Here’s a pretty bad ass Hulk image – Hulk with Puss.. ummm… kitty. I think the Hulk would name his cat “Cat”. Because, why not?
Valkyrie Lead Figure (2009)
These little figures are pretty great. One of the only real issues I have is that the figures paint job can be inconsistant – but the sculpts are pretty excellent and the size makes them easy to display. Valkyrie, of course, has a lot to do with the Hulk – her first appearance (as Barbara Gordon) was in The Incredible Hulk #142. She also became a very important members of the Defenders. But let’s forget all that for a moment and focus on the fact that she’s a bad-ass chick with a sword!
Who would mess with her? Not to mention she fights in what is basically a bathing suit! Next week, in addition to my regular posts, I will be posting my favorite covers with Valkyrie. It’s a kick off to a new feature on my blog – I will be taking one of Hulk’s foes and for a whole week highlighting some of the best covers featuring that character. It’s also going to serve as a way of me logging in every Hulk issue I can – and linking them to the Comics Page.
The Comics Page, by the way, has been divided into 3 different pages. I have separated the pages into regular series, guest shots and Trade Paper Backs and Collections. Check them out – and as I said I will be trying to link covers to each comic listed – as well as trying to keep a price guide for each comic. It’s all in an attempt in making this one of the best, most complete sources for Hulk collectibles! But, man, it’s a lot of work!
So, yeah, Valkyrie… great figure! See you next week!
Cable #34 (1996)
I found something very interesting this past weekend – as searching some of my back issues I happened along Cable #34 written by none other than… drum roll… Jeph Loeb! Here’s the amazing thing – it’s actually pretty good! But there are some odd similarities to this issue and the current storyline. See, back in 1996 the big, epic tale sweeping through the Marvel books was Onslaught – a villain unlike anything the MU had seen before – this character was so powerful that he actually took control of the Hulk’s mind.
There’s a great review of this issue right here
The issue has similarities, like I said, for instance, the Hulk actually switches between his different personalities – although here they actually seem to have a reason – and the fight with Cable is pretty badass. But you have to wonder if PD and Loeb were on the same page with this idea – because the continuing issue was TIH #444 – and the Hulk doesn’t change personalities there. Although, sadly, the Loeb written issue is much better than the PD one. Anyways, go out and find this issue – it’s worth the read. Something by Loeb that won’t make you want to tear your hair out.
Sean is at it again!
Here are a few new custom Hulks that are up for auction from my good friend Sean Anderson! Check it out! That Planet Hulk is amazing! The custom green Hulk with the veins bulging out – anyone into owning customs, or even huge Hulk fans out there would be lucky to own these – so start bidding away!
Marvel Comics Presents #95 (1992) – The Review
One of my least favorite stories here – one called “Heroes” – see, little Johnny meets the Hulk but the Hulk, not having time to waste, tells the kid to buzz off. Little Johnny idolizes the Hulk and starts to pump up and treat all of his friends the way the Hulk treated him. Little Johnny’s friends don’t take too kindly to that and they gang up and beat the crap out of him. Johnny learns real quick that he’s no Hulk. Later, a stupid looking villain who would have liked to call himself “Nomad” but couldn’t since that name was already taken, is in a fight with the Hulk. Not only that but this bozo seems to be winning.
Little Johnny happens upon this fight and as the villain is just about to land a blow on the Hulk Johnny hits him with his book bag. When the villain turns his attention to Johnny the Hulk takes the upper hand in the fight and beats the ridiculous villain. The Hulk tells little Johnny that he didn’t need the help and jumps off.
One of the worst drawn stories I have ever seen – from panel to panel the Hulk looks different sizes – in one panel it even looks like the Hulk isn’t that much bigger than little Johnny. Terrible art – and just as bad a story. Grade: F
I just realized I never took a picture of the cover from the comic this took place in – I will do so and update this post accordingly – sorry Gammabros!
Hulk Bust (2003)
I really was not going to get this bust – I thought they were asking way too much for a sub-par rendition of the Hulk. There is a variant of this bust that was a Towers Records Exclusive – it featured the Hulk in mid transformation and there are just two words to describe it – UG and LEE. As with most Hulk pieces I always think of a price that I would pay for an item – and full retail was $50 – it might have been more – but I certainly wasn’t going to pay that. Here’s the thing – it’s not the worst bust I’ve seen – it’s just no where near the nicest.
So where does this bust go wrong? Well, let’s begin with the biggest issue, my biggest bone of contention… The name on the front. I hate busts with name plates. If you need a name plate with your bust then you shouldn’t have the bust – just my opinion… but even worse – this name blends into the base so badly that it makes no sense to even have there.
Next is the amount – the production run. There is no way this will ever be worth anything in the future with a high production run like this one has – how many did they make you ask? Only… 7,500. Yes, SEVEN THOUSAND and five hundred of these silly little things out there.
It’s too bad too – because the face sculpt isn’t half-bad! Ultimately, Hulksters, I would say if you can get a great deal on one of these, like I did, then go for it – but otherwise… leave it on the shelf.
Ratchet Photo #10
Ummm… Part 33
Can you imagine a retirement home for superheroes? This picture solidified the fact that I’d never want to… But how did Hulk end up in the home with all the DC heroes?
Superhero Squad Collector’s Pack (2009)
This right here is an interesting situation… a WHILE back the Superhero Squad line announced a 2-pack – one of the coolest announcements in a long time – they were making a Ultimate Wolverine/ King Hulk 2-Pack. If you don’t remember – look here. But we waited and waited… and waited… for nothing. In fact – it’s still supposed to come out – sometime in the future.
