Official Incredible Hulk comic thread.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Issue 49 was frigging great. Finally saw the Hulk in his full greatness with his fight with Pratt. Hopefully all those pissers that were complaining they don't see Hulk will be happy. Can't wait for issue 50. Abomination is one of my favorite villians.

[HULKMASH]

S
P
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My question is, even though the Hulk kills Pratt, is it the Hulk who pounded him into 70 some-odd pieces that were buried afterwards?

Gotta love it. The Hulk kills again.

[CaptainStacy]

I've been enjoying the current run, and i LOVED seeing the Hulk kick that S.O.B. Pratt's ass, but i was a little disappointed in the fact that the arc is done, but no answers were given. it's getting to be too much like the X-Files, what with all the surmounting mysteries.

That said; I'm looking forward to the new storyarc with the Abomination. Deodato's art looks spectacular in the preview.

Should be good! :hulk:

[Nivek]

I read somewhere on another hulk board that exspectations are so lowered on the book that the issue will be called great just because we see the Hulk, and he does something. It was O.K., but the last eight months of books could've been condenced in three issues. Hopefully now that Jones has given the Hulk the ability to speak, we will see more of him, and he will be doing stuff, and talking!

[Lord Blackbolt]

I love the new take on the Hulk, I just wish they would answer some questions faster...

[geezo]

I can't believe Jones is going to string out this Ricky Myers arc even longer. AR:mad:GH! Find the little bastard already!

And I hope we're not supposed to believe that Pratt is dead--seventy-eight pieces notwithstanding. The guy's too detestable and irritating for Jones to leave him buried. Sigh. Well, bring on Emil Blonsky and Mike Deodato! But you can definitely lump me in with that "low expectations" group that Nivek mentioned.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by geezo
I can't believe Jones is going to string out this Ricky Myers arc even longer. AR:mad:GH! Find the little bastard already!

And I hope we're not supposed to believe that Pratt is dead--seventy-eight pieces notwithstanding. The guy's too detestable and irritating for Jones to leave him buried. Sigh. Well, bring on Emil Blonsky and Mike Deodato! But you can definitely lump me in with that "low expectations" group that Nivek mentioned.

Is it me or has Deodato's art has changed drastically from the what he used to be years ago... He's actually become way better now than he was before...

[Lord Blackbolt]

I do miss the knock down drag out fight... hopefully they can do a full issue of that soon.

How about a return of th U-foes... i'd like that

[Hulkophile]

Check out a preview of TIH #53, from The Pulse (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D00 0664).

The art looks sick. Mike Deodato has really improved.

[CaptainStacy]

Lookin' good! :hulk:

[Jakesteraholic]

I like that the Hulk has had lots of hot women in lingerie lately.:)

[Hulkophile]

Is this the actual cover to HULK #50? (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0302/06/hc.jpg) And is 'Incredible' gone from the title, too, to coincide with the movie? Either way, the cover kicks ass!

[BLAQUE-SPIDERMAN]

The Hulk is one of my favorite comic book characters' ever! I'm just getting back into the issues, becuase when Jenkins left, things get unstable, and that kinda drew me away. I picked a few issues during the current Bruce Jones' run, just to stay up what's goin' on with the Jade Giant, but issue #49 was good! I enjoyed it
and i plan on picking up the TPB to get the full lowdown on Agent Pratt. One question before i bounce, how did Pratt become a deformed version of the Hulk?

-:venom:BSM

[Tobey Maguire]

I thought the Hulk cover was the one with the three faces all mushed together, you know? over at marvel.com they have a preview dotcomic...they're probably just doing two different covers...but I'm diggin on the one Hulkophile just posted...

P.S. I think we've seen the last of Agent Pratt, just like I'm pretty sure we've seen the last of Slater. But the whole Sandra/Ricky Myers storyline I think will continue for a very long time. So that's why there weren't that many answers...it's not over yet, baby!! In fact, I think the Abomination is just being brought in to help bring the Hulk in for that mysterious corporation....

[STINK-E]

HULK #50 tomorrow!! I can't freakin wait!

Who else is getting this?

Why the Hell does it cost $3.50?

[IFdude]

Because it has 48 pages.

Later,

Kyle

[geezo]

I've been pretty tough on Bruce Jones so far, but I have to say that issue #50 was quite good. It was the first Jones-written Hulk that really felt like the Hulk to me. Deodato's art was excellent, as usual--dark, but still clear and enjoyable. This storyline looks promising, I think. It's always great to see the Abomination, and he'll definitely be out for blood this time. (Though I suspect it will be the Secret Conspiracy's blood before it's over.)

I do wonder how in hell an international celebrity-actress like Nadia could just vanish from her country and disappear into the desert without anyone finding her. Hopefully Jones will take this into account and explain things.

This could be a great storyline---I just hope we don't have to wait five issues before the Hulk shows up.

[Tobey Maguire]

Ha ha! Banner's bangin the Abomination's missus! That's great! Anyway, I really liked this issue, and I'm lovin the art. Great start.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by IFdude
Because it has 48 pages.

Later,

Kyle

Thanks.

I bought it today but I haven't had a chance to read it because I've been on the phone with tech support all day trying to figure out what's wrong with my internet service. I finally got back online at 11:00 pm but I'll just wait and read it tomorrow.

Anyway, I heard the Hulk doesn't even make an appearance. 48 pages and no Hulk?
I'm still looking forward to the issue but that kinda sucks!

[Mr. Fear]

I can't wait to pick up the issue, this is one of the most talked about issues ever! I'll be getting involved quite soon!:D

[Hulkophile]

I do wonder how in hell an international celebrity-actress like Nadia could just vanish from her country and disappear into the desert without anyone finding her. Hopefully Jones will take this into account and explain things.

I wondered about the same thing. Maybe she's working with the secret organization, too? Since this is the first issue of the storyline, I think a lot will be revealed in the next couple of issues.

Anyway, I heard the Hulk doesn't even make an appearance. 48 pages and no Hulk?
I'm still looking forward to the issue but that kinda sucks!

How about a suped-up Banner using the Hulk's strength :hulk: , like in the last arc?

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
.



How about a suped-up Banner using the Hulk's strength :hulk: , like in the last arc?

Yeah I read it this afternoon. I thought that was pretty cool!

[BLAQUE-SPIDERMAN]

I enjoyed issue 50 as well, although it was all too convienent that Nadia would be a scant several miles from where they were holding the Abomination! And did anyone else notice that Banner was just too reserved the whole issue? I mean, when she just got butt-naked in front of him, he was TOO cool, and just went with the flow! I think they were times that Bruce used the different personalites of the Hulk during this whole issue. In the begining, i think it was the Prof. Hulk-persona, up until the fight, it was good ol' Joe Fix-It, "And she's outta band-aids, too!" Classic Joe Fix-It! And you're right, Abomination is out for blood! How could Bruce not know it was Abomination's wifey, when he was the one that hooked the tape up to torture him with it? I don't know, but a good first part to a seemingly interesting story arc!

-:venom:BSM

[Hulkophile]

Marvel's May solicits are up at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0302/19/marvelindex.htm)...

And here's May's preview of Hulk #54! (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0302/19/hulk54.jpg). Looks like the whole "bald savage/zombie Hulk" story is featured (along with the Hulk's fight with Abomination), or it could be just another cool cover. ;)

[Jakesteraholic]

Hulk could be my favorite comic right now. I love the story going on, and I love seeing nakie women.:) Nadia is a cutie. :o

Anyways, I like Jones's stories overall, but sometimes the dialouge seems like he is trying to be too intelligent instead of natural dialouge...

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by Jakesteraholic
Hulk could be my favorite comic right now. I love the story going on, and I love seeing nakie women.:) Nadia is a cutie. :o

Anyways, I like Jones's stories overall, but sometimes the dialouge seems like he is trying to be too intelligent instead of natural dialouge...

Well... some of the characters are scientents and are really smart... that's why tey speak that way.... I guess

[Hulkophile]

Courtesy of Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com)

HULK #51 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/huc.htm)

Page 1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu1.htm)
Page 2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu2.htm)
Page 3 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu3.htm)
Page 4 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu4.htm)

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Courtesy of Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com)

HULK #51 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/huc.htm)

Page 1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu1.htm)
Page 2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu2.htm)
Page 3 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu3.htm)
Page 4 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/06/hu4.htm)

Looks awesome as usual. BTW, who does the Hulk covers?

[Hulkophile]

Kaare Andrews. He's been doing the covers since #34. He should have his own book IMO.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Kaare Andrews. He's been doing the covers since #34. He should have his own book IMO.

Definitely.

[Nivek]

Not a fan of how he's drawing the Abomination, though.

[Spidey Rules]

Has anyone heard if there will be a HULK HC Vol II coming out? I know if it does it will be after the current story arc. I would rather just pick up the HC than the individual issues.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spidey Rules
Has anyone heard if there will be a HULK HC Vol II coming out? I know if it does it will be after the current story arc. I would rather just pick up the HC than the individual issues.

Man I sure hope so!

What issues does the 1st Hulk HC have in it? I have the Return of the Monster TPB(issues 34-39) and the Boiling Point TPB(issues 40-43) but I would really like the HC.

Also, What issue did Bruce Jones begin his run on Incredible Hulk? I can't remember.

[Spidey Rules]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Man I sure hope so!

What issues does the 1st Hulk HC have in it? I have the Return of the Monster TPB(issues 34-39) and the Boiling Point TPB(issues 40-43) but I would really like the HC.

Also, What issue did Bruce Jones begin his run on Incredible Hulk? I can't remember.

I'm not sure when Jones began writing Hulk, the HC is the first Hulk book (comic or otherwise) that I have bought.

If I remember correctly (I have the book at home), it has all those issues you just listed plus four more, I think it was called Banner 1-4. Basically SPOILERS...






















Dr. Banner dies at the end or at least it's implied. Thanks to Doc Swanson (sp?)

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spidey Rules
I'm not sure when Jones began writing Hulk, the HC is the first Hulk book (comic or otherwise) that I have bought.

If I remember correctly (I have the book at home), it has all those issues you just listed plus four more, I think it was called Banner 1-4.


Thanks. I would really like to sell both my the Return of the Monster TPB and the Boiling Point TPB. I'll sell them for $12 for THEM BOTH($6 bucks each) if anyone wants them. They are in perfect condition.

[Hulkophile]

Bruce Jones' first issue was #34.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Bruce Jones' first issue was #34.

Thanks Hulkophile!

[Spider-Hulk]

Thats right, Im buying the Hulk again, I bought issue 50 today and have read it twice, its amazing, I really like it, I would never have belived it possible that one day Bruce Banner would sleep with the wife of his greatest rival....Abomination but it happened!

As for beating up those guys who came in looking for trouble, wow, where did "puny Banner" get the strength to do that? I was sad that Hulk didnt appear in it, but by the same token its good that Banner is being allowed to develop a little bit now, which is a good thing. But just dont overdo it.

There are some things Im not clear on so if any of the more older readers could bail me out a second here....Last time I checked Banner had a terminal illness, but it looks like hes cured now yes?
Secondly does the Grey Hulk appear in the comics now or is it Green(Savage) Hulk orientated. Lastly, What about the Merged(Professor) Hulk has he been around or is he likely to return?

Im looking forward to 51 now, stopping collecting the Hulk was the biggest mistake of my comic life one Im not gonna repeat.

[TheCorpulent1]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Kaare Andrews. He's been doing the covers since #34. He should have his own book IMO.
He did. Spider-Man: Legend of the Spider-Clan. It was a mini-series What If? type of story. It just ended, actually.

Forget I said anything. Turns out Kaare Andrews was the writer of Legend of the Spider-Clan and someone else drew it. He just drew the covers.

[Spidey Rules]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Thanks. I would really like to sell both my the Return of the Monster TPB and the Boiling Point TPB. I'll sell them for $12 for THEM BOTH($6 bucks each) if anyone wants them. They are in perfect condition.

Don't you just hate having to do that. I'm currently selling my two Ultimate X-Men TPBs to pick up the Ultimate X-Men Hardcover on Amazon.com. I'll probably end up getting about six bucks each for it.

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
As for beating up those guys who came in looking for trouble, wow, where did "puny Banner" get the strength to do that?

From the last story, apparently, Banner can access the Hulk's strength without transforming. How much strength hasn't been revealed yet.

I was sad that Hulk didnt appear in it, but by the same token its good that Banner is being allowed to develop a little bit now, which is a good thing. But just dont overdo it.

So far during Bruce Jones' run, the Hulk hasn't had many appearances, which is starting to ruffle some long-time fans' feathers. As for myself (twelve year collector), I'm enjoying the direction of the book. I don't mind that the Hulk isn't in every issue. But you're right, it shouldn't be overdone. But I think with Mike Deodato on board, the Hulk should be popping up more.

There are some things Im not clear on so if any of the more older readers could bail me out a second here....Last time I checked Banner had a terminal illness, but it looks like hes cured now yes?

You're right. He was cured back in #32. The story involved the Ant Man minimizing himself and going into Banner's body to save him.

Secondly does the Grey Hulk appear in the comics now or is it Green(Savage) Hulk orientated. Lastly, What about the Merged(Professor) Hulk has he been around or is he likely to return?

As soon as Paul Jenkins left the book and Bruce Jones was ushered in, the multiple personality aspect of the story disappeared. Maybe it'll be touched on in the future, as TIH #54's cover shows the "bald Hulk" fighting "hair Hulk" :o .

Im looking forward to 51 now, stopping collecting the Hulk was the biggest mistake of my comic life one Im not gonna repeat.

Good to know you'll be sticking around! I've had discussions with other collectors that absolutely hate the direction the book has taken (Comic Boards (http://www.comicboards.com/hulk)). But I think I'm in the minority when it comes to long-time collectors that actually enjoy the book now.

BTW, #51 will be out tomorrow (3/12/03).

