Some of the Defender’s appearances are literally a few pages long – these two issues are a perfect example of this. In Silver Surfer #58 – the Defenders aren’t actually attacking their sometime team mate. Instead Surfer is being made to see the Defenders but the Surfer does not fall for the trick for very long – and the Hulk, Namor and Strange crumble and disappear.
Thanos: Infinity Abyss #2
Even worse – in Thanos: Infinity Abyss Dr. Strange calls his allies to come aid him – but within a few seconds they are trapped in a cosmic cube and BAM! Hulk, Surfer and Namor are trapped! It’s almost insulting – but it’s more funny than anything!
This is one of those stories that I read at least once a year. It’s that good! It has surprises and twists on practically every page – right down to Rick Jones “trophy” room filled with the fallen superheroes memorabilia. I will try to review the story without giving away too much – but it’s hard since everyone already knows who the Maestro is… Let’s begin with the obvious: This story takes place in a future devastated by a nuclear war where the land is ruled by an Evil dictator named Maestro. A group of rebels decide the best way to defeat the dictator is to bring the Hulk (who is the merged personality), through the use of Doom’s time machine, to face off against him. We meet Rick Jones Great, Great Granddaughter Janis – who is a bad ass! We also see Rick, still alive – just barely – and we learn it was his plan to bring the Hulk there. Now, the Hulk quickly makes an impact by defeating some of the Maestro’s soldiers and a cool looking robotic machine called a Dog O War. When the Maestro is alerted we get to meet him. A deranged, older version of the Hulk – who is not happy about having to leave his orgy… a great scene you have to see!
Future Imperfect Part 1
When the Maestro and Hulk meet up – they instantly recognize that they are faced with themselves. Unfortunately, for the Hulk, the Maestro is older, wiser – maybe even a bit stronger – but wost of all, he knows everything the Hulk is going to do – and the battle that follows is great – but ends with the Hulk getting his neck broken. But the story only gets better! While the Hulk heals the Maestro continues to mess with the Hulk – until a chain of events has the Maestro following a trail of Hulk’s blood – only to be faced with Rick Jones in the trophy room. There – one of the greatest showdowns ever – that results in Rick Jones death – and the Maestro being tricked into Doom’s time machine. When Maestro realizes where he is it’s both one of the most surprising and refreshing fulfilling endings to any mini-series! You have to read it to really appreciate it! Grade: A++
Peter David gave us this absolute gem of a storyline. McFarlane helped with his amazing art in this one… and it would turn out to be his swan song for the Hulk. There’s an interesting behind the scenes story that made the rounds about McFarlane and David’s working relationship. The story goes:
TIH #340 - Wolvie vs the Hulk - one of the most famous covers!
When David began writing the Hulk, Marvel asked if he wanted to have McFarlane, a virtually unknown at the time, draw the book. David agreed. McFarlane didn’t take long to catch the public’s attention with his unusual style – and soon he was a superstar. In the middle of this storyline Marvel asked if Todd wanted the reigns on Amazing Spiderman – and he did – he called Peter to tell him about it. When David heard that Todd was leaving the Hulk he asked McFarlane to stay on until #350 – in fact, it is said that David asked McFarlane to stay on because he had a great storyline and there was to be tons of money to be made… and McFarlane got insulted and vowed never to work with Peter David again.
TIH #341 - Man Bull
Now – if you believe it is another story. McFarlane being insulted over someone saying he’ll make a ton of money? I just can’t see that… but let’s get on with this story back when Todd and Peter were making beautiful stories together! This is the first story I bought when I was introduced to the Hulk. See, it’s about this time when the Grey Hulk came back – and he was only transforming at night. Bruce learns about gamma bombs being mass produced and he is determined to see them destroyed. The issue is… Clay Quatermain and Rick Jones are along for the ride – and while they make progress during the day – they don’t at night because of Bruce’s other self. In fact, at first the Hulk could care less and tries to get away – but after a famous tussle with Wolverine (and coincidentally another one of the most reprinted Hulk issues ever) – Hulk becomes more agreeable.
