Some of the Comic shops around were sent these 2 posters to put up and display – my friend was nice enough to give them to me. Thanks Corry! Speaking of Comic Shops – I spent the last few weeks driving around like a mad man for work – but I also found and visited 4 new comic shops! I will update the Shops page this weekend – so check back to see what I thought about these shops. I will say – I picked up a few gems out there – I was very happy!
DefendersThe... ugh... Offenders
But to go on about these posters, one is obviously the covers to Hulk #11 – or is it #12 – I could care less except that McG’s art is just so eye catching! It features the Defenders and Offenders – but luckily I don’t think the Offenders will be re-grouping anytime… ever seeing as the Crimson Idiot killed them all – not that they would remember. The other is a Superhero Squad Poster – I so wish that this series was around when I was a kid – look how cool but cute these freakin’ guys are! But still bad ass!
Superhero Squad PosterHulk - His fingers are the size of his freakin' head!@Classic Abomination - Man, I miss him...
I saw this when it aired on TV – but boy am I glad they brought out this DVD rather then having to buy a WHOLE season just for this episode. Because I would have! This episode is pretty freakin’ sweet. I never try to give away too too much in my reviews so that you still have something to surprise you if you choose to purchase it yourself. With that being said – you should totally get this! Not only is the animation pretty solid but the episode itself is not only full of action but also some pretty decent humor.
Hulk vs. Wolverine - no contest!
Alright, this episode begins with SHEILD agents being taken down one by one by a quick moving Wendigo. Just as the helicopter takes off the Hulk shows up – FADE TO BLACK! Pretty strong beginning. Anyways, SHEILD shows up to ask Wolverine to take on the monsters in the Canadian forest. Wolverine agrees because everything Fury knows about the mutant school and he said he’d let it go public. It doesn’t take long after Wolverine gets to the forest for the Hulk to find him. Hulk says he remembers him – and they even flash back to Wolverine in his classic costume – they tangle for a bit, but after Wolverine shoves a hand grenade in the Hulk’s mouth he finally falls.
There's a quick flashback with Wolvie's first costume!
We join Wolverine and Banner in a cave where Banner recounts how he ended up in Canada with SHEILD – how Banner had a cure for the Wendigo but was then thrown out of the plane to become bait. As Wolverine and Banner set out to find the helicopter they are intercepted by the Wendigo. They also find out that the Wendigo’s bite has infected others and there is a whole clan of them – where have I heard that before? Oh that’s right – in Hulk, written by Loeb, the big difference is… Loeb’s story sucked and made no sense because the Wendigo had made their way to Vegas and the Fixit came out for a few panels to fight them. Here, it makes a lot more sense and is worked in nicely.
The Wendigo!
As Wolvie takes on the multiple Wendigos Banner finds the helicopter that has the cure inside. But it’s in a tree. High in a tree. Just as Banner discovers this the main Wendigo comes out of nowhere ready to attack – but Wolverine isn’t far behind. As Wolverine continues to fight off the fury beasts, Banner makes it into the chopper – only to have another Wendigo jump into the chopper as well, making it crash to the ground. As the Wendigos get the upper hand on Wolverine, Bruce Hulks out and saves the day. Hulk throws the Wendigos around like rag dolls and Wolvie takes the opportunity to grab the cure from the chopper and starts to inject each of the monsters.
The Hulk in control! Where he belongs!
The best line comes out when Hulk gives his attention to Wolverine again “Hulk is not a behind!” (you have to watch it) – but as the Wendigo all revert back into human form Wolvie notices that all the Wendigo are wearing SHEILD uniforms. He realizes who the real enemy is. Hulk grabs Wolverine by the head and is ready to beat him to a pulp when Wolverine apologizes to him. The Hulk accepts and lets him go. It’s another classic scene! Fury comes back and scoffs at Wolverine when confronted with the evidence of his involvement. But Wolverine has a way to get him back. Let’s just say – it’s a great ending with the Hulk out on top!
