THE HISTORY OF HULK
Before picking up HULK: GRAND DESIGN – MONSTER in print and digital comic shops, read the origin stories behind the issue! Writer/artist Jim Rugg will unfurl the full saga of the Incredible Hulk in visionary style from the character’s very beginning to the present. Now, get the history behind the panels.
HULK: THE BEGINNING
Origin
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #1
The origin of Hulk is told in Bruce Banner’s groundbreaking first appearance, also featuring the debut of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, Rick Jones, Betty Ross, secret Soviet saboteur Igor Drenkov, and the Gargoyle (Yuri Topolov).
Glenn Talbot
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #61
The first appearance of Hulk nemesis and high-ranking army official Glenn Talbot.
Hulk in Space
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #3
Thunderbolt Ross’ declaration to destroy Hulk led to the green goliath being jettisoned out to space!
Banner Once More?
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #4
This issue marks Banner’s first attempt to impart his intelligence to the Hulk through gamma ray technology.
Fantastic Four Team-Up
In Fantastic Four (1961) #12
Hulk’s encounter with Marvel’s First Family! Plus, the dastardly Wrecker (Karl Kort) tries to steal the spotlight.
Avengers Assemble
In Avengers (1963) #1
Hulk helped found the Avengers super-team following a mind possession by God of Mischief Loki.
Follow the Leader
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #62
Samuel Sterns, the irradiated super-genius known as the Leader, first appeared in issue #62 with his origin outlined the following issue.
Rick Jones Steps Up
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #70
After Banner was shot down by the military in issue #69, Hulk ally Rick Jones took his body to revive it with gamma rays.
Who is the Hulk?
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #77
Believing him dead, Rick Jones reveals that the Hulk and Bruce Banner are one in the same!
The Abomination
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #90
Emil Blonsky becomes the Abomination, and battles the Hulk all the way through issue #91.
Meet Silver Surfer
In Tales to Astonish (1959) #92
Cosmic wanderer and (former) Herald of Galactus Silver Surfer encountered the Hulk in issues #92-93.
A New Era
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #102
In 1968, TALES TO ASTONISH was retitled as Hulk’s flagship series, INCREDIBLE HULK.
Personal Growth
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #122
The Fantastic Four temporarily cured the Hulk, which allowed Bruce Banner to propose to longtime love Betty Ross in issue #123.
Doc Samson: Friend or Foe?
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #141
The origin of (and fight with) super-powered psychiatrist Doctor Leonard Samson.
Hulk the Defender
In Marvel Feature (1971) #1
After a struggle against Doctor Doom, Hulk joined the loose-knit Defenders team alongside Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, and Namor.
The Hulkbusters
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #145
The first appearance of Project: Greenskin (later the Hulkbusters).
Wolverine’s First Appearance
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #180
An encounter with a Wendigo leads to a battle with clawed Canadian Wolverine! Read through issue #182 for the full interception.
For the Love of Jarella
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #202
Sub-atomic princess Jarella was one of Hulk’s greatest loves and losses, following her return and eventual death in issue #207.
Major Guest-Stars
In Iron Man (1968) #131
After a run-in with Daredevil in DAREDEVIL (1964) #163-164, Hulk followed up with a battle against Iron Man: Tony Stark.
Sensational She-Hulk
In The Savage She-Hulk (1980) #1
The origin and first appearance of Bruce Banner’s attorney cousin Jennifer Walters—AKA the Sensational She-Hulk!
A Reunion
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #260
The Japan storyline with Glenn Talbot paved the way for the reunion of Banner, Betty Ross, and Rick Jones in issues #263-264.
Sasquatch: The Man and Myth
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #272
Hulk had a rematch with a Wendigo and reconnected with his college friend Walter Langkowski (now Alpha Flight’s Sasquatch.)
Original Secret War
In Secret Wars (1984) #1
Hulk was caught up in the Beyonder’s “Secret Wars” in INCREDIBLE HULK #294 and issue #295!
New York, New York
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #300
The monumental battle between Hulk and many of New York City’s heroes took place in this blockbuster issue!