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile

Good to know you'll be sticking around! I've had discussions with other collectors that absolutely hate the direction the book has taken (Comic Boards (http://www.comicboards.com/hulk)). But I think I'm in the minority when it comes to long-time collectors that actually enjoy the book now.

I'm another long-time collector(17 years) that actually loves the new direction Jones is taking with Hulk. Sure, I'd like to see a few slug-fests but the new direction is Fresh and very well written.:hulk:

[Spider-Hulk]

its quite good, considering Im not up to speed as I stopped collecting at 450 something, now at issue 50 Im seing a whole new aspect, to Hulk, is new and nice, definately a nice touch.

Lets take a quick vote how badly is Abomination gonna beat on Banner/Hulk when he catches up with him?

Also tapping the Hulks Strength w/out transforming all the way is good in a sense, as Banner can be the hero once in a while, kinda nice.

Better get down the comic shop 2moro then for 51 dont wanna miss out any more.

[Mr. Fear]

Originally posted by STINK-E
I'm another long-time collector(17 years) that actually loes the new direction Jones is taking with Hulk. Sure, I'd like to see a few slug-fests but the new direction is Fresh and very well written.:hulk: by not finishing "loes" it could mean loves or lothes;)

[Spider-Hulk]

Bald Hulk?
Hair Hulk?

Its gonna take me a while to get to grips with all the incarnations again! :rolleyes: :D

[Mr. Fear]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Bald Hulk?
Hair Hulk?

Its gonna take me a while to get to grips with all the incarnations again! :rolleyes: :D yeah, what's with the bald Hulk on the covers of Hulk/Wolverine: 6 Hours??:confused:

[Hulkophile]

Bald Hulk- A fugitive Banner shaves his head so he won't be recognizeable. Some how, whenever the Hulk appeared, he to was bald. This Hulk resembled nothing of past incarnations. He doesn't speak or even growl. Some people refer to him as "zombie Hulk", seeing how the only thing he did was throw a police car, punch Samson out of a diner, and knock over a building. He's similar to the mute Hulk around #'s 468-474, but that Hulk at least spoke some and showed more intellect than the bald Hulk.

"Hair Hulk"- The Hulk speaks! In #49, the Hulk actually speaks and has hair, as Banner's hair has also grown in. He resembles the merged/Professor Hulk the most (his "look" and the way he talked), so it's quite possible that that persona has returned. So maybe #54 just might touch on the MPD aspect, if the story does in fact follow the cover (http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/onsale.htm?id=867) of course. Plus, the Abomination story concludes that issue, too. So who knows..?

BTW, I was being funny when I said "hair Hulk".:D

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Lets take a quick vote how badly is Abomination gonna beat on Banner/Hulk when he catches up with him?


I read somewhere that Issue #54 is supposed to be an all out brawl from cover to cover.:cool:

[Spider-Hulk]

Stop me if Im wrong but how in the blue hell can the professor/merged hulk be a seperate persona of his own? The Professor was a product of hypnosis combining Banner/Grey Hulk/and Green Hulk into one. I appreciate that I have been out for a while now, but previously I knew the incarnations its a little weird now.

The hair Hulk I dont think seems to be like the Classic Savage Hulk, maybe it is meant to be the professor. Golly, at least I recognised Bruce Banner when I saw him, so at least Im thankful for that.:D

One other thing I cant remember the professor ever transforming and http://www.incrediblehulk.com/ says that he didnt, also I read on an old site called hulk-emm, that the professor does not have the whole "madder hulk get" strength increase his base is at 100 tons.

Note: to the people at marvel, bring back the old Hulk incarnations please!

[STINK-E]

Damn, issue #51 was a great read!

What did everyone think of Deodato's Hulk? I thought it looked pretty cool. I really loved his work on the Abomination. The close-up when Abomination is about to bite off S-3's head look great!:hulk:

[TheCorpulent1]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Stop me if Im wrong but how in the blue hell can the professor/merged hulk be a seperate persona of his own? The Professor was a product of hypnosis combining Banner/Grey Hulk/and Green Hulk into one. I appreciate that I have been out for a while now, but previously I knew the incarnations its a little weird now.

The hair Hulk I dont think seems to be like the Classic Savage Hulk, maybe it is meant to be the professor. Golly, at least I recognised Bruce Banner when I saw him, so at least Im thankful for that.:D

One other thing I cant remember the professor ever transforming and http://www.incrediblehulk.com/ says that he didnt, also I read on an old site called hulk-emm, that the professor does not have the whole "madder hulk get" strength increase his base is at 100 tons.

Note: to the people at marvel, bring back the old Hulk incarnations please!
It's revealed in Hulk #16 that the professor Hulk is actually a unique Hulk persona that Samson managed to bring to the front of Banner's mind. He didn't actually merge all of the Hulk's previous incarnations, he just tapped into a new personality that no one knew existed at the time. Throughout the early issues of the current series, different Hulk personas kept popping up, including a bestial one (which was the size of 100 Hulks in Banner's mind) and an evil one referred to as the devil Hulk.

I can answer the transformation and the madder=stronger questions in one go: the professor Hulk had the savage (green) Hulk's starting strength, which is somewhere between the Thing's strength and the Abomination's strength, WITHOUT the added ability to increase his strength through heightened anger, but on the other hand, he didn't turn back into Banner if he fell below a certain level of anger. However, the professor was unique in that when he did reach a certain, extremely high level of anger or distress, his body would revert to Banner's, but the savage Hulk's mind would take over.

Personally, I'd just like to see all of the Hulk's personas laid out in sequence for me. I have completely lost track of them. So far I can recall the savage Hulk, Joe Fixit, the professor Hulk, the Heroes Reborn Bannerless Hulk, the Marvel U. Bannerless Hulk (who seemed a lot like a green Joe Fixit), super Banner, the Maestro, savage Banner, War, the beast Hulk, the devil Hulk, and Banner without the Hulk at all.

[STINK-E]

Nobody has any opinions on Deodato's version of the HulK?

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Nobody has any opinions on Deodato's version of the HulK?

It was great! I really enjoyed #51. Mike Deodato's art has really improved since his last stint on the book. I'm really interested in what will happen next issue with the Hulk appearing. Maybe he recognizes Nadia as the woman the Abomination kidnapped some time back (#383 & 384; I can't remember if the Hulk knew it was Nadia or not. I'll have to check back) and fills her in what type of person he's become (Betty's killer).

[DrFixit]

Origionally posted by TheCorpulent1
It's revealed in Hulk #16 that the professor Hulk is actually a unique Hulk persona that Samson managed to bring to the front of Banner's mind. He didn't actually merge all of the Hulk's previous incarnations, he just tapped into a new personality that no one knew existed at the time.

Ah yes, my least favorite part of Paul Jenkins run. Making the Merged Hulk his own personality destroys any hope of post-onslaught continuity. After Banner was separated from the Hulk when Onslaught was defeated, the Merged Hulk was minus Banner equalling a Green/Gray amalgam. When Banner returned, they did not merge back together into the "Professor" again, leaving Banner to transform into the Green/Gray merged Hulk.

How then, is the Professor his own personality?

Damn you Paul Jenkins! This problem can never be fixed!

[Spider-Hulk]

The Professor somehow, manifested himself as a seperate personality, he represents the "Ideal" Bruce Banner, He has triats of all 3 incarnations in him making him the fourth, the Professor, is not really my favourite Hulk I think he is not that great. For straters he isnt as ruthless in combat as the Grey Hulk and he aint as aggressive and enraged as the Green Hulk, in many ways the Professor is a restriction.

Besides of late the Professor aint very well liked because he forgave Abomination for killing Betty. The others did not. I cant say Im happy about it either, the Hulk forgive somebody for killing Betty???? Never gonna happen. I reckon that it is only fair that the Professor have to deal with Abomination, see if Blonsky is able to Forgive him for sleeping with his wife. But since the MPD aspect is now more confusing than ever Im gonna have to learn all over again.

*Sigh* (Remembers the days when it was just the Grey Hulk and the Green Hulk)

But thats progress, and progress is good.

BTW Hulk #51 hasnt arrived at my comic shop yet(Since Im British and all) so a little synopsis would be nice. Thanx.

[Hulkophile]

Hulk in June, from Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com).

INCREDIBLE HULK #55

Written by Bruce Jones, art and cover by Leandro Fernandez.

"Hide in Plain Sight" Pt. 1 (of 5). In time for the Hulk movie, this special 25-cent, jump-on issue begins a brand new five-part story arc, featuring the return of Crusher Creel, the Absorbing Man.

HULK #55 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/19/hulk.htm)
32 pages, 25 cents, in stores on June 11.

INCREDIBLE HULK #56

Written by Bruce Jones, art and cover by Leandro Fernandez.

"Hide in Plain Sight" Pt. 2. Continuing the 5-part Absorbing man story arc.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on June 25.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #1

Written by Robin Laws, art and cover by Brian Ashmore.

A haunting tale of two fugitives beautifully illustrated in this fully painted limited series! Doctor Bruce Banner discovers that being on the run is a little bit easier when you have a charming young woman to run with - but his new friend has her own secrets, and her own demons to run from.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #1 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0303/19/hulk1.htm). You can read more about it at Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000190).
32 pages, $2.99

HULK: THE MOVIE ADAPTATION

Written by Bruce Jones, penciled by Mark Bagley, inked by Scott Hanna, cover by Dale Keown.

Incredible Hulk writer Bruce Jones tells the story of the summer's biggest blockbuster with art by Ultimate Spider-Man's Mark Bagley.

48 pages, $3.50, in stores on June 4.

[Lord Blackbolt]

OK I have a few questions reguarding the latest issues....


Why does the Abomination look like that... wasn't his face scared by acid.... he looks like the old version.......

Also... why does it say that Abomination was held captive there for many years...... Yet he was in the Paul Jenkins Run from a year ago.:confused:

[Spider-Hulk]

Abomination probably felt like it was years....also I noticed at the End of Hulk #51 that the Hulk looked a hell of a lot like Banner, in terms of head and hair and even the face, I was surprised....Im guessing that was the Green(Savage) Hulk right? If so I liked his look and am waiting eagerly for the fight between Abomination and Hulk.
Originally posted by captain cocanut
Why does the Abomination look like that... wasn't his face scared by acid.... he looks like the old version.......
It has been stated that Abomination has an increased healing factor, Hulks healing ability is quicker than Wolverines, I belive it works, the smaller the Hulk the quicker he heals, Abomination has a healing factor, that much is certain but at what level its at in relation to Hulks is a mystery, we do know for facts that he has it so the scars probably just healed up.

By the Way Hulkophile, Will this Hulk:Nightmerica be replacing the regular Incredible Hulk series till its finished, or will both still be available?

[TheCorpulent1]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
BTW Hulk #51 hasnt arrived at my comic shop yet(Since Im British and all) so a little synopsis would be nice. Thanx.
Banner and Nadia wake up "the morning after", Nadia brings Banner food wearing nothing but an apron. Banner seems pretty ready to hang up his purple pants and sit down to enjoy the good life with Nadia for a while, at least.

Cut to another rural town: an old lady wanders into a sex shop, starts smashing the place up, calling everything filth and trash. Clerk calls the cops, the cops show up, the lady pulls out a machine gun and kills everyone in the shop.

Back to Banner, who's surprised in the shower by Nadia, who brought him some vitamins. He takes them, they kiss.

Meanwhile, the female agent is addressing the Abomination. She tells him the terms of his release: he's set free, he kills Banner, he's free to live out his life with Nadia. Otherwise, Nadia dies.

Back to Banner and Nadia. The "vitamins" were actually a tranquilizer, so Banner's knocked out. Nadia drags him over to the bed, opens a laptop and starts talking to our old friend, Clandestine Mouth Man, the very same mouth that the agents were talking to in the car last issue.

Back in the other rural town, the old lady sheds her disguise, revealing herself to be that same guy who we saw a few issues back gathering information from another porn shop. He does his usual shtick, checks the porn store out here, goes over to a bar, picks up the bartender under the front that he's a lingerie salesman who wants her to model his goods.

The agent speaking to the Abomination unlocks his bonds and he instantly grabs her. She reminds him the only way he'll see Nadia again is to follow her rules, so he lets her go and she locks his bonds again, presumably so she can wait safely until it's time to sic Abomination on Banner.

The dude and the bartender are in her room. She changes into the bra he gives her in the bathroom and pulls a gun out of the top of the toilet. She stands in the doorway wearing the bra, then right when she's about to pull her gun, he shoots her in the head, searches her, and finds a golden CD.

Banner wakes up, feels weak, Nadia says she'll get some medicine for him from her shop. She seems to be having second thoughts about handing Bruce over to Mouth Man, but reminds herself "he's only a pawn." Right when she finds the medicine and exits the shop, however, she's faced by a very impressive, Deodato-drawn green Hulk!

"To be continued . . . ":D

On a side note, does anyone else love the new Hulk cover logo as much as I do?? I think it's one of the best logos in comics.

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by TheCorpulent1
On a side note, does anyone else love the new Hulk cover logo as much as I do?? I think it's one of the best logos in comics.
I like the covers too, its pretty nice, I think that Marvel (http://www.marvel.com) have images of future covers in this current Story Arc.

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
By the Way Hulkophile, Will this Hulk:Nightmerica be replacing the regular Incredible Hulk series till its finished, or will both still be available?

The original series should continue when Hulk: Nightmerica starts it's limited series run. So, yes, both will be available at the same time. :hulk:

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk


It has been stated that Abomination has an increased healing factor, Hulks healing ability is quicker than Wolverines, I belive it works, the smaller the Hulk the quicker he heals, Abomination has a healing factor, that much is certain but at what level its at in relation to Hulks is a mystery, we do know for facts that he has it so the scars probably just healed up.