TIH #342 - Half Life!
The next issue has the group stopping in a small town that has a little problem with a monstrosity called the Man-Bull – in an issue both eye opening and touching. In the next issue we meet Half Life – who gives the Hulk a fight to be seen – sent by the Leader, who has a plan of his own for one of those bombs… and has wrench to throw into the works – namely two inventions named The Rock and Redeemer (not the same Redeemer Todd uses later in his Spawn issues) and a pretty lady named Betty.
TIH #343 - The First Hulk Issue I Owned
Betty has a surprise for the Hulk – one that she really doesn’t want to share with him… she is pregnant. In one of the greatest issues of the Hulk ever – Betty squares off against the Hulk – trying to hold back the news – but when the Hulk won’t cooperate she breaks down and confesses her secret. She expects the Hulk to lash out – but instead he wraps his arms around her and comforts her.
TIH #344 - One of my favorite covers ever!
The finale is the most surprising, excellent, crushing and ballsy ending in Hulk history. For those of you who have read Planet Hulk – you think that ending was surprising and upsetting – think about it not knowing what happened to the title character of the book… you know he isn’t dead – it wasn’t gimmicky or anything Loeb-ish like that – it was startling! You had no idea what was going to happen with the Hulk – and even worse – the next issue didn’t feature the Hulk at all – but served as an epilogue to the storyline – but McFarlane left before this issue hit the stands – he did the layouts and Larsen did the art.
TIH #345 - Todd knocks this one out of the park!
All in all this is the story I suggest to any person wanting a classic Hulk storyline – a story so good you’ll look for more as soon as you finish. In this 7 issue storyline we see the kind of stories we were in store for with PD at the helm – we see McFarlane, issue to issue, become a phenomenon. His unique style takes shape page by page and he shows his worth as an artist. We also get to see one of the best Hulk foes actually do something devastating and that makes us invest in seeing the Hulk take the Leader down! But we won’t see that for many, many issues later. Get the TPB if you can’t afford to get the individual issues – especially since #340 goes for like $40 now. I got my issue for cover price though – and it’s still BEAUTIFUL! Grade: A++
This, technically, is the first appearance of the Defenders… I say technically because, well, I’ll get into that later. First let’s start with these three – Marvel Feature Presents – the first time the group is dubbed “The Defenders” – named by… hmmm – a good question for a no prize! Oh – who am I kidding 465 will get it even before I finish typing this post 🙂 The best part of the Defenders of course is with each meeting the members are never happy to help each other – and a lot of the time complain that they got together in the first place and sometimes vow never to team up again!
MFP #2 - Dormmamu in the house!
I love these guys! The covers to these issues are amazing as well – I love the old time covers too! And in the next issue the Defenders face off against a villain that is not only one of Strange’s biggest nemisis..s’s? Is nemisis’s right? Anyways, the villain is not only Strange’s biggest foe but also faces off against the Defenders many, many times – making him one of the Defender’s biggest foes! Bowen has released sneaks of a new bust of none other than DORMAMMU! I cannot wait for that!
MFP #3 - When Gossamer attacks!
The last of the MFP covers features one of my favorite looking villains – Xenmu – who reminds me of the Looney Tunes character Gossamer except… you know… white. Anyways – here are the first 3 comics that preceded the Defenders getting their own title!
Jack Kirby wrote and drew this inventive series about immortal superheroes – and funny enough – they never fought the Hulk. The cover above may be misleading – or confusing you – but it’s true. See, at the Maryland Institute of Technology, 2 students are creating a Hulk robot as a mascot, but when the Uni-Mind enters the area anything electronic begins to go on the fritz – including the mechanical Hulk.
The Eternals #14 - Cosmic powered Hulk Robot!