Hulk rages out in the end!
If you have the chance, listen to the commentary. It’s chock full of interesting tidbits – as well as a very embarrassing moment caught on audio as one of the writes admits to thinking the Wolverine’s first appearance was in TIH #183. They explain how this is a re-imagining of the classic match-up – which works out well – and my favorite part – the magical clothing. Really solid episode. The disc also features 4 other episodes , one including Gambit. I think it’s worth the pick up – Grade B+
New Hulk Figure... maybe a BAF? Oh goodness - I hope not...
Both the Marvel Legends line and the Marvel Universe Line have Hulk figures coming out. It looks like the MU line are putting together Secret Wars 2-Packs including a Hulk/Cyclops pair up. Hulk and Cyclops? Really? Isn’t that like making Brady Bunch 2 packs and putting Greg and Kitty CarryAll together? Anyways, there’s also a new Hulk figure coming out – one that was supposed to come out in the animated FF toy line that never saw the light of day.
Not to post – so it seems everyone still buying this book (including me) have really done it now… turns out Loeb is smugly announcing the plans for the upcoming Hulk books – not featuring the Hulk – not to mention also premiering a “Red She Hulk” character coming out. That’s right… all is lost. With the Hulk book selling like gangbusters Loeb and company actually think this means they have been doing a good job. They even admit that they have increased the book by a dollar because “how we look at the value of what we’re producing. You may not agree with it, and I totally respect that. We look at the prices and the appropriate value for the content that’s in it.”
That’s right – it says that they look at the content of what they are putting out and agree that the Hulk title is actually worth MORE than other books because of the “quality” storytelling that’s inside. More like – all the top selling books are now going to cost more. Man, Marvel is really out to kick their fans right in the naughty beans, huh?
Stan Lee... the man who gave us the Hulk... and Ravage 2099
Stan Lee really should have just politely declined being part of Hulk #600. This story is a quick secondary story after the waste of space that is Loeb’s story. I understand it’s a throw away, gag – but really, why waste time and energy on this ridiculousness. Alright, very short and sweet – Hulk and Crimson Idiot are fighting – WendiHulk comes in for absolutely no reason I can see – and Galactus shows up. The people ask him to kill Red to save the Hulk… Galactus asks which is which. They say that Hulk is green ,Red Hulk is Red – Galactus counters with “Sorry, I can’t help you. I’m color blind.”
Oh yeah... he revived the WendiHulk - thought we were past this atrocity
It’s better if you follow this story with a rim shot.
The Hulks... in a weird sexual position...
I should also add that Hulk: Gray #1 is included in this issue – but it seems more like a promotion for the Hardcover rather than a way to reward fans with a key issue from Hulk history. I mean, really, Hulk: Gray was… good – but that’s it. It was marginally good at that. You couldn’t tell if this was supposed to take place in current continuity or not – because Loeb wrote Iron Man into this story – but as you’ll remember – the first time IM and the Hulk met was in Avengers #1 – so it looks as though Loeb didn’t bother to do any research… big surprise. Anyways – the addition of Hulk: Gray gets and F in my book – like I said – how about rewarding Hulk fans for once Marvel?
The Incredible Hulk #600 McGuiness wrap around cover
Before I even bother with this review, yes – I knew that the Red Hulk’s identity would not be revealed in this issue – in fact, Loeb said in an interview that it would not be revealed until sometime in 2010 – but I’m not holding my breath, we’ve been lied to before. As in… this is the Hulk’s 600th issue… no matter how you add it up this is not the Hulk’s 600th issue! It’s either very close to 600 – or over – or not even close.
