Avengers Origins: Hulk Review

Avengers Origins: Hulk is a new universal interactive storybook apple ication that introduces the classic Marvel character, the Hulk, to children. I really enjoy this re-telling of such a classic story, narrated by Stan Lee who does an outstanding job as one would expect.

I enjoy how this story unfolds, especially for children who may be new to this character as this app opens up with a thoughtful introduction, walking readers through Bruce Banner's difficult childhood, becoming a scientist and the details of the faithful day that Banner becomes mistakenly affected by gamma radiation, developing the uncontrollable ability to turn into the Hulk when he is angered.

The look of this app is great as well, with attractive artwork, animated elements and page turning that includes many more cinematic ways of progressing through the story and keeping readers engaged than a simple turn of a static page, as do the interactive elements found within. Hidden Hulk fists are also to be collected when found within the pages of this story. The included music is also excellent, going a long way in terms of creating moments of drama and suspense.

It does surprise me, however, that Betty Ross, a love interest of Bruce Banner, is not included within this story and I was not hugely fond of Hulk being an intelligent being who tries to avoid injuring others and becoming a hero to the soldiers whom he was clashing with. To me, the Hulk has always been more of a Frankenstein monster not looking to harm anyone, yet still greatly misunderstood.

Even with these notes, this app is great fun, and my husband and I have enjoyed watching this story unfold with our son.

It is also nice that a “young reader's” mode is also included, adding arrows at the outer top corners of these pages to move forward and back through these pages - helpful for some as without this specific mode, a tap anywhere on the page will turn the page, allowing random taps to accidentally turn the pages prematurely before the narration is complete.

The narration by Stan Lee is no less than perfect, but it can be turned off if one prefers to read this story to one's children. Auto play is also available which will forward this story automatically, turning off the interactions in the progress.

I have also had the chance to check out a new magazine readers may be interested in called “Marvel Super Heroes” which not only includes comics to read but also includes a full color pull-out poster, word puzzle, maze and other entertaining content, my personal favorite being the superhero bios that go a long way in introducing these characters to children.

Subscriptions to this magazine are available and can also be purchased at retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kroger stores and Barnes and Noble. The target age of this magazine is for eight to ten, but I think younger children will also enjoy this periodical as well.

The only thing I wish were different about this fun magazine is for the poster to be a pull-out from the center page, not the cover, as removing the cover makes this magazine inherently less likely to be saved from one month to the next and beyond. Other than that, it is a lot of fun.