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Future Imperfect (2015) #1-5
Future Imperfect: Warzones!
On Battleworld, the dictator of Dystopia has a familiar face! The bearded Maestro rules with a Gamma fist, but there are those who would dethrone him -- among them, Ruby Summers, the daughter of Cyclops and Emma Frost! The Thing is on board, too, but is it the ever-lovin' Ben Grimm under that rocky hide? Layla Miller could probably tell you -- after all, she knows stuff. But can the rebels trust her? To take on the most monstrous Hulk of all, they will need powerful aid -- but is that truly Odin they have found? And a mission to Norseheim to retrieve the Destroyer will only lead to battle with Ulik and his army of trolls. This is one warzone deserving of the name. Maestro vs. Thing! Maestro vs. Doom! Maestro vs. everybody! Maestro smash! Collecting FUTURE IMPERFECT #1-5 and material from SECRET WARS: BATTLEWORLD #4.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
12 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,362 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 18, 2016
An evil Hulk calling himself Maestro rules the Battleworld realm of Dystopia with a green fist – but an underground resistance led by the Thing plans to topple the despot.
I only read a bit of Peter David’s original Future Imperfect because I wasn’t interested enough to keep going. Hulk as a kind of barbarian king with a harem of women and a trophy room always felt like the most obvious and easy version of the character. And while that’s what we get for just under half of this newer Future Imperfect, David does enough in the second half to make this a decent comic.
Having read the main Secret Wars event, I was expecting this tie-in to actually reference that storyline where the Maestro does appear; except he doesn’t – I guess that was a different Maestro (there are multiple versions of these characters roaming Battleworld)? Do any of these fucking tie-ins have anything to do with Secret Wars!? However, this story does have something to do with God Doom as Maestro proposes working with the Dystopia resistance to become ruler of Battleworld himself.
That plotline was definitely more interesting than watching Maestro and Thing punch each other (though I did like the alternate origins of the Thing - it ain’t Ben Grimm!) and David throws in a great twist ending I didn’t see coming.
Greg Land is the artist on this one – oh dear. His artwork, usually sourced by Google Image Search, remains as generic as ever – Land’s speciality! He’s an artist completely without vision or imagination. This book is competently drawn but uninspired and you won’t see anything here you haven’t seen before in a hundred other Marvel comics. At least he doesn’t seem to have used porn stars as his female models for a change!
The book closes out with a weak short story from Battleworld #4 where Maestro fights Silver Surfer – a very blah encounter as it turns out. I suspect the Battleworld miniseries is quite the stinker.
Future Imperfect is an imperfect comic but not a terrible one. Despite the slow start, Maestro’s quest to become ruler of Battleworld is beguiling. Don’t expect to be blown away but give it a shot if you like your Hulk comics (especially when he's doing Odin cosplay).
I only read a bit of Peter David’s original Future Imperfect because I wasn’t interested enough to keep going. Hulk as a kind of barbarian king with a harem of women and a trophy room always felt like the most obvious and easy version of the character. And while that’s what we get for just under half of this newer Future Imperfect, David does enough in the second half to make this a decent comic.
Having read the main Secret Wars event, I was expecting this tie-in to actually reference that storyline where the Maestro does appear; except he doesn’t – I guess that was a different Maestro (there are multiple versions of these characters roaming Battleworld)? Do any of these fucking tie-ins have anything to do with Secret Wars!? However, this story does have something to do with God Doom as Maestro proposes working with the Dystopia resistance to become ruler of Battleworld himself.
That plotline was definitely more interesting than watching Maestro and Thing punch each other (though I did like the alternate origins of the Thing - it ain’t Ben Grimm!) and David throws in a great twist ending I didn’t see coming.
Greg Land is the artist on this one – oh dear. His artwork, usually sourced by Google Image Search, remains as generic as ever – Land’s speciality! He’s an artist completely without vision or imagination. This book is competently drawn but uninspired and you won’t see anything here you haven’t seen before in a hundred other Marvel comics. At least he doesn’t seem to have used porn stars as his female models for a change!
The book closes out with a weak short story from Battleworld #4 where Maestro fights Silver Surfer – a very blah encounter as it turns out. I suspect the Battleworld miniseries is quite the stinker.
