A MARVEL INSIDER'S READING LIST
Marvel Insider Cai Ritenour from Virginia shares their favorite comics featuring the Hulk family and their complicated dynamics! Become a Marvel Insider today, and earn points to redeem for exclusive rewards just for being a Marvel fan—including the chance to assemble your own Reading List for thousands of fellow fans.
READ CAI'S HULK PICKS!
To Cure a Hulk
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #268
This issue provides a richer backstory for Rick Jones and a conflict of ideals for our protagonists. Bruce Banner, Betty Ross, and Rick all want to see Bruce "cured" of the Hulk. Rick hopes that Hulk could live separately as a productive member of society, Betty wishes for a stable life with Bruce, and Bruce doesn't care if he lives or dies in the process. The dissonance in their values lays a dramatic foundation.
Hulk: Hero or Monster?
In Incredible Hulk (1962) #326
A lot of exposition in this one, but it's done masterfully to add drama and personality for our characters. I've always felt this issue is serious and tragic, a tone cemented by the illustrations and endless desert landscapes. Page 12 may be my favorite splash page in comics. Here we see that Bruce regards himself as a victim, while Rick knows him as his hero. This juxtaposition of Bruce's role is a continuing theme.
Rick Jones: A-Bomb
In Fall of the Hulks: Red Hulk (2010) #3
Another expository issue to supplement the characters' relationships. I appreciate how proud Bruce sounds when describing Rick's past misadventures, and how he realizes that Rick needs to know he's forgiven for being a catalyst in the Hulk’s mutation. It reinforces the theme of Bruce's compassion too, especially towards young people, and how it unfortunately walks hand in hand with his ignorance of other's emotions.
"Dark Son"
In Incredible Hulks (2010) #612
Here the Hulks interact as a family in a “normal” setting. Bruce attempts to strengthen his relationships with his son Skaar and Betty, though the latter doesn't go as planned. Betty's explosive reaction gives us insight into how she's been biting down her anger for years. The crisis in this issue is domestic and super-powered, with Bruce struggling to protect his loved ones from Betty's misuse of newfound strength.
Hulk vs. the Flu
In The Totally Awesome Hulk (2015) #8
Another issue with more of a domestic setting, which I love. There's no real antagonist in this story, besides influenza, yet there's still enough excitement to go around. I always enjoy seeing the characters joking and supporting each other throughout. It may be my favorite Hulk issue overall for this reason.
Death of Bruce Banner: The Aftermath
In The Fallen (2016) #1
While this issue is tragic, I like seeing the Hulk Family gathered together again. Bruce is gone, but he still has a voice. Before and after their reunion we see Bruce's family express varied reactions to his death (and his advice), which gives the issue drama and personality. This story balances tragedy, humor, wisdom and hope while showing the ways the characters have reached forgiveness—or why they refuse to.
The Identities of Hulk
In Absolute Carnage: Immortal Hulk (2019) #1
Although this issue wasn't part of the main IMMORTAL HULK story, it's one of my favorites because it displayed Bruce and his identities communicating with minimal resentment towards each other, which had been previously rare. I appreciate that this issue is nearly a horror comedy. Bruce discusses his family members' deaths and his own dismemberment lightly, and seems distanced from the reality of his experiences.