Red Hulk #2 - Marvel Comics

RED HULK No. 2, May 2025

Rather cleverly steering this particular twenty-page periodical away from the cliché of simply having its titular character bash his way out of Doctor Victor Von Doom’s underground prison, Benjamin Percy’s narrative for Issue Two of “Red Hulk” should have completely held its readers’ attention when it first hit the spinner-rack in March 2025. Indeed, this comic’s main plot is truly focused upon Thunderbolt Ross utilising everything to hand so as to defeat his murderous foe - no matter how small or underpowered, rather than just depicting the former commanding officer of Desert Base boringly batter an entire legion of lethal Doombots to freedom.

Of particular note has to be the American author’s well-penned relationship between the veteran soldier and Machine Man. This partnership goes a long way to show how savvy Bruce Banner's long-term nemesis can be when needing help, and also assists in 'showboating' the abilities of the half-fried android whilst the pair face overwhelming odds, deadly gas and a seemingly unassailable dead end. In addition, the Oregon-born writer makes matters even more engrossing by subsequently introducing a rather disgruntled Deathlok into this mix, and by doing so imbues the prisoners' flight with plenty of extra entertaining dialogue and dramatic moments; “Heart’s got nothing to do with it. You computer’s right. It’s too later for her.”

Likewise, the armoured ruler of Latveria’s handling of this attempted break-out isn’t just restricted to him rather lazily sending out more and more robot guards. But actually shows how utterly merciless Doom can be when people oppose his plans for worldwide domination. The terrifying execution of a captive Cartel leader, along with the toxic poisoning of another inmate demonstrates the all-too high risks being taken by Ross and his “misfit crew” in defying the tyrant, and brings a whole new level of danger to the fast-paced storytelling once the group decide to save as many of the hostages as they can.

Ably adding even more nerve-wracking ‘zip’ to these pulse-pounding proceedings are the layouts of Geoff Shaw. The artist does a first-rate job in depicting Thunderbolt as if he truly has the weight of the world upon his shoulders, whilst his pencilling of Deathlok's mannerisms provides the human cyborg with loads of endearing personality as he battles to support his comrades-in-arms in their bid for freedom.

The regular cover art of "RED HULK" #2 by Geoff Shaw & Marte Gracia