I've been looking forward to Skaar: Son of Hulk #1 ever since World War Hulk concluded, and the premiere issue does not disappoint! Ron Garney is the perfect choice to draw this character and the world he lives in. A while ago I said that Skaar looks like a "green gamma-infused Conan". I think a great description of Garney's artwork on Skaar is from Valerie D'Orazio: "Garney's art in this book is like a cross between Joe Kubert and Gil Kane. Together with great, understated color by Paul Mounts, Skaar Son Of Hulk is absolutely freakin' gorgeous. If you want a hint about what that classic, epic comic book art from the 60s and 70s looked like -- the type of stuff that, for the most part, you can only find covered in magazines -- pick this book up.". I agree with her 100%. Lord, I miss Gil Kane so much, but Garney brings that spirit back in his pencils.
The story by Greg Pak really recaptures the sword and sorcery atmosphere as well. We learn how Skaar survived the nuclear bomb, thanks to the combined genetics of his parents. I was relieved to see that Skaar didn't arise fully grown out of that nuclear swamp. There are some Moses-overtones here, as the villainous Axeman Bone goes around slaughtering babies hoping to kill the Hulk's offspring. Next issue promises and epic fight between Skaar and Bone.
My only complaint? This issue went by too fast...it should have been double sized! Nuff said.
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