It’s the official comments thread for “Hulk #77,” out this week.
Whad’ja think?
144 comments on “Okay…you know you want it. Here it is…”
You know what I think? I think that A) the comics were delayed cuz of new years and B) its gonna be delayed again because of snow & ice tomorrow and C) I gotta wait until Friday to read it
Therefore? I think AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed the issue and can’t wait for more!
PAD: great balance of words and lack of words. And WOW — some HULK/BRUCE INTERACTION (past and present) I’ve been SO starved for that! Best part of the whole issue. Bruce wants to be a hero? The Hulk (when interacting with teen Bruce) as a pacifist? I’m so eager to delve into Bruce and Hulk’s psyche(s) again! Thank you! Even though it’s not January 14th yet, you coming back to TIH is a great birthday gift!!
Lee Weeks: your rendition of the green Hulk is growing on me more and more, but I must say that your Kirby-esque grey Hulk/Hulk prime is FANTASTIC!!!!!
Tom Palmer: nice job with the inks. Glad to see you on Hulk some more.
Tom Brevoort: very nicely done issue overall. Well worth the money, and I’m gonna keep buying and spread the word. And I haven’t said that about most comics for years now, unfortunately.
Studio F did well too; coloring was appropriate underwater and out of water.
I can’t wait for next ish’!
I thought the issue was great, the art, the coloring, the writing.
One question I do have, why is Bruce wearing that knit cap in class? Isn’t he a nerd? He looked like the Banner on the run from Jones’ run more than a kid in a HS school class. Unless it was some sort of flashback with the adult Banner? Was that something I missed? Anyone?
The Gray Hulk was cool at the end as well, the lung thing not so cool.
Bruno
Bruno
As I said elsewhere…
I really liked the subtext in the school scene where young Bruce shows his contempt for his own imperfections, which are represented by the Hulk, and the Hulk in turn is angry at Banner for his derision. Since Banner and the Hulk are really one and the same, the conflict between them boils down to Banner beating himself up. Basically, low-self esteem. A very clever way of showing that.
I don’t get it? Who was they big green guy running around in the Hulk book?? What was up with the pages of action and not just people talking, and talking and talking? *wink* Love this issue glad to have you back, I’ll stay if you will!
I’m a lil confused by everything but I think I figured out where the Grey Hulk came from. Hulk puked him up on the beach….hahahahaha…great stuff!!!
Fun read! I had the opportunity to meet Lee Weeks at the Big apple Con in NYC back in November and he had copies of his artwork from this issue there. Impressive in color, but mind-blowing to see his pencils up close. This looks to be another great run.
Fred
Unfortunately, despite the fact that I added the title to my pull list, I didn’t get a copy; and my store had sold out of what was on the shelves. The question, of course, is how many did they order? If they ordered a lot, which all sold out, that’s probably a good sign, from your point of view. On the other hand, if they only ordered a handful, including the one meant for me, I guess it’s still a good sign, just not as impressive, sales-wise.
The owner of my store said he’ll try to find me a copy, which is nice and all; but to my way of thinking, you put the copies for the pull customers in their bins first, _then_ you put the rest on the shelves. I recently found a book I’d special ordered on the shelf instead of in my bin. The only copy, too. If someone had happened to pick it up out of curiosity, I’d never have seen it.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll like the issue when and if I see it.
Rick
Surely PAD must know whether he is permenant writer on Hulk by now? If not are we to expect a short hiatus whilst new issues were done?
As for a regular art team my vote would be for Lee Weeks, its’ been ages since we had a stable art team you could rely on.
Ian
“Unfortunately, despite the fact that I added the title to my pull list, I didn’t get a copy; and my store had sold out of what was on the shelves. The question, of course, is how many did they order? If they ordered a lot, which all sold out, that’s probably a good sign, from your point of view. On the other hand, if they only ordered a handful, including the one meant for me, I guess it’s still a good sign, just not as impressive, sales-wise.”
My guess, based upon retailer draws for “The End,” is that your retailer under-ordered it. I’m not new, I’m not flavor-of-the-month, and I’m not British, and since the major selling point of the book was me, I suspect sales cruised nicely under retailer radar.
PAD
I was very impressed by it. I am surprised that it was so fresh and interesting. I was afraid PAD was going to be burnt out on the HULK. Look forward to the series!
Hey PAD, what incarnation was this?
This appears to be the incarnation PAD left off with. A sort of Savage Hulk with Grey Hulk’s attitude.
