Hulk #8

Previously, in Hulk #7 

When Oliver Constantin mutates into a giant green monster while broadcasting his live internet cooking show, most of the cyber world may be willing to blow it off as an internet hoax, but Jen Walters knows better — she’s kinda an authority on the subject. Except Oliver’s transformation has nothing to do with gamma rays, and everything to do with the street drug called “Monster Juice,” which was slipped into Oliver’s cake batter by two fame-hungry producers.

With the help of her assistant and fellow Oliver fan, Bradley, Jen investigates by going behind the scenes of the show. Hiding in shame in a motel room with his boyfriend Warren, Oliver also figures out who was behind his change and uses his new size and strength to intimidate the producers, Steve and Ray, into giving up the dealer’s location. Only Oliver isn’t looking for another fix; he’s looking for a cure.

Since drug dealers aren’t typically interested in providing a counteragent to their highs, things might get a lot more trashed before they get better. And while Oliver is going big and green, Jen goes big and grey to stop him from doing something he can’t take back.

This issue struck a great balance between drama and comedy. While the race to the truth playing out between Jen/Bradley and Oliver was truly exciting, it was also fun to see Bradley go full-on fanboy while investigating. Watching the whole thing play out over social media made for some vibrant and fun panels, too.

So far, this second arc has managed to be even more compelling than the first, while still exploring Jen’s journey through grief and how it affects the Hulk inside of her.