Hulk: Future Imperfect #2 - Marvel Comics

HULK: FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 2, January 1993

Bookended by two seriously sense-shattering fight sequences between Bruce Banner’s alter-ego and his utterly insane future incarnation, it is debatably difficult to imagine Peter David’s narrative for Issue Two of “Hulk: Future Imperfect” not completely satisfying each and every one of its readers in January 1993. But whilst the pulse-pounding pugilism on display at both this publication’s beginning and end are undoubtedly all an adrenalin junkie should require when it comes to comic book action, the forty-eight page periodical’s middle is arguably a bit saggy in its storytelling.

For starters, having horrifically broken the jade green giant’s neck at the end of their first bout, Maestro somewhat strangely allows his temporarily paralysed opponent to survive so as to apparently ‘kill him with kindness.’ This motivation seems a little questionable considering just how utterly merciless the post-apocalyptic tyrant has become, especially when it seems clear that his younger self is probably the only possible threat on the planet to the bearded dictator’s long-lasting rule; “I do not understand, sir. Why don’t you simply kill him?”

However, what this unnerving truce does provide is the opportunity for the Maryland-born writer to better depict just how this fantastic weird world functions under the super-villain’s less than tender administration, by taking its audience to the Wastelands to witness the futile existence of Boz, leader of the Wasteland Survivalists and “architect of a new future through vision and diligence.” This ‘field trip’ supposedly arranged to help convince Bruce to join his dislikeable counter-part, really helps expose how decadent and malevolent Banner’s alternate self has become, whilst simultaneously showing the fragility of humanity’s survival when the barren earth yields few edible crops.

Ultimately though, all these somewhat sedentary insights into Dystopia are soon brushed aside once it becomes clear that the Avenger has simply been biding his time and launches a seemingly unsuccessful attempt to wrest control from the Maestro. The resultant power struggle is marvellously pencilled by George Perez, and features some superb ‘set-pieces’ such as Rick Jones using Captain America’s shield to partially protect his aging body from a lethal punch, the main antagonist once again demonstrating his physical superiority over his less experienced foil, and the mighty monarch's ultimate demise at the centre of an atomic explosion back in the past.

Writer: Peter David, Artist: George Perez, and Colorist: Tom Smith

Hulk: Future Imperfect #1 - Marvel Comics

HULK: FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 1, December 1992

Following on from Issue Four Hundred and Sixteen of the “Incredible Hulk”, Peter David’s narrative for this opening instalment to “Future Imperfect” certainly must have caught its readers’ imagination in December 1992, with its flipping of “the Terminator concept” by having someone from the past going to the future to save the world instead. Indeed, the Haxtur Award-winner’s premise of Bruce Banner’s alter-ego being transported to the post-apocalyptic world of Dystopia via Doctor Doom’s time platform, and subsequently battling the nightmarishly strong leader of a very unfree world is incredibly enthralling, especially when such an idea is so lavishly visualised by the pencils and inks of George Perez.

Somewhat surprisingly however, this two-part event’s opening is arguably a little disorientating, considering that it throws its audience straight into an action-packed chase sequence where names, faces and the inhabitant’s innovative lingo all seemingly flash before the eyes at an incredible pace. Admittedly, such an introduction to the Maestro’s realm undeniably makes an impressive impact, especially when Darkord is shot neatly in the centre of their forehead by the formidably-armed Gravity Police. But the flurry of bullets, punches, exclamations and injuries creates numerous unanswered questions which aren’t really resolved until the forty-eight page periodical is two-thirds through.

Luckily though, once the titular character does make a suitably dramatic appearance and literally rips the head off of a fearsome-looking robot Dog O’War, the story-telling becomes much more straightforward by simply following the Hulk’s exploration of his debris-littered surroundings. This gradual introduction to the adventure’s main cast, and eventual explanation as to just why Banner has somehow travelled to such an incredibly decadent metropolis is extremely well-penned, with the gamma scientist’s discovery that an elderly Rick Jones has hoarded as much super-hero related memorabilia as he can being one of several highlights; “Oh my Lord. This… This room… It’s completely filled with --”

Equally as successful in fuelling the imagination is the Maestro himself, who plays an increasingly prominent role within this book as the plot progresses. The green-skinned dictator’s bloodthirsty murder of an utterly helpless Pizfiz with his bare hands is certainly memorable enough. Yet even this grotesque demise debatably pales when compared to the homicidal maniac’s storming of the rebel’s underground base, and the terrible deaths his troops suffer from the secret facility’s hidden stash of flesh-dissolving acid, toxic cloth-eating gas, and deadly laser beams.