My retailer always has Hulk books and had a stack of issue #77 today. Even when Bruce Jones’s run was selling high, each of the two shops I buy from
always had a stack of leftover Hulk issues.
I loved this first issue and the new power makes for great possibilities and increases Hulk’s potential. I really hope PAD stays on indefinitely.
Since I was literally snowed in yesterday here in Iowa, I have to wait until after work to go find my copy. Hope it does not sell out. (The customer service challenged store here (the only one selling new comics in about 50 miles) told me in November that they could not add me yet to a pull list for the comics I want. Since the other store here went out of business, they had too many come over to their store. Fine, I can understand it would take a few weeks to work through it all. But they don’t even take your name and sub list to add as soon as they can. They told me to wait until January and they *might* be able to add me. Of course, they promise they *always* buy enough copies of everything. Funny, though, how 3 of the comics I have gone in to buy have already been sold out. And you wonder why some comic stores go out of business …. Ok, sorry, my rant is over).
Jim in Iowa
Don’t have a lot of time to discuss it, but I loved it.
Best book of the week. No one else should be allowed to write The Hulk.
It was like seeing a good old friend after a number of years and resuming the friendship without any awkwardness. Peter, I hope that you are named as permanent writer on the book. I also loved the artist, Lee Weeks.
Hats off also to another great issue of SOULSEARCHERS AND COMPANY. It was great getting a double blast of Peter David in one week. Great Kubert gag.
It’s like the last seven years never happened. PAD, the last issue of Hulk I read was your last. This one could have easily come a month after that.
Glad to have you back.
The good thing about my comic store (Amazing Fantasy) is that we had a snow storm yesterday (I can relate, Jim, I’m in Illinois), so there were still a good 30 issues (guessing) left. I wanted to drive to the comic store yesterday during my lunch break at work, but the weather was getting worse by the minute. Any other time, it would take exactly thirty minutes to drive to the comic store and back. It would’ve taken a good hour or more yesterday.
This was a great read, long overdue. Welcome back, Peter!
I’m trying very hard not read any poster’s descriptions of the happenings in the story because my comic shop won’t get their new order until Friday as well, but I can not remember being this excited and looking forward to a new issue this much in a long, long time.
PAD, is there any word on what will happen to the title once your 6 issues are done? Does Marvel have another story ready to go while they decide who become’s the Hulk’s regular creative team? Will the title go on hiatus after your arc?
Loved it. The interweaving of past and present were well done and enjoyable, as were the Hulk/Banner interchanges.
And Monster Island! Yay!
Please, please make Marvel keep you on for more than 6 issues.
Okay, I’m one of those bleeding fanboys who had the usual inner climax at the thought of you coming back to the Hulk. Just remember that when it was first announced that you’d be taking the title after Bryne’s (whatever happenned), that you were coming off of an improved Justice and an awesome Spectacular Spider-man run (and a bunch of other things back then) so I for one was waiting with bated breath, and your run (obviously) made an impression.
And here you are again, with another run, starting with another interesting take on the Banner/Hulk relationship, an interesting couple of mysteries and none of the over-slow burn of Mr. Jones.
Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of what Bruce Jones was doing but he was taking to long getting anywhere near the point. I mean Robert Ludlum books are full of slow burn kinds of events piling up on top of each but the pay-off is usually worth it. I don’t think the pay off was worth it (or maybe it was rushed or something) during Mr. Jones run.
So far so good, and I can’t wait for more. I would put it on my pull list but anything Hulk is forever on my pull list, so whaddayagonnado?
I thought it was terrific… except… well… what exactly happened to that shark on the first couple of pages? Did he blow up or what?
I liked it. Dramatic. I haven’t read any Hulk since your last issue either. No, wait, I tried reading some of Byrne’s Hulk. I was mad he ignored your continuity.
Can’t wait for more. Decompressed storytelling is frustrating, like Heinz Ketchup.
BTW, I’ve been looking around on the Web, but can’t figure it out – did they revive Betty Banner? Is she alive? Anyone know?
Very Very Good. Been waiting for the real Hulk to return for awhile. Nice paceing, Nice Art, Nice Monster Isle. None of the bad Jones era stuff. Thank you PAD.
