Ratchet's Hulk Collection

What If #71 (1995) – The Review

I loved the idea of this book – but it wasn’t the story I was expecting. First off – the bomb that created the thousand Hulks was not the famous “Test” Gamma Bomb that Bruce created – instead it was the bomb that America dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The Hulks were both freaks and super strong mutants that no hero could fight against. The Hulks quickly took over the world, calling themselves the Oni – and the emperer of the Oni is a mutated one who goes simply by “The Leader”.

A bunch of different Hulks... creepy looking Hulks

The Leader imprisoned the FF and destroyed the X-Men and any other super hero. Bruce Banner was a man who realized that the Oni was dying – but that they could be rescued – saved by a dose of Gamma Radiation. As he was working on the solution, Betty Ross, recognized by her name, was killed because Thunderbolt was the Oni’s enemy. When she was killed Bruce decided to destry the Oni himself with one last Gamma Bomb. The bomb was designed to kill the freaks – but at the test site Nick Fury showed up.

Nick Fury, who had been trying to stop the Oni, was meddling with the bomb. Banner runs out to the site and throws Fury into the blast bunker to save his life – but he was too late to save himself. He is caught in the blast and becomes the Hulk himself. But now there is a soilder strong enough to take on the Oni – and Bruce leads the fight against the Oni with the heroes he breaks free. He is a tortured soul – he is getting revenge on the people that took his beloved Betty away – but he is forced to fight in the skin that his enemies wear.

Over all, not a bad issue – but the art is pretty atrocious and the story is quick. Grade: C

Red Hulk & Skaar MiniMates (2009)

These are just on the shelves now – I guess it’s good to put the new kids on the block in a pack – I’m not really sure why I picked these up… I kind of felt like I had to buy them. I’m not really sure if I’m even going to display them. I’ll hide them behind other, better two packs. But hey, the Red Hulk really does look like he does in the comics.

Ugh... Loeb, look at this... are you happy now?

Wizard #214 is Hulk-tastic!

Listen, it’s been a while since I actually bought a Wizard, the magazine just doesn’t do it for me anymore – but a friend told me to check it out for a few Hulk treats inside. There’s a top ten list entitled Savage Showmen where they count down the Hulk’s most successful creators. Here’s what we got:

10) Bill Mantlo – Okay, sure. He wrote some of the most classic Hulk tales – he deserves his due.

9) Ed Mcguinness – let’s be honest here, he’s the only reason people are buying the book right now. Maybe he deserves this spot, but I’m still inclined to say not.

8 ) Bruce Jones – Wait, Seriously?!? Bruce freakin’ Jones? Someone needs a reality check! The guy was one of the worst Hulk scribes of Hulk history! No way does he deserve a spot!

7) Todd McFarlane – I know not everyone is a fan. but I am, he’s the guy who was drawing the book when I first started reading it, so I have a soft spot for this guy.

6) Dale Keown – Hands down, one of the most revered Hulk artist out there.

5) Gary Frank – Not a fan of this artist rendition of the Hulk. I know there are people who love this guy – but I can’t say I’m one of them.

4) Herb Trimpe – By far my favorite, so yeah, I think he should be higher on this list!

3) Greg Pak – For writing one of the most memorable Hulk stories in years, he’s earned his spot. But #3? Really?

2) Sal Buscema – Can’t argue this one either, if it’s not Keown that Hulk fans want – it’s Buscema!

1) Peter David – The man, the legend, and here he is at #1.

Ummm… where is Kirby and Lee?

Shop Talk - everyone hates the Red Hulk...

Also, toward the back near the price guide, you will see a small side bar with Retailer Buzz noting that Hulk is not selling all that well anymore. The people asked reason that it’s because no one cares about who the Red Hulk is anymore (I agree) – that it’s taken way too long to get the identity (I also agree) and that the inconsistent schedule is killing the book (Yup, yup)

Skaar: Son of Hulk #12 (2009) – The Review

I know this post is really late going up – but I left my computer at work last night and didn’t get it again until this morning – but here it is!

Let’s take a break from the MCP reviews with something a little more current! I forgot to review #11 – although I will admit, it’s in my “To Read” pile and I haven’t even touched it. I’ve had a lot to do. With only a month or so left till my daughter arrives it seems like my to do list just gets bigger and bigger. Anyways, this issue starts with the Hulk calling Skaar out – and Skaar coming back with “I thought you’d be bigger” (what a great line). This is how it’s supposed to be – at the age of thirteen, every Forgeday, a son must test his father and the father must tame the son. Hulk and Skaar trade blows while the warbound looks on and notices that this fight is taking place a little too close to a nuclear power plant. Skaar asks the Hulk if that’s the hardest he can hit – and Hulk shows him that it wasn’t. Korg steps in to try to calm things down but Hulk only uses him as a weapon to hit Skaar with. Then, Korg tells each of them that if they are going to fight that they must at least tell each other what their grievances with each other is. Skaar asks what kind of “hero” leaves his son to burn, his world to die? Hulk answers with… stupid Hulk talk.

