February 10, 2010
Son of Hulk #1
Alright, I read this almost a week ago so… if it’s missing something please let me know. Now, last time we saw Hiro, Galactus had delivered a smack-down and left his right side a little… crispy. Hiro was on his way to see his brother – and on the way he is”beamed” onto Jarrella’s dying world where the people are still honoring the Hulk. The pray to him, hoping for his return to save their world. But the Psyclops have another idea – and that is to destroy the remaining people there – ingesting their souls.
Hiro breaks free from inside of the Hulk statue and, using the Old Power, he begins to destroy the Psyclops. By the way – I’m not so sure I’m a fan of the new look that the Psyclops have. No legs or feet – they seems to fly through the air – I much prefer the skinny arms and legs. A probe from the HMS Endeavour has seen the Psyclops invasion – and when reported to Princess Marionette she frantically tells her Commander – who could care less.
The Psyclops continue their raid and try to get into Hiro’s head – which is a mistake – because Hiro releases his rage and not only destroys the Psyclops themselves but the mother ship as well. Hiro’s can feel that he is on the world that his Brother inhabits – but he also knows that the world he is on is microscopic in turn… this miniseries seems really interesting – I enjoyed the first issue and will be waiting for the next issue to see where it leads. Grade B+
Son of Hulk #1 Variant
February 9, 2010
2010 Hulk Transformer
A whole new set of Marvel Transformers have been hitting the shelves recently. I found this at my local Target about 2 weeks ago – haven’t gotten around to posting it – sorry. This time the Hulk transforms into a Bulldozer – which is much better then transforming into a tank. The only real downside to this series is the price point. I mean, $17 for a toy is too much – which is why I have never bought a double to open up. But keep an eye out for a Grey variant – I haven’t heard anything yet – but if I had to put money on it…
I will put up my review of the Skaar one shot tomorrow – so make sure you come back and visit!
February 5, 2010
Hulk Hostess Mini Comic
3 out of the 4 comics!
A bit ago someone, I believe it was 465, asked me if I had the Hulk Mini-Comic from Hostess – and I didn’t think I did. I should have known better than that! I went back and checked out my collection – turns out I have all but ONE of them! There were four in the series – and I’m missing issue #4.
Fox and Friends Hulk vs Abomination!
I do have a few others including the Fox Kids Video mini-comic with Hulk vs the Abomination released in 1997. Also, there is one with Hulk vs the Leader that was released by Bubble Yum in 1981. Each of these have new – stand alone stories – that are quite enjoyable. I wish I had the final Hostess comic – not only to have it but to know how the story ends… if someone knows maybe you can shed some light on it…
Bubble Yum Hulk vs Leader mini comic
February 4, 2010
Planet Hulk on Blu-Ray
Well, we all know the story – which has been brought to the, well… little screen. This is a new Hulk classic – a tale that will be remembered and talked about in the same breath as the origin, Mr. Fixit and the Merged Hulk – as well as Jarella’s World and Future Imperfect. They did change a few things from the original epic – I mean, they had to… one of the biggest omissions from the story is the Silver Savage. Replaced by a worthy Beta Ray Bill – although, it would have been much nicer to see the Surfer – BRB and the Hulk’s brawl was both brutal and bad ass! BRB was left practically broken in the end. But instead he used his power to free the rest of the slaves.
Hulk and Caiera’s fight was also one of the best parts of the movie – the first big blow from Caiera knocks off all of the Hulk’s armor. Some of the most important parts of the storyline are still there – the initial gladiator scenes, the spikes, and Caiera’s realization of the Red King’s betrayal… all in all this is a movie for the ages!
They also change the Red Kings death – although – the movie’s was way better! One of the biggest changes, which I thinks works better for the movie, is that they end things on a happy moment – the moment before one of the saddest of Hulk’s history. The moment before he went back to Earth and Loeb took over the writing. 
– Sorry, couldn’t resist! Anyways, like I was saying, they end Planet Hulk on a happy note. This leaves thing open to make a sequel – and hopefully this is popular enough to make one… which would be WWH!
The New Hulk vs. Slipcover
Also, they released the Hulk vs. movies with a new slip cover – which I was able to pick up without having to buy the whole movie again – but it’s pretty sweet!
February 3, 2010
The amazing work of Tom Smith!