Now, wielding a cosmic power, the Hulk robot begins a rampage. The Eternals try to stop it, mainly Ikaris, – but do not have much luck. See, the Eternals can’t die – which they remind you many times in this series – but they can be hurt and can remain disfigured for the rest of their life. So, this Hulk robot continues to destroy the town – one of the Eternals , Sersi, uses mind games… on a robot. Mind games? On a robot? But hey, who am I question a genius like Kirby. Can I admit he’s a genius AND say that this story doesn’t really make a lot of sense? Because that’s what I’m sticking to…
The Eternals #15 - Kind of cheating on the guest star, huh?
How many Hulk robots has there been anyways? I’m going to have to do a little research to figure this one out – I know Iron Man has fought a Hulk robot – as did the Hulk himself… and how many Hulk robots did the Hulkbusters create over the years? Anyways, this is the only Hulk robot that I know of who was infused with Cosmic energy – which allows it to do things that the actual Hulk could not – it’s only until the eldest Eternal – Zuras – arrives that the Hulk is taken down. All he does is touch the robot and it begins to release the Cosmic Energy. The Hulk robot runs away into the sewers and blows up.
The Eternals #16 - Robot Hulk goes KA-BLOOMY!
It’s a pretty entertaining storyline – if you have the chance pick it up! They’ve also collected the issues in a TPB – The Eternals by Jack Kirby Book 2. So yeah – here it is. And if you can remember specific issues that featured a Hulk robot then let me know below – we’ll try to get a list together! There’s another Hulk robot in the new Ultimate Avengers #3 as well!
What a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving week! I will showcase one of the most dysfunctional group to ever grace the pages of a Marvel Comic! A team that changed members more than I change my underwear… I mean – forget that last statement. Here is the Defenders #1 – but keep in mind that this is not the first meeting – and I will showcase their first meetings this week… as well as this week being dedicated to comic reviews of some the most memorable Hulk stories – some of my favorites and some of the classics!
As soon as I learned that Tim Sale was going to be at the Boston Comic Con I went to his site and checked it out. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Hulk: Gray series – but it was not for the art – in fact, the art is what saved the series from being a total waste. I looked into getting a sketch from him – but was met with a sort of road block… see, his requirements for getting a sketch is as follows:
You must get into line at his table when the Con starts – you must be one of the first 5-8 people in line as he only does a limited amounts of sketches during the con
Once in line – if you are lucky enough to be one of the early ones – you must request a fast pass.
They will ask what you want, plus give you a time to return.
You must return at the time of your pass – otherwise your sketch will not be done.
He times his sketches with an hourglass. A soon as the sand runs out – your sketch is done.
By the way – his sketches aren’t cheap… in fact, his sketch was HALF of my entire budget of the con. But here’s my story… as some of you know I am a children’s storyteller – that’s my job. That’s what I do… but the issue is – I had to leave the con mid-way to do a show about 30 minutes away. When I was offered the fast pass I asked for the latest time – he gave me a time of 3:20. My show started at 1:30 – and would end at 2:30, but with a half an hour to get back… let’s just say – it was cutting it real close.
Sale working...Continuing the masterpiece!
Well, as you can tell I made it. But I also made a blunder – I was back to the con by 3:05 – and as I hit the building I suddenly realized… I left my camera in my car! I had to run back to my car and then back again to the con. I was back to Sale’s table by 3:15. He signed a few more books before he started on my sketch. It was probably one of the best experiences at a con ever. The best part? The sand ran out in the hour glass – and Sale said “This is going to be one of those days where I just do what I want and not pay attention to the time” and he kept on working! He also had a huge crowd gathered around just to watch the sketch being done. This is certainly a pride piece in the collection and will be framed and hung – as soon as the construction is finished and the Hulk room is back to normal. Thank you Tim Sale!
