Solomon Grundy #2 (OF 7)

Hulk (& Rulk) have nothing on Grundy. Two issues into this miniseries, and I can already tell you that it’s better than whatever Loeb’s shat out for the current Hulk series.

Now, that is not to say that this is a pinnacle of comic-book writing and art in any way, shape or form. It is, however, a fun action-packed brawler that still manages to respect your intelligence (as much as any superhero comic can) while still appealing to one’s inner fanboy (as much as any superhero comic can). It’s a simple enough story, with Grundy trying to discover and forgive the murderer of Cyrus Gold (his alter-ego) in order to break his curse and finally get some rest. However, while he is helped and encouraged by the likes of the Phantom Stranger and Alan Scott, Grundy has to put up with distractions like the Demon, Etrigan, and the always lovable Bizarro (and much more on the way). This makes for plenty of heroics and murders and laughs all within a mere 20 pages.

If there one thing that is hindering this book, I’ll go ahead and say that it’s the art, but only to a point. Kolins’ art makes for some fluid storytelling and intertwining between art and script – which is needed for a book as busy as this one – and packs in plenty of warped, zombie grit. Perhaps too much grit. While Alan, Etrigan, and those of Gold’s life look just fine, Grundy himself (and Bizarro, for this issue) have a bit too much happening on their physical features and it sometimes look like messy work done by Bryan Hitch (who is illustrating Loeb’s other Marvel masterpiece at the moment, Ultimatum).

Overall, this book is a great read. A nice little roller-coaster that doesn’t leave your brain rattled or stomach unsettled. I recommend the book for anyone who’s a fan of Grundy or, you know, fun.