I’m pretty confident that IF the owner of this classic cover ever decided to sell it – it would cost more than I can spend in a single decade – so I did the best next thing. I found an artist that does amazing cover re-creations. His work is fantastic – and was gracious enough to give me discounted price for my first piece from him. When I opened the envelope I was stunned at the awesomeness of what I saw. Tom Smith is an amazing artist that everyone should check out – here is his website:
He can do any cover – it will looks as stunning as this one does. I asked Tom about his process – and he said this:
“Hi Ryan, So glad you like it!!! I basically do what an inker does… I take the reference I have of the original art through a process so when I am done I have what is similar to the pencil art and then I ink it on a light table just like an inker would. I have always had extremely good control of my pens and brushes which is the key to getting the nice line quality you see, I learned that control as an animator over 20 years. I also draw the title logo and whatever I can but I want to make sure that the word balloons look like the comic so I usually print them out on the same bristol board that I draw on so I can get it as close as possible to the original. Most companies just use a Xerox of the title Logo and paste on paper stats for the word balloons but I take the time to do the title logo by hand. Word Balloons are tricky and if you aren’t a pro letterer it looks cheap and ruins the recreation in my opinion. I see many people doing recreations but they try to draw even the comic code and that is NEVER drawn by hand so I don’t think it should be on a recreation either 
If there is anything else you would like don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks, Tom”
Thought it was interesting enough to share. I love this huge piece – glad I got it – I’m not sure I would pick up another one… and if I did which cover to pick… but I am glad I got this. I will be back tomorrow with my review of the Planet Hulk DVD!
Aquon... such an under used character
February 2, 2010
Tower Exclusive... transforming bust
Yes, I know – there was no post yesterday. I have been busy putting the Hulk room back in order. After about 4 months the construction is almost finished which means I can put the room back to it’s Hulky glorious ways! Pictures will follow shortly… But, a while back I showed you the Koto bust, telling you that I was able to snag TWO busts for an amazing deal. This was the other bust – a bust that I swore I would never own… mainly because of just how ugly it is! But I am happy to say, I picked this up for a basic steal! But I am happy to have picked this up – I can’t say it’s a favorite – but it’s the only bust of it’s kind as it’s the only bust I know of showing the Hulk in mid-transformation.
I can’t imagine the kind of stretch marks Banner must have… you know, from transforming back and forth all these years – not to mention how loose the skin must be – like a fat guy who loses 300 pounds in a month. Ugh… that’s so gross…
Stretch to the right! Your other right...
Anyways, the bust was a Tower Records exclusive – but maybe it was decisions like this that inevitably made them go out of business. I mean, they really didn’t think this would sell, did they? The other problem is that they made a TON of them. I mean, the days of 5,000 releases are over – and thank goodness! That’s hardly limited, considering the amount of people who collect comic related merchandise.
But here it is – the other bust I had to show off – I know, it’s not that impressive – mainly because it’s so ugly – but it’s still a piece of the collection. So enjoy! I wonder – how many other Hulk fanatics out there bought this bust? What are your thoughts on it?
Don't turn your back on me!
January 29, 2010
Red Hulk #1
What can I say but WOW! Parker is re-writing some Marvel history – but in a good way. It’s amazing that everyone writing this storyline can do a fantastic job – except the person who started it… No, no – I will not turn this into a Loeb bashing post… like most of my Hulk posts are today – I will instead focus on the book I am reviewing. So, the Red Hulk enters an A.I.M. base – where he encounters A-Bomb who has been trailing him on Bruce’s behalf. While in the base, and while searching for a doomsday device, they encounter the M.O.D.O.C.K. cloning room. They dissect the clones and harvest the parts in case M.O.D.O.C.K. needs them. Pretty gross and, I might add, awesome!
Look at the big brain on Brad!
The find the Doomsday device – which happens to be the Hulk Robot. As they learn about the history we also learn that it was the Mad Thinker who actually created the robot – not the students who claimed they did in the Eternals. What a great addition to the history of this thing! But in trying to destroy the robot – the Red Hulk actually activates the thing! It begins to repeat the incantations that Doom was saying in #606 – and even repeats what A-Bomb and Red Hulk are saying to it then – as well as soaking up cosmic energy from the Red Hulk. It takes on both of the power houses and tosses them around like rag dolls.
