Ratchet's Hulk Collection

The Incredible Hulk #103 (1968)

The Incredible Hulk #103 - my busted up copy!

So, listen, some of the earliest issues are almost a chore to get through because of the wordy explanations and the fantastically outrageous names – but really, the characters and stories are SO worth it! With these issues I like to give an overview rather than actually give a moment to moment account of what happened. Also – since most of the characters have outrageously crazy names I am going to shorten them. For example; The Space Parasite’s actual name is Randau and he’s from a Planet called Xeron – so I’ll just refer to him as SP (for Space Parasite) Why? Because I freakin’ can! Alright, let’s get started…

The Hulk is sent back to Earth by Odin – and he sends Hulk right in the middle of Time Square! As you can imagine this sends people into a tizzy! The Hulk whines about wanting to be left alone and he jumps to the rooftops. As he does though, he turns back into Bruce Banner. We then join Thunderbolt Ross, Glen Talbot and Rick Jones on a talk show as they explain why they have not been able to capture the Hulk as just how dangerous he really is. Bruce finds some janitors clothes and gets changed then hops onto a subway (illegally, I might add!) heading to Rick’s apartment. We also meet the SP looking to fight the Hulk. He’s searching the planet from his spaceship but is unable to locate him. Bruce makes it to Rick’s and flips on the telly – heck, why not right? Amazingly he catches the show Rick is on at the exact moment that Rick is saying that the Hulk is a menace and must be destroyed! Bruce is distraught, thinking his only friend is now against him. Then, Rick comes home – not only that, but he’s packin’ heat! Rick aims the gun at Bruce and tells him that he has no choice but to shoot him – y’know, because he’s the Hulk! The SP puts 2 and 2 together and figures out that Bruce is the Hulk.

Betty shows up and protects Bruce – Rick shoots but it hits the floor – Betty turns on the Hulk and calls him a monster, a little confusing, right? That’s because the SP has now taken over Betty’s mind to upset Bruce so that he’ll turn into the Hulk – and it works. As the SP shows up the battle begins between the 2 monsters. Every time SP touches the Hulk he siphons off a bit of the Hulk’s power. It’s revealed that SP was once the leader of his planet (so either this was a tiny planet or this guy achieved world dominance – and in that case – what the hell is wrong with me that I can’t find a way to take over the world!) Well, it turns out that one of the neighboring alien planets began to attack – so SP became a super soldier with the help of a solar chamber – but it also made him insane and power hungry. After winning the war the SP decided to keep attacking other alien worlds and defeating the strongest creatures in the universe. Turns out the SP needed to defeat the powerful creatures and feed off their energy. But he never had to face the Hulk before!

The battle continues between SP and the Hulk until the Hulk gets the upper hand and wraps the SP in a subway car (yeah – a subway car!) and tosses him into the river. SP gets free and asks the Hulk to kill him a noble way – a way fit for a warrior. The Hulk refuses to kill something weak and not attacking him. The SP tries to return to his spaceship but his people have found it and blown it up – leaving the SP to float on a piece of shrapnel across space to die. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the police show up and gas the Hulk and take Bruce Banner into custody.

Classic story with a great battle. The SP’s back story was great and gave a good reason why he would be such a formidable foe for the Hulk. He supposedly dies at the end of this issue – but the last shot of the SP floating on a piece of his space ship that was blown up by his own people? Priceless! Issue: C+

Hulk Washcloth (2008)

Now this is what I’m talking about! A Hulk Washcloth! Who doesn’t use washcloths? Alright, me. I don’t – I mean, if there’s no towels around and I see a random washcloth there I will try to dry myself with said washcloth… but really, no other use than that. We are men! We wash our face by scooping the water in our hands and then plunging our face in! And only with scalding hot water! BECAUSE WE ARE MEN! Anyways – a huge thanks goes to Stephen Yarish – you know him, the guy with the #1 greatest Hulk site on the net right here – who was sweet enough to send a little Hulk care package. Why? Just because he’s a nice guy. That’s why 🙂

Amazing Spiderman #119 & #120 (1973)

