An Analysis of Mark Millar’s Comic Book Writing: A Critical Perspective

As a dedicated reader of comic books, I often find myself enjoying the complexities and depth that certain writers bring to the genre. However, one writer has consistently caused me distress, and that is Mark Millar. While I have enjoyed some of his stories, there are several aspects of his writing that I find problematic. This article delves into the issues surrounding Mark Millar's comic book writing, providing a critical perspective from a fellow reader.

Hate for the Hulk

Mark Millar is known for a controversial and polarizing portrayal of the Hulk in his Ultimate Hulk series. One of the main criticisms is the oversexualization of the character, which departs from the core narrative and symbolism of the Hulk. I can't stress enough how disconcerting it is to see such a significant shift in the character's traits. The Hulk traditionally stands as a powerful symbol of humanity's uncontrolled rage and the potential for destructive behavior. However, in Millar’s depiction, he transforms the Hulk into a mindless sex addict, which is not only misguided but also disrespectful to the character’s original vision.

Hate for the Hulk

To understand why this is such an issue, let's delve into the reasons behind this transformation. In Mark Millar's Ultimate Hulk, the character is portrayed as a creature driven solely by lust and sexual desire, with no regard for the safety or tact of such behavior. This depiction goes against the original conception of the Hulk as a representation of uncontrolled anger and the human condition.

For instance, in the Ultimate Comic series, Ultimate Thor physically assaults the Hulk, and his response is an uncharacteristic and unconvincing level of sexual interest. Furthermore, the Hulk’s interactions with women often include a level of violence that seems out of place and disturbing. The absurdity of having a character as large and powerful as the Hulk lusting after women who would be squashed under his feet is not only inconceivable but also nonsensical.

Mark Millar’s portrayal of the Hulk in Old Man Logan also deserves mention. In this alternate timeline, the Hulk is depicted as a mindless cannibal who indiscriminately eats anyone in his path. This further deviates from any form of character consistency and respect for the character's original arc. The transformation of someone who represents a primal rage into a debased and gratuitous sexual entity is deeply troubling.

While there are valid arguments that even the Hulk has the right to his sexual desires, the overemphasis on this aspect greatly detracts from his core identity. Mark Millar’s approach leaves readers questioning the intentions behind such a mistranslation and whether his true aim is to subvert or misrepresent the character.

Drab and Uninteresting Comics

Another aspect of Mark Millar’s writing that frustrates me is the perceived lack of excitement and intrigue in his narratives. Take Moon Knight for example. While there are some quality issues, such as Moon Knight gaining and losing powers, the overall narrative can be quite drab and unengaging. This is especially apparent in his earlier run where the storyline focuses excessively on a repetitive power cycle and character development that feels forced and disjointed.

For instance, the 2011 Moon Knight series features a protagonist using Ultron technology, complete with voices that resemble Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine. The integration of multiple personalities in the mind of Moon Knight, while conceptually intriguing, often feels like a strained effort to add complexity. The portrayal of Moon Knight as a character who is vaguely annoyed with his heroic persona further diminishes the tension and coherence of the story.

Moreover, the abrupt shifts in narrative, such as Moon Knight losing his powers to Khonsu, often don't follow a logical progression. These changes are hastily introduced without a gradual build-up, resulting in a disjointed and unsatisfying reading experience. The over-reliance on exposition and dialogue, rather than action and storytelling, also contributes to the boredom factor, making it easier to abandon the series.

Too Edgy and Violent

Another significant issue with Mark Millar’s writing is the sheer edginess and violence in his comics. His works often delve into graphic and visceral violence that can be overwhelming, even for seasoned readers. Take Ultimate Captain America for instance, where the depiction of violence is so graphic that it becomes almost sickening. The excessive use of violence not only desensitizes readers but also diminishes the impact of the narrative.

For example, theIcons comic series, while more mature, still doesn't shy away from graphic violence. The overuse of graphic violence in stories like Ultimate Captain America is a testament to how Millar often prioritizes shocking readers over compelling storytelling. The racism depicted in Ultimate Captain America towards French characters is not only cruel but also a form of gratuitous shock value that does little to enhance the narrative.

In contrast, Earth 616, the standard Marvel Comics universe, has a more balanced approach to violence. In the Ultimate Spider-Man run by Brian Michael Bendis, the violence is still present but is more controlled and consistent, especially with characters like Captain America who have a strong moral code. The inconsistency in Mark Millar’s approach to violence, such as in Ultimate Captain America, leaves readers questioning the narrative’s direction and consistency.

While some readers may find this level of violence intriguing, I contend that it detracts from the core values of the superhero genre, which often rely on a balance of action and character development. Over-relying on excessive violence can lead to a lack of emotional engagement and a sense of detachment from the characters themselves.

Conclusion

While I recognize that Mark Millar has produced some memorable and well-received works, his insistence on certain aspects of storytelling and character development remains a cause for concern. The oversexualization of the Hulk, the drab and unengaging nature of some of his narratives, and the excessive violence in his works are all significant issues that impact the overall reading experience. Whether this stems from a personal vendetta against the Hulk or a deliberate artistic choice, the result is a series of works that feel inconsistent and at times, disrespectful to the source material.

While I don’t want to cause a feud with fellow readers or writers, I hope this analysis sheds light on why certain aspects of Mark Millar’s writing are problematic. It is essential for enthusiasts of the genre to critically evaluate these elements to ensure that the rich tapestry of comic book narratives remains robust and respectful.