The Incredible Hulk, Vol. 4: City of Idols

The Incredible Hulk (2023)

by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Nic Klein (Artist), Danny Earls (Artist)

A terrifying era of Hulk storytelling continues! As Eldest's plans draw Hulk ever nearer to Las Vegas, she remembers a time thousands of years ago and the terrible empire she ruled then - until her fateful encounter with the first Hulk, Enkidu, brought it all to ruin and made them enemies forever! Can Eldest use Enkidu's flesh to finally open the Mother of Horrors' Divine Prison? Or will the power of the Green Door be too much even for her? Meanwhile, with Bruce Banner seemingly locked away forever inside the Hulkscape, the Hulk reaches Sumanguru's prophesied "Paradise of Sin": Las Vegas, where Charlie Tidwell's only hope lies with Eldest and the profane cult of skinwalkers who worship her. Will Eldest keep her end of the bargain and resurrect Charlie? And what will Charlie become on the other side?

Collects Incredible Hulk #15-19

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Horror, Superheroes, Werewolves, Comic Book

152 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2025

About the author

Phillip Kennedy Johnson earned a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, where he served as Teaching Fellow for the Department of Jazz Studies, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastern Kentucky University. SFC Johnson has performed with the Lexington Philharmonic, Dallas Opera, Washington Symphonic Brass, and the Moscow Ballet, and was a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 2004 to 2005. SFC Johnson remains active as a composer, arranger, teacher, and clinician, and also enjoys a second career as a writer of comics and graphic novels. His work has been published by DC Comics, Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, and more.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still digging the horror vibe.



First up is a callback to the Immortal Hulk, where Enkidu (of The Epic of Gilgamesh fame) is the ancient version of our Hulk. This issue shows the Fractured Son's first interaction with Eldest and how the power behind The Green Door is connected to all of it.



Then Hulk is on to Vegas to find a way to save Charlie, whose soul is trapped in doll form, thanks to her run-in with Frozen Charlotte. He confronts Eldest in the lair of her daughter, the skinwalker goddess, Lycana.
Meanwhile, Betty Ross is still inside Banner's mind, trying to get him to betray Hulk and give access to his body to Eldest, supposedly to save Charlie and return Betty & Banner to their human forms.



There are also 3 separate stories with Amadeus Cho, She-Hulk, and General Ross thrown in. They were all ok and served to pad this volume out nicely.



Loved the conclusion to this arc, and I can't wait to read more.
Recommended.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of werewolves in this one. If you happen to like werewolves, and Vegas, and the Hulk, then you will probably like Philip Kennedy Johnson's run of The Incredible Hulk. Volume 4, "City of Idols" continues the story of Hulk's battle with the Mother of All Monsters, the Eldest. Hulk smashes good in this one...

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle for Charlie’s life concludes under Sin City. As usual the art is top notch conveying the horrors of the storyline.

[Christian Schultheiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if devoured is the perfect action verb but it not only describes the speed at which I took in this continually intense and dark hulk storyline, but also to describe the almost devouring out of body madness that befalls the hulk, Bruce and even the little girl he so desperately tries to protect in this one. I loved what happened to her, along with that cosmic flaming tree smack hulk dulled out. Then finishing it out with some strong other hulk family short stories was just the surprise icing on top of the cake, August can’t come fast enough so I can dive into the next volume. 4.25/5

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had been the best book of the series for me so far. The horror style was more prevalent here. The artwork fits the horror style perfectly. The story is okay. The point of horror having no heroes, just survivors, is definitely true.

The Hulk and Banner are making their way to the City of Idols to save their only friend Charlie, but to do this, Bruce Banner must betray the Hulk. All seems to be going to the Eldest's plan. Also, a bit of history with the Eldest's previous experience with "Fractured Son." However, when you make monsters, they will turn on you as well.

The book seems to be continuing on this horror path, the finishes with three other Hulk related characters' mini stories and a varient covers gallery. Interesting time ahead for all things and people Hulk.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’re now diving into the fourth volume of Hulk by Philip, and things have definitely taken a strange turn. While the story is still entertaining and the body horror elements are grotesque in the best way, some parts are a bit hard to wrap my head around. There are still some great moments, like a certain transformation that is pretty badass, and Hulk himself has a few truly epic scenes. However, the plot takes us through some bizarre territory, trips into hell, deep dives into the mind, ancient Hulk lore, and so on. It all gets a bit too surreal at times, which can be tough to follow. Despite the weirdness, though, I’m still giving it a solid 3 out of 5.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five more issues of grotesque body horror and pain for Bruce Banner and the Hulk.

