The new “event” Marvel is cooking up – because as far as I can tell “Fear Itself” isn’t really doing much to rally the fans – is as mysterious as why Marvel keeps doing events that no one gives a crap about in the first place. But here it shows that the Hulk will be part of it – whatever it is – anyone have a guess?
By the way – reviews for issues are almost complete.
Gentle Giant is releasing a great pair of bookends – Hulk and Thing – here is the Hulk – coming in February – and it’s a must buy for me!
The Good: Well, all I can really say, and thankfully a point that was brought to my attention before – this is truly the first set we have of the original Avengers line up! Even the 1999 set included Giant Man – who was not in the first issue. It was Ant Man and Wasp. I do find it funny though those figures are almost as big as the larger figures in this set! But really – I can’t say enough nice things about this set! I don’t have an open package yet, so I can’t tell you about the figures feel and such – but the boxed set is a beauty! The Box art is even fantastic! The Hulk sculpt is classic Kirby Hulk with the squared off head and purple shorts – dare I say this is the best Hulk offered in the MU line!
The Thor figure is absolutely perfect as well and captures the classic version very well. Iron Man is the least impressive of the 3 bigger figures in this 5 (6 counting the ant) pack – but that’s only because he has no real paint scheme to him other than bright gold.
The Bad: The Ant Man and Wasp figures are basically just little lumps of painted plastic. they don’t really have features at all – which is confusing to me as the Handful of Heroes had pretty great sculpts to them even though they were tiny. In fact, the HOH are smaller! I wish they were a bit better – I mean, even the any they include seems to have more detail! Also, I would have liked to see a comic included – even a mini-comic of Avengers #1 would have been nice!
The Ugly (Truth): This is a pack to pick up – I even like how my box was packed with the Hulk turned away from his team-mates – a sign of things to come! The Hulk alone is worth getting this pack for – never before has a figure captured the Avengers Hulk so well! The 1999 pack has the worst brown wash on the figure – making the Hulk look dirty rather than giving him more definition. The price point – and the cheapest I see on ebay is about $20 – which is perfect. Even for $30 you are getting a great pack of figures.
As much as I would love to own these all, I don’t. I own just the 3 I have posted here. These are an interesting part of Hulk lore though, you see, the Hulk starred in The Mighty World of Marvel mags for a while and then they gave the Hulk his own title. Sounds familiar, right? Well, the great thing about these issues is that the early ones all have some original content. Original stories with some reprint stuff.
There are only 63 of these issues out there and I think tracking most of them down, with the help of ebay won’t be too hard. These I found in a comic shop called Harrison’s Collectibles – the one in Salem. That shop – although not great on prices all the time – do have some fantastic hard to find stuff that I’ve never seen anywhere else.
Overall, I think these would be easier to find than all of the Mighty World of Marvels – especially #198 which will be the bane of my collecting existence since they never seem to show up on ebay – except one that was graded priced at $500. If you are a fan of this blog then you know I am a frugal shopper and refuse to pay premium prices – especially for something that should be, at the most, $50. Oh yeah – if you’re unsure of what’s so special about TMWM #198 – it’s the reprint for the first appearance of Wolverine.
Did any fad die quicker than these things? I don’t think so… well I know those furry hamster things… what the hell were those things called? Ah yes – Zhu Zhu Pets. The frantic clamoring for those things died down in, what? One Christmas season? Silly Bands were at least really popular for a few months. But at least Marvel jumped on the ball quick enough to release a few sets of these things – including a set with the Hulk and Abomination. Can anyone explain to me the real attraction of these? Even my 25 year old sister was all a buzz about these for a while. But anyways, here they are.
So, yeah – it’s been about a week, maybe more, since my last post. Well, it certainly isn’t due to having stuff to post – and I will tell you the absolute truth – I have been working on a few posts that are pretty involved and pretty long – but really fun. So, bear with me – posts may not be coming EVERY day but I will post more, as well as getting the reviews out for the new books. And yes, I picked up the new MU Avengers boxed set – and the Hulk is AWESOME! But a more thorough review is on its way! Wait… have I even mentioned the clip clock that’s posted above? No?… huh. That’s too bad.
