The Good
Sometimes covers are incredibly misleading and the story within doesn't deliver on the excitement captured on the front. INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #12 isn't one of those issues at all. The latest chapter from Mark Waid quite literally tells you everything you need to know about this comic before flipping to the front page. Hulk? Check. Dinosaurs? Check. Cowboys? Check. A lot of ridiculous fun? One massive check. Okay, maybe Hulk doesn't ride a T-Rex like a boss, but he does slug one in the face. Close enough, yes?
Waid has been impressively consistent with this book, delivering sharp, concise and over the top entertainment in every single issue. The previous team-up with Daredevil was far more grounded in its premise yet still reached for the stars in terms of sheer amusement. Now, Waid gets to have some completely wacky fun messing around with time jumping and the end result is every bit as cheerworthy as you'd hope. Sure, you could probably question why people in the past wouldn't just run away from or shoot at a floating and talking robot and a giant green goliath, but come on, you've read the premise of the story, right? It's over the top fun and Waid totally brings the goods in that regard. The course of events is totally absurd and out there, but in Waid's capable hands, he's able to make it so great. Yes, the villain is handled in a rather simple fashion, but everything plays out in such an enthralling and exciting manner that I just can't find it in myself to hold it against the issue at all.
Truth be told, this ridiculous ordeal wouldn't be nearly as fun without the incredibly talented Matteo Scalera and Val Staples. The duo brings so much vitality to every page. Scalera's pencils are filled with intensity and are always delightfully animated. Meanwhile, Staples continues to do a more than thorough job with the colors. This time around there's a lot to play with as we're hit with numerous muzzle flashes and all kinds of energetic and vivid effects surrounding the time travel devices. I'll be blunt: it's an awesome looking book.
The Bad
The three cowboys were shot and then totally fine?
The Verdict
Somehow, Waid simplifies the complexities of time travel and spins it into one insanely good time. The man has been absolutely killing it with this book's script and Scalera and Staples are more than able to breathe an overwhelming amount of life into the crazy scenarios thrown their way. You're reading Marvel wrong if this book isn't on your pull list.