First up we get a two issue flashback to Enkidu, the prehistoric Hulk featuring in one of the Immortal Hulk one-shots as we discover his ties to Eldest, and how the Green Door and the One Below All factor into the proceedings. Not my favourite, mostly because I don't gel with Danny Earls' art as much as Nic Klein's, for sure, but the context is appreciated.

And then we get the three issue City Of Idols arc that sees Hulk face off with Eldest in Vegas while Charlie's plight goes from bad to worse. It feels like this could have been the end of the run if they wanted, with Hulk getting to fight the bad guy one-on-one for a change, but it's definitely clear that there's a lot more to come. Nic Klein manages to draw two and a half of these issues, so the visuals hit a bit harder for me.

Also included are the back-up stories from Incredible Hulk #19 since it's also technically #800, each devoted to some different Hulk supporting characters like Amadeus Cho, She-Hulk, and Thunderbolt Ross. It remains to be seen if the Amadeus story will get picked up here or not, but Ross's story is a prelude to his One World Under Doom series due to launch soon, while Jen's story is a one-and-done.

Good stuff, as before.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little far-out for me, but some stylish "grody" art and an unexpected foray to ancient Mesopotamia saved it for me.

[Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Продовжуємо розбирати ран Філіпа Кеннеді Джонсона на Неймовірному Галці. В минулому сюжеті Галк дізнався як він може врятувати Чарлі після візиту до Академії Стренджа і пішов до Лас-Веґасу.

Перші два номери є флешбеком у якому нам детальніше розкривають історію Древньої, її мотивацію та до чого тут Зелені Двері. Головним героєм тут є Енкіду, також відомий, як найперший Галк, якого створив Ал Юінґ під кінець свого рану на Безсмертному Галці. За сюжетом він приходить у місто Ніневію, яке зруйноване і знаходиться під контролем Древньої та її демонами і вступає з ними в конфронтацію з надією, що зможе тут знайти свою смерть.

В трьох наступних Галк з Банером нарешті прибувають до міста, знаходить Древню, яка тусить з перевертнями, які поклоняються її доньці. Галк вступає в сутичку з нею, але Банер зраджує Зламаного Сина й обіцяє віддати його лиходійці. За це вони повертають Чарлі до життя, але тримають її у заручниках поки Брюс не віддасть Галка.

Якщо оцінювати цей том цілком, то мене порадувало, що нам привіткрили минуле лиходійки і розповіли нащо їй потрібен саме Галк, та чому вона почала діяти саме зараз. Малюнок все ще продовжує бути головною окрасою коміксу, він неймовірно розкішний, моторошний та жорстокий. Кінцівка з Чарлі та тим, що з нею сталося у кінці звісно цікаво, але хотілося б, що і основний сюжет рухався трохи швидше.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember other Hulk stories in Las Vegas.

Here it's all pretty horrific and dark.

Enjoyed the PreHistoric Hulk though.

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing to serve as a spiritual successor of sorts for Al Ewing's and Joe Bennett's The Immortal Hulk series, Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues to spin the tale of Hulk's ties to the One Below All, the Green Door and his own invention - The Mother of Horrors. Acting through Her proxy, the Eldest, the Hulk has been relentlessly hunted by monsters of all kinds across the American Southwest, which recently endangered his traveling companion, a feisty and frequently angry young girl named Charlie. In a recent adventure in New Orleans, one of the Mother's monsters turned Charlie into a Frozen Charlotte doll and now the Hulk seeks out a possible lead in Las Vegas to save Charlie from the fate. Meanwhile, Banner and Hulk continue to vie for control of the body - an endless, recurring narrative in numerous Hulk comics. It's perhaps the main baggage for this run which has otherwise been an enjoyable horror-soaked series otherwise.