Writer: Peter David, Artist: George Perez, and Colorist: Tom Smith

Future Imperfect #5 - Marvel Comics

FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 5, November 2015

It is relatively easy to see why according to “Diamond Comic Distributors” this fifth and final issue of Peter David’s “Secret Wars” tie-in didn’t manage to make the Top Fifty selling titles of September 2015, and actually saw itself being significantly outsold by the likes of “Invader Zim” by independent publisher “Oni Press”. For whilst this twenty-page periodical’s narrative does (eventually) focus upon a titanic confrontation between the “version of the Hulk from a distant future who has become corrupted by power” and Battleworld’s God Emperor, its eventual conclusion doubtless had the vast majority of the book’s 32,926 strong audience feeling the American author’s plot had disappointingly badly cheated them.

Indeed it is hard to fathom just precisely what the Huxtur Award-winner must have been thinking when he decided to pen an elderly chair-bound Rick Jones as “the ‘Ancient One’ guarding the Destroyer” and have the Maestro easily defeat Victor von Doom courtesy of the additional energy George Perez’s co-creation attained by donning the enchanted armour. Presumably the Maryland-born writer later felt likewise, as having had Dystopia’s Baron obliterate his opponent with “a rather powerful disintegration beam” in order to become “the new ruler of the world” and “god”, the magazine’s final few panels dwell upon the fact the entire battle had actually been nothing more than an illusion and that a suddenly human-sized Bruce Banner will now simply stand before the Asgardian super-weapon “until he dies.”

Admittedly David’s ‘punch-up’ between two of the Marvel Universe’s greatest villains genuinely provides some memorable moments as the two megalomaniacs exchange a series of breathtakingly punishing blows. But whilst this brawl is as impressively paced as cheering on Doctor Doom is disconcerting, there is a palpable sense of betrayal when the comic reveals the events to all be nothing more than a grand deception; “He wished to defeat Doom. It gave him that wish.”

Mercifully however, Greg Land’s awesome artwork does make good on his cover illustration’s promise that the Maestro’s highly anticipated conflict with his “true overlord” will be sensationally drawn. In fact it is hard to find fault with any of the “Uncanny X-Men” penciller’s drawings within this comic book, especially once battle commences and both combatants set upon one another with all the fury which they can muster.

Writer: Peter David, Artist: Greg Land, and Inker Jay Leisten 

Future Imperfect #4 - Marvel Comics

FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 4, October 2015

Although Peter David’s rather simplistic storyline of the Maestro “wandering around… Norseheim” in order to discover the secret location of the Destroyer may not be award-winning material, and doubtless contributed to this particular edition of the “Secret Wars” tie-in title regrettably selling some three thousand less copies than its predecessor, Issue Four of “Future Imperfect” does contain enough bone-crunching punches to sate even the most blood thirsty of its 35,661 readers. In fact from the moment the blind Hoder directs the green-skinned Baron’s party into “the residence of Ulik” little else actually takes place within the narrative but fighting as the alternate future Hulk, Ruby Summers, Dystopia’s incarnation of the Thing and Layla Miller become embroiled in a true toe-to-toe slugfest with the troll who has “the strength of a Thor” and his numerous savage-looking minions.

Happily however, this non-stop action is interspersed with the Maryland-born writer’s inclusion of some rather humorous sarcastic interplay between the Maestro and his ‘friend’ Major Thaddeus Ross, and then later by Bruce Banner’s malevolent alter-ego and an increasingly battered Asgardian powerhouse. Such entertainingly pithy dialogue really is one of this twenty-page periodical’s highlights, and even additionally demonstrates just how dangerously unpleasant, disliked and determined the orange mutate’s long-time foe really is; “…If Ulik has you on the brink of death, I’m just gonna stand there and applaud.”