Future Imperfect is an imperfect comic but not a terrible one. Despite the slow start, Maestro’s quest to become ruler of Battleworld is beguiling. Don’t expect to be blown away but give it a shot if you like your Hulk comics (especially when he's doing Odin cosplay).
March 7, 2016
While I am, overall, hating the new (2016) Secret Wars, I'm man enough to admit that some good stuff has spun off from it.
Case in point: Peter David's (sort of) sequel to his Hulk classic 'Future Imperfect'.
I mean, most of us know Peter David is a pretty damned great writer, but this is a follow-up to a classic worthy of the title. I defy anybody to predict every twist or not get any enjoyment out of this awesome story.
The only thing that occasionally lets it down is some of Greg Land's obviously light-boxed artwork, but PAD envisions scenarios that even the world's most successful tracer can't possibly have light-boxed from back issues of Swimwuit Illustrated.
It's virtually self-contained, too. The little you need to know about Secret Wars is clearly explained. I really would recommend reading the original Future Imperfect before reading this though. That goes without saying, though, surely? I will never understand people who read/watch a sequel when they haven't experienced the preceding part(s)...
Case in point: Peter David's (sort of) sequel to his Hulk classic 'Future Imperfect'.
I mean, most of us know Peter David is a pretty damned great writer, but this is a follow-up to a classic worthy of the title. I defy anybody to predict every twist or not get any enjoyment out of this awesome story.
The only thing that occasionally lets it down is some of Greg Land's obviously light-boxed artwork, but PAD envisions scenarios that even the world's most successful tracer can't possibly have light-boxed from back issues of Swimwuit Illustrated.
It's virtually self-contained, too. The little you need to know about Secret Wars is clearly explained. I really would recommend reading the original Future Imperfect before reading this though. That goes without saying, though, surely? I will never understand people who read/watch a sequel when they haven't experienced the preceding part(s)...
March 1, 2016
I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but once again I am impressed with a Secret Wars Crossover. Granted, this one was Future Imperfect written by Peter David with art from Greg Land, so the odds were against it being anything but at worst decent. But it was much better.
We find the Maestro ruling his own corner of the Battleworld, and his main opposition is...well, I'll let the reader find all of that out themselves. If you liked the original Future Imperfect (and I really did) than you should read this one. It almost reads like an unofficial sequel, in a way. The Greg Land art is gorgeous as always, and Peter David has still got it.
We find the Maestro ruling his own corner of the Battleworld, and his main opposition is...well, I'll let the reader find all of that out themselves. If you liked the original Future Imperfect (and I really did) than you should read this one. It almost reads like an unofficial sequel, in a way. The Greg Land art is gorgeous as always, and Peter David has still got it.
July 9, 2016
This is one of the better ones from this weird MARVEL-Universe wide premise. Excellent art, and writing, with tasty unexplored plot possibilities.
July 3, 2017
Again, another Secret Wars tie-in that doesn't do much to serve the overall story. However, it was a pretty fun read with neat twists and turns, some interesting characters (I love Ruby's character and design!) and definitely made me curious about reading the original classic Future Imperfect story. This one had a very Game of Thrones vibe, which was what Battleworld promised to feel like back during the days of teasers for this event. The last issue in this book is complete garbage and pointless though. The art for the first 4 is fantastic.
June 1, 2019
Reprints Future Imperfect #1-5 and Secret Wars: Battleworld #4 (August 2015-November 2015). The Maestro rules Dystopia with an iron fist! When a group of rebels try to overthrow the Maestro, they find themselves in league with him in an attempt to make the ultimate coup…the defeat of Doom!
Written by Peter David, Warzones!: Future Imperfect is part of a spin-off of the Secret Wars series. The collection features art by Greg Land but also has art by Daniel Valadez on Secret Wars: Battleworld (which was also included in Secret Wars Journal/Battleworld).
Peter David’s run on Incredible Hulk was a lot of fun. He took the character in directions that had never been breached (which is difficult in a world of monthly comics). The series returns to his run and places it in the world of Battleworld. The Hulk: Future Imperfect and the Maestro was an interesting storyline with great “What If?” qualities. Revisiting the Maestro and his insanity is definitely worth the trip.