Danny Earls illustrates the first two issues collecting the "Lament of the Fallen Crown" arc, while series regular artist Nic Klein delivers the "City of Idols" three issue arc that follows. The story largely takes place in Nevada across both issues, with the culmination of the Eldest's battle against the Hulk and Banner taking place by the end of the "City of Idols" arc. Drawing from some obscure beats of Ewing's mythology development in The Immortal Hulk, one would benefit from having read all of that series with the additional related one-shots as well. Where this series feels most like The Immortal Hulk though is with the artwork, with Klein continuing to depict some of the most ghastly looking transformations in a Hulk book yet. Earls also delivers some spectacular art, but if this series will be remembered by Hulk fans down the line, it will be because of Nic Klein's contributions.

[Keef Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I'm really enjoying the concept of this series but something's always lacking in the execution. The conclusion of some of these things is thrilling and good overall. I just found myself thinking "what the hell just happened" and having to go back to try to figure things out or just being lost as to how things were making sense.

[Sarospice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is lost in direction. No one cares about the green door anymore and a terrible lycan teen sidekick makes my eyes roll. It was someone else who came up with the body horror Hulk. The current team are just desperate to reheat dead concepts.

[Frédéric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still have a bit of a problem with the old-time monster, green door thing...
But it's always well-written, deliciously monstrous and gory - when Nic Klein draws it, that is!

[Alex Sarll]

The first two issues are explicitly harking back to Immortal Hulk, with Enkidu as a proto-Hulk in Nineveh, but the dawn of history setting reminded me more of two Jason Aaron comics, something like his primordial Avengers rampaging in the brutal mythic Middle East of The Goddamned. It helps that Danny Earls' art looks quite so gnarly. The rest of it, the modern Hulk in Vegas with Eldest, is fine to good, but I'm starting to feel that story is getting a little dragged out compared to how many twists and turns the Ewing run would pull.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like this supernatural journey for Hulk. Makes for some interesting stories.

[Andres Pasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gratamente sorprendido por esta vuelta al horror con Hulk

[Conall Crowley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a let down to a promising arc. Art is still fantastic but story feels like it’s wandering around with no direction.

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great volume in the Incredible Hulk series by Phillip Kennedy Johnson. It is always great when a good writer & artist team come together on a superhero book. The Incredible Hulk continues to be consistently amazing issue after issue. Johnson is in his element building up the universe of monsters and the agonizing body horror that comes from a story like this. Lol. It is funny to read a Marvel book that is more or less a Swamp Thing book. Being compared to Swamp thing is a high compliment. I really enjoyed the special issue with Amadeus Cho. It really showcased the isolation and despair Bruce carries as the Hulk. Although Cho tries to reason with the original mean and green ultimately the Hulk in Bruce wins the day. I am looking forward to the Werewolf by night coming issue with the hulk. Johnson is probably going to knock the ball out of the park with the werewolf & Lycan lore. Nic Klein remains the unsung hero on this book with his hideously beautiful monster artwork. The murkiness and gloom that Klein does with the art lends itself flawlessly to Johnson's writing. If your not reading this series jump on it asap. Here are few other recommendations I suggest checking out if you like this: Superman: The Warworld Saga, The Last God 1, Green Lantern: War Journal, Vol. 1: Contagion, Swamp Thing, Volume 4: Seeder-Swamp Thing, Volume 7: Season's End.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hulk's big confrontation with Eldest is finally here and it's pretty enjoyable. Lots of gruesome body horror, Hulk-smashing, and deep history backstories. Plus, Charlene escapes her doll, only to be transformed once again (though this time, she's become a werewolf).

I appreciated the stuff that expanded the Hulk universe in a clear and interesting way, unlike the incoherent "Hulkscape" in the previous volume. The Green Door holding back the Mother of All Demons (or whatever Eldest is worshipping) managed to use that concept more clearly than Al Ewing's run while also giving current and past Hulks a purpose (a monster who must exist to prevent a worse monster from destroying everything). Cool stuff, and it all looks great with Nic Klein's art.

The final confrontation with Eldest is suitably epic, even if it arrives rather suddenly (she was just waiting around in Vegas for Hulk to show up?), and the explanation for why Eldest can't use Hulk to break out the greater horror is unclear (Banner lied when he made a deal? All it takes to subvert like, huge magical bargains is to...lie? Seems unlikely.). City of Idols feels a bit like the end of Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run, though I suppose the Hulk/Banner internal conflict is ongoing (potentially forever).