But out of nowhere Toys R Us released a collector’s pack containing 6 figures – one being THE KING HULK! Although if you go by the packaging it’s just the Hulk. Maybe the Hulk from the Ang Lee movie because this scale is way off – but who cares! Look how bad ass this toy is! Keep in mind that these are Superhero Squad figures and they are not known for articulation, most of the figures that you get, Spider-man, Emma Frost, Iron Man, Falcon, and Mr. Fantastic, only turn at the waist (Emma Frost’s only point of articulation is at her head) but even so – these figures are more about novelty anyways.
The Hulk’s necklaces do come off but the “skirt” does not. His head, wrists, arms and waist all move. All in all a nice pack – is it worth the $30? I think so – at least it’s not something I felt was a waste of money. I say take the plunge! Here’s a shot of the Hulk with the Mighty Muggs Hulk – almost as big!
Hulk #13 (2009) – The Review
While a one Mr. Gary Miller and his exquisitely written article made me a bit more excited about this series – the fact remains – Loeb’s writing is so bad it makes me want to punch a school girl in the neck…
This issue begins with a small inner monologue of Bruce Banner talking about how he can’t believe the Hulk is gone – how he’s going through the stages of relief – uhhh… grief. As Bruce thinks about the Hulk he has returned to the cave from the original 6 issues – the cave that would house the Hulk at night so that he was trapped and couldn’t get out. Anyways, Rick shows up, no longer able to change back into human form but is able to articulate like Rick rather than my Uncle on $2 draft night. He says that he and Bruce are linked – he can find him no matter where they are – just as Bruce and the Red Hulk are linked. Anyways, he tells Bruce that he’s not sure How he’s able to do it – that MODOCK must have done something to him – but now he can blend into his surroundings like a chameleon.
Meanwhile, Norman Osbourne has heard through the grapevine that the Hulk is no more and sends Ares to find out if it’s true. Ares says that he can’t promise he won’t kill Bruce Banner. While Banner and A-Bomb talk Ares shows up and tries to take Banner out. Rick battles Ares, to no avail, and as Ares gets the upper hand Bruce throws a rock at him. Ares lunges for Bruce and traps himself inside the rock cell. Bruce shuts the door and Ares is is stuck. Rick and Bruce leave the cave and go to a bus stop where Rick asks Bruce if he wants him to go with him. Bruce says no and the bus drives off.
In the morning Ares is able to get out of the cave and reports back to Osborne that, yes, Bruce Banner can no longer turn into the Hulk. Osborne is happy about this news. Very happy. By the way, I’m writing this issue from memory so if I forgot something or put the sequence of events out of order – sorry – but this is what happened in the issue… pretty much. Onto the grade!
A Hulk issue without the Crimson Idiot?!?!? Wow! That alone gets it a better grade! I don’t know though… I still say this story is taking way too long and Loeb has screwed the pooch, sort of speak, because people are dropping this title left and right every month they release a new issue. Now that Loeb has stopped with the senseless drivel of crap like Defenders/Offenders and the story is somewhat moving along I give this issue a C. Oh, what the heck – C+
The Long Version!
If you liked Gary Miller’s “Who is the Red Hulk” article – his original, more in depth, full article is on his site – so check it! His analysis is nothing short of stunning. We applaude you GaryMiller!
Grime Fighter Bath Set and Tub Time Friends (2009)
There is another set I have somewhere – I believe it’s a set that you use to turn the bath water different colors. When I find it I will post it – but these were released early this year. Found only at Wal-Mart (in this town anyways) the Grime Fighter set comes with an awesome Hulk fist sponge – washing your face will look like your getting punched… in the face. Just awesome! It also contains pictures of Hulk’s enemies including the Abomination, and then an Army tank, and a Hummer. You take one of the little green balls and throw them at the figures – how that is a bath time activity I will never know.
The Tub Time Friends contains soap and Hulk Loofahs. Now, this is probably the worst thing you could do – make the Hulk into something called Loofahs. The word loofah shouldn’t even exist let alone make the Hulk into one. Not to mention that the loofahs just look like Hulk wearing a tutu – Look! It’s ballerina Hulk! This actually might be more insulting than Loeb’s writing skills… Maybe not….
O.K. Seriously… Read This:
Not only has this guy made me pretty excited about the Hulk storyline again – but he makes pretty accurate points! I have to give it to a guy who can read into things so blatant but not obvoius. I only wish I could express myself half as well as this guy does. Kudos to you Gary, who, by the way, owns every single Hulk appearance in comics. I am well on my way – but am still off by a few thousand comics I’m sure! Anyways, read the article! Click on the image above and then click on the Who is the Red Hulk Article by Gary Miller!
Special Saturday Post!
I have updated the STORES page with a few new shops as well as added a great new website called hulkrage.com – you should absolutely check it out. I have added it to my blogroll – but I made it easier for you as well – just click on Hulk at the top and it will take you there!
Also – found this blog that lists the top ten strangest Hulk toys – not that I agree with every one (#10? WTF? My favorite Hulk item ever! And #8? Again, one of my favorite items ever!) but it’s still a fun article. Click on the image below:
Hulk Rage: Follow the Leader (2003)
When the movie came out they released the 4 or 5 page board books for kids. Originally priced at $5.99 – I found this earlier this year when I walked into a CVS and it was just sitting there amongst the other books! I was so excited because when it was released I never picked it up – and here it was! Years later! Just sitting in a random CVS that I walked into! But the best part is that when the cashier rung it up it came up as – ready for this? $.10! Yup, a whole dime! And there is no tax on reading material in MA – so it came up as… $.10. I paid for this with 2 nickels. 🙂
Ratchet's Hulk Collection 