Like many of the Warzone! titles, the series unfortunately is a bit too short. I wish that the series had more time to develop because the world created in Secret Wars is so rich. The Maestro is a great character and the story developed in this series is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, you have the rebellion and the quest for the Destroy crammed into one storyline which feels a bit under developed. Fortunately, the comic had five issues (some only had four) and it is able to flesh out the characters a bit better than other Warzone! titles.
I actually really like the “bonus” story in the collect a lot as well. While the Maestro is very, very strong, strength isn’t everything. The fact that the Silver Surfer just brushes off the Maestro’s attacks is a great moment in the story. The Silver Surfer has always been too powerful for most of the stories he is in, so to see that used to the storyteller’s advantage is a bit more positive than a lot of Silver Surfer storylines (though once again, this could have been a whole series).
Secret Wars is an unbalanced storyline, but it is a fun storyline because it allowed writers to really explore different veins in comics that were fun. Favorite stories were revisit and favorite authors were allowed to revisit their favorite story…Peter David is a great example of it. He was allowed to take Hulk back to a period that had long since passed. Fortunately for the Maestro, the past and the future collided so it even made more sense as a limited series.
Written by Peter David, Warzones!: Future Imperfect is part of a spin-off of the Secret Wars series. The collection features art by Greg Land but also has art by Daniel Valadez on Secret Wars: Battleworld (which was also included in Secret Wars Journal/Battleworld).
Peter David’s run on Incredible Hulk was a lot of fun. He took the character in directions that had never been breached (which is difficult in a world of monthly comics). The series returns to his run and places it in the world of Battleworld. The Hulk: Future Imperfect and the Maestro was an interesting storyline with great “What If?” qualities. Revisiting the Maestro and his insanity is definitely worth the trip.
Like many of the Warzone! titles, the series unfortunately is a bit too short. I wish that the series had more time to develop because the world created in Secret Wars is so rich. The Maestro is a great character and the story developed in this series is a lot of fun. Unfortunately, you have the rebellion and the quest for the Destroy crammed into one storyline which feels a bit under developed. Fortunately, the comic had five issues (some only had four) and it is able to flesh out the characters a bit better than other Warzone! titles.
I actually really like the “bonus” story in the collect a lot as well. While the Maestro is very, very strong, strength isn’t everything. The fact that the Silver Surfer just brushes off the Maestro’s attacks is a great moment in the story. The Silver Surfer has always been too powerful for most of the stories he is in, so to see that used to the storyteller’s advantage is a bit more positive than a lot of Silver Surfer storylines (though once again, this could have been a whole series).
Secret Wars is an unbalanced storyline, but it is a fun storyline because it allowed writers to really explore different veins in comics that were fun. Favorite stories were revisit and favorite authors were allowed to revisit their favorite story…Peter David is a great example of it. He was allowed to take Hulk back to a period that had long since passed. Fortunately for the Maestro, the past and the future collided so it even made more sense as a limited series.
January 18, 2022
Kolejny z tytułów towarzyszących wydarzeniu Secret Wars, wieńczącym przygody znanych herosów w Marvel Now!
Tym razem trafiamy do landu zarządzającego hardą, zieloną łapą samego Maestro, czyli Bruce Bannera, który stał się zły. Autorzy troszkę się tutaj bawią, puszczając wodzę wyobraźni, więc kilka aspektów mnie zadziwiło, zwłaszcza że lekturę Future Imperfect mam już za sobą od dawna.
Maestro jest nie tylko silny, ale i przebiegły. W wolnej chwili próbuje dobrać się do resztek ruchu oporu, na czele którego stoi jego dawny kompan. Szkopuł w tym, że Zielony ma własny plan, który wykracza poza obręb landu. Chcę dorwać Dooma. Tego, który stał się Bogiem. Zadanie wydaje się niemożliwe. Ale krążą pogłoski, że gdzie w krainie Wikingów jest potężna broń, mogąca mu umożliwić spełnienie tego marzenia.
Te ostatnie zdanie jest bardzo przewrotne, a zrozumiecie w pełni o co mi chodzi, kiedy przeczytacie ostatni zeszyt. Końcówka tego tie-ina jest naprawdę dobra. W sumie zastanawiam się nawet nad wyższa oceną, bo mamy tu wartką akcję, należyte zwroty fabularne i ładną oprawę. I chyba tak zrobię. Future Imperfect bowiem broni się nawet jako oddzielny twór, zapewniając należytą dawkę zabawy.