[Joey Nardinelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

And The Hulk continues this middling streak of having a really fun aesthetic at times (Earls) then suddenly giving way to the way less arresting art of Klein (his stuff is fine, but not really as emotionally raw). Given how long we’ve been building towards a confrontation with Eldest, I have to say this was a fairly disappointing endpoint to find ourselves at — Eldest was dispatched by…bigger punches and a flaming tree? This just felt like a lot of wheel spinning with the veneer of a propulsive ending. The last issue spins away into one shots or preludes for Amadeus Choi, She-Hulk, and Red Hulk. Not terribly interested in the first and third, and while I want a new run with She-Hulk, this didn’t convince me of a style and direction I’d love.

Also…Charlie is back but…maybe not? Kinda thought we were going somewhere with her but now it just feels like she’s going to be a semi-permanent MacGuffin for Hulk as long as Johnson continues writing on this. And for being set in Las Vegas for 4/5 issues…I wanted more of the hotels and maybe anything that felt relevant to that specific location. We get some exteriors of the Luxor and that’s about it…

I’m falling asleep writing this so if anything seems weird or I trail off mid sentence at some point, just know

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hulk smashes his way to Vegas to undo Charlie's new life as a doll...

We're still marching toward...something. Hulk finally confronts Eldest (of course it was all a setup) and the bargaining for Hulk's body begins. This 'world of monsters' story has been going for....twenty issues at this point? That's just under 2 years. That's a looooooooong march with almost no payoff. Give me more breadcrumbs! Please?

BTW: Did you know that Vegas was full of lycanthropes? (werewolves, if you haven't read a book)

Issue #800 is part of this book, so we get an anniversary/anthology issue that gives us some clues to what the rest of the Gamma...heroes(?) are up to. Amadeus/Brawn/(whatever name he has now) is probably the one I was most curious about. For being such a 'good friend' of Bruce, he has NO idea what Banner has been up to. I don't think the story for him sheds any light on that.
-----
Bonus: Best bits of these issues are probably the lore drops they've had at the end of each issue. The world of monsters is bigger than I thought.

[Jordan West · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75; after a temporary lull in quality, we're back to the nonstop parade of cosmic mythos, full-tilt body horror, and Hulk's proclivity for tearing his adversaries into literal pieces that made this series so surprisingly entertaining; will say, as someone who grew up when the really intense stuff was restricted to Vertigo and the indies, encountering actively depicted disembowelment (albeit of the undead and/or demonic) in one of the biggest mainstream superhero titles is a unique way to feel old.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

First we get a flashback story to the ancient Hulk, Enkidu, who also fought the Eldest. Then we head to Vegas to finally try and save Hulk's friend who is trapped in a doll. Things go from bad to worse for a time. There's lots of cool body horror. Issue #19 is also issue #800 so we get some backup stories with Amadeus Cho, She-Hulk and the Red Hulk as well. The Red Hulk one is certainly a lead-in to the Red Hulk's involvement in One World Under Doom.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of people digging this continuation of the horror vibe that Al Ewing brought to this. To me, it's really an inferior attempt at replicating Ewing's magic. Not terrible, but not really going anywhere all that interesting, either. And it's really weird (and disjointed) to throw in an issue that completely disrupts the atmosphere that Johnson's story is developing, with three disconnected stories about Hulk-adjacent characters. No preamble, no transition, nothing. The art is decent.

[Joey Amorim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like Immortal Hulk, this series is a breeze to read and it’s been getting more enjoyable as it’s gone along. I’m not familiar with PKJ’s work, but this run is quickly making me a fan of his. Can’t wait to get the next volume and keep reading!

[Robby · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a flashback to Ancient Assyria, we get the promised showdown between Hulk and Eldest in Las Vegas. Amongst all the lore, werewolves, and body horror, things get a bit messy, as well as confusing. It will be interesting to see where Johnson takes the title from here.

[Blaine McGaffigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is so uneven it’s becoming a problem. I honestly believe that the disjointed art really hurts this good comic in both sales and readability. Not because other art is bad but it’s not a complete piece.

I’d have this be a quarterly book for Nic Klein’s art.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of monsters.

I enjoyed the trip back to Nineveh.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still kind of setting up the big bad