duty, he also provided work for Fox Feature Syndicate and Quality Comics.

His work contained a beauty and elegance previously unseen in comic books and strips. It could even be said that, at the time, Lou Fine?s work elevated the art form of comics with a characteristic and peculiar refinement. His figures were instilled with unusual grace and style, to the point of nearly appearing part of a grand, pugilistic, ballet.

Lou Fine has, to this day, influenced countless comics artists, including such noted historical figures as Murphy Anderson, Jack Kirby, Joe Simon and one-time boss, Will Eisner. His most visible influence, it may be argued, can be seen in the work of the late, long-time fan-favorite Gil Kane. In this reviewer?s opinion, Kane?s elongated figures, and their distinctive musculature can traced directly to the work of Lou Fine.

Fine is probably most well-known for his work on the characters The Flame, Black Condor, Doll Man and Uncle Sam. Much of his work appears in the likes of Wonderworld Comics, Smash Comics, Crack Comics, Feature Comics, and National Comics. He is also noted for having produced some of the most beautiful covers of the Golden Age, and for ghosting Will Eisner?s strip The Spirit, while Eisner served in the military during World War II.

In 1944, Lou Fine left the world of the comics to work in advertising. Leaving his mark there, as well, he co-created Sam Spade, for Wildroot Cream Oil, The Thropp Family, for Liberty Magazine, and Charlie McCarthy and Mr. Coffee Nerves, for Chase and Sanborn Coffee. 

After advertising, he drew the newspaper strips Adam Ames and Peter Scratch, and contributed to the Space Conquerors strip for Boys Life from the late 1960?s until his death in 1971.

The work of Lou Fine is highly recommended, though acquiring the originals will be nigh-impossible for the average collector. Luckily, reprints abound.

E.J. Pace: Christian Cartoonist
Published by Calvary Comics
248 pages
$19.95

As a committed fan of comic strips and comic books, I'm interested in the influence of those media, both past and present. As an even more committed Christian, I'm fascinated at how they have been used to communicate the message of the Bible. E.J. Pace: Christian Cartoonist, by Alec Stevens, helps satiate both interests.

Pace was a dedicated theologian, as well as a gifted cartoon artist. His single-panel combinations of words and pictures ably communicated powerful points, and, for decades, moved many people to staunch commitment in their Christian values.

His sketchy style, full of cross-hatching and abundant dark shades, was highly realistic and emotionally resonant. It also contained an authoritative quality which lent his work an influence not often seen in the labors of most strip artists.

When one considers the emotive nature of his work, and that it appeared prominently in publications by Moody Press other Christian publishers throughout the 20th century (primarily early 20th), both nationally and internationally, Pace's massive influence as a cartoonist cannot be denied. His work has been seen by tens of millions over the decades. Perhaps more.

Author Alec Stevens is to be commended for his work in gathering so much of Pace's material, as well as his meticulous attention to the cartoonist's professional life. A more complete undertaking I cannot imagine.

E.J. Pace: Christian Cartoonist is recommended to any and all fans of the history of comic strips. Even those who do not agree with the Christian viewpoint will gain insight into the past influence of the medium. And, perhaps, it's possible influence in the future?

Find it at www.calvarycomics.com

(Apologies to Alec Stevens: This review should never have taken so long.)

Review by Mark Allen