Ok, Truebelievers, popquiz! What’s better (bigger anyway) than Deadpool? Hulkpool! What’s better than Hulkpool? Pirate Hulkpool!

No, Seriously. Pirate Hulkpool, crusin’ through the seven seas (and Time) with Pirate Ben Grimm.

I cited the Dead/Hulkpool section of the underwhelming War of the Hulks #1 as it’s most worthwhile portion with the caveat that it’s quality was probably due to the fact that it was going somewhere. Hulkout #1 has vindicated my prediction with a irreverent and fresh bit of Deadpool doing what he does best, parodying the Marvel Universe.

Hulkpool, inherently makes fun of everyone’s favorite emerald colossus, the Hulk, but writer, Jeff Parker has managed to mock decades of Hulk angst in just a few panels. Immediately upon Hulkification, Hulkpool declares his one great hate is Deadpool, and immediately sets off to kill him.

This Banner/Hulk self loathing model is immediately taken to the next level as Hulkpool quests to go back in time and hunt down his scrawnier and more leathal self. When former sidekick, and time travel assistant Bob, attempts to broach the inconsitancies in this plan Hulkpool replies “This best plan ever!”.

Considering how fun the mishaps it leads to is, it’s hard to disagree with him.

Even as the comedy runs thick there is a hint of deeper character to Hulkpools aggression against Deadpool. A few lines and the occasional revealing character moment gives the story depth. This is a perfect example of a great Deadpool comic.

Make no mistake this is a Deadpool comic. Seemingly the title written above any Hulk comic is becoming less and less meaningful.

Humberto Ramos’ art is spot on here. It’s expressive, funny, fun and all around jovial. Perfect for this sort of action packed tongue in cheek-but not, romp. Considering also that this comic has a cast that was never meant to be together much less engage in the shenanigans contained therein, the art is total win.

This issue made wading through War of the Hulks #1 worthwhile. If you want to see Hulkpool’s origin, be sure to go back for it.

The only flaw here is that it’s only one issue, Hulkpool and the Thing ruling the 16th century high seas should have been it’s own mini-series.

COVER BY: Humberto Ramos
WRITER: Jeff Parker
PENCILS: Humberto Ramos
PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics
COVER PRICE: $3.99
ON SALE: 04/14/10