Retro Hulk Bust
Yes, I finally got it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to so early – I thought I would be waiting a year for the prices on these to drown – but I was able to talk an ebay seller, who was selling the busts he had at an already ridiculously low price, down another $10 to a price I was happy to pay. It’s not that this is a bad piece at all – but it is not, IMO, worth the retail price of $95.
The Full Pic
The Positive: The sculpt is classic. I am not sure how many times Bowen can sculpt Hulk and come out with something amazing – but I have a feeling this is not the last time we will see it! The ripped shirt adds on a bit of substance to the top – which is WAY better than Red’s bust – but in comparison to the original Hulk bust – this one tops it. While the original is still exciting because it is the piece that started it all, every piece since has been somewhat better – from intricate bases to larger pieces to adding arms and almost the full torso – the original piece looks archaic. But it seems like, with this new release, we’re going backward – which brings us to:
Pssst... Hulk... behind you
The Negative: I think these were experiments – something Bowen was trying to see might catch on. Consider this experiment failed because I don’t think these pieces have moved very well at all. My LCS is still holding on to both pieces with no end in sight. The problem? Well, like I stated before, it’s not the sculpt. The issue is the base. The fact that it is at least 80% of the whole piece makes this look like a chess piece rather than a bust. The more unfortunate thing is that the base is nothing to scream at. It’s a very plain, very ordinary base. But overall, the busts are somewhat unique – if not for the price – I think these would have sold very well!
What the heck are you looking at?
The Conclusion: If you can get this bust for a really great price – then do it – I don’t see this piece ever really catching on but it’s a really great sculpt. But whatever you do – DON’T pay retail on this – it’s just not worth the price. Check ebay – some sellers are giving decent deals already. Grade: C+
Yikes! Hulk - that's some serious plaque build up!
P.S. – As you noticed, I did not post yesterday – I was still mourning the Pats loss in the SB – and this may the only post this week – sorry – but I am getting a very big delivery for the Hulk room (not Hulk related) and yes, I will post pics when the dust settles. If I can find time to post, I will, but if not – no fear - I will be back next week!
#605 in the house!
One more shot – a comparison!
It's bigger than the 2008 Hulk - that's for sure - but is it better?
Hey Ratch- I REALLY DO NOT LIKE THIS PIECE!!!and you said exactly what I thought that it looks like a chess piece(so does RED-ROSS HULK) Bowen usually incorporates the base into something that reflects back to the personality of the bust-but not this time-just looks like a cheap easy way out.But the worst part of this bust is HULK’S underbite-his teeth are HUGE-they don’t fit in his mouth-I had this piece displayed for about a week then boxed it up-it annoyed me.Sorry about the PATs but being from NJ-you know who I was for- and speaking of the SB-what did you think about the AVENGERS commercial?-I thought that the HULK looked GREAT-the look was good,size looked right and the color green looked perfect – Bana’s HULK was to “neon-green” and Norton’s HULK was to “greyish-green” ,Ruffalo’s looks just right-I know I sound lie Goldie-Locks and the three bears,any way take care-Mike
Gooooooooo Giants! Tom’s wife-they can’t catch and my husband can’t throw and catch…lol. Seriously I will not be picking this up, it’s too much money for such a piece. The Avengers Hulk was spot on for me and I can’t wait for May 4.
I think Im kinda done with this current Hulk storyline. Im not sure which is worse the art or the story…
agree with you a 100%-HORRIBLE art and an AWFUL storyline to go with it!
Story blows ! Roll on Avengers vs xmen! It may be red hulk , but im psyched for red taking on the new avatar of cyttorak collossus
Well Hulk is supposed to be in the event also. I knew Aaron would screw this up. I mean I stuck through Jones and Loebs run but this is just abysmal straight from the word go.
Good for your collection tho. just want to say that I hope Banner kicks Hulk and Doom’s asses!
Banner is acting like The Nutty Professor on crack!