Red Hulk: Hulk of Arabia

Hulk (2008) (Collected Editions) #10

by Jeff Parker (Writer), Patrick Zircher (Contributor), Rachelle Rosenberg (Contributor)

A ghost from General Ross' past has resurfaced, embroiled in a dangerous war in the Middle East. Red Hulk goes off the grid on an unsanctioned mission that puts him at direct odds with the Secret Avengers and Steve Rogers, his super hero sponsor. Teaming up with Machine Man, Rulk sets out on a covert mission that may be the most dangerous of his life!

Collecting: Hulk 42-48

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Superheroes, Fantasy, Adventure, Comic Book

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Alex E · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing that hasn't been explored enough about Red Hulk, is the fact that he is a career military man. And because of this, his "code" is upheld by the principles that serving the US forces has instilled in him.

So when what he is doing conflicts directly with US policy - he proves himself to be in a quandary at first, but ultimately relents because of his upbringing. I think Jeff Parker hit on a great plot point in this volume, by having Rulk go up against a middle eastern "super villain" who happens to have diplomatic immunity on his side ultimately. Parker is able to show us the internal struggle of Rulk by having him decide if we wants to be good and not hinder his country, or if he wants to do his own thing and go back to his more nefarious ways. It helps that the antagonist is pretty much invulnerable and a worthy adversary to Rulk (and machine man), even if his origin is pretty convoluted.

I think if Parker can take us down some paths were Rulk has to evaluate and more importantly, call upon his own code of ethics, then this book can go into some pretty cool directions. Coupled with the appearances from side characters such as Red She Hulk in this volume, it proves to be much more of a nuanced type of story - even if it did drag out a bit. And speaking of Red Shulk, she - and more importantly - Betty return to setup the next volume nicely.

Recommended for fans of Rulk.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've noticed that Jeph Loeb and Jeff Parker have taken this title in very different directions. Loeb's series was bombastic with big battles in every volume. It sometimes felt like Loeb crafted his stories around the big battles, rather than vice versa. Parker's stories have been the exact opposite, much more cerebral with the battles mostly serving to move the plot along. I actually enjoy both writer's take on the series, as it presents and interesting contrast.

In this issue, an old friend of Red Hulk's is killed while on a mercenary mission in the Middle East, and at the risk of an international incident Red Hulk can't help but get involved. Thankfully, Machine Man comes along to help him navigate the complicated situation. They find a Middle Eastern rebel who has been powered by alien tech and has formed his own country. The ending reminded me of when Cobra formed their own nation in the GI Joe comic and the Joes had to stop attacking them right in the middle of the battle when the country was recognized as official.

This was a very different type of story, and very enjoyable.

[Ian Raffaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline concluded the fight with Zero/One to a mostly satisfying degree. Like most villains, she escaped but only after her plans were thwarted by Red Hulk and the lazily named Machine Man. I would like to see more of the villain in the future but Marvel database seems to say they have not revisited the character in the last ten years. The story kept me entertained and the art was well done. Betty and Ross seemed to have reconciled but I'm sure we'll see more tension between the two in the future.

[Eligos Vespillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a likeable character - make them like someone else. Parker understands this formula as he fosters Thad's continious partnering with various androids, reinforcing the Red Hulk's affinity to "fake" people in a heartfelt and contemplative way. Unfortunately, Parker cannot seem to elevate the broader narratives to anything more than rote cliche: ancient evils, lost technology, revolutionary villians, and the corruption of power. It leaves one wishing for more Thad + Robot friends over another tropey Hulk-venture.

[Nabil Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational and Exciting!!

Red Hulk in the Middle East!! Fabulous Marvel action packed caper featuring Red Hulk, Machine Man, Steve Rogers and an appearance from much beloved, Arabian Knight, Navid Hashim. This graphic novel is very colourful and complements the Arabian setting well. It appears to be well researched. It's just a pity that the graphic novel was over in one session - only 5 issues!! More graphic novels featuring Arabian Knight, please!

[Albert Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really been looking the Hulk lately so I thought picking up a copy of a Red Hulk book would satisfy me... It didn't.