Yeah but I remember him having those scars for years with no change to his face.... I didn't read much of Jenkins run... do did he look different in that story....:confused:

[BLAQUE-SPIDERMAN]

Great issue, i loved the drama surrounding Nadia's emoitional state towards the end, how she flashed back to the night that they had sex, and how she was torn between her "new" feelings for Bruce, and her desire to be reunited with Emil. Bruce Jones is doing a great job at the helm, but what i enjoy most about his writting is his ability to add other sub-plots that don't hinder the story. They actually add to the main plot, which makes the story more juicy! And i enjoyed Deadato's art thoroughly, it definitely added to the suspense of the story, especially the shower scene, and of course the re-emergence of the Hulk! I'm loving being back on board with the Hulk, and yes- i'm truly digging the new Hulk logo as well!

-:venom:BSM

[Spider-Hulk]

Hulk is the coolest monster ever!

[Spider-Hulk]

Also, when is hulk #52 coming out??? I cant wait to see what the Hulk is gonna do to Nadia, also, I wonder what caused Banner to Hulk-Out in the first place, maybe he got delerious and fell over, hit his head and he kinda was miffed, and then pow, the Hulk appears.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Also, when is hulk #52 coming out??? I cant wait to see what the Hulk is gonna do to Nadia, also, I wonder what caused Banner to Hulk-Out in the first place, maybe he got delerious and fell over, hit his head and he kinda was miffed, and then pow, the Hulk appears.

Incredible Hulk #52 comes out next week, April 9th.

As for what caused Banner to Hulk out, I'm pretty sure it was because Nadia drugged him and stole his computer!:hulk:

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com).

HULK #52 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/huc.htm).

Page 1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu1.htm)
Page 2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu2.htm)
Page 3 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu3.htm)
Page 4 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu4.htm)

HULK #53 ships later this month!

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
HULK #53 ships later this month!

2 issues this month?!?!

[Hulkophile]

2 issues this month?!?!

Something's wrong with the "week of April 23rd" link at marvel.com, but yes, #53 will ship later this month too.

(SPOILER ALERT BELOW)

One scene I saw a couple of months back (in black and white with no text/word bubbles), shows the Abomination, still detained but in a "helicopter chair", as he and the agents look over an area that appears to have been demolished. Nadia's place, maybe?

(END SPOILER ALERT)

The story concludes in #54 (May). Hulk again goes bi-weekly in June (#'s 55 & 56, to kick off the launch of the movie) with a new story, guest starring the Absorbing Man.

[hulkwillsmash]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Nobody has any opinions on Deodato's version of the HulK?

I like Deodato's Hulk, just for the chance to see the damn monster for the first time in a few issues. Actually, though, I don't really like it when Hulk looks like he's having 'roid rage...

Look it's the Hulk!
No, it's Scott Steiner!
Er?!

Of course...the need to make Hulk bulge every vein in his body is probably explainable by this simple theory...

If Hulk is the strongest one there is, but we're only going to show him every few issues, then rather than demonstrating how strong he is through various acts worthy of such a monster, we have to show it, via his awe inspiring "pro-wrestler from hell" look...:)

[Spider-Hulk]

Once again Hulkophille has delivered the goods! I checked out the links and , to be honest Im a little confused, why was the Hulk sniffing her? Was he trying to find Bruce's scent on her so he knew she was one of his conquests or what? Maybe it was because she had a nice perfume. Still it looked funny.

I think Deodato really captured Nadias reaction to the Hulk well, you could tell from the picture, the poor woman was wetting herself, I really got a sense of fear from those images, and it was good! Wait till she sees Mr Blonsky in the flesh, if she thinks the Hulk is a hideous beast, man she has got a big surprise comin her way!

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Once again Hulkophille has delivered the goods! I checked out the links and , to be honest Im a little confused, why was the Hulk sniffing her? Was he trying to find Bruce's scent on her so he knew she was one of his conquests or what? Maybe it was because she had a nice perfume. Still it looked funny.


Yup, Hulkophile posts some really cool stuff in this forum. I always appreciate it when people post pictures, previews, etc that are relevant to the comics(Last Angry Man does this a lot too).

I too was kinda confused by Hulk's sniffing. Maybe Nadia $h*t herself when she saw Hulk.:(

[Hulkophile]

Thanks a lot Stink-e & Spider-Hulk. I just try to keep everyone up to date.

[Lord Blackbolt]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu3.jpg

That's a pretty badass comic page IMO

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Thanks a lot Stink-e & Spider-Hulk. I just try to keep everyone up to date.
Hey dude, its cool, its credit where credit is due. Those little tidbits you post are great, they whet my appetite no end! Keep on posting!!

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu3.jpg

That's a pretty badass comic page IMO

Definitely!!:cool:

At 1st I didn't really like Deodato's version of the Hulk, but the more I see it the more I like it.

[Spider-Hulk]

I notice the Hulk now bears quite a resemblance to Banner, could this be in tune with the Movie Hulk and therefore deliberate?

At any rate the head is really disproportionate to the body, thats the only fault I can find. Hulk looks intense he looks like hes there and ready to get it on with Abomination. Thats gonna be some fight, be interesting to see who Nadia takes sides with. Will she really want to be re-united with Emil when she sees him? Im not really sure, can Abomination be returned to normal?

At any rate, the fight is gonna be worth the wait.

[jackcool]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/03/hu3.jpg

That's a pretty badass comic page IMO

WOW!!!
That looks really great
Wednesday cannot come soon enough....

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Definitely!!:cool:

At 1st I didn't really like Deodato's version of the Hulk, but the more I see it the more I like it.

I liked his version of Hulk since his first run on the book from the 90's

[BLAQUE-SPIDERMAN]

Sweet! I'm glad to be back on the Hulk!!

-:venom:BSM

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
I liked his version of Hulk since his first run on the book from the 90's

OMG, I completely forgot about that!

jackcool is right about wednesday not coming soon enough. I would like to see Hulk and the Abomination have a small battle before the conclusion in the 5th issue in the arc(like in this next issue), but Jones probably won't do that.

[TheCorpulent1]

I've liked the vast majority of Deodato's work ever since I first saw it. His previous Hulk work rocked, his Thor looked great (even though the stories were far from memorable), and everything else I've seen him do has been good, too. He had some anatomical proportion problems a while back (his women were way, waaaay too leggy), but he seems to have cleared those up now.

As for this comic, I'll be waiting in line with everyone else come Wednesday. Actually, I'll be going on Thursday so I won't have to wait in line, but you get the idea.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by TheCorpulent1
He had some anatomical proportion problems a while back (his women were way, waaaay too leggy), but he seems to have cleared those up now.


Yup, Nadia looks extremely Sexy!!

[STINK-E]

All right, WTF just happened at the end of Issue #52? Is Mr Blue a woman? He looked like one. What the hell does he even have to do with the story anymore? I had almost completely forgotten about him.

Somebody PLEASE explain what happened in this issue and WTF is going on(especially with Mr Blue)!

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by STINK-E
All right, WTF just happened at the end of Issue #52? Is Mr Blue a woman? He looked like one. What the hell does he even have to do with the story anymore? I had almost completely forgotten about him.

Whatever is on that disk, it's fairly important to Banner/Hulk. Plus, it "reveals" the identity of Mr. Blue. POSSIBLE SPOILERS There's speculation that the organization may bring back Betty. They can, apparently, bring people back to life or make them hard to kill. END SPOILER

Somebody PLEASE explain what happened in this issue and WTF is going on(especially with Mr Blue)!

The story begins with a guy we have no idea about. He's just killed a woman working for the secret organization (though it's strange she hasn't come back to life). We have no idea who he works for and why he and his organization are after the disc.

In the meantime, the Hulk and Nadia have a brief moment, where his sniffing and snorting gets on her nerves. She slaps him and he utters her name. He then reverts back to Banner. Banner reveals that he's the Hulk and has been framed. Nadia drugs Banner again and talks to the organization's leader, and is rethinking her aiding the organization.

Elsewhere, the two agents sent to recruit the Abomination, head back to "base". The woman (S-3) is paranoid by S-2's constant whinning, and bringing up what happened to S-1 when he failed (he was fried like a murder on death row).

By the time the issue ends, the woman on the disc is shown fully recovered from surgery over a period of months. The man was suprised by the face and has a feeling that the woman and her alias (Mr. Blue) is something to be excited about.

I thought this was a fairly good issue. I think I'm starting to get a tad bit annoyed at the Hulk's lack of prescence in the book. And when he does appear, it's only for a few pages. Though the stories IMO are good either way, I think the Hulk could still be utilized more and in a better way than he has been.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile


I thought this was a fairly good issue. I think I'm starting to get a tad bit annoyed at the Hulk's lack of prescence in the book. And when he does appear, it's only for a few pages. Though the stories IMO are good either way, I think the Hulk could still be utilized more and in a better way than he has been.

Thanks for the summary, I needed somebody to just lay everything out for me and jog my memory.

You're not the only one getting a little annoyed at Hulk's lack of presence in the comic. I have been a staunch defender of Bruce Jones, but I'm ready to see the Hulk more than just in the conclusion to each arc.

[hulkwillsmash]

I was little let down the way 52 picked back up...when i finished 51, I was excited to see what would happen next...i know it's a lesser point that may be touched on or implied later in the run, but the Hulk seemed to be shown just for the heck of showing him...lack of explanation why he was there in the first place (we've all speculated) and then having him back to normal just as quickly...left me asking why even waste the green ink...I am looking forward to seeing how the Abomination storyline pans out, but in general, I feel like they're stretching the story too far over the books..just my $0.02

[Spider-Hulk]

I think so, they shouldnt have shown the Hulk for so short a time and no reason as to why, u r right it was a bit pointless

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by hulkwillsmash
I was little let down the way 52 picked back up...when i finished 51, I was excited to see what would happen next...i know it's a lesser point that may be touched on or implied later in the run, but the Hulk seemed to be shown just for the heck of showing him...lack of explanation why he was there in the first place (we've all speculated) and then having him back to normal just as quickly...left me asking why even waste the green ink...I am looking forward to seeing how the Abomination storyline pans out, but in general, I feel like they're stretching the story too far over the books..just my $0.02

I was a little let down myself. Still, not a bad issue and it certainly peaked my interest at the end with the whole "secret conspiracy" thing finally getting somewhere.
I agree the showing of Hulk in this book seemed a little forced, but I'll take it any way I can get it.

[hulkwillsmash]

I agree...not a bad issue...at least not in the sense of the recent handful that I've argued so much over...I feel that at least now I'm somewhat drawn in, and will pick up the issue for reasons other than just faith...I think the secret conspriracy needs to finish it's course soon, or at least stop being the dominant plot device...I'm aware the Absorbing Man will be in the next storyline, so I'm hoping for somewhat of a "clean slate" effect that gets the book feeling motivated again...

[Lord Blackbolt]

I am wondering if Betty will return.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
I am wondering if Betty will return.

I hope she does, I'd like to see more of a permanent type supporting character in this book.
Do you guys think we will find out for sure who Mr Blue is in this arc? I f***ing hope so.

[Hulkophile]

I think there's a possibility we'll find out who Mr. Blue is, but I doubt it'll be touched on when "Hide in Plain Sight" starts. I wouldn't see why not, since the next arc will be another five parter.

[Lord Blackbolt]

I think they need to cut the long storyarcs.... How about a solo issue or a two parter for a change.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
I think they need to cut the long storyarcs.... How about a solo issue or a two parter for a change.

I totally agree. I love a good stand alone issue. It would be nice to see a stand alone with the Hulk on nearly every page! Maybe even a good brawl with Wolverine or Thing.:o

[Lord Blackbolt]

I don't think Bruce Jones knows how to write a good brawl

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by captain cocanut
I don't think Bruce Jones knows how to write a good brawl

I'm not sure he does either. I guess we will find out in a couple of issues. The only thing close to a brawl he's done was the Hulk Vs a Hulked out Special Agent Pratt, and that was pretty short.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Even that Wolverine mini-series he did was kinda VERY low on Action......

Did he do the new Wolverine, Hulk mini-series?????

[STINK-E]

Yeah he did the Hulk/Wolverine 6 Hours Mini-Series. It wasn't very good. The story was outrageous, Scott Kollins' pencils were bad for some reason, and there wasn't any action til the last issue.

[STINK-E]

"What Price Glory" sucked too. I was surprised at how bad both of these Mini-Series were, considering how clever he's been on Incredible.

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=37&t=000723). I'll just post the "Hulk news". The rest can be found through the link.

"Comic book readers and retailers continue to respond strongly to the latest Marvel Must Haves collecting consecutive issues of hot ongoing series, so answering the bell, Marvel's next low-priced, reader-friendly compilation is MARVEL MUST HAVES: INCREDIBLE HULK #50-52 (MAR035026), the first volume in a newly-expanded MUST HAVES publishing initiative.

"This 96-page volume collects the first three sold-out issues (including the special extra-sized INCREDIBLE HULK #50) of the current five-part story arc pitting the Hulk against his long-time foe the Abomination, by writer Bruce Jones and penciler Mike Deodato.

"Retailers can place orders for MARVEL MUST HAVES: INCREDIBLE HULK #50-52 with Diamond immediately (contact your Diamond representative for details). On-sale May 7th with a cover price of just $3.99, it arrives in comic shops just a week before the final chapter in the storyline - INCREDIBLE HULK #54 - on-sale May 14th."

ALSO:

"MARVEL MUST HAVE: INCREDIBLE HULK #34-36 collects the first three-issues of Bruce Jones' debut six-part Incredible Hulk story arc, "Return of the Monster", illustrated by John Romita Jr. and Tom Palmer."

As mentioned above, the cover price for these "must haves", will be $3.99. That's not a bad price IMO. Bruce Jones take on Hulk fits perfectly as a collectible/TPB.

[STINK-E]

Those would be good if you missed the 1st 3 issues of the arc for some reason, the price is very good but I've yet to see any "Marvel Must Haves" at either of the comic shops I grace with my presence.

[STINK-E]

I picked up the "Transfer of Power" TPB yesterday. After having Deodato on the book, Stuart Immonen's art looked like total **** IMO!! I couldn't believe the difference because I liked Immonen's work when he was on Incredible and I liked his FF stuff.

