Nothing. But. Screaming.
Highly Recommended!
It would appear that I am in the minority when it comes to my love for this issue and end to the Banner vs. Hulk seven issue setup/arc. I am actually surprised that more people didn't enjoy this like I did. There were some odd/gross parts (Amanda Von Doom's celebration plans) but overall, I thought this was a very solid way to end the arc. All too often we are stuck with wishy-washy endings that only last for a short period. This one seems a bit more final. Dark, psychological and for mature audiences only, we finally see an end to the strange separation between Banner and Hulk. And while events may again lead to a place where they once began, for now we have and end - and end with Nothing. But. Screaming.
I remember as I finished reading this issue being blown away at what happened, how it happened and how it was illustrated (both by the art and the story being told). I was taken off guard at how incredibly dark and disturbing that this ending actually was. It certainly influenced my affinity for the story and almost completely made up for some of the slower issues in the series thus far. One thing is for sure - this is not your grandfather's Incredible Hulk.
Looking back through the pages of this issue, the best parts were between Hulk and Dr. Doom. I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good Dr. Doom story - so this may have swayed my viewpoint on this book as well. I think his part in this issue illustrated quintessential Doom - Power, Attitude, and Wit. And the perfect display of all three were with his last words to Hulk after their brief confrontation.
One of the weaker aspects of this issue was the lead-in to the next arc - Hulk vs. She-Hulk (Betty). I understand why they want to have this play out, I just am not completely on board with how it came about in this issue. I guess we will see how it goes. What I would really like to know is where and when this fits into continuity for other appearances of both Betty and Hulk (e.g. The Defenders 2012 series). In any case, I am definitely going to keep reading this series. If it stays dark and violent like this, we are surely in for a different adventure than Hulk's other appearances in the team books - which makes this a great alternative for those of us that want a more adult Hulk book.