What classic covers! When I decided it was time to get the Hulk guest appearances I looked up all of the issues – especially the early issues, the silver age comics – and found early issues of The Amazing Spiderman that weren’t too crazy. Thus my quest began… I searched every comic shop I knew in my area that had only the best back issue collections. The story was the same in almost every shop I visited. If they had early issues of Spidey it started after #150. One shop had #107 – #134 – but missing these 2 issues! I hate when that happens! And then, on a trip to my LCS the guy behind the counter told me that the main store just got in a huge lot of Silver Age Comics – mostly DC – but they got in Amazing Spiderman – the first few hundred or so – I immediately called and asked about #119 and #120 – luckily they DID have them in! I told them I’d be right over…

The best part? #119 is in NM condition – it’s such a beautiful book – If I were to get this CGC’d I’m guessing it would get a ripe 9.4 or 9.6! I’m thinking about it… But man, oh man, these 2 classic covers are just great. I mean, it might be just my opinion – but #119 is so classic! It has a whole LINE of tanks heading to take on the Hulk – while Spidey is there hanging there narrating his own demise! “I’ll stop you even if it kills me! And it probably will!” Who says that? And no one can argue how amazing John Romita Sr.’s work is!

Chris Stevens WWH Commission (2009)

I am really into getting art lately – really into getting art from artists that I admire – but I get even more excited about getting art from amazing undiscovered artists. I don’t know if “undiscovered” covers this artist here though. His name is Chris Stevens and he goes by Snappahead on the Statue Forum. He is responsible for some of the most amazing pieces to be seen on the forum. He is well worth the price he asks. He opens up his commission list and closes it when it fills (which happens pretty quickly) when he has enough to keep him busy for a month or so… So I was VERY unfortunate to be one of the last people to get on the list. I asked him for a Planet Hulk piece and he was more than happy to oblige.

When I got the scan of the work – my jaw just dropped – it’s that beautiful! One thing – I did notice that my Planet Hulk was turned into a WWH – and I bet only a handful of people can tell why – but I noticed, and it didn’t matter – I was amazed at what this man can accomplish with a pen and ink! I hope to get another piece from him very soon – I might go for a marker piece next – and maybe even get the Planet Hulk I asked for 😉

Who else can tell why this is a WWH and not a PH commission?

Hulk Movie Pins (2008)

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Here are 3 Hulk pins. They… pin. Maybe on your shirt? If it was still 1984 and people pinned pins on their jean jackets. That’s all to say about that… here’s some Hulk pins.

Planet Skaar is coming!

Planet Skaar is coming! Is Skaar comig to earth? I’m not exactly sure – but what I do know is that Skaar has gotten better and better with every issue – I’m liking it a lot now adays – and now Skaar is meeting Dad! They may beat each other to a pulp – or they may “Hug it out, bitch!” Either way Pak is writing the Hulk again! Woo-Hoo! Check out the link – click on the image!

Hulk Easter Basket (2009)

I should have posted this on Sunday – or even Friday – but hey, I never said I was perfect! Anyways, this Easter Basket has some Hulky goodness in it – but I wish it was filled with more. As it is it really only came with 2 Hulk things – a Frisbee and a paddle game. It came with some candy – but I don’t eat candy (except chocolate – but we all know that isn’t candy…) so it was really slim pic-kins. I love the Frisbee though…

I have always loved Frisbees – and even have a trophy that I won in a Ultimate Frisbee competition – yeah, that’s right! I’m a bad ass… when it comes to Frisbee. I sure do like the classic items better because they have comic inspired art on them – not movie inspired art like these items have on them. I bought this at a K-Mart that I happened on in my travels. I believe these were only available at K-Mart.

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #4 (2009) – The Review

I know people have an issue with how they released this series – how the first 2 issues came out and then the next issue wasn’t released for another half a decade – but let me be the first to say – I am so glad they decided to finish this run. I am so happy it didn’t just land in a “What ever happened to…” pit of unfinished stories. It would have been in there with Kevin Smith’s Marvel resume. Did he ever finish that Black Cat / Spiderman storyline? Who knows, who cares? I’m just psyched they got these back on track! I will have to say though… I was not surprised about the “twist” in this universe though… Onto the review!