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/marvelfirsts.htm)

HULK #53 cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/hc.htm)

Page 1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h1.htm)
Page 2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h2.htm)
Page 3 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h3.htm)
Page 4 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h4.htm)

HULK #53 ships next week, April 22nd.

[Lord Blackbolt]

wouldn't be easier just to post the pictures......


http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/hc.jpg

[Lord Blackbolt]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h1.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h2.jpg

[Lord Blackbolt]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h3.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/18/h4.jpg

[STINK-E]

It looks great. I just hope we get some Hulk action.

[Hulkophile]

Actually, the reason why I don't post the pictures is that Comics Continuum doesn't like for their pics to be posted inside message boards. They would rather people use links. I did this before over at Comic Boards (http://www.comicboards.com) and one of the moderators told me about it. PLUS, it causes unneccesary longer page loads inside threads.

[STINK-E]

Mike Deodato is only doing the art for this arc. After him another artist picks up for the next arc only, from what I've seen his art doesn't look that great IMO.
Why can't the Incredible Hulk find a great artist and keep him on the book?

[Hulkophile]

You're right, STINKE, Mike Deodato returns after Hide in Plain Sight, with #60. A while back, a suprise (popular) artist was slated to do the Absorbing Man arc (Marvel alluded to it when they talked to Newsarama), but it looks like it isn't someone that's really high profile after all.

[Nightcrawler17]

Sweet!, I love this story-arc so far, can't wait to see what happens!.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
You're right, STINKE, Mike Deodato returns after Hide in Plain Sight, with #60. A while back, a suprise (popular) artist was slated to do the Absorbing Man arc (Marvel alluded to it when they talked to Newsarama), but it looks like it isn't someone that's really high profile after all.

I forgot Deodato returns after "Hide in Plain Sight".:o

[BLAQUE-SPIDERMAN]

Those cats are in BIG trouble at the end of page three! I'm sure one of 'em is sayin' to theirself, "What a time to muck up!"

-BSM

[STINK-E]

I think it's obvious we're not gonna get any Hulk Vs Abomination action til the last issue, but still I'd like to see some action. I'd like to see Emil bite one of those agents heads off!!

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/22/marvelindex.htm)

HULK #57 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/22/hulk57.jpg)

- Written by Bruce Jones, art and covers by Leandro Fernandez.
The Absorbing Man is back with a vengeance.
32 pages, $2.25, in stores on July 9. #58 will ship later in the month, on July 23.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/22/hulknightmare2.htm)

-Written by Robin Laws, art and cover by Brian Ashmore.
Banner's search for the super-secret place called Nightmerica continues. Plus more on the mysterious woman Chrissie Cutler.
32 pages, $2.99, in stores on July 9.

[STINK-E]

The "Hulk: Nightmerica" Miniseries looks like it will be really good. I really like the painting, the Hulk looks awesome. It also appears to be a somewhat original looking rendition of the Hulk. He looks tall and and really muscled up, but not to bulky like some artists make him look.
Anyone else gonna pick this up besides me?

[Hulkophile]

I'll probably check it out (HULK: Nightmerica). The covers look really nice, too.

BTW, I wonder if Mike Deodato will do any Hulk covers when he returns. He's doing July's Amazing Spider-Man #55 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0304/22/amazing55.jpg) cover, so I don't see why not.

[hulkwillsmash]

got Hulk 53 today...for those following along, you know that Abomination gets free and heads to meet Nadia as arranged, but once they meet the neck dart she's been told will destroy him turns out to be a dud and Emil laughs at her .

Now, anyone who's read ANY comic book on the face of the planet knows that we're setting up for a fight, and as I walked from the comic shop with my friend, regarding this battle he remarked simply "it'll be the last frame"....how true. The only appearance of the Hulk in the issue is the last page, but I do like the way that Banner loses his shoes and shirt, and undoes his belt to let loose the too-big pants, preparing to turn.

My only question...do you think it's the "Professor" personality Hulk, or the Savage Hulk...I thought his brief stint in 51 and 52 were the Savage incarnation, though the short dialog, namely him saying "Hey Emil...pick on someone your own size"....which sounds by the use of Abomination's first name, that's the Professor...

Of course, as much as I ***** about not getting to see him, I'll take whatever Hulk they use at this point...:)

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Actually, the reason why I don't post the pictures is that Comics Continuum doesn't like for their pics to be posted inside message boards. They would rather people use links. I did this before over at Comic Boards (http://www.comicboards.com) and one of the moderators told me about it. PLUS, it causes unneccesary longer page loads inside threads.

I do it all the time.... and none of the mods here have told me anything about it.... I think as long as you acknowledge that it came from Comic Continuuim... they don't care.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by hulkwillsmash
My only question...do you think it's the "Professor" personality Hulk, or the Savage Hulk...I thought his brief stint in 51 and 52 were the Savage incarnation, though the short dialog, namely him saying "Hey Emil...pick on someone your own size"....which sounds by the use of Abomination's first name, that's the Professor...

Of course, as much as I ***** about not getting to see him, I'll take whatever Hulk they use at this point...:)

I'm pretty sure that was the professor.

I had mixed feelings about this issue. Sure, I like the suspense but I wanna see some ****ing Hulk action! You're right, the "last panel" thing was sooooo predictible. The next issue is supposed to be a "cover to cover slugfest", and it had better be. I've been a big supporter of Jone's run, but I've been re-reading some Peter David Incredible Hulk back issues and I am becoming a little pissed off at Jones.
Like I said, the suspense was great and the art was incredible. Still, I think Hulk and Abomination could have had a small scuffle in one of the issues before next issue's conclusion.

[hulkwillsmash]

cover to cover slugfest...i've heard that, too...I won't restate the same old argument, but this issue is just evidence of one of my overall points, which is that Jones is just dragging this story along. I've been interested in this line more than his last few, but for no reason other than the self-serving purpose of hoping to see a fight...if you were going to do this fight in multiple issues, I'd say at least have the 1st round where Abomination leaves the Hulk unconscience in the dirt, then give us the rematch. It's not as noticable when you read comic by comic, but after you get 50, 51, 52, and now 53, you see the plot feel tired. Granted, Jones has had to do some story stretching to handle going bi-weekly, but as it stands, until I see the fight, I'll file this under "filler"...

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by hulkwillsmash
cover to cover slugfest...i've heard that, too...I won't restate the same old argument, but this issue is just evidence of one of my overall points, which is that Jones is just dragging this story along. I've been interested in this line more than his last few, but for no reason other than the self-serving purpose of hoping to see a fight...if you were going to do this fight in multiple issues, I'd say at least have the 1st round where Abomination leaves the Hulk unconscience in the dirt, then give us the rematch. It's not as noticable when you read comic by comic, but after you get 50, 51, 52, and now 53, you see the plot feel tired. Granted, Jones has had to do some story stretching to handle going bi-weekly, but as it stands, until I see the fight, I'll file this under "filler"...

I agree with pretty much everything you said.
I had a lot of hope for this arc, but 4 issues in we haven't gotten anywhere!! This arc could/should have been done in 3 issues easily if there is only to be one fight between them.

Hopefully, the Absorbing Man arc will be better.

[Hulkophile]

I agree. This story could've been told in three issues, especially with #50 being double sized, too. This was an okay issue IMO. I think the story was definitely dragged out more than it should have been. But the next issue had better be nothing short of a 22 page smackdown from start to finish.

[hulkwillsmash]

Regarding the upcoming Hide in Plain Sight, I'm looking forward to the Absorbing Man line, for 3 reasons:

(in no particular order)

1.) Deodato's take on Creel in this run. I'm interested to see how it looks...

2.) Want to give Jones the benefit of the doubt in assuming that since they seem to work from feedback, that this next line will compliment the current one in starting to pull us from the doldrums.

3.) Want see Hulk smash. :D

Seriously though, in the back of my mind, I'm concerned that we're going to get a tie-in the movie on SOME level, be it obvious or otherwise, and I really feel like that's a cop out Jones can't afford to take right now.

When the movie comes out, interest in the book will rise as it always does, which is going to put a lot of pressure on every detail because you're not going to have the luxury of just being critiqued by the die-hards, who tend to let some things slip in favor of nostalgia or who blur away the flaws out of sentiment. You're going to get a new audience, who aren't privy to the information we have, which means they're going to ask questions that aren't asked under normal circumstances, and that's going to leave Jones' run to fill in the gaps - something which I think he'll need to continue to improve on as the release date gets closer. Personally, I feel like if time and space were somehow altered, and the movie had been released, say around issue 42 (not picking on it, just pulling a number) of this run, there would be a sharp decline in the number of people who make the transition over into becoming future buyers.

I've been notorious on these boards for slapping Jones around for reasons I've already bludgeoned to death, but since 50, I can be the first to admit I have seen - and subsequently enjoyed - the subtle improvements. This isn't to say that I would even put 50 on the same coffee table as, oh, #255, but I'm taking my money and I'm going to the comic shop at lunch, and I'm buying the issues, which is more than I've done in quite some time. The newest set of problems Jones has, are dealing with popularity. Early on, in the more dismal portions of his run, he could get away with certain things because the only people picking up the book were his die-hard supporters. As he starts getting back in the favor of the core fanbase, we're turning a sharper eye on what he does, just as we've debated his ability to stretch a decent storyline out into more issues than it needs, and in true American Idol fashion, manages to take 30 min. to do what could be accomplished in 30 seconds.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by hulkwillsmash
Regarding the upcoming Hide in Plain Sight, I'm looking forward to the Absorbing Man line, for 3 reasons:

(in no particular order)

1.) Deodato's take on Creel in this run. I'm interested to see how it looks...



Deodato's not doing the art, remember? It's Leandro Fernandez on pencils, from what I've seen It won't be that great. I too would have liked to have seen Deodato's rendering of the Absorbing Man.
I completely agree with your other 2 reasons though.

[Captain America]

Right now Jones is between a Rock & a hard place, this Last Issue better be damn worth it. We better see some freakin' rampaging beasts destroying each other, I will give Jones my Faith for the Final Issue.. If he fails me.. :mad:

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Captain America
, I will give Jones my Faith for the Final Issue.. If he fails me.. :mad:

Same here. I still have faith that the last issue will be great, and that the Absorbing Man arc will make me forget about the 1st 4 issues to the Abomination arc.

[CaptainStacy]

Mike sure draws one HELL of an Abomination though, doesn't he?

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by CaptainStacy
Mike sure draws one HELL of an Abomination though, doesn't he?

Yeah he does, it's probably the coolest Abomination I've ever seen. Also, it took me a couple of issues, but I really like his Hulk now too.

[DrFixit]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Same here. I still have faith that the last issue will be great, and that the Absorbing Man arc will make me forget about the 1st 4 issues to the Abomination arc.

Yea, those 4 issues have turned out to be some arc, huh? I was really liking Jones when he first started the book because he would pull out the Hulk in short but dramatic moments. Now I hate him for the same reason. How much more exposition do we need, Jones? I get the Abomination-Nadia-Bruce thing, now have something happen before I fall asleep.

[R.B. Banner]

Nothing says "badass" to me more than the series of frames with Bruce stripping down to only his pants in preparation for the battle he knows is coming and, I think, welcomes. The final splash-page of Hulk coming to duke it out with ol' Emil is fantastic, a real drool0inducer for the final installment.

Sorry if this has been addressed before, but do we have any theories on who Mr. Blue is?? I think I read someone say it might be Betty. This sounds like a solid theory, but for reason I have my doubts. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

I will personally be sad to see Deodato go after his run. I agree that his abomination is spectacular, and I love his Hulk, even though I'm not sure what Hulk it is we're seeing. Judging from his speech patterns, and the control Bruce has been showing lately, maybe it's a slightly new hulk that Bruce can pull the reins in on when he has to, but really let loose if the time calls for it. He seems at least moderately intelligent.

Okay, I'm done for now!

[Spidey Rules]

I asked this question once before, but no one knew the answer then. Here's hoping someone might know this time.

Will there be a 2nd Hardcover book coming out that will contain the last two story arcs. I bought the first one and I'm anxiously awaiting the 2nd (if there is one). Maybe in time for the movie?

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
I will personally be sad to see Deodato go after his run.

Deodato's coming back right after the next arc: "Hide in Plain Sight", and will remain the regular penciler.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spidey Rules
I asked this question once before, but no one knew the answer then. Here's hoping someone might know this time.

Will there be a 2nd Hardcover book coming out that will contain the last two story arcs. I bought the first one and I'm anxiously awaiting the 2nd (if there is one). Maybe in time for the movie?

For some reason it still hasn't been solicited. I agree, the 1st HC was awesome.

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by STINK-E
Deodato's coming back right after the next arc...and will remain the regular penciler.

Thanks for the info STINK-E...I feel much better now! :D

[R.B. Banner]

Any initial thoughts on ISSUE# 54? I just got it today, and I felt it was "okay" but nothing special. I enjoyed the battle, and we got some information about the Hulk as he exists currently...kind of an uneasy mix of Banner and...everyone else??

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
I will personally be sad to see Deodato go after his run. I agree that his abomination is spectacular, and I love his Hulk, even though I'm not sure what Hulk it is we're seeing. Judging from his speech patterns, and the control Bruce has been showing lately, maybe it's a slightly new hulk that Bruce can pull the reins in on when he has to, but really let loose if the time calls for it. He seems at least moderately intelligent.
I agree, The Abomination looks very good. Almost realistic, the art in the Hulk comics of late has been first rate, no doubt top quality. As for the Hulk, I too am unsure what Hulk we are seeing and I consider myself to know a fair bit about the Hulk. Judging from the look, I would go with the Green "Savage" Hulk. Although it could be the Professor, by the way he talked. But I reckon in all likelyhood, since Banner can now draw on a little bit of the Hulks strength as and when, like he did in issue 50. Its fair to say, this may well be the so called "Banner" Hulk.