I can tell I am getting impatient about the Hulk’s return – because I wasn’t even excited about picking this issue up. Don’t get me wrong – I love that Pak is back – but he’s not writing the Hulk. There are two Hulk comics being released a month – one doesn’t star the Hulk and the other is so terribly written I’d rather get dragged three miles over hot coals by an elephant than have to read Loeb’s random ridiculousness the rest of my life. But this issue did serve up a few surprises…
The Harpy is back! And just as angry!
So, Korg, Wanesboro, Banner, Skaar and A-Bomb are playing a little football. Kate tells Bruce that she likes how he’s handling Skaar and that he should relax – but Bruce teleports them into the sewers so that he can show her something. One of the Leader’s secret – or not so secret- labs. They find a file discussing Betty and a root analysis of her entire system (I love that line!). Kate senses something – or someone and gets shot down. Bruce hears a female voice condemning him and he calls out “Betty?”
She mocks him and blasts him out of the lab. We see that it is a Harpy and she has a real problem with Bruce Banner. Korg, A-Bomb and Skaar see this and A-Bomb tells the boys he’s seen these robots before. Skaar says that this Harpy is NO robot. A-Bomb is shocked, he questions whether or not it could actually be Betty – and then has to fill Skaar in on Betty. Skaar attacks the Harpy and is ready to kill her but Banner pulls out the Old Power taser. Skaar laughs this off until Banner actually pulls the trigger and shoots him.
Marlo is back!
A-Bomb (Rick) scolds Bruce – but Bruce defends his actions… until the Harpy begins to change form and reveals herself to be… none other than Marlo Chandler. Rick asks her what happened – she tells him that a big headed super villain kidnapped her and transformed her into that thing. “Big Headed”, huh? Yes, MODOCK – or maybe the Leader! Well, Rick takes Marlo and hops off – Skaar is pissed at Bruce now – for shooting him – and… oh yes – let’s not forget about Wanesboro…
The Leader!
The Leader makes his appearance – well, a hologram of the Leader does… and tells Kate that the lab will blow, that he hasn’t killed her yet because he’s still studying anyone who’s been around the Hulk and that Banner’s heart is still with Betty. The lab blows and Kate is teleported back to where Banner and the others are. Banner figures out that the Leader was behind it and then he takes everyone out of hiding – only to be alerted about the Mole Man and his HUGE minions ripping up the city – we see the FF on the case – but can assume the next issue will feature Skaar teaming up with them!
FF taking on the Mole Man... I remember this!
Again the art in the book is divided between two artists – I wish they would quit that… but other than that – it’s interesting to see Marlo back. A hottie from the old Fixit days – and then later, married Rick Jones. I don’t know how Rick could do it – follow the Hulk, I mean. That’s gotta be intimidating! I’m still awaiting the Hulk’s return – but in the meantime this storyline will do… Grade: B
And by “only” I mean Holy crap, that’s a lot! That’s cover type cash – and this is just for a page! But hey, it is Frank Miller – and as far as I can recall he only drew the Hulk once… In Daredevil #163. Here’s a page – for anyone to bid on… I would but I’m pretty much spent out for the next year or so… It’s been a wild year! Click on the image to be brought to the expensive auction!
UPDATE!: The Auction ended with an impressive $2,600 for this page!
MU Hulk Diorama PieceHulk in all his smashy glory!
I went into Toys R Us yesterday and the manager, who – I’m ashamed to admit – knows me really well, told me that they just received some new merchandise that hasn’t even hit the floor yet – that I might be interested in. He ripped open a box and pulled this guy out! I almost squealed – but I played it cool and just snatched it out of his hands and began to drool. I said “When did these come out?” with a crack in my voice that would make Peter Brady laugh. He informed me that they got them in last week – and another collector had come in looking for them – but he forgot about them until he saw me. Lucky me because Hulk is one of the short-packed figures in this line.
Hulk standing on the R - that means he's the center piece!