Hulk is in his Savage persona, he doesn’t even recognize Korg or Skaar – this may be Pak’s attempt to fix Loeb’s disgusting past two years of writing – but when he looks into Skaar’s eyes he sees Caiera and he remembers. Skaar asks him if he knows he is Green Scar – and Hulk responds with, “Nope! I’m the World Breaker, Bitch!” Alright, I added the bitch part…

Remembering makes the Hulk transform into Bruce Banner – and back into the Savage Hulk again – like he’s trying to forget or something. Skaar asks him to show himself – to show the World Breaker again. Skaar send a crack along the canyon floor, right toward the power plant. The Warbound go into action to try to stop a meltdown from occurring. Skaar asks Hulk to see Green Scar again – and Hulk refuses to go and help stop the meltdown. Hulk hold the containment building together – but as one of the towers crumble the Hulk turns his attention to it – the containment building begins to blow. Everyone believes this will be it – until Skaar uses the Old Power to stop the meltdown. Elloe Kaifi asks why he fights with a sword if he has all that power – Skaar answers by plunging said sword into the Hulk’s chest saying it’s more fun. (By the way – if this ever comes up to buy – I so want it!)

Skaar walks away calling the Hulk a moron and saying that he’ll be back when there is someone in there worth killing and tells them to stay ways until then – because this is his planet now. The last scene of this story shows the devastation that the fight had on the area, molten lava flowing between huge cracks in the Earth’s crust. Just plain awesome – it really sets Skaar up as a bad ass not to be reckoned with. Just a fantastic build up! Grade: A (PAK IS BACK BABY!)

There is a variant cover showcasing the Hulk – as well as a wraparound variant cover and an even scarcer sketch variant cover – but since it’s early and I have no camera you’ll just seek these out to see for your self.

There is a second story – a worthy read as well – of the Surfer warning a world about the coming of Galactus. Because their world is strong with the old power Galactus will come. The Surfer tells them about Caiera’s sacrifice so that others may live – and he also tells of Skaar’s defiance. How after Galactus had fed and would have slept for thousands of years – but Skaar, with one last attack, wakes the eater of worlds and he hungers once again for more. The Surfer tried to stop him – only to be batted away in a blink of an eye. He warns for the inhabitants of the planet to leave before Galactus gets there – to remember who to honor (Caiera) and who to curse (Skaar, now on Earth). We join Skaar on Earth, in Iowa, where a much younger version of himself is sitting at a lake, staring at a much older reflection, and damning him. Man, this comic has me jazzed about Hulk comics again!

Marvel Comics Presents #78 (1991) – The Review

Green Hulk on the back cover - Grey Hulk inside!

Here’s one of the more… unusual stories. The Hulk is hanging out in a bar – Selene, the Black Queen, walk in and tries to cozy on up to the Hulk. Hulk tells her that he’s “Not Interested” (Which is also the title of this sordid little tale). Selene tries to get the Hulk’s attention, first by flashing her “goods” and telling him that she’s a God – then she sucks face with a guy and sucks the life right out of him and even hits the Hulk with a psychic blast. Each time the Hulk responds with a “Not interested”. Finally, though, after she has sufficiently aggravated him and now tries to get him to leave the Hulk tells her there is a reason he’s not interested…

Selene - being sutble... — Selene - being subtle...

Back at the Hellfire Club, Magneto calls to Selene who informs him that she has learned a lesson in arrogance tonight. Magneto calls out her name and she responds with “Not interested.”

One of the more interesting stories – but hey – still showed off a little of the Hulks ability to scare off powerful mutants – Grade: B-

Marvel Comics Presents #38 (1989) – The Review

This story, entitled “Art for Art’s Sake”, has Fixit being sent to a musician’s house to strong arm him into playing at Mr. B’s girlfriend’s party. See, when Brian Newman was an up and comer Mr. B helped him get on his feet and become a best selling artist. So, Hulk heads out to Brian Newman’s place and when confronted Newman tells Fixit to go ahead and break his hands. He would rather that then play the terrible songs he was forced to sing to become a best-seller. He tells Fixit that Mr. B did help him – but on his terms only – forced him to sing pop songs he hated. Newman tells the Hulk about the latest project – the music that comes from his soul – he even plays it for Fixit.

