Weapon H #1

By Greg Pak, Cory Smith, Morry Hollowell, Marcus To

Marvel went through a phase where they were creating a bunch of new and different characters. Some stuck around and others simply didn’t. One of the newer characters that created some buzz was Weapon H, a mix between the Hulk and Wolverine’s DNA. Having been introduced in the “Weapons of Mutant Destruction” crossover between Totally Awesome Hulk and Weapon X, the character has now spun out into his own series. Weapon H #1 is out and looking to shed some light on who Clay really is as a person.



First issues with new characters can be a bit tricky. You have to hook your audience right away and make sure that you maintain a quality story. Luckily, Greg Pak is no amateur storyteller. One of the most important things he needs to do in this series is separate Weapon H from both Wolverine and the Hulk. This issue gives us a good internal monologue for Clay as he tries to keep his emotions in check. Pak shows us a Clay who is clinging to control, the phrase “head down and empty your mind” is repeated throughout the issue and it works well. It’s not something you would see Logan do, but Bruce Banner has certainly been in this boat before. Pak demonstrates Clay trying to do the right thing, as he gives food to some stranded workers and then disappears; this is a Logan trait. It seems that what Pak is doing with the character is making him kind of a hybrid personality-wise of both characters, and it actually comes off pretty well. Clay is likable, and you can hardly get angry with him for doing the things he does this issue. The end of the book also ends in homage of sorts to both Wolverine and Hulk and is pretty exciting. There is a backup story by Marcus To that fleshes out Clay’s home life. This adds a nother layer to the mystery of who Clay is and where he came from. Pak and To did a very good job of making this an enjoyable first issue.

The pencils are handled by Cory Smith with colors by Morry Hollowell. Cory Smith’s pencils work this issue. His action sequences, like in the beginning of the issue where someone gets their fingers cut off, look great. There are some pretty graphic moments in this issue, which is how it should be since this is a character who can’t control himself just yet. Panels of people or deer getting slashed are done tastefully and not over the top. Smith’s pencils are helped out by the wonderful colors of Morry Hollowell. Hollowell is beginning to become one of the best colorists in comics. As Clay gets prepared to turn to Weapon H, the red in his eyes draws you in because of how well it’s done. The blood, and there is a lot of it, looks great on the page. The snow doesn’t interfere with the surprise character that shows up at the end of the issue, they’re both different shades of white. The art is a big boost to this issue and helps it become an even better read.

For those consumers who scoff at Weapon H as just another knock-off should read the first issue. Greg Pak has turned in a good script and is helped by wonderful art. Weapon H will exceed your expectations!