Far less successful is the Wizard Fan Award-winner’s attempt to craft the constant worrisome doubts of ‘companion’ Skooter into anything more than an increasingly annoying bore. The Rebel’s brutal death at the hands of one of Ulik’s “flarking creep[s]” later in the story actually appears to be a bibliophile’s blessing as opposed to the viciously abrupt murder of a beloved member of this title’s supporting cast and it’s arguably doubtful that few wouldn’t have actually cheered Ruby if she had ‘blown his head off’ earlier in the book when the Dystopian’s incessant whining, and suggestion that perhaps they no longer follow the orders of Ross, causes her to finally lose patience with his infuriating mutterings.

David’s script does though seemingly play to all of artist Greg Land’s strengths, with the penciller’s wonderfully dynamic energy-charged panels depicting the Maestro and Ulik literally punching one another for all their worth proving to be tremendously well-drawn. Indeed despite the lack of actual plot progression taking place during the lengthy sequence, the super-strong troll’s inevitable defeat at the Baron’s hands genuinely comes to fruition all too soon…

Writer: Peter David, Artist: Greg Land, and Inker Jay Leisten 

Future Imperfect #3 - Marvel Comics

FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 3, September 2015

Despite this twenty-page periodical containing both some palpable tension as Ruby Summers leads a “band of rebels” into Baron Maestro’s stronghold on a desperate rescue mission, as well as plenty of action when the heroes’ subsequent stealthy shenanigans go somewhat awry, Issue Three of “Future Imperfect” arguably proves to be a rather unremarkable reading experience. Indeed for some indescribable reason Peter David’s narrative somehow feels as if the Maryland-born writer was simply going through the motions and essentially ‘padded out’ the comic until its ‘climatic’ conclusion when the Thing’s allies joins forces with the despot of Dystopia in order “to defeat [the God Emperor] Doom and take his place.”; “Do I look like I’m joking?”

Quite possibly much of this sense of dissatisfaction stems from the fact that the vast majority of the Wizard Fan Award-winner’s storyline focus’ upon the exploits of Janis Jones, Layla Miller, and Skooter; three rather forgettable ‘C-list’ characters who seem to spend a disagreeable amount of time arguing with one another as to whether their assault on “Baron Maestro’s Keep” is a good idea or not. Only the resistance fighter Ruby manages to hold any lasting interest and that is probably due to the quartz-skinned adventurer’s earnestness in finding Major Thaddeus Ross. Something which many of this book’s 38,269 followers presumably echoed, hoping that the appearance of “the leader of the anti-Maestro revolt” might actually inject this “Secret Wars” tie-in title with some much needed pizzazz.

Just as disappointing is the lack of ‘screen time’ enjoyed by this comic’s principal villain, Robert Bruce Banner. A formidable force to be reckoned with and undoubtedly this magazine’s biggest draw, the enthralling presence of the Castle of Green’s “lord and master” is much missed during this particular publication. Though admittedly David’s decision to have the bearded maniac replaced by the baron’s impotent Gravity Police makes perfect sense from a plot perspective. For Summers and her friends understandably required an opponent which their powers could best if the American author’s tale was going to proceed much further…

Equally as lack-lustre as the writing is Greg Land’s competent yet unremarkable pencilling. “Best known for his work on books such as Uncanny X-Men, Birds Of Prey and Fantastic Four”, the artist’s rather bold style gives his panels a rather cartoony-feel which can prove somewhat distracting during the book’s more action-packed sequences. Indeed it isn’t until the Thing’s companions stumble upon the Maestro and Thaddeus’ “repast” that the illustrator seemingly finally starts to provide his figures with a little more detail, especially around their faces.

The variant cover art of "FUTURE IMPERFECT" No. 3 by Mike Deodato

Future Imperfect #2 - Marvel Comics

FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 2, September 2015

Despite the end result usually favouring the green-skinned gamma giant, fans of both the Incredible Hulk and The Thing have continually clamoured for the pair to ‘slug it out’ with one another ever since their classic 1963 punch-up within the pages of Issue Twelve of “Fantastic Four”. This particular “Secret Wars” confrontation however comes with something of a twist as writer Peter David not only reimagines Bruce Banner’s alter-ego as the murderously-maniacal Maestro for the ten-page bout of pugilism. But also alters the persona of the orange rock-covered human mutate from that of Ben Grimm into Major Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross; an Air Force orbital pilot who was transformed by cosmic rays during a test flight.