Tym razem trafiamy do landu zarządzającego hardą, zieloną łapą samego Maestro, czyli Bruce Bannera, który stał się zły. Autorzy troszkę się tutaj bawią, puszczając wodzę wyobraźni, więc kilka aspektów mnie zadziwiło, zwłaszcza że lekturę Future Imperfect mam już za sobą od dawna.
Maestro jest nie tylko silny, ale i przebiegły. W wolnej chwili próbuje dobrać się do resztek ruchu oporu, na czele którego stoi jego dawny kompan. Szkopuł w tym, że Zielony ma własny plan, który wykracza poza obręb landu. Chcę dorwać Dooma. Tego, który stał się Bogiem. Zadanie wydaje się niemożliwe. Ale krążą pogłoski, że gdzie w krainie Wikingów jest potężna broń, mogąca mu umożliwić spełnienie tego marzenia.
Te ostatnie zdanie jest bardzo przewrotne, a zrozumiecie w pełni o co mi chodzi, kiedy przeczytacie ostatni zeszyt. Końcówka tego tie-ina jest naprawdę dobra. W sumie zastanawiam się nawet nad wyższa oceną, bo mamy tu wartką akcję, należyte zwroty fabularne i ładną oprawę. I chyba tak zrobię. Future Imperfect bowiem broni się nawet jako oddzielny twór, zapewniając należytą dawkę zabawy.
October 15, 2018
Maestro knows that Doom is ruler of all. But he also knows that he is not "God" in any way shape or form.
In this book, which is heavily tied into Secret Wars, we are introduced to the portion of land that Maestro rules and to the underground rebellion to his rule. What I liked about the book is that while it is setup as a basic "despotic ruler is overthrown by wily ragtag team of rebels" type of story, but instead, we get a much more interesting one. Basically Maestro wants out, the rebels want him out, all parties involved want the same thing.
But what Maestro wants in exchange is to overthrow Doom and become ruler of all. And in order to do this, he will need to get the destroyer armor. He enlists the help of the rebels as this will ensure he leaves his throne and also will probably end us in his death.
The ending a bit convenient, but interesting. I didn't see it coming that's for sure.
Really entertaining and the art is stunning at times.
In this book, which is heavily tied into Secret Wars, we are introduced to the portion of land that Maestro rules and to the underground rebellion to his rule. What I liked about the book is that while it is setup as a basic "despotic ruler is overthrown by wily ragtag team of rebels" type of story, but instead, we get a much more interesting one. Basically Maestro wants out, the rebels want him out, all parties involved want the same thing.
But what Maestro wants in exchange is to overthrow Doom and become ruler of all. And in order to do this, he will need to get the destroyer armor. He enlists the help of the rebels as this will ensure he leaves his throne and also will probably end us in his death.
The ending a bit convenient, but interesting. I didn't see it coming that's for sure.
Really entertaining and the art is stunning at times.
January 3, 2021
Dystopia es dirigida con mano de hierro por parte de Maestro, por lo que un grupo de héroes ha decidido destronarlo, dirigidos por nadie más que Ben Grimes, The Thing.
Las cosas no resultan, gracias a la astucia de Maestro y Grimes es llevado prisionero, donde descubre que comparten el mismo interes con Maestro: que él deje de ser Baron de Dystopia, solo que Maestro apunta alto: deshacerse de Dios Doom, para que él pueda ocupar su lugar, haciendo uso de una arma legendaria: el Destructor
Historia interesante, porque nuevamente, vemos como incluso líderes que cuentan con la confianza de Doom (por algo son barones) conspiran contra él... fracasando rotundamente
Las cosas no resultan, gracias a la astucia de Maestro y Grimes es llevado prisionero, donde descubre que comparten el mismo interes con Maestro: que él deje de ser Baron de Dystopia, solo que Maestro apunta alto: deshacerse de Dios Doom, para que él pueda ocupar su lugar, haciendo uso de una arma legendaria: el Destructor
Historia interesante, porque nuevamente, vemos como incluso líderes que cuentan con la confianza de Doom (por algo son barones) conspiran contra él... fracasando rotundamente
November 7, 2022
I'm not sure who this is for. My guess would be fans of Maestro, but the story is not told from his point of view. This is a Secret Wars tie-in that didn't feel necessary.