So, there are 6 figures that make up this diorama – Spiderman (of course), Venom, Iron Man (of course – nowadays), Dr. Doom, Hulk and Wolverine. Each character stands on a letter and when displayed properly spells out MARVEL – or… LAME RV – which is the movie that Robin Williams starred in, which was, coincidentally, lame! So it works out. The Hulk is pretty heavy – and I hate to admit it but I think my favorite in the whole line was the Doom. He looks really cool! Priced at $12.99 each – getting the whole diorama might be a bit pricey – but thankfully, I’m just into the Hulk!
This is the new Hulk piece from Bowen designs… and I am a huge fan of Bowen – but this piece, and others I have seen, have a few paint flaws which is very disappointing. The wash that they used is a bit sloppy and darker than the regular paint – so it’s pretty noticeable. Still awaiting a response from Randy addressing this situation – I’ll keep you posted. Alright, with that out of the way let’s get on with the good stuff! Overall – you can’t deny how amazing this new Hulk looks! Bowen is releasing 4 new Hulk statues – there is this one and the retro grey – also the upcoming Planet Hulk and Maestro. Yup, that’s it – just 4 new Hulk statues. No other Hulk statues being released from Bowen in this phase 🙂
I love the sculpt! It's like looking at perfection!Side ViewThe other side!
Alright, now this Hulk has a fantastic new sculpt – and you all know how much I love my Smackdown Hulk – but this captures the early art of the Hulk really well. This serves well as a museum sculpt – and it’s freakin’ HUGE! It tops out at a whopping 17 inches – this guy actually just stands over the Smackdown Hulk’s arms! A few things of course… He’s so big that matching him against the Abomination doesn’t work out to well because it looks like he’s staring right over him.
Abomination is in trouble!Back off Buddy!A Match up for the ages!
This is the Hulk to pick up if you want to set-up team displays – because he towers over pretty much every Bowen ever made! I wish I had a place to put him right now – but with all of the construction going on I basically took him out for pictures and then packed him away again. It’s the saddest feeling in the world… but I should only look forward to setting the room back up when everything is done.
The "dirty" Look on the Hulk's feet is classic!Bowen's signature on the Hulk's foot - SWEET!The Man... The Monster
So, let me know if you picked this guy up – how your paint job looks – how you set him up… EVERYTHING! I know some of you out there looking for the perfect Hulk statue are going to ask – which one should you pick up? I, still, say the Smackdown is the best there is – but this piece is right at the tops. I can’t wait for Planet Hulk – which is scheduled to be out next! Can’t freakin’ wait for that one!
Smackdown and Retro HulkThe Face Off! Who's taking bets?
I know I have shown these before but the truth is… as I have been continuing this site I have gotten better at posting pictures, and I have a better camera as well – not to mention I have been trying to update my COMICS 1 page to link all the issues to blurbs or posts of the actual issues – so this will serve two purposes. 1) me getting to show off the gems of my entire collection – and 2) I will be able to link this post to the listing of the first 6 on that page. So… Enjoy!
Incredible Hulk #1
Issue #1 I think any fan of this site knows the story of my acquisition to this beauty! I know, I know… it’s beat to hell… what can I say? I cannot afford nice things… 🙂 but any copy of this legendary issue is going to run a small fortune. Luckily, I am a very patient person. That patience has proven to be very useful time and time again – as this issue was listed on ebay as follows: “incredible hublk #1”. The issue was listed at $700 – what a poor copy would go for at the time – and luckily I was pretty much the only bidder on this!
Incredible Hulk #2
Issue #2 is not as interesting of a story – but it’s funny enough. Again, another issue I found on ebay – this one was a BIN auction for $250 – but I emailed the guy and asked if he would take $225. Not only did he agree – he sent it to me for free. He was a MA resident so he felt a kin-ship – which was great! For me! This happens to be one of my favorite covers of all time. First appearance of the green Hulk.