Do you take requests? Can you play Superfreak?

After this Fixit call up Mr. B and tells him that Newman won’t be playing the party. To hire Wayne Newton instead. The story is fine – I’m not sure if this guy could convince the Hulk to defy Mr. B – but it’s like the old adage “Music soothes the savage beast” – so whatever. Grade: C

Marvel Comics Presents #45 (1990) – The Review

So, in the hey day of Mr. Fixit, it seems there were plenty of writers wanting to take a crack at this great persona of the Hulk. While the stories weren’t very long they were absolutely entertaining – and this one is my favorite. Why? It’s entitled “The Main Event” and it matches up the Incredible Hulk vs. The Hulk… the freakin’ wrestler! While this isn’t the most accurate in history or character sense – how can you not be entertained by it? I’ll explain…

Back cover - almost looks like Larson - but it's not... — Back cover - almost looks like Larsen - but it's not...

This issue wraps up in a few short pages and literally has the wrestler Hulk shooting his mouth off about how he is the best and strongest out there. That’s when the real Hulk has had enough and jumps into the ring to silence the buffoon. As the real Hulk embarrasses the wrestler with every move a fan, watching from home, is remarking on how the wrestler Hulk is really getting pummeled. Then the Hulk hits the… uhhh… Hulk out of the building, sending him across town and landing in the fan’s living room. The story ends with the Hulk threatening to teach the other wrestlers using superhero aliases a lesson if they keep using the name to get ahead. As the referee announces the Hulk as the winner the Hulk remarks that he can call him Mr. Fixit – and they can call me Incredible you-know-what.

Hulk vs Hulk - but Hulk isn't fairing well against the Hulk

The reason why it’s not very accurate is because Fixit didn’t want to be found out as the Hulk – he would never risk getting spotted and losing his cushy little job just to defend the “Hulk” name – which he wasn’t even very fond of. But who freakin’ cares! This story is classic just for the match up! How can you not love this story? Grade: A

Thor looks a bit prissy to be a wrestler...

IGN reviews the Hulk comic…

IGN – a really good site that reviews everything – has a whole section reviewing comics. They’ve taken to reviewing the latest Hulk series – and aside from a few “7”s I’d say the reviewer is spot on. Check it out here:

IGN

So check it out and let me know what you think! Click on the image as well – check out this guys hilarious review of Hulk #11.

Hulk Plastic Figure (1991)

The bottom of this figure says “Applause” and what looks like “1991”. Not sure where this figure came from – or if it’s from anything but it’s about 2 inches high and I’ve only seen it just once. I thought I had all of the tiny Hulks out there but this one escaped me for too long! I found this at Bedrock Comics in Framingham at the time when I scooped up quite a few Hulk comics. I really love that shop – each time I go there it seems like I find something new which is really hard to do! Most shops I visit have nothing new to offer in the Hulk realm – but this one does! Almost every time I visit! It’s made of solid plastic and – I’m amazed at what kind of detail they can make in these little guys – the rip in his pants, the rope around the waist, this little guy is just plain awesome! Maybe it’s because since the movie I haven’t really found any Hulk figures anymore – so I was probably more excited about getting this than I should be.

With how popular the MCP review was that I did yesterday – next week will be a full week dedicated to all of the Hulk’s appearances in the series! See you Monday!

Marvel Comics Presents #6 (1988) – The Review

This issue was harder to find than I thought it would be – and I was a little surprised to hear the Hulk was in it because he’s not on the cover – no, instead he’s on the back cover – and you can tell by the image it’s the grey Hulk, not just the grey Hulk, but it’s Fixit! And it’s Purves who’s illustrating it! I know people give Purves a lot of guff for his run on the Hulk but I still contend that I think his run is one of my favorites!

The story is a very quick one entitled Risky Business. The story opens with the other Casino/Mob bosses talking about taking out Berengetti new bruiser – the one they call Fixit! They send an army of men who explode into Fixit’s room, destroying it, but Joe easily dispatches them, throwing them out the window. As the rest of the men retreat Mr. B. shows up and pays for Fixit’s new suit and his date with Marlo. Fixit and Marlo go to the other casinos on the strip and threatens them into letting him win at roulette. Not a bad little story – but it also didn’t make a lot of sense… Grade C+

Purves - the guy really is pretty darn talented!