I have no idea what you call these things. It’s a pen – no, it’s a weird thing with a koosh on the top – stop – you’re both right! Actually bought back in December at the Hallmark store while picking up the Hulk / Wolvie ornament. Since this thing is pretty much self-explanatory and with not much more to say I will simply leave you with this thought… orange is both a color AND a flavor… discuss
You know the crazy thing? I have so much stuff that I have shown I spend half my time looking through this website to see what I have and have not posted. It’s almost ironic – I come to my own website and search for things that aren’t here – just to put them here! A vicious cycle, indeed!
One of the few things I never usually post are these coloring books. I found MOST of them at Bedrock Comics for a half dollar each – and when Lex gets old enough you can be sure I will be busting these books out and we will go to town with a couple of crayolas! 96 to be exact… with a crayon sharpener on the back of the box – because that’s how I roll!
I am sure I will need to buy extra green crayons. I am sure Fern, Forest Green, Inchworm, Jungle Green, Mountain Meadow, Pine Green, Shamrock, Screaming Green, Sea Green, Tropical Rain Forest, Yellow Green – and in real desperate times – Electric Lime could substitute well enough – but people should take some real pride in their work!
Actually, the different greens would make sense, the Hulk has changed the shades of green a few times over – so… yeah. How does one finish a sentence like this? Just let it fade away? Distraction? I go with the latter – Oh! Look another coloring book!
First up – The Incredible Hulks #631 – Heart of the Monster Part 2
The Good: Here begins the Hulk smack down! The entire issue has the Hulk smashing his way through the new villains that showed up when Cho “wished” for some help. This issue is dedicated to taking out some of the biggest bruisers of the bunch – FFF gets a bit of a butt whopping – but the main event is Hulk vs Wendigo and Bi-Beast. The fight has quite a bit of smashing – as it does humor – I swear the theme for the Three Stooges was going through my mind as I read it. Especially the part where Hulk takes Wendigo’s tail and passes it through Bi Beast’s mouths.
We also see the Hulk coming back to being a hero for the innocent people caught in the middle of his battles – and even have the President coming to thank the Hulk – I felt like the Hulk was getting another “pardon” for his past crimes. Like the President was saying “Yes, I know you hijacked NY and sort of threatened the lives of everyone who stayed behind, not to mention causing millions of dollars of damage to the city – but the past three months you’ve really shed those bad habits and done some good stuff! Good on you!” Which we all know would never happen… but these are comics – so let’s move on!
The powers of the wishing well are interesting – I like what Pak is doing with it. Each wish is going to be impacted by the original wisher. Also, I have a real soft spot for the writers who can add a good balance of humor into the story – which Pak does really well here. I found myself laughing and cheering a few times. Then looking around to see if anyone was watching me. Thank goodness there was not!
The Bad: Now, – again you can correct me if I am wrong here – wasn’t Bi-Beast already a HUGE monster – it wasn’t until way later that PD shrunk him down. So, why was he normal sized to begin with – only for the Hulk to make a silly wish for a real fight and have him grow larger. But – and this may be just me – but the fight after Bi-Beast and Wendigo became larger than life seemed WAY easier. But hey – if that’s all I am picking on – then it must not be that bad…
The Ugly (Truth): Pak seems to be having a real blast with his final Hulk arc. He’s using the classic monsters that the Hulk has fought in the past and cutting them loose. the issue ends with a great cliff hanger – the only thing I question is where Pak is going with it? How is he going to leave things with Hulk and Betty? Can things really go back to normal with them? Has it ever been? Grade: B+
And now – Hulk #35 – Red Planet Hulk Part 2:
The Good: It started off as a strong storyline – with Pags on the pencils – what could be better? I mean, Planet Hulk was such a memorable part of the Hulk’s history, what would make more sense than try to re-live it with the Red Hulk? One of the best recent threats the Hulk has to deal with is the Omegerex – and the recent trip into another universe was just an attempt in keeping the Red Hulk from having to face the destroyer – at least until the female Watcher could warn him. It’s good to know that there are ramifications to Red’s ramifications of striking the Watcher. A feat that should not have happened in the first place – but now that it is in the continuity (what?!?! Continuity in Red’s series? Wow – that’s crazy talk! Loeb’s head must be spinning!) it has to be dealt with.
The Bad: Having to wrap up in just two issues the storyline was rushed and disappointing. It’s also the fact that the end of it is left up to your discretion on whether it actually happened or not. I am SO not a fan of the “dream” sequence ending. Not only is it a cop-out but also it feels like after you’ve finished reading it… it was a waste of time.
