Hulk: The End is a depressing conceit.

The inaugural book of Marvel's The End series of "What If" tales, the book ponders a potential demise for its characters; in this case, it's the Hulk and his puny alter-ego, Bruce Banner, on the block. Peter David, who I know best as a witty writer, gets gloomy in this story which is set in the wake of a nuclear disaster.

The human survivors of the war quicky dwindled and died. Soon, the only sentient creature walking the Earth is the Hulk, along with his aging but long-lived counterpart. Banner, it seems, has gained longevity as a trade-off for perpetually turning green and buff. Alone and despairing, he can't even kill himself -- inevitably, the increased heart rate that accompanies a suicide attempt summons the Hulk, who doesn't want to die.

Meanwhile, the Earth's only thriving population, cockroaches, are evolving to better feed off one of their best remaining food sources. The Hulk, after all, heals quickly.

Hulk: The End isn't a fun story, nor is there much action (outside of insect frenzies). It's recommended mostly for those who like a good, hard bout of depression or who like to see their comic-book heroes brought low.

- Rambles
written by Tom Knapp
published 26 April 2003