Most of this story is told in flashbacks. In fact the Hulk hardly makes an appearence – it begins with Betty Ross and Jen Walters talking over the Hulk – and the serum he took to become the Hulk. Jen wants to see if she can “tweak” it – work with it so that she can have all the power of the Hulk but none of the rage. Betty talks to Stark and Cap about not sending Wolverine out to kill the Hulk – saying Bruce shouldn’t be executed. But Stark disagrees. Meanwhile, Jen Walters is working on tweaking the serum – she injects a rat and as Betty arrives the rat Hulks out! – But it’s docile and sweet. None of the rage but all of the Hulk baby! Then we see Betty talking to Nick Fury. She telling him that Walters is a traitor and is planning on selling the Hulk serum to the Chinese. Fury tells Betty to give Jen the serum so that they can catch her in the act.

Next Betty sets up a flight to Tibet. Where Wolverine is. Where the Hulk is. They say they need Fury’s clearence – she plays a recorder with his voice saying to give her what she wants. They follow Walters to the drop off with the Chinese – they bust in as the exchange is made – only to find out that she was trying to buy the new Star Trek movie. Meanwhile, Betty’s on her way to Tibet. Fury calls to say that they are to take Betty into custody. Betty injects herself with the serum. She transforms… in an erotic, strange, but still kind of hot scene:

Fury says to take her out – but seriously? Your gonna take out the She Hulk? With guns? Good luck with that. Betty tears open the side of the helicopter and jumps out. She lands near Wolverine and Hulk saying that she’s Plan B. Hulk recognizes her as Betty. He tells her that she broke his heart – and now Hulk will break Betty!

The only shot of the Hulk in the new comic...

This is an interesting set-up to the next issue. The issue was told well… and the art is done… well. All in all not a bad issue – just not that great either – and the story hasn’t moved along from the original scene, it’s just told in back story, which isn’t so bad except that the build up to the event is a little… predictable. The issue: C+

What If?… General Ross Had Become the Hulk? (2005) – The Review

What If... General Ross Had Become the Hulk? He's actually grey in the book - even though he doesn't look that way on the cover...

One of the things I LOVE about this series is being able to see the characters you’ve become so familiar with in a new light – doing things they would normally not do – doing something totally out of character. This is one of my favorite What If… stories – written by a Hulk scribe you might have heard of – a chap named Peter David.

And this issue begins pretty much the same as Hulk #1 – Banner and Igor are readying the Gammabomb for testing – when all of a sudden they see a teenage boy driving out onto the test site. As Banner is about to leave Thunderbolt stops him and says that HE will get the boy instead. As Ross drives out to the test site and with Igor needing to find Banner’s formula he resorts to more drastic measures and gasses the remaining scientists. When Ross arrives he pulls a gun on Jones and tells him he’s arrested – but then the G-Bomb starts the countdown and Ross tells Jones to get to the trench – Jones makes it, Ross doesn’t – but unlike normal continuity where Jones is taken to the infirmary – this time Ross immediately Hulks out and falls on Jones, squishing and killing him.

Talbot arrives and wakes Banner up. He he tells him that the bomb was never halted and had been detonated. We see Betty at home and suddenly Ross comes busting through the wall. Ross’ Hulk can think – but he can’t verbalize anything – he just grunts yells. Betty is terrified – and Ross sees why when he looks into the mirror. He flees the house and jumps off. Banner and Talbot find Jones’ squished corpse. Meanwhile, Igor is driving Ross’ jeep away from the base to get away – but Ross recognizes his jeep and lands in front of it. The jeeps crashes into him – Ross realizes it was Igor who is to blame for his condition and throws the jeep and it blows up – which makes Ross very happy. He screams in triumph – and that’s when the army shows up and tries to take Ross down. Much like the Hulk, when cornered, Ross begins to tear apart the army’s defense – kicking and throwing tanks – destroying everything is sight. Ross finally jumps away, back to his house, and suddenly sees that one of the tanks he threw has landed on his house. The house that Betty was in – and was in when the tank landed. Ross drops to his knees and breaks down realizing he has killed his own daughter. Bruce is there and he tells Ross that Betty is in fact dead – and the time for words is over. As Ross cries Bruce raises a gun to the back of Ross’ head and pulls the trigger.

Bruce shoots Ross - like I have wanted to do SO many times!

A very violent and amazing issue – it’s such a great issue that makes you look at each character differently. I freakin’ loved it! Read this issue of you can – it’s pretty easy to come by. Issue: A

Jeff Wamester’s Leader Sketch (2009)

This guy exceeds my expectations everytime! EVERYTIME! I will probably get a sketch from this guy everytime I go to a convention – because he’s that awesome! I have 3 Hulk pieces – and each piece was better than the last – so as I knew I heading to the Boston Comic Con, where I first met Wamester, I inquired of he was going to be there. When he responded that he was I immediately asked for a Leadder sketch this time – I just wanted to see what he could do with the Hulk’s rouge gallery – and as you can see he freakin’ nailed it!

