The Incredible Hulk: A Smash Hit Through Comic History
Few characters in the Marvel Universe have captivated audiences with sheer raw power and emotional depth like the Hulk. Since his explosive debut in The Incredible Hulk #1 in 1962, the green behemoth has smashed his way into the hearts of comic book fans across the globe. Created by the legendary duo of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the Hulk’s story is not just one of might, but of the human struggle between inner demons and the quest for control. Like an unstoppable force of nature, the Hulk’s history in comics is filled with towering moments of rage, redemption, and reckoning.
Origins: Born from the Atomic Age
The Hulk’s genesis is rooted in the fears of the Atomic Age, a period when scientific progress brought with it the looming threat of nuclear annihilation. Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant yet introverted scientist, found himself at the center of a government experiment gone terribly wrong. Exposed to gamma radiation during a botched bomb test, Banner transformed into the Hulk, a creature of unimaginable strength fueled by anger. The Hulk’s physical form mirrored the fear of unchecked scientific power, while Banner’s internal struggle reflected humanity’s battle with its own destructive impulses.
Lee and Kirby crafted a complex dynamic between the two personas of Banner and the Hulk—one a reserved intellectual, the other a primal force of fury. This Jekyll-and-Hyde relationship has been at the heart of the character ever since, making the Hulk much more than just another superhero.
The Birth of the Hulk: 1962
The Hulk first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 in May 1962. Initially, the Hulk was gray, but due to printing issues, his color was changed to green in subsequent issues. The Incredible Hulk ran for only six issues in its first volume, canceled due to relatively poor sales. However, the character quickly found new life in Tales to Astonish and later as part of The Avengers, where the Hulk became a central figure in the Marvel Universe.
The Silver Age Hulk
In 1968, the Hulk regained his own title with The Incredible Hulk #102, which marked the start of the character’s lasting solo series. Roy Thomas, Herb Trimpe, and John Severin were instrumental in crafting the Hulk’s new direction. Herb Trimpe would become the defining artist for the character, with a run that lasted from 1968 to 1975. Trimpe’s portrayal of the Hulk’s massive, lumbering frame became iconic, and his work on the title helped solidify the Hulk as a leading Marvel character.
The Bronze Age Hulk 1970s-1980s
The 1970s and 1980s saw the Hulk’s popularity rise to new heights. Len Wein, who co-created Wolverine, joined the title as a writer in the 1970s, further expanding the Hulk’s mythos. During this period, the Hulk faced off against some of his most famous foes, including the Abomination and the Leader, villains who would become staples in the Hulk’s gallery of rogues.
The Incredible Hulk series achieved massive success in this era, with sales climbing steadily. The Hulk’s popularity extended beyond the comics, with the character starring in the Incredible Hulk TV show, which ran from 1977 to 1982. The show, starring Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk, became a cultural phenomenon, further boosting comic sales. By 1982, the comic book series was selling over 100,000 copies per issue.
The Modern Hulk: 1990s to 2000s
The 1990s saw The Incredible Hulk series reach new heights, with sales often surpassing 150,000 copies per issue. Artists like Dale Keown and Gary Frank gave the Hulk a more detailed, modern look, showcasing the character’s muscular form with dynamic and kinetic art. Keown’s work on the "Peter David" Hulk series earned him a strong following among fans, while Frank’s style helped lead the character into the modern age of comic books
In the 2000s, writer Greg Pak took the Hulk to new cosmic heights with the Planet Hulk and World War Hulk storylines. Planet Hulk (2006) sees the Hulk exiled to the distant planet Sakaar, where he becomes a gladiator and eventually a revolutionary leader. The storyline was an enormous commercial success, with the trade paperback collection selling more than 120,000 copies. It also led to World War Hulk (2007), a massive crossover event where the Hulk returns to Earth seeking revenge on those who betrayed him. World War Hulk #1 was the best-selling comic book of 2007, with more than 178,000 copies sold in its first month.
The Immortal Hulk: A New Chapter of Horror
In recent years, The Immortal Hulk series has redefined the character yet again, embracing the horror roots that were present in his early stories. Written by Al Ewing, this run delves deep into the existential and metaphysical aspects of the Hulk, presenting him as an unstoppable force of nature—both a protector and a destroyer. The series has been praised for its psychological depth, body horror, and philosophical musings on life, death, and immortality.
The first issue of The Immortal Hulk sold over 86,000 copies in its debut month, and by 2019, the series had become one of Marvel’s best-selling titles, with later issues consistently surpassing 100,000 copies sold. The series ran for 50 issues, concluding in 2021, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hulk runs ever. It also received multiple Eisner Award nominations.
Hulk’s Success and Impact
Over the course of its publication history, Hulk comics have been a financial powerhouse for Marvel. Key milestones include:
The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962): Originally priced at 12 cents, mint-condition copies now sell for upwards of $375,000 at auction.
Hulk #181 (1974): The first appearance of Wolverine, one of the most valuable comic books of the Bronze Age. A near-mint copy has sold for over $150,000.
World War Hulk #1 (2007): The top-selling comic of 2007, moving over 178,000 copies in its first month.
The Immortal Hulk: Issues routinely hit the top of the sales charts, with total sales for the series surpassing 2 million copies across its 50-issue run.
A Legacy of Power
For over 60 years, the Hulk has remained one of Marvel’s most popular and enduring characters, with a rich history of storytelling, dynamic art, and emotional complexity. From the early days of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to the modern runs by Al Ewing, Greg Pak, and Peter David, the Hulk has consistently evolved, reflecting the fears, hopes, and struggles of every generation.
With an estimated total comic book sales of over 12 million issues across his solo series, one-shots, and crossovers, the Hulk’s legacy is as massive as the character himself. Whether you see him as a misunderstood monster or a cosmic force, one thing is certain—the Hulk’s impact on comic book history is truly incredible.
