SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for February 2010, this 56-page one-shot consists of three stories, including a reprint of Incredible Hulk # 393 (the 30th Anniversary issue).
- Prologue (8 pages): Written by David Gallaher, with art by Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown. The second Darkstar’s possible self-sacrifice is critical for the Winter Guard’s efforts (including Ursa Major, Crimson Dynamo, & Red Guardian) to thwart her late predecessor’s villainous father: the Presence. A replacement member is unveiled, as the Winter Guard’s public policy of immediately inserting lookalikes comes into play.
- Incredible Hulk # 393: “Interlude, Parts I-IV” (22 pages): Written by Peter David, with art by Dale Keown, Mark Farmer, Glynis Oliver, & Joe Rosen. Ex-Soviet spy Igor Drenkov’s insanity years after his role in causing Bruce Banner’s origin as the Hulk is explored. Complicating the Hulk’s effort of finally getting vengeance upon Drenkov, the Winter Guard, the Pantheon, and even Rick Jones have alternate ideas re: Drenkov’s fate.
- The Winter Guard (22 pages): Written by David Gallaher, with art by Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown. The disturbed second Darkstar sits out, as the Winter Guard tries thwarting the renegade Remont Six squad (including Titanium Man). Tragedy ensues, as this Darkstar valiantly comes to the aid of her short-handed teammates.
REVIEW:
Of the three stories, the lingering plot thread re: the second Darkstar is its most compelling. Ursa Major also makes a few worthwhile dialogue contributions. Otherwise, the issue is a mildly intriguing read, at least as to the Winter Guard’s roster turnover.
The Hulk’s forgettable contribution is padding, but his 2-on-1 rumble vs. Crimson Dynamo, as well as the Winter Guard’s answer to Thor, is well-played. If this issue was a try-out for a potential ongoing series, then Marvel Comics should be pleased with the two stories writer David Gallaher concocted. He certainly grasps this Russian team’s inter-dynamics, particularly re: the deadly risks of patriotic heroism. The above-average visuals by artists Steve Ellis & Scott O. Brown are another welcome asset. Hulk: Winter Guard # 1 should satisfy many Marvel fans, as future crossovers with the Avengers and/or The X-Men would make good storytelling sense.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page is a table-of-contents. The cover image for Incredible Hulk # 393 gets a full-page reprint. Cover reveals consist of Fall of the Hulks: Alpha # 1; Incredible Hulk # 605; Hulk # 18; and Fall of the Hulks: Gamma.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
