S.H.I.E.L.D. without Iron Man
While Marvel didn't lie about not having to read the World War Hulk tie ins, this is probably one of the better crafted ones. While the events in this issue don't really effect the main WWH mini series, it's the other way around that it works so well. We see how World War Hulk is effecting the world of Tony Stark. With Iron Man captured by the Hulk and his Warbound, the focus shifts to Dum Dum Dugan as he has to take charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. and we get to see what he really thinks of Stark's leadership.
This issue could have easily been written as a brainless fight between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Hulk, but this series continues to be about intelligent people having to make difficult decisions. Sure this issue is short on action and heavy on dialog but it's a highly interesting read. Just how would S.H.I.E.L.D. deal with the Hulk in a situation like this? Chances are the answer is far from being as simple as you think. While Iron Man doesn't have a huge part in the actual issue, the entire story is directly effected by him.
The heavy dialog might turn off a lot of people, but it's a very interesting read that manages to continue the series' main plot while tying in with World War Hulk and should be worth checking out for most people. Guice's realistic and gritty art style is also worth noting and sets the tone wonderfully for the series.
