The Incredible Hulk is definitely one of the more popular Marvel characters out there and he’s been through a lot. This particular graphic novel features the Crossroads arc, but that one was hardly my favorite. Still, it’s the Hulk so you can’t go wrong….right!?

After Nightmare messed with Hulk’s mind, Dr Strange was “forced” to banish him from earth and into the Crossroads. (Even though it was Nightmare’s fault) The Crossroads is a place between dimensions. It contains countless portals that lead into different worlds, all of which were specifically picked so that the Hulk wouldn’t be able to harm anyone. He also placed a spell on the Hulk, so that he would be warped back to the Crossroads if he became discontent. The plan was foolproof right? There is also a comic that retells Hulk’s origin, but makes sure to add a lot of tragic and sad scenes to make his life even more miserable. I have to say that it’s a bit unneeded (Since he’s one of the most tragic heroes of all time as it is!) but I guess it may help you to sympathize with him even more. The origin feels like something out of Xmen.

Well, the problem with making sure that the worlds wouldn’t be hurt by Hulk was…that they were all massively stronger than the Hulk. Personally, I thought that the comics didn’t do a good job on showing us that. Instead the Hulk appeared to be much weaker than usual. Of course, that’s usually the case without Bruce Banner inside of him (Did I mention that Bruce Banner died psychically?) Things definitely got dicey for the Hulk and if you don’t like the Crossroads; I’m afraid that you’ll be spending a long time there.

The Hulk is the main character of course and he gets a lot of screen time. For the most part he doesn’t have that much of a mind and he’s a rampaging monster. Later on, he starts to grow smarter and smarter, but he does tend to regress back to his savage state. The Hulk is a decent protagonist, but he’s definitely not the greatest one. I prefer when the Hulk can think, but preferably when he doesn’t have to talk that much. (Unless he’s World War Hulk!)

The Puffball Collective is another major character. He/She/It is stuck on the Crossroads and it unable to get out. They try to go after the Hulk whenever he visits a planet, but to no avail. Eventually the Hulk gets a space crew to help him save the Puffballs. Then, there is a big plot twist about the Puffballs. It was definitely in line with what usually happens to the Hulk.

The Hulk created 3 monsters based off of his emotions and personalities. (If they’re who I think they are, then they lead into a pretty epic arc for the Hulk later on) One symbolizes his rage, The 2nd symbolizes his reason, and the 3rd is his intelligence and survival instincts. They help the Hulk comprehend what is happening and guide him through the tough parts. I can’t say that I really cared for them, but they at least added some dialogue to the comics.

The Hulk meets the Alpha Flight over time and they were the protagonists of that comic. They did all right, but they were definitely outmatched from the beginning. “The Hulk is the strongest there is” is what the catchphrase is after all and it may ring true in this particular comic. Dr Strange makes many cameos, but mostly to wonder if he did the right thing. The Hulk also tackles the U Foes and they definitely gave him a good fight. Their abilities are pretty lethal.

The Hulk went through many planets and I wouldn’t be able to name them all, but some examples include: A Desert Planet, A planet ruled by dead skeletons, A planet where the green civilization was taken over, A planet filled with explosive fruit, A planet filled with giant monsters, A planet where a human landed and quickly became king, etc.

Overall, this was definitely one of my least favorite Hulk arcs. The premise was interesting, but I didn’t care for many of the planets that he visited. Also, I’m used to the Hulk smashing anyone who gets in his way. I’m afraid that things rarely go that way. Still, the comic was good overall and I’d recommend it to Hulk fans mostly. Some of the comics can be good popcorn fun and it’s always cool to see the Hulk have his moments of glory.

Overall 6/10