Hulk Robot... all cosmic!
The Leader and M.O.D.O.C.K. appear on the screen to tell the Red Hulk that this has been a set-up the whole time. The base blows up – and A-Bomb and Red Hulk head back to see Banner. Banner, who, for the first time, actually seems surprised at the events going on – and isn’t aware of it. It’s a less “in control” Banner than we have seen in the pages of TIH – I’m not sure how to feel about that exactly, but it works for the issue.
The Hulk robot takes on the A-Bomb and the Crimson Idiot!
As Banner investigates the disc that holds the history of the Hulk robot – a new, awesome, piece of information is dropped – namely that the actual creator of the robot is none other than GALACTUS! Big G used to use an automated program to get planets ready for consumption – but then later turned to creating heralds.
Galactus! Bad ASS!
Banner is worried about the amount of power that they have on their side. He is worries they don’t have enough… and that’s when the Red Hulk drops the bomb about Banner having a daughter – namely… Lyra!
Banner finds out he is a father... for a second time!
So, this issue was full of wonderful surprises! Like I said, Banner wasn’t acting like he has been in recent issues – but the fact that the Hulk robot was created by Galactus? I almost crapped myself! Now, Lyra, as we know, is working with the Leader and M.O.D.O.C.K. – so the Red Hulk actually telling Banner about her and advising that they use her – that could be some sort of trap. Because while the Red Hulk is against the Leader and M.O.D.O.C.K. – I don’t think he;s totally trustworthy not to screw Banner over later. Grade: B
January 28, 2010
Logan and Hawkeye Minimates
I know this really isn’t Hulk – but it’s related indirectly – so… anyways, TRU has the exclusives to the minimates – and yes to all who have told me about the Planet Hulk Minimates coming out – I have seen it and think it looks cool! Man, I have been so busy lately – but have a lot of pretty grand things to show you guys… I just have to find the time to take pictures and post them! Anyways, this storyline was one of the best to come out of Marvel in a long time – yes, there are issues you can take with the details, such as the Hulk having an entire inbred family – and the Hulk eating Logan at the end – even though he has an adamantium skeleton… but all in all – it was bloody, graphic and awesome!
Logan
Hawkeye
January 26, 2010
Battle Action Hulk
On an impulse stop at Comically Speaking I saw this huge mother on the shelf. The sculpt of this figure is pretty great – and the best part – it’s not just “battle action!” There is Punching Action, Kicking Action AND Smashing Action! You take the joy stick provided and press the trigger to make the Hulk do any of the motions displayed on the front. I like how the joy stick has a little Hulk face on it.
Angry Joy Stick!
But surely the best part is the size of this figure. The large Hulk figures we got for the 2008 were a little less than lack luster. I was not only disapointed by the sculpt – but the paint job and coloring – this figure is way better – it doesn’t have the neon green and lazy eye issues the 2008 does. I even like the “screaming” open mouth expression. Top-notch character all the way!
Hulk Figure Up Close
January 25, 2010
Avengers/Atlas variant cover
The Avengers / Atlas comic this past week had a variant cover this week featuring our ever loving Jade friend! The strange part being, he doesn’t actually appear in the issue. But if you are a sucker completist like myself – then make sure you pick this one up!
January 25, 2010
The Incredible Hulk #606
You’re supposed to read this issue first – now, at the end of 605 Skaar is considered a hero – and here they throw him a parade. But Banner sees Betty in the crowd. He jumps off the float – but is unable to find her. Reed is worried that it was some sort of trick – but Bruce knows it was her – it wasn’t a LMD or anything. Bruce teleports to New Mexico to see the Red Hulk. The Red Hulk asks why Bruce isn’t in Latervia – Bruce asks why he isn’t in NY. Then Bruce shoots the Red Hulk in the face with an Old Power Taser. He tells him that he saw Betty – and the Red Hulk tells him to stay focused. They have a few more words – a pretty great conversation – the Red Hulk actually seems smart and menacing – not like in the Loeb book where he just seems one-dimensional and stupid.
Bruce sees Betty... is that a banana in his pocket?
