What are the best Hulk arcs or eras

[Tikal]

Just like the title says, what are some of the best hulk stories or arcs or just issues with writers runs?

[Talisman]

Issues #245-313. Bill Mantlo. Sal Buscema. Nuff said.

[Freakzeek]

Planet Hulk, by Greg Pak

[Zero Hunter]

Peter David and his legendary run of issues 331-467. He took the Hulk and turned everything on it ear. He added so much tot he character it isn't even funny.

[Drdmx]

Peter David and his legendary run of issues 331-467. He took the Hulk and turned everything on it ear. He added so much tot he character it isn't even funny.

I agree with this post. I'll also agree with Pak coming into his own with the character. He might not reach the heights that PAD has with the Hulk, but needless to say, I'm very impressed with his work on the character.

[Hulk_Is]

Issues #245-313. Bill Mantlo. Sal Buscema. Nuff said.

Wouldn't be a lifelong Hulk fan without it probably. :smile:

Sal Buscema: Greatest Hulk Artist Ever!!!

[bebopeva88]

PAD's run from #331-467.

Outside of the regular series run, PAD/Keown's Hulk: The End is a fantastic issue/story. There was a recent Premiere HC of it (and the HC also contained Perez' Future Imperfect, which is also great), and was reprinted in the Giant Size Hulk one shot during Planet Hulk.

[Babylon23]

Other than the eras mentioned, I always liked Byrne's brief 6-issue run, 314-319.

[Hulk_Is]

Other than the eras mentioned, I always liked Byrne's brief 6-issue run, 314-319.

That must be entirely collected in the Visionaries tpb I own. Thought he wrote more Hulk stuff guess not. I found his run a bit odd. Art was nice though.

[Splatt]

I loved pretty much all of PAD's Hulk but I thought Banerless Hulk issues were pretty bad in comparison to the stuff that PAD wrote before it. I guess at that point it just stopped being a one, big, adventure. The ending to his run was ace, though.

[Drdmx]

The ending to his run was ace, though.

Kubert and whoever did his colors on that final issue (where Betty dies) outdid themselves. I still get chills seeing his version of when the Professor meets Betty for the first time.

[Talkie Toaster]

The runs by Bill Mantlo (still hoping they'll publish this one in trades), Peter David and Greg Pak are all excellent

[Aziz Abbasi]

Issues #245-313. Bill Mantlo. Sal Buscema. Nuff said.Yes on this one
A big yes on "Sal Buscema" being the best Hulk artist
I didn't like PAD run or "World War Hulk", but since they were so good give them a try
P.J & "Ron Garney" had a great run
"Stan Lee" did much of his best work in the "Silver Age" on Hulk, much better than his avengers

[Mr Fixit]

Peter Davids Countdown storyline was superb,Ground Zero was also fantastic and the Gray Hulk as Las Vegas enforcer is my favourite Hulk era.

[FlyingFox]

Planet Hulk and Future Imperfect

[Rev. Calibos]

I've always had a preference to the first issues of the Joe Fixit era.

It was such a departure from what had gone on before and such a different direction for the Hulk that it's always stood out to me as the most unique approach to the character I've ever seen.

[whiteshark]

Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema in the Incredible Hulk is still where can be found the best stories i think.
And Peter David whole run in Hulk is great as well,and had some awesome art as well by Tod McFarlane,Dale Keown and Gary Frank for examples.

[Mechano]

1) Pak (Planet/World War Hulk) I know some will say it is too soon, but I have loved everything he has done with the character so far.

2) PAD/Keown

3) Mantlo/Buscema

honorable mention to JRJR on pencils... his Hulk is the most intense ever. Loved the Hulk vs Abomination in Hulk vol 2 #25.

[Hulk_Is]

1) honorable mention to JRJR on pencils... his Hulk is the most intense ever. Loved the Hulk vs Abomination in Hulk vol 2 #25.