November 25, 2018
Ruby Summer, Layla Miller, Janis Jones: Who are female characters that Peter David invested a lot of energy into and who never found any writers willing to keep moving their stories forward? All we're missing is Marlo, right?
The ending is a little goofy. And maybe this all could have been done in one issue.
Also, I don't understand they could have gone to Outer Space. Isn't there no Outer Space in Battleworld?
But other than that, not too bad.
The ending is a little goofy. And maybe this all could have been done in one issue.
Also, I don't understand they could have gone to Outer Space. Isn't there no Outer Space in Battleworld?
But other than that, not too bad.
January 10, 2021
In an alternate Future Imperfect, the Maestro first fights Thunderbolt Ross, who in this reality is the Thing, then teams up with him on a mission to supplant Doom as ruler of Battleworld. The book is definitely for Peter David fans as it not only includes the characters from Hulk: Future Imperfect, but also Ruby Summers and Layla Miller from X-Factor. It's entertaining, though the internal logic is iffy. The art by Greg Land is pretty good.
November 6, 2025
I want to like this so much more than I do, but what am I supposed to make of this story? There are elements that I like, such as Thaddeus Ross being The Thing or Ruby Summers, who I think is a cool character, but why should I care about the Maestro? The thing that makes the Maestro so interesting to me is that it's The Hulk as a villain, and this story doesn't really have anything to do with the fact that he's The Hulk gone bad. He's incredibly generic as a postapocalyptic dictator here.
June 22, 2017
Peter David does it again!
Just when I thought the Future Imperfect saga was over, we get this story for Secret Wars! The complex relationship between Banner and Hulk is expanded. We get to see what happened to Doom and The Destroyer. It's a surprise and twist on evey page! If you like David's work ....this is one you can't miss.
Just when I thought the Future Imperfect saga was over, we get this story for Secret Wars! The complex relationship between Banner and Hulk is expanded. We get to see what happened to Doom and The Destroyer. It's a surprise and twist on evey page! If you like David's work ....this is one you can't miss.
December 27, 2022
Bruce Banner is the Maestro! And The Thing is some sort of resistance leader. Of course, they have a slugfest. And then, Maestro seemingly gets his wish.
My biggest criticism is the brevity of the book. Peter David still is the best Hulk writer.
My biggest criticism is the brevity of the book. Peter David still is the best Hulk writer.
May 17, 2017
A Secret Wars tie in that explores the world ruled by the Maestro (an Evil old man Hulk). While it is entertaining it doesn't add anything to the Secret Wars story line.
May 22, 2017
To be honest, the power struggle contained in the plot isn't terrible. But where is this in the whole Secret Wars series?
June 5, 2017
Se volete leggere la mia recensione, cliccate qui! http://ascwblog.blogspot.it/2017/06/f...
March 12, 2018
This was a really solid book but it felt like it was one issue too long.
March 22, 2018
Enjoyable if forgettable alternate universe stuff, with a nice twisty ending.
April 15, 2018
Great self-contained story with a fun twist at the end. Much better than the 2099 Warzone trade.
April 18, 2018
It's not perfect (chortle) but at this point my expectations for this series of books is so low, I'm willing to forgive it.
March 18, 2019
Excellent return to the Hulk (or Maestro in this case) for Peter David,one of the prominent Hulk writers ,showing his true grasp of the characters future self. One of the best Secret Wars tie-ins.
February 12, 2020
Maestro tries to usurp Doom. Cool story
October 2, 2022
An absolute slog. I had to force myself to finish this. Abstract characters and motivations and lacking any heart. Would recommend skipping if you're not trying to read Secret Wars in its entirety.
June 19, 2023
This is exactly what I want from the secret wars tie in books. Fun and not wildly esoteric (like the Last Days books), a completely alternate reality, and it’s own lore.
August 7, 2024
It was an interesting tie-in but kind of a cheap ending.
March 3, 2017
In the summer of 2015, Marvel Comics began an extensive overhaul of their iconic universe with SECRET WARS, in which many of their disparate realities, including the mainstream reality known as Earth-616 and the “Ultimate” reality Earth-1610, were blended together to form a patchwork planet called Battleworld, ruled over by a god-like Victor Von Doom. During this time, many of the regular series were cancelled and replaced with new titles that tied into the event. The Hulk, in particular, was given two new stopgap series: the first was PLANET HULK: WARZONES, which was somewhat mediocre. The second is the subject of this review.