I’m hoping to maybe complete a set of Hulk villians before this guy hits it really big and I can’t afford his art anymore. If there’s another convention in October I’m thinking about Abomination – but I may have to ask for Aquon – because I’m sort of cool like that. Also – When I was talking to Jeff he told me there is a skull hidden in this sketch, can you find it? I’ll admit – I had to have him point it out. Try to find it and I will update this post tomorrow with a scan highlighting the skull. Jeff told me that this was his favorite convention sktech that he has done. I almost hate to say it – but I still like my original Hulk better – but I’m a bit biased! 😉

Alright, here it is – the hidden skull – many of you saw it already – but just to clarify:

So much new art! Greg Moutafis Commission (2009)

When the Boston Comic Con rolled around last October I saw this watercolor Hulk. It was pretty sweet – but I had bigger fish to fry – so I passed on it. But then when I went back this time the piece was a whole lot cheaper – and I finally broke down and got it. It reminds me of the classic Hulk – Kirby-esque Hulk. How sweet is that? I picked up a whole bunch of new art and even have a couple of new Hulk pages to show – those of you on The Statue Forum have already seen it all – but for everyone here – I will be posting it all within the next few weeks! Just wait – Wamester did a great rendition of the Leader – and Roger Andrews did an amazing commission for me!

Hulk 3age Figure (2008)

I found this one in one of the hundreds of comic shops I visit. I can’t even remember at this point – and I feel bad because I love giving shout-outs to shops that give me Hulk propers! That’s my ghetto-speak. Love it bitches! Anyways, there is another little sucker out there somewhere – I need to find it now – this is the variant. This little figure is pretty sweet though – although there is no real articulation.

Look how he has no little nose – but his head is HUGE! He’s only about 3 or 4 inches high – but it’s so unique – I had to have it. I might never get another one of these – just because they are imported and pretty pricey just for a little Hulk – but hey – it’s all in the quest for greatness, right!?!

Turned to the side - and the only one in focus! — Turned to the side - and still not in focus!

Hulk vs. Thor – in the comics!

I will have to say – this is certainly one of the best match-ups in comics – a mortal with unmeasurable strength against a God. There is a long history of these two powerhouses meeting up – so here’s some of the covers featuring them! Quick note – each comic posted is from my collection – and I just recently acquired the first:

Journey Into Mystery #112 - The one that started it all!

The Incredible Hulk #255 - Very Hard to Find!

The Mighty Thor #385 - A cover for the ages!

Heroes Reborn # - This must be Hippy Hulk. Damn Hippies. — Heroes Reborn #2 - This must be Hippie Hulk. Damn Hippies.

The Avengers #5 - Liefeld's take on Hulk

Onslaught Reborn - Joe Mad's version of the Hulk - one of my favorites! — Onslaught Reborn #2 - Joe Mad's version of the Hulk - one of my favorites!

The Incredible Hulk Annual # — The Incredible Hulk Annual 2001

And now for the Red Hulk vs. Thor covers:

And one last one! Not Hulk vs. Thor – but worth the mention… I give you… Hulk vs. Abomination!:

Thor #178 - The Abomination takes on a God!

The Bowen Hulks… all in a row!

Can’t wait for these bad boys to be coming home with me! Except the Rulk – but that goes without saying!

Back From the Con!

I hate crowds, have I ever mentioned that? Well, I do. Sunday’s crowd was perfect – it was busy – but not packed, so I was happy. I picked up some key issues – check out this list:

The Mighty Thor #178
Wolverine #148
Daredevil #163
The Silver Surfer #12
The Silver Surfer #58
Ghost Rider #11
The Avengers #88
X-Men #66
Marvel Feature Presents: The Defenders #2 and #3
and
The Defenders #7, #15, #27 and #32

Now, if you are confused – just google each issue and find out why these are such classic and KEY issues! I also got a bunch of art from the talented artists that were there and will be posting it in the coming weeks. Stay Tuned! And, Hulk-Man – I just finished the What If? with Thunderbolt Ross becoming the Hulk – look for it on Friday.