Funny thing was, as soon as you mentioned JRJR penciling the most intense Hulk ever, I was like JRJR sucks, but my mind did first flip over to Hulk vol 2 #25 as well. There is a 'blegh'-ess his art for me anyway, but it just added to the brutal intensity of the fight. JRJR art is still crap though I say. :tongue:

Pak feels like he could too soon be lauded, but his run does seem to be considered one of the best's nonetheless since he first penned. So I think his run holds up right now at least. :smile:

[Mechano]

Funny thing was, as soon as you mentioned JRJR penciling the most intense Hulk ever, I was like JRJR sucks, but my mind did first flip over to Hulk vol 2 #25 as well. There is a 'blegh'-ess his art for me anyway, but it just added to the brutal intensity of the fight. JRJR art is still crap though I say. :tongue:

Pak feels like he could too soon be lauded, but his run does seem to be considered one of the best's nonetheless since he first penned. So I think his run holds up right now at least. :smile:

Hulk Is... </3

:mad:

[Hulk_Is]

Hulk Is... </3

:mad:

Love ya too Mech. :wink:

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

I think that calling PAD's run an "arc" or "era" is a bit of an overgeneralization. The thing with PAD is that the style, tone, and type of story tended to change with each artist.

Here's how I'd roughly break down the "eras." I'm excluding everything from his creation to the mid 200s because, honestly, I'm not as familiar with Hulk before that point.


242-272: Mantlo & Buscema; Savage Hulk
273-300: Mantlo & Buscema; Banner Hulk
301-313: Mantlo, Buscema, and Mignola: Crossroads Saga
314-319: John Byrne; Hulk & Banner Separated
320-330: Al Milgrom; Hulk & Banner reunited; Rick becomes the Hulk
331-346: Banner becomes Hulk again; on the road with Rick & Clay; "Ground Zero" story
347-368: PAD & Jeff Purves (with Keown coming on at the end): Hulk as Mr. Fixit in Vegas
369-400: PAD & Keown; Hulks merge into the Professor; Hulk joins the Pantheon
401-426: PAD & Gary Frank; Hulk leads the Pantheon (to its demise); has mental breakdown at end
427-446: PAD, Liam Sharpe, Angel Medina: Hulk hides in Florida; Ghosts of the Future; Onslaught
447-453: PAD & Deodato; "Gravage" Hulk smashes a lot
454-467: PAD & Kubert; Banner & Hulk re-merge; Betty dies
468-474: Joe Casey; Hulk hunts for Betty's killer
Vol. 2 #1-11: Byrne, Garney, some fill-ins: Tyrannus frames Hulk for murder
12-20: Jenkins & Garney; "Dogs of War"
21-32: Jenkins & various: stories were up and down in quality
33: Fill in issue with Christopher Priest
34-76: Bruce Jones & Various; Hulk's a fugitive
77-82: PAD & Weeks; Tempest Fugit
83-87: PAD & various; House of M
88-91: Daniel Way; Planet Hulk prelude
92-105: Pak & various; Planet Hulk
106-112: Planet Hulk tie-in issues; the Renegades
Vol. 3 #1-12: Loeb & McGuinness; Rulk

[durty dee]

Jeph Leob and Ed McGuinness ..... I'm serious, just look at the sales!

lol

[marshal99]

I've always had a preference to the first issues of the Joe Fixit era.

It was such a departure from what had gone on before and such a different direction for the Hulk that it's always stood out to me as the most unique approach to the character I've ever seen.

Unfortunately , that era has arguably the weakest hulk pencilier in Jeff Purves. Not a fan of his artwork.

[Hulk_Is]

Unfortunately , that era has arguably the weakest hulk pencilier in Jeff Purves. Not a fan of his artwork.

OMG. So true.

[Mechano]

Love ya too Mech. :wink:



So will you be picking up Fall of Hulks Gamma?

[Hulk_Is]

Mmmmm.....

[Mechano]

I think that calling PAD's run an "arc" or "era" is a bit of an overgeneralization. The thing with PAD is that the style, tone, and type of story tended to change with each artist.

Here's how I'd roughly break down the "eras." I'm excluding everything from his creation to the mid 200s because, honestly, I'm not as familiar with Hulk before that point.