So – the Hulk heads to Latervia and on the next page we see the Green Hulk break through the castle wall, attacking Doom. They battle for a few pages – but Doom comes out victorious – and I don’t know about you – but I knew it was the Hulk robot even before I read the issue – but still – Skaar does not. So, as Doom is about to lay a final blow Skaar comes out swinging. Doom and Skaar battle – but Doom throws Skaar’s sword at the Hulk and stops it inches away from his head. Skaar turns his attention from Doom and Doom attacks. Using magic he beats on Skaar and reveals that the Hulk is actually a robot. Skaar reverts back into a child – and Doom is about to kill him when Bruce comes to the rescue.
Hulk Robot takes on Doom
Bruce surrounds everyone in a Gamma Bubble – making it impossible for Doom to use his machines – which Doom scoffs at because he still has his spells – unless of course he can’t remember them – which he can’t – because the robot Hulk, in which Doom absorbed the cosmic power from – also had a some poison – put there by the Leader – who sent the robot to take out one of the 8 smartest people… Doom being… I don’t know… #7?
Doom threatens to kill the Hulk
The robot Hulk comes back to life to take Doom away. Bruce tries to reach out to child Skaar – but Skaar is still angry. Angry at Bruce – basically for loving Betty so much that he doesn’t care about anyone else. Big Skaar comes back and Bruce tells him they need to go save the Avengers.
Doom - realizing he's the bitch in a Banner/Leader sandwich...
I love that Pak came back – I love his writing – I love his character development – I would have his child if he asked… but thanks for the great issue – I love when Doom’s ego gets bruised – and here it gets severed! Grade: B+
Another Hulk "killed" by a Red Hulk
There is also a back up story about the Red She Hulk – she fights the actual She Hulk – and the ending has Jen dying – pretty shocking! Check it out!
Variant Covers for Hulk #19 and TIH #606
January 25, 2010
Hulk #19
Here we go – the first issue of the new year! I hate to say it – I wasn’t overly excited about either issue… this or TIH #606. But here we go – buckle up! First off, you should read TIH #606 before delving into this issue. I’m still not sure why – but that’s what I was told. Anyways, we are faced with the FF – and one by one they are attacked by a the Wizard, Lyra, Klaw and the Trapster. Wizard gets busy opening the portal to the negative zone – which is bad… REAL bad – like the shutting down of the containment unit in Ghost Busters bad. But the plan set into action is a simple one – take out the 8 smartest men – Reed Richards being #1. Of course – if that was so easy – wouldn’t it have happened long ago? Oh wait, my bad – I was looking for competence in Loeb’s writing… but he is beyond that…
The Thing gets a surprise helper...
I wonder if the Red Hulk's hands are sweaty...
Thing is about to get sucked into the negative zone when the Red Hulk – who is helping people now – saves him. Samson, looking on from their base, starts to have a tantrum and says he will kill the Red Hulk himself – but Red She Hulk slaps him around until M.O.D.O.C.K. gives her a bigger spanking. Anyways, back to the Thing – he tells the Red Hulk he couldn’t wait to fight him since he’s heard of him, to, you know, give him some real competition. And he actually has a bit of a chance since Loeb’s new-power-of-the-week absorbing power of the Red Hulk’s soaks in the energy of the negative zone and it weakens him. But the Red Hulk convinces the Thing that he is there to help – and he does – by closing the negative zone with the Thing.
The Thing taking on the Red Hulk... and actually doing a pretty good job...
So the Frightful Four kidnap Reed. The Red Hulk threatens Banner – because he says Banner knew the negative Zone energy would weaken him – Banner says that he won’t do anything because stopping the Intelligencia hinges on him. The Red Hulk admits – in narration – that he’s not trying to stop the plan – that he wants it to succeed.
The Red Hulk... being cryptic.
After reading this issue I have a feeling I know why Loeb was fired from Heroes. Because has no ability to make a mystery exciting, suspenseful – or fun. Even if he pulls off a great ending, the point is – the ride was bad. If he never writes the Hulk again it will be too soon. He can’t leave fast enough. And – please, someone fire his daughter from writing those horrid cartoons at the end. They aren’t funny – they make no sense - they aren’t cute – and most of the time they make me want to punch a puppy.
Variant Covers for Hulk #19 and TIH #606
Wow – I need to calm down. This issue was… interesting enough – but I still wouldn’t call it any good. 4 of Loeb’s issues are like one issue of another comic. Grade: C+
