What does The Pull have for us this week in comics? A highlight reel of rock solid comics, headlined by a solo joint from one of my faves from the world of comics.

Book of the Week: Immortal Hulk: Flatline #1

It’s been amazing to see how adroitly Marvel has deployed the Immortal Hulk “brand” in related tie-ins. Initially, I was dubious because Immortal Hulk and Al Ewing are inseparable ideas, so bringing in even tremendously gifted talents like Jeff Lemire and Mike Del Mundo to work within this current setup made me a bit nervous. So far, I’ve been terribly wrong, as every single issue that’s connected to Immortal Hulk – Ewing or no Ewing – has been aces.

Take Immortal Hulk: Flatline, a title that’s an all Declan Shalvey affair beyond letters by Cory Petit. I’ve looked through the issue – I haven’t read it yet, because I’m an antique who still prefers to read in print – and throughout, Shalvey absolutely slays. The only version I checked out was an unlettered one, and it was so impeccably told just through visuals that I didn’t even really need words. As is, it was a creepy, smart as heck and fun Hulk story that deals with Banner contending with other Gamma-influenced individuals, as we’ve seen elsewhere, and I’m going to have to assume words will not change that.

This is a book where you’ll want to drink in the details, as Shalvey doesn’t take any plays off in backgrounds and works glorious symmetry in different parts of the issue. This is going to be another gem, and an excellent showcase for how multi-faceted of a talent Shalvey is, from line art to writing and colors. Get ready because this is going to be a doozy.