Such a disconcerting “Marvel Worldwide” modification doubtless may well have upset the ‘purist’ element of this title’s 47,944 strong audience. Yet it also rather cleverly creates a considerable amount of uncertainty in the narrative’s proceedings, especially when the Thing catches the tyrant off-guard with a formidable left swing and drop kicks the malevolent ruler into a nearby multi-rise building. Sadly however the Wizard Fan award-winner’s storyline does not permit such ambiguity for too long and the “Lord Baron Maestro” soon seemingly effortlessly batters “the leader of the anti-Maestro revolt” into unconsciousness; “Get a cart. Strap him in and bring him back to the castle.”

Equally as enthralling a read as this comic’s "monster smash" is the American author’s wonderfully scripted flashback sequence depicting Glen Talbot and Major Ross’ tragically flawed attempt to beat “the Russkies to space… before the Air Force”. David’s five-panel long conversation between the two tense pilots is delightfully prickly, with the senior officer even reminding his subordinate that they “aren’t on a first name basis” and really helps reinforce the hard-nosed determination to do his duty which Thaddeus’ character is famous for.

Greg Land’s pencilling is also rather pleasing to the eye, even if his design of the Maestro’s emerald-armoured rifle-carrying “cavalry” aren’t terribly impressive-looking and seem far more suited to an appearance in one of L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard Of Oz” novels than a supposedly serious comic book story of human suffering and oppression.

The variant cover art of "FUTURE IMPERFECT" No. 2 by Rafa Garres

Future Imperfect #1 - Marvel Comics

FUTURE IMPERFECT No. 1, August 2015

Despite being in some ways an unashamed “reimagining” of his early Nineties mini-series “Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect”, and quite possibly containing one of the more laborious opening narratives of the entire “Secret Wars” 2015 comic book event. This first instalment of Peter David’s “Battleworld” tie-in title is overall a rather enjoyable experience and arguably includes one of the most mouth-watering cliff-hangers “Marvel Worldwide” have published during the Modern Age of Comics, as the “malevolent and even mightier Hulk persona known as the Maestro” encounters the orange, rocky-skinned visage of human mutate powerhouse Benjamin Grimm.

Initially however the majority of the 62,110 readers who journeyed to this “tightly conducted” domain ruled by the bearded, green-skinned "exalted baron", were doubtless perturbed by the Maryland-born writer’s seven-page long opening excursion into the soulless barren wasteland surrounding Dystopia. Indeed this ponderously slow dialogue-heavy beginning, which sees Ruby Summers from “X-Factor” stumble upon the frail and dehydrated form of an old man who claims to be “Odin, the Ruler of Asgard”, proves as lack-lustre a preamble as the searingly hot, dry desert, perfectly drawn by Greg Land, genuinely parches the mouth. Indeed this storyline simply doesn’t 'get going' until half-way through the magazine, when the unsuspecting telepath Slider conducts a scan of the one-eyed Norse God as part of the rebel community’s “routine security” and uncovers that their emaciated visitor is actually none other than Robert Bruce Banner, “typically called the Maestro.”

The introduction of this “wonderfully twisted version” of the Hulk, “with all of his strengths and none of his weaknesses” truly reinvigorates David’s unappealing prose and within the space of a couple of panels brings some much needed energy and urgency to the proceedings. In fact one can almost hear the terrified panic in Janis’ voice as the leader immediately calls out for her compatriots to “Fall back! Everybody fall back!” before the imminent onslaught of the mad century-old despot. Fortunately the daughter of Emma Frost from the “alternate future Earth-1191” isn’t yet ready to retreat from the super-strong “master tactician” and instead provides the Maestro  with “two, perhaps three seconds of concern”, as well as this book’s bibliophiles some momentary action-packed pleasure, before her ruby quartz body starts to shatter in the grip of the behemoth.

Writer: Peter David, Artist: Greg Land, and Colorist: Nolan Woodard