Hulk: The Gathering Storm (Comics) | Review

At a time when the Marvel needed serious course correction for the Green Goliath, writer John Byrne (Darkseid/Galactus: The Hunger, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction) took over Hulk franchise with artist Ron Garney (JLA: Syndicate Rules, Uncanny X-Men:  Hope).

After years of convoluted storylines involving multiple personalities and cosmic adventures, Marvel handed Byrne the keys to bring Bruce Banner back to his roots through masterful character rehabilitation that reminded everyone why Hulk worked.

The book feels like a breath of fresh air in the best possible way. Byrne understood that Hulk's appeal isn't in complex mythology or universe-spanning adventures— it's in the raw, primal conflict between man and monster. Ron Garney's art amplifies this approach with visuals that prioritize emotional impact over flashy gimmick.

The Gathering Storm rebuilds Bruce Banner from scratch after his apparent death and surprise resurrection. Byrne wisely discards most of the baggage that had accumulated around the character, creating space for a more focused narrative.

The story explores Banner's desperate attempt to control the Hulk through various scientific means while dealing with the inevitable failure of that control and the increasingly destructive consequences that follow his futile efforts.

What makes this story special is how it handles the transformation itself. Rather than treating the Hulk as simply Banner's angry alter ego, Byrne presents him as something that is truly dangerous and quite unpredictable.

The military pursuit angle returns with General Ross leading the charge but it feels organic rather than repetitive. Betty Ross gets meaningful development beyond being the worried girlfriend and her relationship with Banner carries real weight.

The storyline introduces couple of new threats while keeping the focus squarely on character dynamics. Doc Samson returns as both ally and potential adversary, creating tension through his professional relationship with Banner.

The supporting cast feels essential rather than obligatory, each serving a specific purpose in Banner's journey. Every character contributes meaningfully to the story without feeling like unnecessary padding or filler material.

During his self-discovery tour, Hulk eventually clashes with The Avengers in brutal fashion, came across the Man-Thing, trades devastating blows with The Thing, and faces off against Wolverine in a fight that showcase his raw destructive power.

Byrne's approach to the Hulk's intelligence level strikes the right balance. The green goliath isn't a mindless beast but he's not a philosophical either. His speech patterns and decision-making reflect a creature operating on instinct and emotion rather than complex reasoning.

The unpredictability factor keeps readers on edge throughout every issue, each panel, never knowing when Banner might snap and go mad, transforming each peaceful moment into a ticking time bomb waiting to explode into chaos.

Ron Garney's pencil work captures the raw physicality that the character demands. His Hulk feels massive and threatening, with facial expressions that convey both rage and confusion. The transformation sequences pack visceral punch without relying on shock value. He knows when to pull back and let the emotion drive the scene.

Byrne's writing strips away decades of continuity bloat to focus on what actually matters for the character. His dialogue delivery feels natural and grounded, avoiding the overwrought internal monologues that have plagued earlier runs.

The pacing allows crucial moments to breathe while maintaining steady momentum throughout the entire collection. Most importantly, he makes Banner genuinely sympathetic without ever excusing the widespread destruction the Hulk causes.

The color work by Gregory Wright deserves recognition for creating atmosphere without overwhelming the line art. The palette shifts effectively between Banner's quiet moments and the Hulk's explosive appearances, using color as storytelling rather than mere decoration.

The Gathering Storm succeeds because it remembers that great Hulk stories are about internal conflict made external. Byrne and Garney created something that honors the character's legacy while feeling completely modern for its time.

This collection works both as an entry point for new readers and a return to form for longtime fans who wanted the character back on solid ground. The storytelling feels confident and purposeful, never wasting panels or pages on unnecessary complications.

It's a reminder that sometimes the best approach to revitalizing a character is stripping away everything that doesn't serve the core concept. For anyone looking to understand why the Hulk endures as a character, The Gathering Storm provides all the answers you need.

Hulk: The Gathering Storm refers to the early chapters of the 1999 Hulk re-launch— written by John Byrne with art by Ron Garney. It spans Incredible Hulk (1999) #1–11, presenting a fresh yet ominous tone for Bruce Banner's story.

Though not originally collected under this title, the full arc is available in Hulk by John Byrne and Ron Garney, a complete edition that compiles their entire run. You can read it via Marvel Unlimited or track down the trade through comic retailers and online stores.