It would fit in with the story too. Abomination when imprisoned was treated to a little videotape on endless loop, courtasy of Banner, Abomination killed Betty. Banner and Blonsky have quite a grudge, this is why I reckon its the "Banner" Hulk. Banner has scores to settle with ol' Emil so I am convinced that its this Incarnation they decided to go with.

(note: As of writting this I have just read Hulk #53. 54 has not come into my comic shop yet. So apologies, if Im talking trash.)

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
Any initial thoughts on ISSUE# 54? I just got it today, and I felt it was "okay" but nothing special. I enjoyed the battle, and we got some information about the Hulk as he exists currently...kind of an uneasy mix of Banner and...everyone else??

How did you get issue #54? It doesn't come out for another week. Are you lying or did you get lucky and get an early copy?

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by STINK-E
How did you get issue #54? It doesn't come out for another week. Are you lying or did you get lucky and get an early copy?


haha, nah, I'm not lying. I have a subscription to the comic, have since around 1994 or so. I guess we get the issues earlier in the mail than the comic shops. So yes, I guess I am lucky, I got mine yesterday. :cool:

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Pop Culture Shock (http://www.popcultureshock.com).

Page 1 (http://www.popcultureshock.com/previewer.php?id=2157&p=1)
Page 2 (http://www.popcultureshock.com/previewer.php?id=2157&p=2)
Page 3 (http://www.popcultureshock.com/previewer.php?id=2157&p=3)
Page 4 (http://www.popcultureshock.com/previewer.php?id=2157&p=4)

[STINK-E]

Cool! Hulk's getting beat down!

[R.B. Banner]

It's been a nice build-up and this issue finally brings in the goods in terms of Hulk Smashing. I don't want to give away the outcome...but I'm sure everyone will enjoy where it goes.

The mystery of Mr. Blue is also addressed, but not in full.

[Hulkophile]

According to the cover to #54, we have bald Hulk :p vs. hair Hulk :hulk:, which alludes to another multiple personality crisis. During the Abomination/Hulk fight (pages above), the Hulk is bleeding from one punch (which suprises the Abomination) and tells Blonsky that he's changed. Is there some type of personality disorder going on here? It's nothing new to the book, but it's been ignored (or at least not explained) so far by Bruce Jones. All we know is that bald Hulk pushes over buildings and hair Hulk talks and acts like Banner and the merged/Professor Hulk. It doesn't explain if and how Banner apparently controls the Hulk or can gain access to the Hulk's strength, either. Maybe it'll be revealed in this story... or soon. Hopefully sooner than later.

[R.B. Banner]

It's somewhat revealed in this story....like mentioned above, I get the subscription at my house, so I got the issue early. I could go into detail, but I don't want t o spoil anything.

The Bald Hulk thing, are you talking about the cover where the Abomination is tackling the Hulk? Issue # 54's cover is the Abomination attacking a Lou Ferrigno-looking Hulk through the title, hinting at the slug-fest that's coming inside.

[Jomero]

I was at the comic shop yesterday. The owner knows me lately as the guy who's been buying a bunch of hulk books.

I asked him when he gets the new book in and he said, "We get our shipments on Thursdays. It could be tomorrow, it could be next week."

I thanked him. Then he said, "Hey, you can buy this if you want" and then shows me Issue #54. I was confused.

He said, "This is a single copy they send to dealers for us to look at and see how many we want to order."

After a few hearty thank-yous, 54 is now mine. :D

I enjoyed it. Wasn't disappointed at all. It does leave a few questions open (though I finally figured out what happpened in the last few frames of the book, and it wasn't my original thought when I first read it).

I'm really liking Deodato's style and his vision of the Hulk.

-Jomero

[Hulkophile]

Marvel must've changed the cover again, because this (http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0503/hulk_54.jpg) doesn't look anything like the Abomination. This isn't the first time the cover's been altered, though. The "snap, crackle, and pop" cover was changed from the original "Rice Krispies" characters to the secret organization that's after Banner/Hulk.

[Nightcrawler17]

I can't wait until issue #54 next week. Hulk vs. Abomonation, it's going to be sweet!.

[Spider-Hulk]

I think that the Hulk is the classic version, and, that Banner is simply controlling him, hence he bleeds.

[Spider-Hulk]

Please say that Hulk/Banner doesnt get his green ass handed to him for the entire fight.

[STINK-E]

I think the only chance of Hulk getting his ass handd to him for the entire fight would have been a "Round 1" earlier in this arc.

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Marvel must've changed the cover again, because this (http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0503/hulk_54.jpg) doesn't look anything like the Abomination.

Point taken, and I think you're right. From what I can tell that pic is an early rough of the cover, the one I have is more finished and the "bald" character has some new line work on his body to distinguish him as Emil. Alos, the Hulk's hair is longer. INteresting.

[Jomero]

Trust me, the cover looks VERY different than that. The only thing that is the same is the positioning. The hulk (which is on the right) gets more hair in the final version and the thing on the left looks NOTHING like it does in that picture. It has scales, weird ears, it's very much obviously the abomination on the final cover. I'll try to scan it in next monday (only have a scanner at work) if you guys want.

As for hulk and his ass handed to him, scroll down to read the slight spoiler.









































No, the hulk definitely does not get his ass handed to him!

-Jomero

[R.B. Banner]

JOMERO:

What was your take on the last panels of ISH 54? I have my own thoughts, just curious if they are the same as yours.

~ R.B.

[Jomero]

Spoiler.... scroll down for those that read #54.



































S3 (if that's her name) swapped clothes with the dead girl on the table! It didn't hit me until I saw the dead girl in an earlier panel, and reading again that the guards said "her face is pretty messed up."

The first time I read it, I didn't notice that she was on the table and just figured she had the same "come back from the dead" deal that people had in the last story arc. But it's much simpler than that.

-Jomero

[STINK-E]

Damn, I wish I could have gotten it early. I looked for it, cause sometimes my store leaves next weeks issues just laying around(the ones they are going to display for "next weeks comics").

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
Point taken, and I think you're right. From what I can tell that pic is an early rough of the cover, the one I have is more finished and the "bald" character has some new line work on his body to distinguish him as Emil. Alos, the Hulk's hair is longer. INteresting.

Yeah, I just saw the cover (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0305/09/hc.jpg) over at Comics Continuum. I think I like the earlier one better. The Hulk's hair looks like a wig from the old tv show. :hulk:

[STINK-E]

That cover looks much better. The 1st one had me confused.

[hulkwillsmash]

I'm not sure I can put my disappointment with 54 into words, but I can sure as hell try...

[unblanked spoilers ahead; you've been warned]

First off, yes, the issue was better than most I've seen in a long time, and I've enjoyed this latest storyline more than the last few (and certainly better than the whole Pratt whatever), so in it's defense, I'm saying up front that it did have some good points...

[Consider that the pre-rant warning]

Now, onto the crap. My first thought was, "what the f**k?", and the lingering sound of "duuuuhhhh" just keeps echoing as I re-read it to find some sembelance. Question: Who in the hell told Bruce Jones he could write and direct a comic book? How do you get a job writing disjointed stories, that bore the **** out of people and maintain interest purely on the promise of the one thing that shouldn't be a special treat: a slugfest?!
If you're going to cough up issue after issue of "character developement" to tell us what a talented storywriter you are, then why is it that all the interest around this line was solely based on "show us the G0DD@mn fight!" instead of "wow, I can't wait to see what happens next!" You knew what was happening next. Abomination. Hulk. @$$ kicking. No body needed special narration to tell them how this was gonna end, but here we are, still being force fed some yuppie's ego-stroking blend of lame-@$$ sci-fi and 1920's reel films that are treated as "story".

On top of that, you could have *****ing told the story in about 3 issues tops, and that's taking liberty with inserting a few frames that mastermind Jones must have felt weren't neccessary to further the story.

[pulse quickening...heart pounding...oh no, i'm changing again..]

Banner knocks the Abomination off his feet. Holy *****ing $h!t!! I've never met Bruce Jones, but I'd be willing to bet he's either a big guy who's had the snot kicked out of him by a dude half his size, or he's a little putz pushover who's gotten stuffed in toilets more than he cares to remember. I'm not sure that there's enough webspace for me to b*tch about just how much is wrong with it, yet I'm sure I'll get some response to the nature of "what you don't understand, hulkwillsmash, is that Banner has Hulk's strength..blah, blah...blah.." You know what, I appreciate that Banner has Hulk's strength, but I've said it all over this board, and I'll say it again: if you rewrite the rules surrounding a character because you can't come up with enough creative ideas to keep it feeling fresh, then you're not the right person for the job. I don't care who you are or what you've done, but you don't change the game if you can't win - you play a new game. In other words, leave my Hulk comic alone you half-assed excuse for an author! :D
You're not educated enough in the ways of storytelling to keep it compelling, you're not smart enough in the lore of the Hulk to keep people like me from tearing your small intestine out and choking you with it, and you're not aware enough of the sentiments of the long-time (20+ yr) readers to know when you're mere inches from the alienation of the entire original core fanbase of the book. And if for whatever reason, you happen to be any of those things, you lack the skills neccessary to convey such a presence on paper.

I no doubt expect healthy sales and generally good feedback to continue well through the release of the movie, but I say you're on thin ice with the upcoming "Hide in Plain Sight", so tread well....

[calming down...now...counting...backwards...changing back]

[Jomero]

I liked it. Jones did a great job of laying ground work with Banner's character, something that good writers should do. I think comic fans are just too impatient.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by hulkwillsmash
I'm not sure I can put my disappointment with 54 into words, but I can sure as hell try...

[unblanked spoilers ahead; you've been warned]

First off, yes, the issue was better than most I've seen in a long time, and I've enjoyed this latest storyline more than the last few (and certainly better than the whole Pratt whatever), so in it's defense, I'm saying up front that it did have some good points...

[Consider that the pre-rant warning]

Now, onto the crap. My first thought was, "what the f**k?", and the lingering sound of "duuuuhhhh" just keeps echoing as I re-read it to find some sembelance. Question: Who in the hell told Bruce Jones he could write and direct a comic book? How do you get a job writing disjointed stories, that bore the **** out of people and maintain interest purely on the promise of the one thing that shouldn't be a special treat: a slugfest?!
If you're going to cough up issue after issue of "character developement" to tell us what a talented storywriter you are, then why is it that all the interest around this line was solely based on "show us the G0DD@mn fight!" instead of "wow, I can't wait to see what happens next!" You knew what was happening next. Abomination. Hulk. @$$ kicking. No body needed special narration to tell them how this was gonna end, but here we are, still being force fed some yuppie's ego-stroking blend of lame-@$$ sci-fi and 1920's reel films that are treated as "story".

On top of that, you could have *****ing told the story in about 3 issues tops, and that's taking liberty with inserting a few frames that mastermind Jones must have felt weren't neccessary to further the story.

[pulse quickening...heart pounding...oh no, i'm changing again..]

Banner knocks the Abomination off his feet. Holy *****ing $h!t!! I've never met Bruce Jones, but I'd be willing to bet he's either a big guy who's had the snot kicked out of him by a dude half his size, or he's a little putz pushover who's gotten stuffed in toilets more than he cares to remember. I'm not sure that there's enough webspace for me to b*tch about just how much is wrong with it, yet I'm sure I'll get some response to the nature of "what you don't understand, hulkwillsmash, is that Banner has Hulk's strength..blah, blah...blah.." You know what, I appreciate that Banner has Hulk's strength, but I've said it all over this board, and I'll say it again: if you rewrite the rules surrounding a character because you can't come up with enough creative ideas to keep it feeling fresh, then you're not the right person for the job. I don't care who you are or what you've done, but you don't change the game if you can't win - you play a new game. In other words, leave my Hulk comic alone you half-assed excuse for an author! :D
You're not educated enough in the ways of storytelling to keep it compelling, you're not smart enough in the lore of the Hulk to keep people like me from tearing your small intestine out and choking you with it, and you're not aware enough of the sentiments of the long-time (20+ yr) readers to know when you're mere inches from the alienation of the entire original core fanbase of the book. And if for whatever reason, you happen to be any of those things, you lack the skills neccessary to convey such a presence on paper.

I no doubt expect healthy sales and generally good feedback to continue well through the release of the movie, but I say you're on thin ice with the upcoming "Hide in Plain Sight", so tread well....

[calming down...now...counting...backwards...changing back]

Good job Hulkwillsmash, that was well written and pretty interesting. I agree with a lot of what you said, but not all of it.

I definitely agree that this arc should have been 3 issues max. I usually buy the single issues for Hulk and the TPB or HC, but for this arc I won't have to buy the TPB, I can just re-read this issue because the 1st 4 issues got us nowhere.
I also agree that Jones is "treading thin ice" with the Incredible Hulk's fanbase. We really need more issues like this where the Hulk is present for most of the issue and smashing some $h*t while he's at it. And since the Professor has been established, why can't he take over for Banner completely for awhile. Lord knows we have seen enough of Banner!

With my rants out of the way, I can now honestly say I thought issue #54 was a pretty good issue. The fight was actually coreographed(sp?) quite well IMO. I especially liked how Hulk tossed the Abomination thru the Helicopter. And it was nice to see some actual real developments in the whole "Mr Blue" storyline(that doesn't mean I'm totally satisfied though).

I think this issue is a must-have for any Hulk fan, wether you like Jone's run or not... Nivek I'm lookin at you pal!;)

[Lord Blackbolt]

So is Abomination dead or what...... cause I saw Hulk put a hole right through his face

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Lord Blackbolt
So is Abomination dead or what...... cause I saw Hulk put a hole right through his face

I was wondering that myself. It looked like it to me. Does the Abomination have a "healing factor" like the Hulk?

[Cth]

Jones has a perfect grasp on the character.

PAD established that Bruce's power is the ability to change form. He changed his appearance (with difficulty) into a younger Maestro to unite the world against him. His MPD is given form in the Hulk, through his ability to shapechange. It's not a conscious decision (hence the difficulty in the Maestro change) and is usually reflected as a shift in MPD personalities.

Note around 326 or so, the Hulk had Banner poking out of his back at one point.