242-272: Mantlo & Buscema; Savage Hulk
273-300: Mantlo & Buscema; Banner Hulk
301-313: Mantlo, Buscema, and Mignola: Crossroads Saga
314-319: John Byrne; Hulk & Banner Separated
320-330: Al Milgrom; Hulk & Banner reunited; Rick becomes the Hulk
331-346: Banner becomes Hulk again; on the road with Rick & Clay; "Ground Zero" story
347-368: PAD & Jeff Purves (with Keown coming on at the end): Hulk as Mr. Fixit in Vegas
369-400: PAD & Keown; Hulks merge into the Professor; Hulk joins the Pantheon
401-426: PAD & Gary Frank; Hulk leads the Pantheon (to its demise); has mental breakdown at end
427-446: PAD, Liam Sharpe, Angel Medina: Hulk hides in Florida; Ghosts of the Future; Onslaught
447-453: PAD & Deodato; "Gravage" Hulk smashes a lot
454-467: PAD & Kubert; Banner & Hulk re-merge; Betty dies
468-474: Joe Casey; Hulk hunts for Betty's killer
Vol. 2 #1-11: Byrne, Garney, some fill-ins: Tyrannus frames Hulk for murder
12-20: Jenkins & Garney; "Dogs of War"
21-32: Jenkins & various: stories were up and down in quality
33: Fill in issue with Christopher Priest
34-76: Bruce Jones & Various; Hulk's a fugitive
77-82: PAD & Weeks; Tempest Fugit
83-87: PAD & various; House of M
88-91: Daniel Way; Planet Hulk prelude
92-105: Pak & various; Planet Hulk
106-112: Planet Hulk tie-in issues; the Renegades
Vol. 3 #1-12: Loeb & McGuinness; Rulk


I would say 242-272 would be the best of the Mantlo/Buscema run.

[Freakzeek]

LOEB CURRENT RUN RED HULK

http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/Freakzeek_2009/u_mad_by_DisFable.png

[mata-leao]

Peter David and his legendary run of issues 331-467. He took the Hulk and turned everything on it ear. He added so much to the character it isn't even funny.

agreed!

"Planet Hulk" is also a great read, i couldn't put this book down.

"Future Imperfect" and "The End" are definitely worth checking out as well.

[Aziz Abbasi]

Jeph Leob and Ed McGuinness ..... I'm serious, just look at the sales!Many of my pals on the Spider-Man boards say high rank sales is not that valid an indication for the quality of the comic book

I read only since Hulk #12 from these guys work, then comes Incredible Hulk 600 directly afterward that gives too many questions:
1. How did A.I.M get Hulk?
2. Last issue Rulk left Hulk crying? What happens next? When did he get him?
3. How did Rulk name "Ben Urich" & his staff?
4. Does a city Newspaper go to different states? I'm far away from U.S.A

Hulk #13 & 14 are actually very good

[Destro777]

People here will give me shit but I loved the first few arcs of Bruce Jones' run. I like my Hulk very dark and serious - a tone thats completly absent in the current books. The Return of the Monster arc kicked ass. It took a steep dive quickly afterwards but the tone set was very unique and definately clicked with me. Its a shame it ended rather poorly. I know message boards cried foul during those times but there were fans out there of that style and I know im not the only one. Its funny how when Jones' run was over Peter David came in and made an "it was all a dream!" arc. Kinda how Claremont did the same thing to Morrison's New Xmen.

Planet Hulk was such a 180 and I absolutely hated it. WWHulk was fun though. I still have a feeling (or is it wishful thinking?) that Jason Aaron, or someone similar, is going to come on to the title when all this Loeb and Pak non-sense is over. And he'll bring that dark horror feel back to the Hulk books, or at least one of them.

Future Imperfect and The End are pretty much the all time great Hulk stories for me. When I was a kid I loved the Mr Fixit stuff. Probably nostalgia at work there.

[Frank]

1. Stan Lee/Herb Trimpe

2. Bill Mantlo/Sal Buscema. (except the Crossroad saga because it sucked and Hulk kept getting his ass kicked in other dimensions)

3. PAD-McFarlane is such an exciting, crazy run. McFarlane drawing freaks in all shapes or sizes = money

4. Byrne baby, Byrne. Short, yet kickass beyond belief with Hulk fighting Wonder Man, Namor, Doc Samson, New Hulkbusters, Rhino, Modock, Abomination, Juggernaut, Hercules, Iron Man.