General Ross' Hulk is more thoughtful and cunning than Bruce Banner's Hulk and while the difference is refreshing it's not the same when your looking for a big green man running around smashing things with massive fists.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is fine, but not as cool as I remembered. This was my first time reading this book I think, and I really like Machine Man but overall the plot was just fine.

[Ondra Král · Rating 3 out of 5]

Těžký zapomenutelný průměr

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good art (I like Patrick Zircher) and a passable story. Not the best of Rulk's outings, but anything that presents him as a character worth reading about at all is a plus.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The red Hulk, Machine man and the Knight of Arabia investigates a new threat in Arabia

[Nicolas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less sulking, more Hulking, please.

[Doctor Doom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not spectacular but not horrible either. More than Meh or mid but unlikely to read as a stand alone but would read with the whole series.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story was interesting, kept getting Black Adam and Kandaq vibes.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Parker just doesn't let up. His Red Hulk run has been a consistently good read with big stakes and great character development. This latest installment is no different. Again, we're treated to an interesting story with clever sci-fi elements, great character interaction and eye-popping visuals, courtesy of Patrick Zircher, taking over the art duties from Gabriel Hardman.

One of Thunderbolt Ross' former soldier buddies gets killed and, feeling somehow responsible, Red Hulk goes to find out how/why this happened. Only problem is Red Hulk needs clearance from Steve Rogers to go on missions and, despite the fact that he's told NOT to go on this particular [personal] mission, our protagonist goes anyway. This leads to a showdown with the Secret Avengers, Rogers' own black ops squad. Red Hulk is finally allowed to investigate further and is teamed-up with Machine Man, a seldom used Marvel character who deserves to get more exposure (props to Jeff Parker for this!).

Turns out there's this [new & powerful] guy (Dagan Shah - The Sultan Magus) who's created a new state [named Sharzhad] on the border between Libya and Egypt. He is seeking recognition for this new nation, which has seemingly sprung up out of nowhere and has become an real oasis in the desert. By the book's end, Sharzhad gets recognized as a nation. It will be interesting to see how this new country in the Marvel Universe is used in future storylines.

It's never too late to get into the Red Hulk series. Check it out, you won't be disappointed! 4 stars.

(September 2013): This is the last "Good" Red Hulk trade paperback, so... soak it up, because what follows (Red Hulk: Haunted & Red Hulk: Mayan Rule) are not up to the standards established by the last 4 trades!

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Hulk heads to the Middle East in this next trade written by Jeff Parker. With guest appearances from Machine Man, Arabian Knight, and the Secret Avengers, plus a new villain for Rulk to battle, this is another pulse pounding storyline that I very much enjoyed. There is a little too much exposition near the end as we discover the origin of the Sultan Magus, but overall this was engaging and held my attention throughout. Patrick Zircher's art is reminiscent of Gabriel Hardman's work on this title, and the earthy tones perfectly fit this desert story. Another winner for Parker and Rulk.

[Lloyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here we are. "Hulk of Arabia". A title that I joked about as being ludicrous as I bought it and the volume itself proved to be almost as much so.

I really don't know what happened. This volume of Parker's Red Hulk had all sorts of things that I really should have dug. Mythical creatures come to Earth, miraculous hidden cities, alien tech... Sounds cool, right? I don't know... Something about this one didn't hook me.

Recommended only for the most loyal fan of the Red Hulk material and the creators who worked on it.

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a bad idea, a hero breaking with comic tradition and getting involved in a political situation in another country. I thought this would be a good story to see if the Red Hulk was more than just a gimmick character.

Unfortunately, I find the red Hulk to be one of the more uninteresting characters of recent history and this story did nothing to change my mind. Even with great art, a good idea, an exotic setting and a writer I generally enjoy could make this guy seem less like a gimmick.


Hey, how come Ross' mustache vanishes when he turns into the red Hulk? How does that work?

[Alex Sarll]

I won't say that trying to examine the geopolitical problems of US-Middle East relations through the lens of the Red Hulk was an inherently bad idea, but it was never going to be easy, and though I normally like Jeff Parker, he doesn't really pull it off. More disappointingly, Machine Man guests here - but appears to have reverted to being a boring old android, so doesn't say "My robot brain needs beer!" once.