Jenkins revealed that Samson's job was a rushed one. Jones is allowing Banner and the Hulk to grow together towards one another, which is how most MPD cases work.

Haven't you noticed over the years Banner's frame getting stronger looking, from his introduction as a skinny scientist? When the Hulk uses his muscles, it's Bruce's body, so naturally he'd get some benefit over the years.

Banner-Hulk doesn't have the full strength. Note back when Doc Samson knocked the Hulk out. It took one punch, mostly cause it was a sucker punch. The exact same thing happened here. I don't think anyone would say Samson has THAT much strength, and the same goes for Banner-Hulk. It was a sucker punch, and Blonsky wasn't expecting it at ALL.

-T

[Jomero]

I agree with you, CTH.

[Nivek]

Originally posted by STINK-E
I think this issue is a must-have for any Hulk fan, wether you like Jone's run or not... Nivek I'm lookin at you pal!;)

Sorry Man, left it on the rack. I cant buy into the Super-Banner thing, the Hulk Bleeding like a stuck pig, the anti-climatic Mr. Blue revelation, Abomination being close enough to Betty to see "the look in her eyes" when she died, stupid secret agent B.S., and what the heck happened at the end? Did someone skip pages?

Im not tottally blaming Jones anymore, alot of this just comes down to the editor, because he's the guy who has to proofread this stuff and keep it in continuity with previous issues, and edit down drawn out, go-nowhere plotlines. Alot of Jones areas where he's falling short would be fixed with an editor doing their job.

[amazingfantasy15]

I've been reading the Hulk from the first issue this latest series so I'm no where near as good in Hulk as most people posting. However, I think Jones' run has been good, not near great because his plotline has run too long with almost nothing being answered or things are answered with new questions. I've heard this Hulk run compared to Bendis' Daredevil and I think it's a really good comparasion, both have a long running storyline that's been running through their entire run. The difference though is that Bendis is using actual storyarcs for his run, he will tell an actual story and end it and at the same time the arc will advance the larger story. Jones needs to do this, this latest arc is really the first time he's done this, but for the 16 previous issues it felt like one long storyarc the Hulk vs. weird undead secret agents, but the larger plotline still hasn't advanced. Jones needs to tie up this whole X-Files plot, it's been 20 issues and the title has gone basically nowhere, Ricky Meyers is still missing, we still don't really know who Mr. Blue is, Bruce is still wandering around. The larger storyline has gone nowhere. It's ridiculous and as evidenced on this board pissing people off. I liked the direction of this book when Jones first came on board I don't mind not seeing the Hulk for a while, but after 20 issues of basically the same thing over and over it's really gotten boring.

[Nightcrawler17]

The issue was great, I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next story-arc, when the Hulk has to fight the Absorbing Man!.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Nivek
and what the heck happened at the end? Did someone skip pages?


Yeah, I noticed that too! Kind of an abrubt ending.

How do you know all about the issue if you didn't buy it? Did you read it at the store? I still think you're crazy not to get this issue. You are obviously a big Hulk fan and the throw-down with Abomination was pretty good though the arc as a whole wasn't. And really the Super-Banner part was quite short.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by STINK-E
I was wondering that myself. It looked like it to me. Does the Abomination have a "healing factor" like the Hulk?

I don't know how he would heal a fist through the head;) :D

[Spider-Hulk]

Abomination does have a healing factor yes, but its not as quick as the Hulks.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Lord Blackbolt
I don't know how he would heal a fist through the head;) :D

Maybe...With Time?:o :D

[Movies205]

now there a reason why there no definate or not, about the Abomination being killed because they proberly bring him back later in the series... I have to agree the Arc as a whole wasn't that great but issue 54 was good by itself... When does Jones leave the series?

[Nightcrawler17]

I personally loved the arc, Jones is a great writer, and I hope that he stays on for some time to come!.

[Hulkophile]

All new Bruce Jones interview (http://www.newsarama.com/Jones_Hulk.htm), courtesy from the good folks at Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com).

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
All new Bruce Jones interview (http://www.newsarama.com/Jones_Hulk.htm), courtesy from the good folks at Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com).

All right, we heard it straight from the Horse's Mouth Folks: "... these involve the final answer to long-standing questions about Ricky Myers and Mr Blue" ( referring to the next arc, Hide in Plain Sight)

That's right, unless Jones is lying we will find out who Mr Blue really is and finally get some closure with the whole Ricky Myers thing. Huuuuuuuray!!

[Movies205]

JOnes isn't a bad writer he just drags it on a bit long...

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by STINK-E


That's right, unless Jones is lying we will find out who Mr Blue really is and finally get some closure with the whole Ricky Myers thing. Huuuuuuuray!!

I'll drink to that! Cheers!

[Spider-Hulk]

And I will too.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Movies205
JOnes isn't a bad writer he just drags it on a bit long...

You're right, he's a good writer. I've just been down on him lately because I was pretty hyped up for the Abomination arc and I was a little let down the 1st few issues of it. After re-reading issue #54, I can honestly say that it was an excellent issue.
That was one of the best slug-fest's I can remember, and we did get some answers (although not as complete as I would've liked). My only problem with it at all was the somewhat abrubt end to the fight.
All in all I'd say Jones is back on track, I know my faith has been renewed and I'm really looking forward to the "Hide in Plain Sight" arc!!:hulk:

[Nightcrawler17]

Ya, I can't wait to see the Hulk take on the Absorbing Man too. Jones is bringing in lots of Hulk's oldest foes lately, that's cool!.

[STINK-E]

I'd like to know why Hellboy has it's own 'comic' forum and the Hulk doesn't.

[Hulkophile]

From the good folks at Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0305/23/marvelindex.htm).

HULK #59 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0305/23/hulk59.jpg)

Written by Bruce Jones, pencils and cover by Leandro Fernandez.

The conclusion of the 5-part "Hide In Plain Sight" steel-cage grudge match between the Hulk and the Absorbing Man.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Aug. 13.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #3

Written by Robin Laws, art and cover by Brian Ashmore.

The quest for the sinister place called Nightmerica continues as Banner and Chrissie search for the one man who may hold the clue to its many mysteries. But will even the Hulk be able to handle what lies within the citadel?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 27.

[Lord Blackbolt]

God... the next arc is FIVE issues long........ so I guess we'll see a fight until the last issue right...... What's with him and these long arcs...

The last story could have been told in two issues, three tops.

[DrFixit]

Originally posted by Lord Blackbolt
God... the next arc is FIVE issues long........ so I guess we'll see a fight until the last issue right...... What's with him and these long arcs...

The last story could have been told in two issues, three tops.

Five issues? Come on, now. Jones has yet to finish off his origional "conspiracy" arc, which has lasted 21 issues (Bruce - were bored!)

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by STINK-E
You're right, he's a good writer. I've just been down on him lately because I was pretty hyped up for the Abomination arc and I was a little let down the 1st few issues of it. After re-reading issue #54, I can honestly say that it was an excellent issue. That was some good slugfest most definately STINK, and I agree it was rather abrupt ending, but Abomination I dare say wont show his face for a while!:D ;)

Thanx for posting that stuff again Hulkophile, this forum would be in a sorry state without you. Give it up for Hulkophile boys and girls!
Originally posted by DrFixit
Five issues? Come on, now. Jones has yet to finish off his origional "conspiracy" arc, which has lasted 21 issues (Bruce - were bored!) I am bored of the conspiracy thing, but Im not bored with the actual stories, and Lord Blackbolt is dead right, the Dark Minds, Dark Hearts story could have been told in 3 issues quite comfortably I think. The next arc Im hoping will feature a bit more action combined with stories, and at the end of the issue there should be better cliffhangers to make you eager to see the next issue. I think that was lacking in the last arc without any doubt.

Last point relates to the Hulk himself, blood, and intelligence. Why they have decided to have Banner control the Hulk again is beyond me, personally I want to see the proper Hulk the one that wrecks the place and the villain with it. But most of all I want to read "Hulk Smash" once more!

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Lord Blackbolt
God... the next arc is FIVE issues long........ so I guess we'll see a fight until the last issue right...... What's with him and these long arcs...

The last story could have been told in two issues, three tops.

I don't mind the long arcs if he puts some good action in it. With a 5 issue arc, at least 2 issues should have some heavy action in it.
Jones should take a look at Geoff Johns' run on the Flash , Johns uses tons of supervillians with plenty of action, while telling a great story.

[Lord Blackbolt]

how about we get Johns on the Hulk instead..... I think Hulk needs some new blood....... Joe Casey did a good run on the hulk too.... I wonder why he was never brought back.

[STINK-E]

That's a pretty good idea, Johns would be great on the Hulk. I know there aren't many Flash fans out there, but Johns is great on that book.
His approach to the Flash would work even better on the Hulk, plus the guy is so great at weaving all different kinds of sub-plots.

[Hulkophile]

Originally posted by Lord Blackbolt
how about we get Johns on the Hulk instead..... I think Hulk needs some new blood....... Joe Casey did a good run on the hulk too.... I wonder why he was never brought back.

Personally, I wasn't a fan of Joe Casey's run. It just seemed too... boring. Well, maybe not boring. They just weren't stories I was too interested in reading.

[Mutant Dylan]

Quick Question:

Why do they want Hulk's blood so badly? Is that all part of this mysterious conspiracy, or has it already been established. Can they use any blood from Hulk when he's in the Hulk form, or do they need blood from the really super-enraged Hulk? I just hopped on for the last three issues so I'm a little lost. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - MD

[Jomero]

Well, it hasn't been OFFICIALLY stated why they want the hulk's blood (at least from someone from Home Base). But agent Pratt in the last arc said the secret organization was close to unlocking a "hulk serum" of their own, being able to turn people into hulks. They just haven't been able to perfect it without people growing huge, and then, uh... exploding.

Another idea is that the regenerative effects of the hulk's blood would help them in their quests to bring corpses back to life completely, something they were also working on.

My guess is that there's another reason entirely that they haven't explained yet.

-Jomero

[Spider-Hulk]

Oh I would just like to add, that agent S-3 a.k.a Mr Blue is not dead. She changed places with an already dead woman in that room. I wanna know why she is in league with Banner.

As for that organisation, could you imagine if they created their own Hulk to use for their own evil schemes fortunately they havnt got their hands on any yet. Thats what I would say, If I were Banner, but, part of me wants them to get his blood, that would be so interesting.

[R.B. Banner]

I think the reason she is in league with Banner is because of who she REALLY is, before her plastic surgery. Is it Betty, somehow resurrected from the dead? Or someone else entirely?

Sidenote: Is this Hulk Nightmerica I keep hearing about out yet, or does it start next month?

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
Is it Betty, somehow resurrected from the dead? Or someone else entirely? ID go with someone else entirely as Jones has said he didnt have any plans to resurrect Betty. She is dead as long as he is the writer for The Incredible Hulk.

On a side note, who is writing Hulk:Nightmerica? and, who is the artist?

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
ID go with someone else entirely as Jones has said he didnt have any plans to resurrect Betty. She is dead as long as he is the writer for The Incredible Hulk.

On a side note, who is writing Hulk:Nightmerica? and, who is the artist?

The 1st issue of Hulk: Nightmerica comes out in June. It's written by Robin Laws and painted by Brian Ashmore.

What date does the 1st issue of "Hide in Plain Sight" come out is what I wanna know.

Anyways, personally I would expect Jones to say that about Betty when asked directly. He wants it to be a surprise. I'm not saying she's coming back for sure or anything, but if he that's his surprise of course he would try and keep up his deception.

[Hulkophile]

Some "Hulkophiles" have speculated that S-3 is a woman from Banner's past. And yes, she has actual history with Banner from the comic (hence Angela Lipscombe). Her name is Kate Waynesboro, way back from Mantlo's Banner/Hulk run. I believe she has some "ties" because she was once a S.H.I.E.L.D. member I think that was sent to spy on Banner but started to develop feelings for him. If S-3 really is Betty, then I'd think that this story was too obvious. Instead of keeping two or three steps ahead of the reader, with a revelation like that, Bruce Jones and the reader are walking side by side, whistling the same annoying tune.

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
Some "Hulkophiles" have speculated that S-3 is a woman from Banner's past. And yes, she has actual history with Banner from the comic (hence Angela Lipscombe). Her name is Kate Waynesboro, way back from Mantlo's Banner/Hulk run. I believe she has some "ties" because she was once a S.H.I.E.L.D. member I think that was sent to spy on Banner but started to develop feelings for him. If S-3 really is Betty, then I'd think that this story was too obvious. Instead of keeping two or three steps ahead of the reader, with a revelation like that, Bruce Jones and the reader are walking side by side, whistling the same annoying tune. I was thinking that S-3 could be Kate Waynesboro, although I was not entirely sure, why have plastic surgery? Maybe its that Cary St.Lawrence? I think that Hulkophile is right though, this S-3 has some sort of connection to Banner. I just wonder what it could be the details about her are a little sketchy are they not? I know its Jones' style but man I like to have a rough grasp of what s going on.

I think the Hide in Plain sight begins in June.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Originally posted by STINK-E
That's a pretty good idea, Johns would be great on the Hulk. I know there aren't many Flash fans out there, but Johns is great on that book.
His approach to the Flash would work even better on the Hulk, plus the guy is so great at weaving all different kinds of sub-plots.

Plus I love how he takes lame villians and actually turn them interesting..... His stuff on JSA and Hawkman are damn good too.... he's my favorite comic writer out today.

[STINK-E]

Johns is my favorite comic writer too, and he's so young so he will be around for a long time! Too bad he's gone exclusive with DC, Hulk definitely has some lame villians who could use some reinvigorating.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Well he did work on Avengers recently... so Maybe there's hope of more Marvel titles in his future.....

He'd be perfect for almost ANY marvel title out..... I'd love him on Iron-man, Hulk or Spiderman.