5. PAD-Keown. It's PAD remaking Hulk and starting a whole new mythology. The Pantheon were great as a supporting cast. It got a little bit light at the end, though. I think that while the stories were good, the "fused Hulk" character was too restrained, not savage enough and it got boring after a while.

6. Bruce Jones. I'm one of the few that enjoyed the whole Jones Hulk run and bought every issues. It was interesting and you never knew what would happen. It would have been epic had only one artist had been part of the run.

7. Giant Marvel Threasury Editions. In this issue Hulk fought Namor, Hercules and Thing in single fights. Great, epic, a must see.

In closing, I have to say that Walt Simonson needs to do Hulk.

[Ite]

Definately Future Imperfect!

[Aziz Abbasi]

"Len Wein"
I'm a fan of his work, I hope you appreciate it too

[Frank]

"Len Wein"
I'm a fan of his work, I hope you appreciate it too

I remember him too. He was in that Lee-Trimpe-Mantlo-Buscema period, right?

[Aziz Abbasi]

I remember him too. He was in that Lee-Trimpe-Mantlo-Buscema period, right?He wrote before Mantlo by a while, and he did team with Buscema
I'm still in fresh collection mode for Hulk, still away from knowing details even slight ones

[Talkie Toaster]

except the Crossroad saga

Really? I loved the crossroad saga

[Frank]

Really? I loved the crossroad saga

Mainly I read it when I was a kid, it was too weird for me. I liked Hulk that would win fights. I grew on Herb Trimpe wich were awesome fight fest books.

[Mechano]

the crossroad saga was one of the first hulk stories i ever read... i didn't really care for it that much... the events before and after it were much more interesting.

[Hulk_Is]

People here will give me shit but I loved the first few arcs of Bruce Jones' run. I like my Hulk very dark and serious - a tone thats completly absent in the current books. The Return of the Monster arc kicked ass. It took a steep dive quickly afterwards but the tone set was very unique and definately clicked with me. Its a shame it ended rather poorly. I know message boards cried foul during those times but there were fans out there of that style and I know im not the only one. Its funny how when Jones' run was over Peter David came in and made an "it was all a dream!" arc. Kinda how Claremont did the same thing to Morrison's New Xmen.

Planet Hulk was such a 180 and I absolutely hated it. WWHulk was fun though. I still have a feeling (or is it wishful thinking?) that Jason Aaron, or someone similar, is going to come on to the title when all this Loeb and Pak non-sense is over. And he'll bring that dark horror feel back to the Hulk books, or at least one of them.

You have no idea what you're talking about. It is only that you have a Moon Knight avatar that I will grant you mercy.

[Xero]

Peter David and his legendary run of issues 331-467. He took the Hulk and turned everything on it ear. He added so much tot he character it isn't even funny.

I agree, one of the best arcs ever published in a comic book.

[invisiblefive]

I agree, one of the best arcs ever published in a comic book.

same here. this run is legendary.
i add "hulk the end" and "planet hulk".
but most often than not, the hulk comics are great anyway (well, it's not currently, but the new incredible hulk series by pak seems promising, and son of hulk is cool)

[Jay Dogg]

I enjoyed (didn't love) the PAD era, especially Professor Hulk, but my favorite arc would have to be Planet Hulk...epic written all over it. Even the build-up was great. I admit to being disappointed in World War Hulk when it first came out, but when I read it, especially back-to-back with Planet Hulk, I love it. Can't wait for the Planet Hulk animated movie next year...and hopefully World War Hulk come out the same year.

[Destro777]

You have no idea what you're talking about.
…says the guy who posted this:
“JRJR art is still crap though I say.”

And this:
“Unfortunately , that era has arguably the weakest hulk pencilier in Jeff Purves."
“OMG. So true.”

[FlyingFox]

…says the guy who posted this:
“JRJR art is still crap though I say.”
”

What does Jrjr's art have to do with anything? I think his art is crap too. Such an eyesore.

[Babylon23]

While I'm a big fan of David's for the most part, I really disliked the Heroes Reborn Banner-less issues. It didn't help that Mike Deodato's artwork on those issues is abysmal, but I also thought the book lost it's way during those issues. Fortunately he and Adam Kubert finished well.

