Writer: Peter David
Art: German Peralta, Jesus Aburtov, VC’s Ariana Maher, Jason Keith, and Dale Keown
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 25th, 2020
What a strong, fun, and easy to follow issue for any reader with the smallest knowledge of FUTURE IMPERFECT or the INCREDIBLE HULK. Peter David uses MAESTRO #4 as a quick, explanatory narrative infused with just the right amount of action to grab the reader’s attention while flaunting Banner’s deep-rooted wickedness. Furthermore, I loved Rick Jones’ subtle take on which persona is in control, as well as Hercules’ depiction of the Big Green Goliath’s lost abilities due to who’s in charge. I hope that David’s follow up series, MAESTRO: WAR AND PAX, dives deeper into the Maestro’s diminished abilities, his connection to his personas, and ultimately why this persona is in the driver’s seat.
If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.
But readers, if you came looking for Hulk to be the star of the show, you’ll be sorely mistaken. David puts HERCULES front and center of this issue piquing this reviewer’s interest in the son of Zeus with his outstanding take on the Demi-God. The immense power this version of Hercules has was astonishing. He basically had his way with a HULK! Where is this Hercules at in the 616 and how can we get more of him? I know Herc is in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY right now… but not like this! Heck, there is a set of panels where German Peralta takes a page out of the AVENGERS movie playbook with Hercules manhandling the Hulk as he did to Loki in the movie. Need I say more?!
Speaking of panel progressions, Peralta’s art is exquisite, especially when he has the opportunity to examine close up details during battle sequences. Plus, the angles and perspectives Peralta takes during the Hulk’s battle with Hercules helped the action come to life. His ability to make this series move and flow are what provoked such an incredibly easy read in the first place. Beautifully times splash pages centered around Ariana Maher’s lettering drove home the sheer magnitude of this epic showdown between these two powerhouses. The impact this issue had can be directly associated with this amazing artistic team and how well they work with David.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This has to be one of, if not my favorite, issue of the series so far. Readers will breeze through this penultimate issue and leave wanting more. David creates a sharp, robust tale that dives deep into the cunning maturations of the Hulk. Sure, this Hulk may not be the “strongest there is”, but, with his evil, almost sinister cleverness mixed with his immense strength, who can stand in his way? Something snapped in our favorite Purple Jeaned Giant and I hope we can plunge deeper into those cerebral dilemmas as future MAESTRO series continue. Hulk fans, this series is a MUST READ. If you’re waiting for the trade… DON’T! Head to your shop and grab the first three issues along with this one. Thank me later. And even if you’re not a huge Hulk fan but love different, almost exotic takes on some of your favorite characters, this series is perfect for you. Grab this powerfully entertaining issue and let me know what you think.