[STINK-E]

Yeah, I think the exclusive deal for DC is only a 2 year contract and as young as he is I'd say he almost definitely will be back at Marvel some day. When he does come back, they probably will give him one of the "Flagship Tittles" like Spidey or Hulk. I agree he would be good on most any Marvel tittle, personally I'd like to see him do Hulk or Fantastic Four(some day, Waids doing an incredible job right now though).

[Lord Blackbolt]

Didn't Johns do a Thing mini-series a while back???

[STINK-E]

Yeah, he did "Thing: Freakshow" not too long ago. I never got to check it out. It hasn't come out in TPB yet, I wonder if it ever will? I'd like to check it out.

[STINK-E]

Enough Game Talk: BUMP!

[Hulkophile]

Courtesy of Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/index.htm).

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/hc.htm)

Page 1 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/h1.htm)
Page 2 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/h2.htm)
Page 3 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/h3.htm)
Page 4 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/h4.htm)
Page 5 (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0306/05/h5.htm)

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #1 ships June 25th.

[Shockdingo]

since this is the comics discussion, I've got a question about the Ultimates...
1. Is the Hulk still "bad" and imprisoned? Or has he joined the team yet?

2. And has he recieved the "Hulk Smash Tattoo" like they said in the preview before ultimates came out?

Help will be appreciated.

[STINK-E]

The previews of Nightmerica are really looking great! I'll bet it's gonna be an awesome mini-series.

[Lord Blackbolt]

What is NightAmerica about really ????

[Spider-Hulk]

Hulkophile has done it again!

[Hulkophile]

And again! :hulk:

HULK #60 (http://www.hulkmovie.com/images/multimedia/comic/hulk_60.jpg)

This has got to be the best Hulk cover I've ever seen. Mike Deodato doing the covers now--? Wow...

[Lord Blackbolt]

Wow... that is a great cover..... it reminds me of Dale Keon

[Brodie Bruce]

:eek:

that is pretty damn good

[jackcool]

Originally posted by Hulkophile
And again! :hulk:

HULK #60 (http://www.hulkmovie.com/images/multimedia/comic/hulk_60.jpg)

This has got to be the best Hulk cover I've ever seen. Mike Deodato doing the covers now--? Wow...

Very awesome cover...

[STINK-E]

Yup, lookin good.

Anyone know what that "Night Eyes" arc is gonna be about???

[Hulkophile]

[SPECULATION MODE]

The next five part story takes place at night, as the secret organization invests in night goggles.

[END SPECULATION MODE]

[Spider-Hulk]

Wow that cover is probably one of the best, I cant wait for Hide in Plain sight, and for Nightmerica and the movie, this is the Hulks summer!

But....With regard to the upcoming Hide in Plain Sight, its gonna be another 5 part arc, now this may be a good thing, and it may not. Bear in mind its the artist thats changed, not the writer, I really hope that Bruce Jones has not dragged out this story so we have to wait till the very last issue before we see a ruck, between Hulk and Creel. Also, as some may be aware I prefer the Hulks in the following order.[list=1]
Grey
Green
Merged
[/list=1] I have no problem with the use of the Green Hulk, but I do not want to see Banner in such control of the Hulk like he was in the fight with Abomination, for me Banner controling the Hulk didnt work, I liked him better when he was unleashing the fury and saying "Hulk Smash" I like the primitive/childlike nature of the Hulk, I really dont want to see that too far removed. Ok so Banner has figured out how to control the Savage Green Hulk, but thats no fun is it? I reckon a better idea would be that if Banner doesnt want to become the Green Hulk anymore, because of the destruction he causes, why not use the Merged Hulk or the Grey Hulk?

In anycase I am looking forward to seeing the return of Creel, and am looking forward to seeing a bit more of the Hulk than we have, I hope! Let me guess though, the conspiracy goes to absrobing man to get their Hulk blood because of Abominations failure? I hope this conspiracy thing does not drag on too much, and to be honest, Im not sure If I like having the Hulk as a fringe MU charecter. But a slugfest between 2 super-guys capable of causing mass mayhem is not to be missed!

[Nightcrawler17]

I can't wait until issue #55 this Wednesday!.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Also, as some may be aware I prefer the Hulks in the following order.[list=1]
Grey
Green
Merged
[/list=1] I have no problem with the use of the Green Hulk, but I do not want to see Banner in such control of the Hulk like he was in the fight with Abomination, for me Banner controling the Hulk didnt work, I liked him better when he was unleashing the fury and saying "Hulk Smash" I like the primitive/childlike nature of the Hulk, I really dont want to see that too far removed. Ok so Banner has figured out how to control the Savage Green Hulk, but thats no fun is it? I reckon a better idea would be that if Banner doesnt want to become the Green Hulk anymore, because of the destruction he causes, why not use the Merged Hulk or the Grey Hulk?


I'm with you, all Hulks are great but my favorite is the Gray Hulk. And I don't see why we couldn't see The Gray Hulk in Jone's run, since he already uses the savage and merged Hulks so it should be quite possible. IMO Jones would be stupid not to use the Gray Hulk, it would probably help to satisfy some of the disgruntled fanboys as the Gray Hulk is/was extremely popular. If Jones did decide to use the Gray Hulk, I think the sales would go through the freakin roof!:cool: :hulk:

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by STINK-E
I'm with you, all Hulks are great but my favorite is the Gray Hulk. And I don't see why we couldn't see The Gray Hulk in Jone's run, since he already uses the savage and merged Hulks so it should be quite possible. IMO Jones would be stupid not to use the Gray Hulk, it would probably help to satisfy some of the disgruntled fanboys as the Gray Hulk is/was extremely popular. If Jones did decide to use the Gray Hulk, I think the sales would go through the freakin roof!:cool::hulk: Sales would go through the roof, way I look at it is this, Jones maybe wants to do some big build up for the Green Hulks proper return and when he finally wrecks the place, fine, since we only see the Savage Hulk in the physical sense, not the mental sense, I dont see the point. As you said Grey Hulk has a big following, me included, when he first showed up again, I never wanted to see the Grey Guy go, but he did, replaced for ages by the Merged Hulk. Its Grey Hulks attitude that makes me laugh, he has one-liners to rival Spider-Man. Everybody knows the story, "he bleeds, he is not as tough, not as strong, when compared with the Savage Hulk". Well that doesnt matter, its just cause he has controled anger, if he lost it like the Green Hulk did, Grey Hulk would be exactly the same in terms of power arguably, but mindless rage is not in Greys nature. In any case the Merged Hulk used to bleed quite a bit did he not?

Whats a Fanboy? Are you a Fanboy STINK-E? Moving on.....

I for one want to see Grey Hulk back, if the team are not going to give us the Green Hulk in all his Savage glory, then give us a different Hulk, like Grey Hulk. I think he is the best of the 3 core Hulks, I would like to see him return, this is why I say we get some petition of sorts, send it to Marvel and we may get our wish granted. A good angle for his return would be, The conspiracy is still desperate for some of the Savage Hulks blood, they continue to pursue Banner, as his darker more thrill-seeking side begins to take over him once more, bad news for the conspiracy but good news for the fans, as Banner's frame of mind releases the long time dormant, unpredictable, Grey Hulk! They dont want his blood, they want the Savage Hulks blood, but Grey Hulk couldnt give a damn, as they send some of the Hulk toughest foes to dispatch the Grey Hulk back into the recesses of Banners mind, but Mr Fixit you can be sure will not, go quietly........

This I thought would be a decent way to bring Grey Hulk back since Jones is all up on his conspiracy thing, and it may bring a little humour to the book. Also it would be making use of a Core incarntaion, cause lets face it the Banner controlled Hulk, is a splinter Incarnation. Plus he hasnt been used for years, nobody particularly likes that Hulk Id say. So Bring Back GREY HULK!

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Whats a Fanboy? Are you a Fanboy STINK-E? Moving on.....


To me, a Fanboy is a person who is somewhat of a fantatic about his/her favorite character or movie etc. Most fanboys don't like to see their character go thru uncharacteristic or drastic changes, and they like to know as much about their favorite character as possible and discuss it. I don't know what the true definition of Fanboy is by any means, that's just what I think of when I hear the term used or use it myself. It's funny because you hear a lot of people use the term in a derrogitory way when they too are Fanboys.
And yes, I guess you could say I'm a little bit of a fanboy. I would say 99 % of the Hypers are whether they know it or not about one thing or another: A certain movie, Spidey, DD, Hulk, Marvel or DC etc etc.
I certainly wasn't trying to insult anybody.

[Spider-Hulk]

I wasnt insinuating nothing STINK, I just see the term "fanboy" thrown around a lot and wondered whats with this fanboy thing?

In any case who else wants the Grey Hulk back in the pages of hulk?

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk

In any case who else wants the Grey Hulk back in the pages of hulk?

I'm defintely a Hulk fanboy, as well as a fanboy about several other things that needn't be mentioned. Proud to admit it!

About the grey Hulk, I agree he should come back. I think the most interesting stories involve multiple Hulks, and any return to that would be welcomed.

IN other news, I got my copy of HULK # 55 in the mail today, Hide in Plain Sight Part 1...and let me just say.... it's starting off like another Dark Mind, Dark Hearts all over again...with Jones unrational fear of actually SHOWING the Hulk still in tact....:(

Other than that, it sets up an interesting arc...

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
I'm defintely a Hulk fanboy, as well as a fanboy about several other things that needn't be mentioned. Proud to admit it!

About the grey Hulk, I agree he should come back. I think the most interesting stories involve multiple Hulks, and any return to that would be welcomed.


Glad to hear I'm not the only hardcore fanboy here!;) :D

I agree, it would definitely be interesting to have multiple Hulks throughout a story arc/run. It would be really cool not to know which Hulk you are going to see from week to week!:cool:

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner

IN other news, I got my copy of HULK # 55 in the mail today, Hide in Plain Sight Part 1...and let me just say.... it's starting off like another Dark Mind, Dark Hearts all over again...with Jones unrational fear of actually SHOWING the Hulk still in tact....:(

Other than that, it sets up an interesting arc...

Great, another arc with very little smashing or Hulk appearances?

How many panels does the Hulk appear in this issue??

This pisses me off royally, last arc and this arc Marvel and Wizard keep saying how much action will be in the arc. **** me!:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Lord Blackbolt]

Why would you trust Marvel or Wizard... They are hype machines

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by STINK-E

How many panels does the Hulk appear in this issue??



Well, not to give TOO much away...but how does a big fat GOOSE-EGG sound??

That's right, with the exception of an arm and partial back shot that doesn't count, you hear me (read me?) correctly...

Although i must admit the preview for next months cover is cool and kind of twisted, I don't count on that holding true for the issue...usually, in the past, the covers were a preview of what's inside the issue...but I've come to realize recently on the Hulk it's not true...because the Hulk's on the cover of this issue!....go figure

[Lord Blackbolt]

I think I might start to drop this title then...... it's getting really old IMO.

[Spider-Hulk]

Originally posted by STINK-E
I agree, it would definitely be interesting to have multiple Hulks throughout a story arc/run. It would be really cool not to know which Hulk you are going to see from week to week!:cool: Yes I would like all 3 core incarnations to be used once more, we havnt see any other Hulk besides the Savage Hulk, with a few different looks, AND, with Banner controling him. OK so he does mind exercises, you could say thru them he has managed to supress the Grey and Merged Hulk's. What if, he found it hard to keep them supressed they begin to emerge again, and we can have a multiple Hulk thing again. Jenkins run was absaloutley excellent, made some good reading. Bruce Jones writes a good story, but, we are now 20 issues into this conspiracy (yes its that long) and only last issue(#54) did we find out who Mr Blue was!!! Whats he trying to do, a Hulk version of the Clone Saga??!!

When I saw that Hide in Plain sight was 5 issues, I thought to myself a rehash of Dark Minds, Dark Hearts, Hulk and Creel with a throwdown at the end in #59. For the love of mercy, Jones is gonna put people off this book, its like the Hulk is going through a patch of difficulty, this is the rough patch, people will cringe in the future at the mention of Hulk under Bruce Jones! I reckon now would be a good time to do two things.
[list=1]
most importantly, wrap up the conspiracy angle
use the Merged and Grey Hulks!
[/list=1] thats my thoughts on the subject anyway.

[R.B. Banner]

Good suggestions, Spider-Hulk, and I agree with them completely. As much as I liked this "toned-down" approach at the beginning of Jones's run, it is getting old fast. Along with your suggestions, I think we need to get back to EXCITING adventures, (ie involving Super Villains, monsters, other superheros) the things that growing up, made the Hulk great for me. Just a thought.

[The Incredible Hulk]

why is it that any time a new artist gets put on Hulk, in his first issue you never see the damn Hulk? Deodato Jr did the same thing, he had one Hulk frame in his first two books... very disappointed again... and did anyone else think Banner looked like "Where's Waldo?" ?

[gildea]

I've never really enjoyed the merged and grey hulks too much they diluted the formula in my opinion. I don't like the hulk shown as the traditional superhero its ok occaisionally but it soon loses its edge.

Hence i've been enjoying jones's run, course i would like a wrap up on the conspiracy angle fairly soon.

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by R.B. Banner
Well, not to give TOO much away...but how does a big fat GOOSE-EGG sound??

That's right, with the exception of an arm and partial back shot that doesn't count, you hear me (read me?) correctly...

Although i must admit the preview for next months cover is cool and kind of twisted, I don't count on that holding true for the issue...usually, in the past, the covers were a preview of what's inside the issue...but I've come to realize recently on the Hulk it's not true...because the Hulk's on the cover of this issue!....go figure

Man, that freakin sucks!:( I'm too big of a Hulk fan to stop reading, but I'm getting really frustrated. There had better be at least 2 slugfests this arc or I'm gonna be pissed.

One more question for you R.B. Banner: Do we at least get a good look at the Absorbing Man??

[The Incredible Hulk]

yup, there are a bunch of panels with Creel in them...

[STINK-E]

Well, I guess that's better than nothing but I hate to have to settle for it.