Welcome back to the world of FUTURE IMPERFECT!
Now one of the Barons of Doom, the Maestro still rules over Dystopia in his own corner of the new world, but naturally has his own ambitions of dethroning the Latverian despot and ruling the world himself. After forging some unexpected alliances, he leaves his kingdom in search of a certain Asgardian artifact that will help him destroy Doom forever… if he can survive the journey.
Reading this series reminds me how much I miss having Peter David on the regular Hulk book. He’s clearly enjoying writing the Maestro again, that “wonderfully twisted version of the Hulk with all of the strengths and none of the weaknesses,” and putting what feels like a fresh spin on his earlier classic. Things play out a little differently in this reality, and although far from the hero he once was, the Maestro now takes center stage. Fans of the earlier FUTURE IMPERFECT will get a kick out of the parallels and references to some of his other work, even his non-Hulk related Marvel work. The rest is the best we can expect from David: Unusual twists, fun fight scenes, and quick-witted, dry humor. Backed up by artist Greg Land, the people and the setting of Dystopia also get a fresh makeover while maintaining the vibrant details of George Perez’s original. The Maestro looks as awesome as always.
A nostalgic look back at one of the most highly regarded Hulk stories ever, FUTURE IMPERFECT: WARZONES is also one of the better tie-ins to come out of the whole SECRET WARS relaunch. A return of the Maestro to the present-day Marvel Universe is a must, and, with the mainstream Hulk still dead as of this writing, a perfect way to fill the void.
Welcome back to the world of FUTURE IMPERFECT!
Now one of the Barons of Doom, the Maestro still rules over Dystopia in his own corner of the new world, but naturally has his own ambitions of dethroning the Latverian despot and ruling the world himself. After forging some unexpected alliances, he leaves his kingdom in search of a certain Asgardian artifact that will help him destroy Doom forever… if he can survive the journey.
Reading this series reminds me how much I miss having Peter David on the regular Hulk book. He’s clearly enjoying writing the Maestro again, that “wonderfully twisted version of the Hulk with all of the strengths and none of the weaknesses,” and putting what feels like a fresh spin on his earlier classic. Things play out a little differently in this reality, and although far from the hero he once was, the Maestro now takes center stage. Fans of the earlier FUTURE IMPERFECT will get a kick out of the parallels and references to some of his other work, even his non-Hulk related Marvel work. The rest is the best we can expect from David: Unusual twists, fun fight scenes, and quick-witted, dry humor. Backed up by artist Greg Land, the people and the setting of Dystopia also get a fresh makeover while maintaining the vibrant details of George Perez’s original. The Maestro looks as awesome as always.
A nostalgic look back at one of the most highly regarded Hulk stories ever, FUTURE IMPERFECT: WARZONES is also one of the better tie-ins to come out of the whole SECRET WARS relaunch. A return of the Maestro to the present-day Marvel Universe is a must, and, with the mainstream Hulk still dead as of this writing, a perfect way to fill the void.
February 7, 2016
Collects Future Imperfect issues #1-5 and material from Secret Wars: Battleworld issue #4
This story is set during the events of "Secret Wars," however it doesn't tie into "Secret Wars" in such a way that makes it required reading for that series. With that being said, the story in this collection could only take place within the Battleworld of the 2015 "Secret Wars."
Set in an alternate version of the original "Future Imperfect" Universe, Ruby Summers (daughter of Scott Summers and Emma Frost) is a member of a resistance force trying to fight back against the evil, future-version of the Hulk (known as the Maestro). Along the way, we get new versions of well-known characters.
SPOILERS:
This note is mostly for my friend Daniel, but I would be interested to hear from others as well. As I've been reading all of the "Secret Wars" tie-in stories, I've been realizing that a lot of original characters were created for all of these "What If..." stories. It may be fun to try to put together a list of the "Top 5 New Characters Created for the 2015 'Secret Wars.'" I would include Ruby Summers on this list, and I may even include the Thunderbolt Ross version of the Thing. What do you think?