The Hulk and Doom Mini-Mates (2009)

Let me tell you – Doom knows the power he’s dealing with when he tangles with the Hulk. As evident as his first encounter with him in the now classics Incredible Hulk #143 and #144 – Doom wanted to harness the Hulk’s power for is own greedy needs – but this isn’t the last time the two tangled. Hulk also had to suffer through Doom trying to mess with him when in Incredible Hulk #350 and Fantastic Four #320. But this Mini-Mate 2-pack combines the 2 enemies, and I have to say, I was a bit surprised. Nicely surprised – because how many times are they going to package the Leader, Abomination, the Thing and others with the Hulk! I like to see more of a change when Hulk toys are packaged with another character.

Fantastic Four #26 (1964)

I am so psyched to acquire another early Hulk appearance – this time it’s Fantastic Four #26 – I have a very rough copy of #112 and will upgrade that copy someday – but for now I have it and I’m happy. The only grails I have left are FF #25 – and of course the one that started it all FF #12. I can’t say I would be excited as I was when I got Incredible Hulk #1 but it would be right up there as far as great moments in my life. I found this issue at the Joker’s Child in N.J. – the shop itself was gorgeous and I love how they displayed their early issues – but this was the one that caught my eye, of course! I wish it were the better cover -#25 – but I will get that one eventually! Man, I love it!

Rampaging Hulk #1 Page #23 (1998)

I reviewed the short lived series “The Rampaging Hulk” a little while back – and I talked about Rick Leonardi’s art – well, my wonderful wife was able to find original art from this series. Not only was she able to find original art but she found a page featuring the Hulk and Bruce Banner fighting each other (SWOON!) AND the bottom panel has Thunderbolt Ross and Betty Ross AND General Talbot (TRIPLE SWOON!) So, yes, I have the greatest wife in the world and also one of the coolest pages from this series. Man, life is good!

Also – as an added bonus – Rick Leonadri signed it! I have some beautiful art featuring some of the greatest Hulk artists but this has to one of my all time favorites. No other page I have features so many vital Hulk characters in one page.

Betty, Talbot, Ross - and a tortured Banner

Thank you my lovely wife! And thanks to Rick Leonardi for creating such a great page! Again, if you don’t have the short lived series it’s really worth picking up.

My Weekend…

So, I found a few shops around Scarsdale, NY and visited Zapp! and another shop that my sister in law told me about called Joker’s Child. I will be adding each shop to the STORES page – see my reviews there – I found a few gems at Zapp! as well as a very rare silver age Hulk appearance at the last shop I mentioned that I will be posting this week. All in all it was a great trip – I also met a constant visitor to the site – Gammapup – who was chillin’ with my friend Corry at Zapp! when I showed up. It was nice to meet you pup!

Marvel Fanfare #7 (1983) – The Review

Marvel Fanfare has some original Hulk stories that absolutely rock! This is a great story that pitts the immovable Blob and the untouchable Unus against the strongest living mortal on the planet! The story starts with the Hulk being attacked by some army men – the Hulk dispatches them and jumps away. Meanwhile, the Blob has taken to running a traveling circus and Unus is with him, which makes sense since the Blob is the only one who can actually get near him. The Blob has been taking care of Unus – so much as he even feeds him – Unus, meanwhile, is depressed because his powers have grown so much that he’s doomed without the Blob.

The Hulk touches down near the circus and is a little hungry so he sets his sights on a hot dog vendor. As each of the circus performers attacks the Hulk he dispatches them easily until the Blob comes out to play. The Hulk attacks – but the Blob laughs off punch after punch – the Hulk remembers the last time they met and it only makes him angrier. The Hulk picks the Blob up off the ground – ripping the Earth up right with him – and Hulk tosses him right into the tent that houses Unus. Because of the force field, the Blob goes shooting right back at the Hulk and gets punched and knocked right out. Unus threatens the Hulk and tells him he has no chance against him in a fight – the Hulk doesn’t listen and charges Unus. This doesn’t go well though… the Hulk goes flying backward – but only for a moment – the Hulk gets up and attacks again but is surprised by the Blob squishing him between his mighty weight and the force field. As the Hulk begins to move forward he actually pushes Unus backward.

The Hulk tries to jump away because he’s getting bored with these two buffoons but the Blob grabs onto his ankle and takes off with him. Unus, knowing the force field was only going to get stronger with every step he takes, decides to rescue his friend. When the Blob and Hulk land they trade blows over and over and then realizes that he’s going to beat the Blob that he has to use his power against him. The Hulk punches his big gut and keeps pushing his fist harder until the Blob is sent flying backward and knocked unconscious. Unus arrives and heads toward the Hulk. The Hulk takes him out in one punch.

A great match up that fans at the time were clamoring to see – and silencing the mutant fans and especially the Blob fans that tried to claim that the Hulk can’t move the immovable Blob. Well, this comic put that right to rest, didn’t it? Grade: B+