Issue(s): Hulk #347
Cover Date: Sep 88
Title: "Crap shoot"
Credits:
Peter David - Writer
Jeff Purves - Penciler
Michael Gustovich & Valerie Gustovich - Inker
James DiGiovanna - Assistant Editor
Bobbie Chase - Editor

Review/plot:
I know you're not surprised since you've been reading along with me and already saw Hulk Smash Avengers #4, but the Hulk is a mob enforcer in Las Vegas...

...working for Michael Berengetti...

...owner of the Coliseum and the biggest mobster in Vegas.

Sorry, sir. Las Vegas.

In this issue, a rival mobster from Detroit, Anthony Gold, tries to make an example of Berengetti, but the Hulk takes care of Gold's goons for Berengetti. Berengetti is shown to be a good guy as far as mobsters go, at least to the point where he doesn't want Gold coming in because Gold deals in drugs, which Berengetti considers "filthy business".

Also in this issue we're introduced to to Marlo Chandler, who Berengetti's girlfriend Suzie sets up as a date for "Mr. Fixit".

She seems to have enjoyed her date.

We don't learn how we got to this new status quo in this issue, beyond the fact that the Hulk mentions a Gorsham and some other "little squirts".

Hulk has been Banner-free since his new set-up, but in this issue Banner starts trying to reassert himself. In recent issues the Hulk transformed back into Banner during the daytime. Now he's just weaker during the day and has to actively work to fight Banner back.

Peter David has a note in the lettercol asking us to stick with him and promising that all will be explained. To hook us, he promises a fight with the Thing for issue #350. And the next two issues won't be slouches either.

At the end of this issue, Anthony Gold calls in the Absorbing Man to help out against Berengetti's new enforcer, so that's our villain for next issue.

And then we'll have a Spider-Man crossover for issue #349. So i guess Marvel saw some risk with this new status quo and made sure to keep people hooked with classic Hulk villains and guest stars to give it a chance. Frankly, i didn't need any of that, because i found this new status for the Hulk to be really cool, and still do. And Peter David is an engaging writer that easily delivers on the promise of the new status quo. This issue is also the debut of Jeff Purves, who i've never loved but never hated either.

Quality Rating: B+

Historical Significance Rating: 5 - first (published) Joe Fixit persona for the Hulk. First Michael Berengetti and Marlo Chandler.

Chronological Placement Considerations: Next issue with the Absorbing Man takes place soon after the end of this one, so i'm placing it in a separate entry but keeping it close.

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: Hulk: Transformations TPB

I'll admit that I've never read any of the Hulk; Joe Fixit issues but my initial reaction is that it sounds like something a fan would come up with: "Wouldn't be cool if the Hulk worked for the mob and kicked ass!" I'll give it a try, though. I might enjoy it.

JSFAN - IMO this "smart Hulk" period was very enjoyable. It showed how he could be strong and cunning at the same time.

Every time under other writers, Bruce or the Hulk says "Vegas," I always mentally correct them to say "Las Vegas." No writer since PAD has shouted back to this and it's so easy. Even the Jeph Loeb Hulk issues had the grey Hulk in "Vegas." Blaggh.

I assume Marlo's name is an homage to the crime novelists Philip Marlowe and Raymond Chandler.

@Andrew- Or her name could be an homage to Marlo Thomas, star of the sitcom "That Girl", daughter of Danny Thomas, wife of Phil Donahue and spokesperson for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Of course, the real-life Marlo is a noted brunette.

@Andrew- And for the record, Philip Marlowe is the private investigator created by Raymond Chandler.

Of course, stupid me just recalled her last name was Chandler since I came directly from the Recent Comments while breezing past the Characters Appearing. Though the character early on does exhibit "That Girl"-like qualities.