Alex Ross 50/50 variant
Let’s get this over with, shall we? Already, this comic begins with Ben Urich saying he will never print this story… why couldn’t Loeb have taken a cue from his own writing? Now, Ben recounts where WWH (another disappointing Hulk story) left off – with Stark shooting the Hulk with the laser (although, it totally forgets to mention that the Hulk TOLD Stark to do so!) and how Ross took Banner away. Then Urich meets She Hulk in a parking garage where she asks him to look into who the Red Hulk is. He agrees to look into it – and he also brings Peter Parker with him to take photos. Samson meets up with everyone holding radiation suite for Parker and Urich – he also has short hair and keeps mentioning that they have to move before “he” comes back. As they go through the sewers and make it inside Gamma Base where we see A-Bomb (missing since issue #6), Ross (same), M.O.D.O.C.K. (what? when did? what the?) and Banner (when was he captured?).
Samson - sweating like a bastard...Bad Samson - Long Hair means "Bad" apparently...
Suddenly Samson says “HE” is coming and She Hulk looks to see Samson is now long-haired and he says “Good Doctor is out – Bad Doctor is in!” (I want to stop reading here – drive to Loeb’s house and ask for my money back – ALREADY!) Well the two start to brawl but MODOCK puts a quick end to that but that’s when Urich comes face to face with the Red Hulk. As the Crimson Idiot is reaching for Urich Spiderman saves the day. There is a pretty funny Watchmen reference – I admit, I laughed – I won’t spoil it though. Spiderman takes on the Red Hulk in a huge splash page (I know, a splash page in Hulk? McGuiness is doing splash pages? Crazy talk!) Anyways, MODOCK, in an attempt to shoot Spiderman accidentally releases A-Bomb.
The Crimson Idiot vs SpidermanHulk finally appears... in his own freakin issue.
The Red Hulk finally catches Spiderman only to be seen by Banner who is in a Luke Skywalker type bubble bath and he hulks out to help Spiderman. The Hulks face off and slam into a wall that opens the gamma core and starts a meltdown. Then, in the most brilliantly asinine plot device, the Red Hulk uses his made up “absorbing” power that was just introduced in the last issue of the Hulk to completely drain the Hulk right out of Banner. The Red Hulk then states “Bruce Banner can never turn into the Hulk again” (This is where I wanted to drive to Loeb’s house, ask for my money back, buy the comic from him, then ask for my money back all over again) If he could have done this before – then why did he try to kill the Hulk with a gun in issue #4? Why didn’t he just drain him then? Or how about when when he killed the Hulk in issue #10? Why didn’t he just drain him then? Why? WHY? What kind of sense does any of this make?
The Crimson Idiot absorbs the Hulk right out of Banner
As Gamma Base is about to blow Spiderman saves Urich, A-Bomb saves Banner, and the Crimson Idiot stays with She Hulk and Samson as the place blows sky-high! This non-event issue ends with Urich being confronted by The Crimson Idiot in the parking garage where She Hulk first met up with him. He tells him to bury the story – and then gives goes into a diatribe about the Hulk destroying buildings in his rampages – and what if he did it to a building that housed the people Ben Urich cared about. Is that supposed to be a reason to bury the story? Was it a threat? Who knows? Urich says there is a war coming. All I know is that the Hulk’s landmark premature 600th issue had the Hulk in only 4 pages. 4. And then was defeated and killed off. Again, the Hulk was killed in his own book in less than a few months.
A-Bomb saves Banner
Onto the grade… what can I say? I could care less who the Crimson Idiot is at this point – the whole story has lost my interest and this issue didn’t spark any more interest. I read out of loyalty and that is it. I wish I cared more. Who knows Loeb may surprise everyone in the end – but I doubt this will pan out positively. Grade: D
Hulk vs Zzaxx - sorry Hulk but a boulder isn't going to stop him!
Looks like Monday and Friday posts won out! So let’s start the new format off with a bang! There was no way I was going to let October’s Boston Comic Con go by and not get something from Herb Trimpe – who is supposed to be attending – but when I inquired about a commission to be done for the event, Herb’s new rep (quite a friendly and helpful chap) said it might be better to get one done just in case Herb doesn’t make it to the Con. For the love of all that is jolly green, Herb, please make it to the con!
I couldn't ask for a more classic looking Hulk!
