Eisner-nominated comic book writer Philip Kennedy Johnson continues to redefine genre boundaries in superhero storytelling, infusing his work on major titles like The Incredible Hulk, Batman and Robin, Alien, and Superman: Book of El with deep emotional resonance. In a recent interview on Splash Pages, Johnson discussed his current projects, creative influences, and the personal stories that shape his unique approach to comic book writing.
Currently helming The Incredible Hulk for Marvel Comics, Johnson has transformed the title into a supernatural horror epic. With arcs like “The War Devil” and the emotionally charged standalone issue Hulk #27—inspired by real-life tragedy—he examines the duality of monsters and men. “You don’t have to be super-powered to be a monster,” Johnson shared, reinforcing the idea that horror in Hulk often reflects the very real darkness in humanity.
Fans are now anticipating Infernal Hulk, the next significant act in Johnson’s run. While he’s tight-lipped about plot specifics, he confirmed that Infernal Hulk is a story-driven transformation, with a design and tone rooted in horror. “This isn’t just another angry Hulk—it’s something ancient, terrifying, and purposeful,” Johnson teased, noting that the new Hulk speaks with economy and menace, heightening his dread factor.
On the DC front, Johnson’s run of Batman and Robin run is earning praise for its thoughtful character work and clever continuity nods. By weaving in classic stories like No Man’s Land and referencing Arkham City’s Wonder City, Johnson grounds his Gotham in layered history. The introduction of the villain Memento Mori—who speaks in rhyme—creates eerie symmetry with characters like Etrigan the Demon, further enhancing the book’s gothic tone.
Yet it’s Damian Wayne who truly shines. Johnson explores Damian’s identity as a Wayne, not just an al Ghul, depicting him as a creative soul who draws his own comics. “He’s trying to outrun his past, to be someone different. That’s very human,” Johnson explained. Drawing on his own family history—specifically his grandfather’s artistic lineage—Johnson uses Damian’s journey to explore the inherited legacy, both burdensome and beautiful.
Meanwhile, in Superman: Book of El, Johnson returns to the mythos he built in the acclaimed Warworld Saga. The book delves into Algren’s origins, the lineage of Krypton, and Superman’s evolving legacy in a galaxy still reeling from ancient cosmic conflict. “It’s the payoff to everything we built before,” Johnson said, excited about continuing to interconnect stories across titles, including threads from Green Lantern: War Journal.
With projects spanning genres, publishers, and characters, Philip Kennedy Johnson remains one of the most versatile voices in comics. Whether he’s crafting ghost stories in Hulk, heartfelt exchanges in Superman, or lyrical horror in Batman, he’s proving that the best superhero stories are also deeply human.