It’s the return of the classic rivalry of Hulk vs Thing in Immortal Hulk #41, written by Al Ewing, with pencils by Joe Bennett, inks by Ruy Jose and Belardino Brabo, and colors by Paul Mounts. So, strap in and get ready for...a pleasant conversation in a diner that’s still, somehow, one of the best comics of the year? Previously, Hulk’s longtime nemesis, the Leader, revealed he was behind much of the great green one’s recent woes and made his big move to bring ol’ Jade Jaws down, framing him for a massive gamma explosion. Then, to top it all off, he infiltrated Banner’s mind, apparently killing his biggest protector, the Devil Hulk, and pulled Bruce out of his own head. Now, Joe Fixit (also known as the savvy Gray Hulk) is in control of Banner’s body, while the Savage Hulk is left an emaciated shell of his former self. Perfect time for their old frenemy Ben Grimm to show up looking for some payback for the last time they fought, right?

Ewing continues to prove himself one of Marvel’s greatest current writing talents with this issue. Just when you think he’s going to zig, he zags, and this chapter of Hulk’s story is a perfect example of that. With a cliffhanger that left you thinking Hulk was about to get thrashed within an inch of his life by the Thing, it was easy to assume this issue would be nothing but a wall-to-wall slugfest. After all, that’s what Hulk and Grimm do best. While certainly delivering a bit of what you showed up for, Ewing then takes it in such a refreshing and unexpected direction that this issue could end up defining these two characters’ relationship for years.

While Hulk/Banner doesn’t come out of this book having changed much, the Thing comes away with a deeper understanding of Banner and his troubles after his talk with Joe. He’ll likely never look at Fixit or the Savage Hulk the same way again, and in that, Ewing has altered their relationship forever (if the next writer so chooses to pick up where he left off). After many confrontations over many years, it’s hard to bring something new to an interaction between these man-monsters, but Ewing pulls it off superbly.

Now, to talk about the unsung heroes of this issue. The art team of Bennett, Jose, Brabo, and Mounts have proven time and time again that they are masters of portraying the Hulk and his band of alter egos, bringing something new and horrific to the character while simultaneously excelling at a classic interpretation of him. As of this issue, you can add Ben Grimm to the list of characters they can flawlessly render. True, the Thing is one of the more challenging Marvel characters to draw, with his orange, rocky hide that resembles a jigsaw puzzle, but the best part about their interpretation of the character is his eyes. Long known for having blue eyes, they are rarely as prominent as they are portrayed in this issue. Bennett drew them small in Ben’s craggy head but extremely expressive. Add to that Mounts’ beautiful blue coloring, and you can’t help but see the gentle soul underneath Thing’s monstrous exterior.

Overall, this may not have been the story you showed up for, but you got something much better that should go down as a definitive moment for the Hulk and Thing moving forward. Immortal Hulk’s creative team continues to deliver one of Marvel’s best products month after month, and this month was no different.

Grade A+