Incredible Hulk #3
The 3rd Issue is somewhat a better grade than the others. This issue was another fond experience off ebay – I wish I had better stories for these – but honestly – ebay was a saving grace in acquiring the key issues. This is another of my favorite comic covers – the issue itself is pretty great as well – in it contains the “Clown Hulk” and Rick Jones in charge of the Hulk’s mind.
Incredible Hulk #4
Issue #4 I DIDN’T get off ebay! That’s right! I actually found this issue on another comic auction site called Comic Link that my friend Corry informed me about. This is where most serious collectors visit to get their comics – and original comic art. They have some real beauties on there – Kirby’s and Trimpe’s – just get your wallet out and be ready to make it cry… This cover is my least favorite of the bunch. It’s not eye catching at all. Funny enough though… the story inside is one of the best of the originals.
Incredible Hulk #5
Here is #5. This one remains to be close to my heart – because it was a birthday gift. It might even have been my 21st birthday. My friend Corry found this in Brockton for a very affordable price – mainly because it’s beat to hell… I’ve even had a few opportunities to upgrade this issue – but I just can’t do it. This issue has a personal meaning. It’s nice to have issues like that.
Incredible Hulk #6
Issue #6 is rare. Real rare. My issue has to be one of the WORST condition copies that I own – but I don’t care. I have it. I love it. I may upgrade at some point in the future if the opportunity presents itself… but until then… I have this. Hulk… in his purple panties.
There you have it – all 6 issues of the original run. I guess we Hulk fans are lucky in respect to the fact that we only have 6 issues to obtain as the Silver-Age comics. I mean Spiderman fans a SOOL because they have to get Amazing Fantasy #15 AND the first 100 or so issues of Amazing. Even some of the issues after 100 are hard to come by – like issues #119 and #120. So yeah, we’re lucky. And I’m lucky to have these. I know it. I’m lucky to have a wife wonderful enough to look the other way when I hit the BID button on an ebay auction.
By the way – just to let all you MA residents know – Chris’ Comics in Marshfield just got in a copy of Incredible Hulk #4 – a really decent copy – so if any one is looking for this issue go visit Chris’ Comics – or email me at greyfixit@live.com and let me know – I can pass the message along!
Here’s another cover without Samson’s calling card shirt! WTF? But notice, he’s also teamed up with She Hulk… again… these two always seems to fight together against a common cause. I mean – let’s get this straight – She-Hulk has always been written as a sexy character – but I would not be able to get past the green skin. It’s like that lady who was attacked by the pet chimp that was on Oprah this week – I wouldn’t be able to have a conversation with her that didn’t start with “OHMYGODWHATHAPPENEDTOYOURFACE!”
This was probably one of the biggest surprises of the Comic-Con. As I was waiting for my time to go see Tim Sale I was wandering around looking at the other artist’s tables. I came across Warren Martineck drawing at his table. I looked at the piece and saw what you see above… and my jaw just dropped. I asked about the page and he said he was just “warming up” – he had a project coming up with Marvel and that he wanted to practice with characters that he hadn’t had a lot of experience with lately. I couldn’t believe my eyes! He was just having fun – with an amazing piece – of my favorite character!
Close up of Hulk
And look at all the detials in this one! It’s outstanding! The Hulk is breaking free from huge chains – in an obvious lab where an experiment must have been going on… something shady to make the Hulk that upset. Anyways, I asked Warren if he would consider parting with it – and he said “sure”! I paid what I considered to be a reallt decent price for a large, detailed Hulk page that would make any Hulk collector drool! I might have to contact Warren in the future to ink this piece… as I think it certainly deserves to be inked!
Yesterday I made fun of the lightning bolt t-shirt – well, here is a rare cover that the infamous shirt is absent! Take it in! It’s almost like, when you’re a kid, you see your teacher in the mall or something. You know it’s your teacher – but she’s not at school – where she’s supposed to be – and she looks so strange out in public. Especially if she’s wearing jeans or something! Freaky!
Ratchet's Hulk Collection 