Hulk #57 isn't just the conclusion of the Mayan Rule arc, it's also effectively a series finale. The book morphs into Red She-Hulk with October's issue #58. It's a tall order for Jeff Parker to wrap up every lingering plot point and loose thread from the past two years. Those hoping for a definitive conclusion for every character involved will be disappointed, but this is a strong finish to a strong arc.
Red Hulk and Machine Man are on the verge of death as this issue opens, with the former being blasted half to death and the other reduced to operating out of a thumb drive. It's an interesting state to see Red Hulk in. Unable to rely on his strength, the character instead has to think tactically. That in itself is nothing terribly new, but this issue sees Ross accept his need for others and even embrace the idea of self-sacrifice for the greater good. Parker deftly illustrates just how far the character has come during the course of his run though Ross' dealings with Annie, Machine Man, and even A-Bomb. Emotionally, this issue hits many high notes.
That said, the abrupt ending does cut off the chance for some more quality material. Parker spends so much time wrapping up the conflict with the Mayan gods that there's absolutely zero chance to explore any fallout. It's disappointing that Marvel didn't commission one more issue to explore the fallout of this arc, particularly considering how the series now won't be shipping during the month of September. Parker does as much as the limited page count will humanly allow, and he sets several characters up for cool new status quos that will hopefully be explored in other books. But when and what form those books will take remains to be seen.
As I hoped, Dale Eaglesham's art shines more brightly in this final issue. If the general level f detail wavered somewhat in the middle chapters of Mayan Rule, Eaglesham is back in top form here. Parker throws a number of chaotic and crowded scenes at Eaglesham, and the artist deftly handles them all, delivering clean and energetic action scenes and attractive facial and character work.
This was a great but sadly under-appreciated run. I have little faith that the latter aspect will change with the shift to Red She-Hulk. But as long as Parker is given an outlet to continue exploring these characters, there's no reason to get too choked up about the shifting tides.
Jesse is a writer for IGN Comics and IGN Movies. He can't wait until he's old enough to feel ways about stuff. Follow Jesse on Twitter, or find him on IGN.
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