[Mechano]

What does Jrjr's art have to do with anything? I think his art is crap too. Such an eyesore.

it is ironic to me that some Hulk fans find JRJR's art so repulsive. it kind of reminds me of a modern age sal buscema.

[Hulk_Is]

it is ironic to me that some Hulk fans find JRJR's art so repulsive. it kind of reminds me of a modern age sal buscema.

Blasphemer!!!

[Hulk_Is]

…says the guy who posted this:
“JRJR art is still crap though I say.”

And this:
“Unfortunately , that era has arguably the weakest hulk pencilier in Jeff Purves."
“OMG. So true.”

Um, Purves did suck.

[Zomling]

Issues #245-313. Bill Mantlo. Sal Buscema. Nuff said.

Agreed, but I also really liked the 20 or so issues before this written by Roger Stern I believe (although I don't have the issues to hand so I may be mistaken).

[Talisman]

I think that calling PAD's run an "arc" or "era" is a bit of an overgeneralization. The thing with PAD is that the style, tone, and type of story tended to change with each artist.

Here's how I'd roughly break down the "eras." I'm excluding everything from his creation to the mid 200s because, honestly, I'm not as familiar with Hulk before that point.


242-272: Mantlo & Buscema; Savage Hulk
273-300: Mantlo & Buscema; Banner Hulk
301-313: Mantlo, Buscema, and Mignola: Crossroads Saga

Mantlo didn't come on until #245. 242-244 were still being written by Roger Stern. Didn't care for his run as much.

[Mechano]

Um, Purves did suck.

i would say that we could all agree with this. i really had a hard time enjoying the book when he was on art....so ugly

[Mechano]

Blasphemer!!!

soooooooo... fall of hulks gamma?

[Robogeek28]

Um, Purves did suck.

While I agree with this I also have to add that after time his work did get much better. Sure it wasn't great, but compare his first few issues to his last few and you'll see a big change(for the better) in his art.

[marshal99]

While I agree with this I also have to add that after time his work did get much better. Sure it wasn't great, but compare his first few issues to his last few and you'll see a big change(for the better) in his art.

It still sucked.

[FLEX HECTIC]

The Thing: "It's Clobberin Time!"

Anytime the Hulk fought The Thing your heart always went out to Ben Grimm who had to overcome such mighty odds just to hang in there.

[Hulk_Is]

soooooooo... fall of hulks gamma?

noooooooo... fall of hulks gamma. Nah, probably'll buy it, but I don't see any real reason because I'm try to avoid this whole event - especially the Loeb and JRJr "ugh"fest. WWH was bad enough. Seems like a killer event, but the majority of the talent on the books just turns me off. I'm one sad Hulk fan. :frown:

[ChrisIII]

My main problem with JRJR and Hulk is that he tends to draw the Hulk personas exactly alike. For instance the Merged Hulk and Green scar look exactly like the Savage Hulk, whereas other artists often drew them different (Grey with a huge brow, merged with more of a lantern jaw and more human face etc.). Even his Grey Hulk is pretty much Savage with a different color.

[Majinoaw]

Ghosts of the Past hands down.
:evilsmile:
The Leader has never been the same since this storyline.

[Talisman]

noooooooo... fall of hulks gamma. Nah, probably'll buy it, but I don't see any real reason because I'm try to avoid this whole event - especially the Loeb and JRJr "ugh"fest. WWH was bad enough. Seems like a killer event, but the majority of the talent on the books just turns me off. I'm one sad Hulk fan. :frown:

Yeah, if Loeb wasn't headlining this event, I'd be all over it.

[Freakzeek]

Best Hulk Arc? the answer is obvious: LOEB'S RED HULK


http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs43/f/2009/056/6/a/Red_Hulk_by_WyA.jpg

[Mechano]

Best Hulk Arc? the answer is obvious: LOEB'S RED HULK


http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs43/f/2009/056/6/a/Red_Hulk_by_WyA.jpg

If anyone ever asks me for a synopsis of the first 14 issues of loeb's Hulk, this is what I will show them. I can't describe how perfectly it captures the essence of it all.