Hulk and Power Pack #2

Hulk and Power Pack #2 (Marvel)
By Marc Sumerak, David Williams, Gary Martin, GuriHiru, Paul Tobin & Chris Giarrusso

Marvel’s continuity-free line of Power Pack comics, teaming them up with bigger guns, has been one of the most entertaining young readers books to come out of any company in recent years, and the new Hulk and Power Pack series is certainly no exception. This issue, after the kids battle Hydra over a mysterious new energy source, David Banner and their father’s experiments accidentally unleash one of the Hulk’s old foes. The Power Pack and the Hulk again have to partner up to stop them. The continuity-free nature of this series really works here — if they were bound to a world where Banner’s dual nature was public knowledge, the story wouldn’t have worked nearly as well. The Hulk is also slightly more articulate here than the “Hulk Smash!” version of the character usually is, another plus. Paul Tobin and Chris Giarrusso follow up the main story with another Mini-Marvels tale, featuring the lil’ Hulk and Power Pack in combat with one of the greatest threats imaginable — a dirty diaper. Silly, funny and a blast. I really want more Mini-Marvels.

Rating: 7/10

Spider-Man and Power Pack #2

December 3, 2006

Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Sands of Time (The New Kid Part 2)
Rating: All Ages

The newest member of Power Pack – Spider-Man?

Writer: Marc Sumerak
Art: Gurihiru
Mini-Marvels Art: Chris Giarrusso
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Editor: Nathan Cosby
Cover Art: Gurihiru
Publisher: Marvel Comics

I really love the fact that Marvel publishes books like this. There aren’t enough good comics out there that can appeal to young readers, and this is one of the best on the market. Last issue, Spider-Man and the Vulture got dunked in some sort of comic book-y goo that reduced their ages. In the Vulture’s case, he becomes a young man again, but Spider-Man is reduced to childhood. He turns to the only superheroes who can help him (without making fun of him) – the kid heroes of Power Pack.

It’s really a lot of fun to watch Spider-Man palling around with the kids, and the scene where Julie tries to redesign his costume is hysterical. The final battle, a beachfront slugfest with Sandman, is a real blast. Much of the time Sumerak tries to work in a moral to his stories, but this one is just pure fun. Gurihiru’s artwork is also exceptional. There’s a slight “Manga” flavor to it, but not so much as to be off-putting to readers who may be tired of its dominance.

Following up the main sort is part two of “Civil Wards,” a Mini-Marvels Event. As Spider-Man (the kid) is hired to babysite the Power Pack (as babies), he turns to a nearby park to keep them occupied – but danger is only a sandbox away. I absolutely love the Mini-Marvels, and I’m really happy that Marvel is giving them another shot here in the pages of Power Pack.

This book is pure fun, something that will be great for kids but also works as a nice treat for grown-up fans of the characters. Definitely recommended.

Rating: 8/10