By Marc Strom
Say what you will about the Hulk, but at least he doesn't eat people.
Unfortunately, you can't say the same of the Wendigo, the Canadian behemoth known for its cannibalistic tendencies. And in HULK #9, on sale December 24, the Jade Giant has to contend with not just one Wendigo, but an entire army's worth of the beasts in the heart of Las Vegas.
While the flesh-eating monster first appeared in INCREDIBLE HULK #162, the Wendigo hasn't gone up against the Hulk too often in recent years. But series writer Jeph Loeb says he had a very simple reason for bringing the two back together:
"The Wendigos are tough!" he proclaims. "You wanna go up against a big white-hair thing with claws and teeth [that] won't die? Be my guest!"
Loeb also finds a certain amount of similarity exists between the Hulk and his vicious opponent, considering both involuntarily transform into huge, powerful beings.
"And when you read [HULK #9] you'll see how close these two monsters can be!"
The Hulk won't fight this battle alone, however, as Moon Knight, the Sentry and Ms. Marvel all pitch in as well. And while those three may seem like a bit of a random pairing, Loeb reveals the underlying logic behind his choices of guest stars.
"Well, there was something about a dark detective, Earth's Mightiest Hero and one of the superest gals in the Marvel Universe that appealed to me," Loeb explains. "It's just a good blend."
Loeb says that Art Adams, the man responsible for bringing the upcoming Hulk/Wendigo slugfest to life, has a style that made him particularly suited for this story.
"He's capable of drawing anything," the writer praises. "Hot girls. Really hot girls. But monsters in particular he does spectacularly. Wait until you see—I'm not kidding—the Wendihulk!
Finally, Loeb wanted to remind fans that the Green Goliath isn't the only star of the next issue.
"HULK #9 is actually
two stories!" he boasts. "Check out the other half with
amazing Frank Cho artwork. And those Lady Liberators bring down the Red Hulk!
"Then, Ed McGuinness returns for a three-part arc, 'The Defenders vs. the Offenders!'"
HULK #9 tears up Sin City on December 24. For more Wendigo, take a trip to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.
Check out the official Marvel Shop for everything Hulk!
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