Anyways – I asked for an inked Hulk vs. Zzaxx piece – why? – oh I’m not sure, because Zzaxx is freakin’ awesome! Because he’s cool as hell! Not to mention I was skimming through some of my old issues and it was one of the first that I came across when emailing Herb. Well, Herb did not disappoint! Take a look at this masterpiece! How amazing is the detail that this guy can create? I will say – this is one of my favorite new commissions! This may be even in my top of all time!
Zzaxx looking all badass!
Also, Herb’s rep said it was okay to send along a few comics to get signed. Now, I’m not all that into getting comics signed – for one, some collectors considered a signed comic as a flawed comic and therefore not worth as much, and for two, some artists charge for signatures and other sellers over charge for signatures – the whole business leaves a bad taste in my mouth. BUT – Herb was offering to sign a few comics and I have a few reader copies that I sent along – here they are, tell me what you think of my choices:
First appearance of ZzaxxHulk with Juggy - two power houses!
First Harpy - LOVE this issue!
Hulk #180 - First appearance of Wolverine - First actual appearance.And of course... AQUON! Did you have any doubt?
So, listen, I haven’t forgotten or abandoned this site – or any of the loyal readers out there – so just to let you know where I’m at right now. My daughter is doing wonderfully. She’s started to gain weight, we’ve pretty much licked her jaundice and now all we’ve got left to do is a visit to the Boston’s Children’s Hospital to check out her feet. Otherwise she’s a happy, crapping, sleeping, crying, wetting, exhaustive newborn – who takes up a lot of time.
But the good news is that I will be posting my review of Hulk #600 next week when it hits the shelves. I’m looking forward to it because I’ve actually missed blogging about my favorite superhero. Now here’s the question…
I’m looking to post at least twice a week (everyday is just an impossibility right now) but was wondering which 2 nights to choose – so I leave the choice up to you:
Also, below is the Dynamic Forces variant cover for Hulk #600 – up for order ($30.00 – YIKES!) signed by Alex Ross. I actually like this version though – because the Crimson idiot doesn’t appear on it 🙂
Well, my wife and I certainly had a surprise this July 4th! My daughter decided she didn’t want to wait any longer and came out a whole month early! I have thousands of pictures and videos and will be posting more pics later but I thought you’d enjoy these for now! My wife is doing great and was an amazing Mommy – one of the most fascinating things I have even witnessed in my life! My daughter is also doing really well and we are already home! Thanks to everyone who has written with well wishes! Now I just have to try and keep up with some sleep!
No posts for a while – I know I promised new posts this week – but then my daughter decided to come out almost a month early so… gotta put my daddy hat on, buy a house and get ready for my brother in law’s wedding… I will try to post something here and there – but it may be a while before I do – I will post a real pic of my little girl as soon as we get her home – See you soon!
I know… I know… I haven’t posted in a couple of days – for those of you who haven’t bought a house – you have no idea how crazy things get when you’re trying to move your things in, talking to the realtor everyday, talking to the lawyer everyday, talking to your bank everyday, all while trying to do your daily business AND getting ready for a baby that is coming in less than a month! So, in short (too late) this month may be a little shaky with postings – BUT please stick with me! I still have a ton of things to show off – a lot of recent acquisitions – things I will get to posting, I swear! But I am busier than a whore in Vegas… is that analogy too risque? Sorry, how about… I’m busier than a whore in Texas – because I’ve heard that Texans LOVE their whores!
But onto this item, it’s called the Safe Target Game that has a little target that you throw dice at. It’s a nice piece that I picked up at Zapp! Comics in N.J. Sometimes I like the packages are the thing I enjoy more then the item itself – this is one of those pieces. The plastic it’s wrapped in makes it impossible to photograph – as you can see – but the box is filled with plenty of classic images of the Jade Giant.
Back of Package - Look at the Hulk throw that Die...
Oh good… a female Crimson Idiot…
Ratchet's Hulk Collection 