And the Ugly (Truth): The fun part of this series so far is seeing how Parker makes up for Loeb’s continuity issues and his frivolous writing style – but the last thing we want is more non-sense storytelling. I mean, I get WHY the issue ends the way it does – but it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. I would have liked to see this storyline last a little longer and maybe have the Omegerex track Red down on this planet. Why couldn’t the Watcher-et have sent Red to the new planet, warned him of what was coming, Red still becomes king and has his new army trying to take down the Omegerex? That would at least be more interesting than “Just kidding – it was all a dream… maybe!” Grade: C-
Man, what is it about bobble heads? They are the fad that refuses to go away! And it’s not like there is a shortage of Hulk bobble heads to go around! What makes this new line so unique is the design of the figures. Much like the Mighty Muggs and the Marvel Plushies they have a distinct style to them that really stands out. I would like to see a few variants – a Grey Hulk (a Mr. Fixit would be ideal) and a Merged Hulk – they’ve never done either in a bobble head and, heck, it’s time for a little change up! I get that they need to do the A-List set of characters – but I think everyone enjoys a little diversity!
More goodies from the era of the original movie release – this time a gumball machine. You better believe I will be filling it up with green gumballs only! It’s on the smaller side – I would have liked to find one of these larger – but, really, the only thing that makes this a “Hulk” gumball machine, besides the color, is the tiny Hulk figurine that attaches to the top. But don’t get too excited – it’s just a small little thing – and it’s not even very “Hulky” at that. Too skinny – and not to mention the Hulk’s neck is longer than that C.H.U.D. in the apartment.
Who here gets that reference? Please tell me I am not the only one laughing right now! Anyways, the great thing about these classic gumball machines is that you can set it so that people DO have to pay to get something for some candy. No lousy scroungers can just come and take free candy!
The Good: There is a great 1:1 bust done as a commission – and some of them pop up on ebay from time to time. This sculpt is so impressive that Bowen took notice and decided – with a few tweaks – to make it into a Bowen bust. Man, am I glad he did – the 1:1 is over a grand – where the Bowen one is a little more affordable. Also, the way the market is right now works out perfectly because an A-list character like this that usually has run into the 1000s has a bit more of a conservative run of 800.
The paint application is fantastic on mine – and I love the color they used for the metal. The damage they put on the shoulder plate is a fantastic detail from the storyline. I have heard some pieces are a bit sloppy with the paint at the base – but luckily mine is not one of them. The detail that Bowen went to with this bust is exceptional – even adding in the veins around obedience disc.
Let’s talk about the base for a moment – the cracked column is very cool – but I would have liked to see something a little more wild and distinct to the storyline – like the base for the FS. Maybe add in a little weaponry – Hulk’s big ol’e axe or something! But like I stated before the base is still very cool and fits nicely with the character.
The Negative: The sculpting seems a little “soft” around the mouth – there is not enough of a distinction where his lips are. Also, there is no scar – he is the Green Scar – and both the FS and this bust are scar-less! This helmet is pretty much the same design, although this one is colored better – but the feathers at the top are closer together on the bust – and therefore when the paint was applied it looks a bit chunky – although it does look more comic accurate.
The Conclusion: I had very few negatives to discuss as I was extremely happy with the way the bust came out – not only that it’s pretty damn large! It might be a bit bigger than the 2008 busts that came out – but I forgot to compare. But ultimately this is a must have for any Hulk fan – and even more so for fans of the storyline! Grade: A
Is there a more glorious way to die than death by Hulk? If there is – I can’t think of one… although, I don’t read Deadpool – so someone who does might be able to help me out here. Wade has a healing factor, right? I mean the Hulk kills him in this issue – but not enough to make it stick… ugh, wait – another side bar here – Healing factors are one thing – but when they actually stop the character from dying it’s not a healing factor anymore – it’s invincibility. And who doesn’t have invincibility in comics these days? It’s really pathetic! Alright, back to the non-sense: Doesn’t Wade have a hideously disfigured face? How does his healing factor not cure that? Again, I know we’re dealing with comics – but try to make them make sense at least!
The Positive: So here it is – the final arc in Pak’s run – and the title. You know what’s funny? They relaunched TIH with it’s “original” numbering in December of 2009 – only to end it not even 2 years later. I’m sorry – did I say funny? I meant pathetic. The major issue being that people will still buy into the new Hulk title – whatever that may be – Marvel will have further proof that slapping a #1 on a book will always produce sales – and then in a few short years they will do this all over again.
