Over the last couple of years I’ve enjoyed the Marvel and DC animated line of films.  The high quality of these releases, along with a few well known sci-fi franchises, have extended content beyond movies and television.  They have also proven that direct-to-DVD in the U.S. market does not have to mean “crappy film”.  I look forward to each release though I was a bit apprehensive about Hulk Vs when it was announced. But having seen Marvel’s latest release I can say that it exceeded my expectations.

Hulk vs Wolverine
Disclaimer.  I’m a huge X-Men fan and have been since the early ‘90s.  Had I been into comics growing up, I’d probably have two more comic boxes in my closet filled with X-Men adventures.  I assumed that Hulk vs Wolverine would be a retelling of the classic ‘70s comic, but it isn’t.  The movie begins with Wolverine (Logan) awaking after being attacked by something or someone.  A nearby roar and appearance of a leaping green figure brings the situation clearly back to Logan.  “Oh, yeah.”   The green goliath lands in front of his much smaller adversary.  The battle continues.

In what feels like a pre-X-Men tale, Wolverine is brought to a small Canadian town by Department H to track down and stop the rampage of the Hulk.  During the hunt Wolverine confronts Bruce Banner.  When challenged, Banner’s alter-ego strikes back.  The battle is interrupted by Weapon X who is also interested in the Hulk.  Wolverine’s old comrades in the Weapon X include the Russian Omega Red, the vengeful Lady Deathstrike, the psychopathic, wise-ass Deadpool, and Logan’s arch nemesis Sabretooth.  We witness flashbacks of Wolverine’s past with Weapon X and discover what the underground organization wants to do with the Hulk.

My only minor complaint is that we don’t really learn anything about Banner or the Hulk in this film. The Hulk is the target and a force to overcome, but then so is Wolverine (for Weapon X).  Wolverine has the better backstory, more character interactions, and more screen time.  If anything, it’s a preview piece for the upcoming X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  It’s a minor complaint for me but an Incredible Hulk fan might have more of an issue with the setup of the film.  I loved Deadpool’s dark humor.  The first time I can remember that the character has been used on the small screen.  The action scenes and the animation quality are top-notch.  I would have enjoyed a few more minutes of content.

Hulk vs Thor

Disclaimer number two.  I don’t know much about Thor and his mythology.  My knowledge of the character comes from his guest appearances over the years in television shows like Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends and movies like The Ultimate Avengers.  Loki, Thor’s evil stepbrother, begins the film with a voice over which establishes the setting for a viewer like myself.  Odin, ruler of Asgard, slumbers for a period of time.  Asgard’s winter.  During which Asgard’s enemies attack his realm.  Thor and heroes of Asgard have defend Asgard successfully time and time again.  But Loki has bold plan. Loki transports Bruce Banner to his domain with the intent of harnessing the power of the Hulk to defeat Thor.  Along with Amora (the Enchantress), Loki is successful in separating Banner from the Hulk and then sending the creature out to attack Odin’s kingdom.  Initially mistaking the Hulk for one of Asgard’s villains, the Warriors Three (Volstagg, Fandral and Hogun) and Balder confront the creature only to fall to its might.  Thor enters the battle.  Having faced the Hulk before Thor tries to communicate with Banner.  When the Hulk responds with Loki’s voice, Thor knows that his stepbrother is up to his old tricks.

Unlike Hulk vs Wolverine Bruce Banner received a bit more screen time and had a pivot role in the film.  I knew a little bit about Loki and Thor.  The film introduced me to Thor’s supporting cast.  Hela, goddess of the dead.  Sif, Thor’s love interest.  Amora. Balder.  And the Warriors Three.  Lately, I’ve heard good things about writer J Michael Straczynski’s run on the Thor comics.  I’m intrigued enough after seeing this to check it out.  So I’d call Hulk vs Thor a success.  One of the DVD extras is a first look at the upcoming Thor: Tales of Asgard animated film.  A “when they were young” film featuring Thor and Loki.  Hopefully Marvel will continue its streak of high-quality animated features.

U.S. Distributor: Marvel Animation
Release: 2009
Rating: PG-13 (intense action, blood)
Length: 82 minutes = Hulk vs Wolverine (37min) + Hulk vs Thor (45min)
Genre: superheroes
Source: Marvel Comics
Official Site: Official Hulk Vs Site