HERE IS MY SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW OF ISSUE #1:
Future Imperfect #1: After reading this and “Squadron Sinister” back-to-back, I was struck by the fact that Doom put villains in positions of power (as his barons) on Battleworld. It seemed like Doom wasn’t trying to operate as a villain here (especially since Dr. Strange is his right-hand man), but who he put into positions of power is telling. I recently read the original “Future Imperfect” for the first time, so I was really ready for this book. The Maestro is a great character, and I have heard that he will be around in comics post-Secret Wars. It looks like this book is setting up Ruby Summers as the hero of the book, and that works well for me. I liked this character right away. I was happy to see that The Thing is the leader of the rebellion for two reasons. One, I like it when The Thing battles the Hulk. Two, the reason that The Thing is still around could be because of what Jonathan Hickman established in his Fantastic Four run. The Thing only reverts back to his human form for one week per year. That one week is the only time that he ages, so he is able to live for a very, very long time.
This story is set during the events of "Secret Wars," however it doesn't tie into "Secret Wars" in such a way that makes it required reading for that series. With that being said, the story in this collection could only take place within the Battleworld of the 2015 "Secret Wars."
Set in an alternate version of the original "Future Imperfect" Universe, Ruby Summers (daughter of Scott Summers and Emma Frost) is a member of a resistance force trying to fight back against the evil, future-version of the Hulk (known as the Maestro). Along the way, we get new versions of well-known characters.
SPOILERS:
This note is mostly for my friend Daniel, but I would be interested to hear from others as well. As I've been reading all of the "Secret Wars" tie-in stories, I've been realizing that a lot of original characters were created for all of these "What If..." stories. It may be fun to try to put together a list of the "Top 5 New Characters Created for the 2015 'Secret Wars.'" I would include Ruby Summers on this list, and I may even include the Thunderbolt Ross version of the Thing. What do you think?
HERE IS MY SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW OF ISSUE #1:
Future Imperfect #1: After reading this and “Squadron Sinister” back-to-back, I was struck by the fact that Doom put villains in positions of power (as his barons) on Battleworld. It seemed like Doom wasn’t trying to operate as a villain here (especially since Dr. Strange is his right-hand man), but who he put into positions of power is telling. I recently read the original “Future Imperfect” for the first time, so I was really ready for this book. The Maestro is a great character, and I have heard that he will be around in comics post-Secret Wars. It looks like this book is setting up Ruby Summers as the hero of the book, and that works well for me. I liked this character right away. I was happy to see that The Thing is the leader of the rebellion for two reasons. One, I like it when The Thing battles the Hulk. Two, the reason that The Thing is still around could be because of what Jonathan Hickman established in his Fantastic Four run. The Thing only reverts back to his human form for one week per year. That one week is the only time that he ages, so he is able to live for a very, very long time.
January 7, 2016
Future Imperfect was a limited series tied into Marvel's Secret Wars event of 2015. A story unto itself, Future Imperfect was told along side of the Secret Wars series, not limited to the events held in Secret Wars. This gets to be a little bit confusing as the ending doesn't correspond with the Secret Wars series. That set aside, I found this title to be enjoyable on its own. Not a huge fan of Peter David, he is slowly growing on me. As well I have never read the original story of the Maestro, so I don't know how well the character was followed. But this story alone was, for me, a fun introduction to the world of the Maestro.
The Maestro is the Hulk, no longer held in check by Bruce Banner and completely intelligent. He is the ruler of Dystopia, and he rules with a Gamma Radiated fist. This story follows a small group of rebels who are trying to overthrow The Maestro.
Greg Land's artwork was your normal everyday comic book art. Which I am not complaining about. I love the look of it, but it doesn't really stretch any borders. The story was well laid out, and I never felt like I missed anything. I would definitely buy more of any series Peter David and Greg Land worked on together.
The Maestro is the Hulk, no longer held in check by Bruce Banner and completely intelligent. He is the ruler of Dystopia, and he rules with a Gamma Radiated fist. This story follows a small group of rebels who are trying to overthrow The Maestro.
Greg Land's artwork was your normal everyday comic book art. Which I am not complaining about. I love the look of it, but it doesn't really stretch any borders. The story was well laid out, and I never felt like I missed anything. I would definitely buy more of any series Peter David and Greg Land worked on together.
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