So, let’s talk story… well, there isn’t too much story to talk about yet other than Betty has gone mad with power, it seems, with a wishing well. I like Cho’s foreshadowing diatribe about wishes coming true – but the Gods not letting get what you want for free – only for it to be him to screw up and send “help” in the form of monsters Hulk has faced in the past.
The art – the art is superbly fantastic and I can’t wait to see if Paul Pelletier & Danny Miki can keep up the fantastic job throughout – but other than that – let’s talk negs…
The Negative: It’s pretty much confirmed here that Betty and Tyrannus did it – which, for one reason or another, disappoints and dismays me. I mean teaming up with him to do villanous acts is one thing – but to actually have a sexual relationship with an arch-nemisis is… well, unforgivable in my book. Not to mention – the fountain of youth has mystical qualities – I get that – but to somehow change into a “wishing well”, well, – look I know these are comics and we’re talking about a guy who turns into a green muscle-bound engine of destruction – but COMEON!
Who picks the monsters that come back, by the way? Anyways, let’s move on – Betty surely has become one of the Hulk’s most terrible enemies – much like his sons were for a time – an enemy that the Hulk doesn’t want to just smash to get rid of. The idea is fantastic – but the execution… not so – not so far anyways. At least we’re not still in the days of Loeb where these characters would appear with no rhyme or reason and leave the same way – never really having a point being in the story anyways. Man, I am so happy Loeb isn’t writing any Hulk stories anymore. I still blame the masses for making his books so popular in the first place.
The Conclusion: I say, since we’re talking the end here – and it’s Pak’s end – we stick it out these remaining issues. Pak can still knock it out of the park in the end. Remember – he had a lot to overcome – first having to work WITH Loeb’s ridiculous plot points and then having to work with the aftermath. Some things were just left forgotten and never explained (I am looking at you, not LMD Talbot) and other things were wrapped up too quickly (The powerful Red Hulk being beaten by… a Thunder Clap…) but Pak at least gives a story behind what’s going on – and things lead from one thing to the next with explanation and real ramifications. Unlike a few years (years? Really?) ago where Banner was in Vegas for no reason and never really explained why he was there or for what reason – and then Fixit showed up for half an issue… again – for no reason. So, you might be able to take that reason alone that I am sticking with the idea that Pak might be able to close things out nicely here. I mean, it’s better than the alternative that we were handed for an excruciating two years… Grade: B-
I’ve started compiling a list of the MM that the Hulk is in – and am on my way to getting most of the books. I didn’t start collecting these books until 3 years ago – when I received the first Hulk MM from my friend Corry as a birthday present. Since then, I have all of the Hulk MM as well as the Defenders, some X-Men, Spiderman and Fantastic Four. One of the best things about these books is the amazing presentation of these hardcover bound books. They really go all out when putting these together – usually giving a few extras a the end. Anyone who buys these books deserves extras – as you will be parted from a bit of cash when you get them.
Most will set you back about $50 – but be a smart shopper and you can find them for about $20 – the only issue I have recently is finding shops that will still carry them. Most stores don’t bother ordering these books anymore – unless you specifically ask – and at that point, unless you are a loyal customer and the owner feels like doing you a favor, you will be paying close to retail. So, if you seek these – it’s time to hit the online shops. One of the early mistakes I made was picking up the grey covers for a few of the books in the beginning – but the way to go is to make sure you get the more limited “Gold Frame” covers. I have Gary Miller to thank for that!
Now, Omnibus collections are a whole different monster all together. Should you choose to purchase one of these gigantic books you must be aware of a few things. #1) These books are heavy! So heavy in fact that you may have trouble reading these while doing certain activities – like reading on the toilet – or sitting on the beach and relaxing. If that’s what you want to do – these are NOT the books for you. Find a comfortable place to sit, rest the colossal book on your lap and read as much as you can before the weight of it starts cutting off your circulation!
#2) Be aware that most of these books are priced at $99.99 – no matter the size. Which, to me, seems like B.S. For example – the Incredible Hulk Omnibus is over 700 pages – while the Secret Wars Omni – just over 400, but – you guessed it – BOTH are priced at $99.99. What BS is that?
Anyways – enough blubbering – I will continue this rant in another post…
Ratchet's Hulk Collection 