[R.B. Banner]

I agree STINK-E, I'm too big a Hulk fan to probably ever stop reading(I have a subscription, after all)...but I sure wish they still had a letters page so I could write in with some "friendly suggestions" if you know what I mean.

[STINK-E]

Yeah, a letters page would be nice. I've emailed them before, but I get the feeling nobody actually reads them and certainly not the people I want to hear what I have to say.

Bruce Jones is a talented writer, I loved the 1st dozen issues or so of his run, and he proved with issue #54 that he definitely knows how to write a good slugfest, that was seriously one of the best slugfests ever IMO, he just needs to do it more often. I don't even mind the whole secret conspiracy thing, but I have to see the Hulk more often than we have been and I readily admit I'm an action freak--especially when it comes to the Hulk comic.

[Lord Blackbolt]

Since he's a novelist... he seems to still write the comic as if it were a novel.... He needs to learn the Comic book style of writting.... yes he's a talented writer.... but he's still new to the comic book world.

[Hulkophile]

The last time I bought a comic that was twenty-five cents, I went ahead and bought two copies of it. I believe it was an issue of Daredevil, earlier this year. So when I saw HULK #55, touting twenty-five cents of front to back, 22 pages of action (as Marvel put the last arc; I really need to stop trusting the covers AND Marvel), I started to reach for a second issue, but then stopped myself. How's about a quick looksee before I snatch up another issue? Nah. One's good enough. I have enough Hulkless 'Hulk' issues in my comic box. Besides, it's not like I couldn't use just one issue as a coaster, fly swatter, or to write little notes on when I don't have paper around. Those Hulkless issues can be used for so much more than complaining, y'know.

Once again, we're put in a familiar position us readers. The only thing missing this time 'round is Banner nailing some chick after an hour of meeting her. Oh... Well, yeah. The other thing missing is the Hulk, but we're use to that by now.

Don't get me wrong. I like the fact that Bruce Jones has guts and he's making 'Hulkophiles' from east to west wait until the Hulk is consistantly shown. Okay, you've got guts. Can we move on now? If the MIA letter's page is any indication of how most Hulk fans feel, why hasn't that obvious hint even begun to sink into the brains of Jones and Axel Alonso?

In this issue, Banner once again meets a woman that will be directly tied to the happenings in this story. Can we see a pattern developing, folks? Anyway, we also learn more about the Absorbing Man's new mysterious power: soul searching. Apparently, Mr. Creel can pop up into several people's minds and take control over them. Let me guess: He'll do the same to the Hulk next issue? Or will that be #59, the last issue of the arc and the Hulk's expected appearance. But that wouldn't be tradition, so the Hulk should pop up in #57, showing little intellect of course; toss a cop car or push over a building, sniff a woman's breast, and reappear a couple issues later as a smart talking scientist, with no explanation what so ever of his prior actions.

I wasn't so much moved by this issue, but it was paced fairly quicker than previous jump on points to a new arc. It was okay. A good breather from the "X-Files" tone which was just being beaten into the readers since #34. I've been on Jones' side since he and Alonso launched this "no Hulk" campaign nearly two years ago. The stories are good and well written. But, like the Hulk screaming "Hulk smash", this new approach to make Banner look suddenly cool is also getting old.

This new "chip on the shoulder" Banner still doesn't have me hoping for another year of more coincidents and sudden coolness. What we've learned so far is that he can now gain the Hulk's strength and appears to have come to terms with being the Hulk. The Banner I've read has always wanted to be cured. And he was seen more as a smart guy and less of a smart ass. But those days are gone as we now have "flipped up collar" Banner at the helm. Even when the Hulk was gray and smarter, though still showing signs of a rampaging beast, Banner still wanted to be seperated. This Hulk may not have leveled a city (he has to be shown more to do something like that), but he's on tape murdering a child. Yet Banner protests that it's a setup or a reasonable explanation. Come to think of it, he may be right. I mean, there hasn't been much Hulk sightings, not even in his own book. So there's probably a good chance the video has been tampered with... I'm sure all will be explained, but I think the new Jones-bandwagoners that'll have jumped on by that time will be the only ones still reading the book.

To sum this issue up, the art: okay. The writing: pretty good-- too much setup but it is the introduction to the arc... If #56's cover is any indication, the Hulk will in fact appear. But I've been fooled before.

When I bought today's new 'Hulk'-- a.k.a., "The Exciting Times of Bruce Banner", I also bought a back issue, 'Hulk' #356. Ah, the good ol' days. The gray Hulk in Vegas (that's Las Vegas), looking for a good fight or anyone that could challenge him. The funny thing is, he hopes to run into the Abomination or at least Absorbing Man after beating several thugs senseless. He couldn't find anyone to scrap with then, he's lucky to even get a chance to scrap now with "Indiana Banner" running the show...

[hulkwillsmash]

Hulkophile, you said it perfectly...I picked up 55 yesterday, and after reading it at lunch, and mulling over how I felt about it, I was watching the Hulk movie special later that night on EmptyV when a comment made during the show seemed to cast the perfect light on what I was feeling. Regarding the nature of comic writing today, they said...[paraphrased since this is just from memory]

"Now you've got writers in comics who are authors, novelists, screenwriters...people like Kevin Smith, who, when they're not writing or directing a movie, are writing comic books..."

That's really what summed it up for me, and your post hit that perfectly. Jones is writing like a novelist, where the mentality is multi-chapter (a point driven home when I realized that i actually enjoyed the Dark Hearts, Dark Minds TPB far better than the individual series of books) and he's treating stories as though they're all in one book...which explains why there are still unresolved issues years into it, and how it just feels like it's dragging on as we get book after book...

Overall, I had mixed feelings on 55. I'm glad we've temporarily dropped the spy angle (though I understand that he dropped it solely to make it a better jump-on point for readers who haven't been keeping up, and I'd bet my $0.26 that it'll be back in 56) and that at least the storytelling had a faster pace...I can buy Creel's mind-absorbing abilities, though i admit it took me a couple of read-through's just to take it in stride (since somewhere in my mind I feel like it's a stretch) and I'll continue buying to see what happens...on the other hand, there were the downsides, most of which relate to the overall storylines, rather than just this issue itself...you'll find those listed below:

1.) The Columbo Mysteries...though I'm not sure how many people will know what I'm talking about, in my younger years I was subjected to watching Columbo mysteries by my grandparents...the overall theme of this show was that you saw the crime take place, and you knew who did it in the first 15 minutes, but you spent the other 45 (sans commercials, of course) watching the detective (Columbo) try to trick and trap the culprit...not an unoriginal idea, but Jones' manner of storytelling regarding the spies and so-called "clandestine forces" mimics the Columbo formula, and thus severly damages the overall interest in the storyline, and here's why...mysteries in writing only work when the reader (or viewer, or whatever) are gradually given pieces of information to stimulate the interest to keep looking...using the Columbo mindset, you already knew most of the details up front, and were simply interested in the main character's plot movements enough to keep you glued...hence the reason Columbo s*cked majorly if it tried to stretch over more than one episode...this is the weakness in Jones' method of "mystery"...we're seeing to much, and he's telling us too little...Banner is the single only focal point of the story...which brings me to...

2.) Bruce who? Jones' seems to be writing for the 70's TV show, because I don't think it's Bruce Banner he's got in mind when he's penning this stuff. As Hulkophile said, Banner's personality is practically non-existant in these stories...he's a smartass...some rebel without a clue who's only consistant trait is to keep running. The idea of a Hulk-less Hulk comic, while not my first or favorite idea, could be done, but would require attention to far more areas of Banner's mind that Jones' is currently just paying lip service. As the old saying goes, "what's my motivation?"...and I've asked myself that same question. Granted, it's been said that Banner will be running toward something in this storyline, but that still leaves gaping holes in the personality. The character of Bruce Banner is what it is because he's complex. He's a genius and madman (same thing) and he's a child, a man, a monster, and a tortured soul. Yet you wouldn't realize any of that, except his James Bond women-bedding skills, if you picked up any of the last say, oh, 20 issues...Like I said, since we know so much up front, the reason to continue from issue to issue can't be suggestion and curiosity...it has be compelling...you have to want to see what happens next, because you're immersed in Banner's mind, and you're lost on the road with him...write as though the reader can feel the warm breathe of those chasing Banner so that they're being chased to...

[damn, this becoming longer than I thought...]

and finally 3.) Half a Hulk would be better than none...if you've ever considered the possibility of what it might be like if Banner finally cured himself...like once and for ALL...this is a good series to explore. My biggest complaint up to now has been "where in the hell is the Hulk?" He pops up early in the Abomination storyline, in a forced appearance that's just to generate interest from that hobbling issue to the next...he doesn't show up again until 54, when he has a rather lame [Hulk 255...270...300...those are fights, folks] slugout with Abomination that ends almost as abrubtly as the whole storyline began...somewhere in the middle of this, I realized that Jones would repeat this pattern for Hide in Plain Sight, and I feel my suspicions will be confirmed. As mentioned already, a world without the Hulk could be an interesting thing, but without the Hulk, we're left with the original 98lb weakling...

Well, that's enough venom for one post....

[R.B. Banner]

Originally posted by Hulkophile


To sum this issue up, the art: okay. The writing: pretty good-- too much setup but it is the introduction to the arc... If #56's cover is any indication, the Hulk will in fact appear. But I've been fooled before.




I agree that you've indeed summed up what's going on nicely. I pulle dthat quote just to add that the Hulk aws on the cover of #55, and STILL we had a no-show, so I wouldn't get our collective hopes up for 56.

Oddly enough, i recently bought a back issue as well, issue #361, where good ol' Mr. Fixit tangles with Iron Man. And I join you in your pining for the good ol' days....

I like the mystery that this story sets up, and the final few pages are well done with the alternating panels with no dialogue...but if it had been condensed somehow to half the comic, with the Hulk showing up somewhere toward the end....but, sigh, as it's been said, it seems with the new Banner we have we also have a new Hulk formula, and maybe things will never be the same again, or at least for a long time...especially if BRuce decides when to use the Hulk now.

[Mutant Dylan]

(possible spoilers ahead)



I'll be honest here: I don't really understand Absorbing Man's powers. I thought that he basically touched a surface, and absorbed the properties of that surface. So how does that allow him to control people's brains?

Theoretically, I could understand if he touched someone and then "absorbed himself" into their brain. Then, he could "absorb himself" into the brain of anyone who came into contact with that person. (Life the movie "Fallen" with Denzel Washington and John Goodman).

Perhaps Creel made contact with the first lady when she was working alone in the underground lab. Then, as she jumped into the train, she touched her friend and Kreel moved into her mind. When she punched the thugs, Kreel took them over and then gradually made his way back into the lab off-panel. That's when he would have taken over the hot chick, who then took over the male doctor, who then took over the head supervisor who walks into Creel's holding pen with a gun at the very end of the issue. To me, this explanation makes sense.

The only other alternative would be if Creel was practicing outright telepathy (which would be pretty bogus in my opinion) or if one of the workers in the lab had conveniently been a mutant telepath and Creel found some way to absorb their powers.

[STINK-E]

Spider-hulk where you at? I'm curious what you thought of issue #55.
I gotta read it again before I jump the gun and post my thoughts here.

[MasterBates]

"I'll be honest here: I don't really understand Absorbing Man's powers. I thought that he basically touched a surface, and absorbed the properties of that surface. So how does that allow him to control people's brains"

You are correct. Seems to me that Jones wanted to make AM even MORE powerful.

......Even though the guy goes toe to toe with Thor on a daily basis.

:rolleyes:

This issue was ok. But Jones better impress with this arc, or for the first time in 5 years, I will be dropping the Hulk.

His past arcs have been decent(first 2 were great), and last issue's fight was good also, but his endings are horrible, and he is not consistent.

......








I miss Peter David.

:(

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by MasterBates

I miss Peter David.

:(

Yeah, I think most of us do.:( I love him on Captain Marvel though(from what little I've read)!

[MasterBates]

"Yeah, I think most of us do"

And ya know, it's not that, I mean, during the end of David's run, he started "falling off."

I don't know if he was running out of stories to tell or what, but still, I miss the slugfests, I miss Rick and Marlo, and Ross, and Fixit, and Professor, and Jarella, and etc. etc. etc.

And when David was good, he was GOOOOOOOOD.


:(

[STINK-E]

I just finished re-reading issue #55 and I gotta say it was a pretty good one. This arc looks like it will be pretty good and a real contrast to the other stories Jones has told so far.

At 1st, I didn't like Creel's new powers to control peoples' minds, but I kinda like it now. It's nice to see a muscle bound villian get something added to his character. Besides, Hulk and Thor kick his a$$ every time so maybe this will help make it interesting.

Still, I hated the art. It's not really that bad but it is completely wrong for this tittle, and the color scheme looked horrible with it. The art is just not the right tone for what appears to be a dark and gritty story. I really would have liked to see Deodato do this arc, he made Emil look great and I'm sure his muscle bound take on the Absorbing Man would have been incredible.

All things considered, I think this arc will shine thru the bad art and blow away the "Dark Minds.." arc. Jones has won me over again with this issue and the slugfest in Issue #54, but he's still on thin ice: I wanna see the Hulk and some ****ing action !

[Spider-Hulk]

Ive been on holiday STINK-E but Im back now, and will be going for my hord of comics soon! Looks like most of us are in agreement over the situation yes?

[STINK-E]

Originally posted by Spider-Hulk
Ive been on holiday STINK-E but Im back now, and will be going for my hord of comics soon! Looks like most of us are in agreement over the situation yes?

Good to have ya back. I was curious what you thought of the issue. I think most of the reactions to this issue were positive, but certainly not all. Like I said, I liked the story quite a bit, hated the art.

[Spider-Hulk]

So then Deodato was better than Fernandez? Well that seems logical, the only thing that scares me is its a 5 part again, plus the usage of the Hulk is more than questionable, but, I reckon I shall stick on the Hulk a little more and hope that in this arc, that freaking conspiracy thing begins to unravel, because its getting tedious now.