So which version of Hulk exactly is the one whose appeal has lasted all this time? First issue gray? Savage monster? Childlike hulk? Maestro? Joe Fixit? Ferrigno-hulk? Friendly Professor Hulk? Smart but temperamental Hulk? Any of the other dozens of versions that have appeared over the years?
Which of these versions is THE go-to version whenever Marvel has to do mass-marketing? Which version do you see on kids T-shirts, most toys, at theme parks, personal appearances, pop-culture references (Family Guy, The Simpsons, Conan, SNL, comic-strips), etc.?
Hint: It ain't the grey Hulk in a suit or the "Professor" Hulk with glasses, guns, and pink bunny slippers.
I appreciate that you have a particular take that you like, we all do, but please don't go around assuming that your preferred version is the end all be all, 'cuz he's not.
Which version is going to suit the majority of the general audience that goes and sees The Avengers?
Can you imagine the size of the "WTF" that would appear in the heads of the majority of the general audience if they see the Hulk that turns into an insane Banner when he gets mad? Or the Maestro (with male-pattern baldness, liver spots, and long white Santa beard)? How about the blue Hulk that appeared in the Atlantis annual? Or maybe the Avengers have to offer the Hulk tons of money to join since he would have to be lured away from his job as a Las Vegas bouncer?
Gamma Ra's preferred version may not be "the end all, be all" for everyone, but his version *IS* the iconic, classic version that the
majority of the
general audience is familiar with.
Don't believe me? Walk into any Wal-Mart, mall, or amusement park and take a picture of Sal Buscema's savage Hulk circa the late 70's-early 80's and then take a picture of the "Joe Fixit" incarnation in a 3-piece suit, hat, and grey skin and ask them who each character is.