As for Betty… I think the Leader, who was supposedly “Dead” twice over, was revealed to have ressurected Betty, but also gave her plastic surgery so she looks like the actress who played her in the movie…
I don’t mean to break into the uninterrupted praise, but it was … all right. Not great, but better than the end of Jones’s run. Not as good as most of your initial run, but still pretty good. Enough to make me pick up the second issue, but I’m reserving judgment for now. It’s definitely not as good as Fallen Angel, but I suppose you know that. Anyway, specifically, do we even know how Hulk goes back to Bruce anymore? I guess it’s when he calms down, but who knows. And what’s up with the weird mutant squid? I assume it’s tied into the whole Monster Island (which is actually a peninsula!) thing. I didn’t like the lame Daredevil joke, but I’ll let it slide. It’s a good book, but I trust you to make sure answers will be forthcoming. It’s an okay start. Good to see you back on the big green/gray fella. On a slightly different topic, I was reading a post on Comics Should be Good about “Big Events” in a writer’s run on a title, and they said after #425, your run went downhill, partly because of artistic inconsistency. I just wonder if you felt that you still had good stories to tell after, say, “The Troyan (sp?) War” and that Marvel’s cross-over insanity ruined them. Just wondering.
Couldn’t wait for my monthly shipment of comics so I traveled across town and picked an issue up.
Ahhhh, feels just like home. Great beginning of a story and some great artwork from Weeks. Good to see the ‘classic’ Hulk back.
Quoth Darin:
I thought it was terrific… except… well… what exactly happened to that shark on the first couple of pages? Did he blow up or what?
The Hulk ripped it in half. I think he was even eating some of it…
~G., who enjoyed the book and all that delicious subtext
Jon writes: It’s like the last seven years never happened.
Well, if Peter actually has the audacity to go through with that wild idea he was telling me about, it’ll be more than seven years…
…no, no. I’ve said too much.
Loved it. Been a long time since I enjoyed the Hulk this much. It was the first thing I read of my new stack, and loved every page, every panel, every word. Welcome back.
Re: Hulk #77
Over all I really enjoyed the issue. It’s good to to have PAD back on the Hulk. I also really liked the art. The cover was just *ahem* incredible.
Quick question though, What was Hulk doing at the bottom of the sea? Is that where Jones left him at the end of his run? (I haven’t read the Hulk since PAD left the first time) Or is that something that will be explained as the story unfolds?
One more quick question, I also bought “The New Avengers” #2 when I bought Hulk #77 and noticed they had a letters page. Are the Avengers an exception or does Marvel have plans to bring back all letter pages?
I thought the issue was great, everything I wanted it to be! And more importantly, I can’t wait for the next issue. My local retailers ordered it pretty heavily, so I hope the issues sell out, and we can get Peter back full time on Hulk.
BTW, thanks for stopping in on the comicboards.com Hulk board, which have suddenly exploded. X-men fans have Claremont, Hulk fans have PAD.
Great first issue, PAD. It had just the right amount of drama and action. I enjoyed getting a further glympse into Bruce Banner’s teenage years, a part of his life that has remained largely unexplored. I can’t wait to see what events from the past will be uncovered, and what effect they will have on the present and future of both Bruce and the Hulk.
Speaking of the green guy, it’s a relief to see that the Hulk once again has a personality–an INDEPENDENT personality–for this story. I’m also thrilled that you have brought the unending inner conflict of the character back to the forefront where it belongs.
The confrontations with the sea monster and the two-headed creature were a treat, but the greatest thrill was the appearance of the original gray Hulk at the end! Very cool! It seems fitting; this is essentially a new beginning for the Hulk, and through this incarnation you’re taking the character back to his roots.
Overall, #77 was definitely worth the wait AND the hype. Keep up the great work, PAD! I’m eagerly awaiting #78. 🙂
–Don aka Ygor
And what’s up with the weird mutant squid?
Haven’t seen the issue yet, but now I’m flashing on an episode of the (somewhat lame) Teen Titans cartoon:
“Bumblebee! Release the mind-controlled squid!”
I’ve got a very limited experience with Hulk. I picked it up because of my pleased experiences with Madrox and Fallen Angel.
… I must admit to having no idea what’s going on.
Otherwise, though, I liked Bruce in school, and the way the Hulk was visualized. I’ll be buying the next one and hoping it makes a bit more sense to me.
This was a fun first issue. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the rest!
> Nivek wrote: BTW, thanks for stopping in on the comicboards.com Hulk board, which have suddenly exploded.
I second that, PAD.
> Nivek wrote: X-men fans have Claremont, Hulk fans have PAD.
This just keeps getting better and better. 😀
–Don aka Ygor
PAD
Please stay!! I actually like Hulk again, this is how it should be. Recently with the long winded garbage we’ve been subjected to for too many years.
The only run worth any mention since you left has been Jenkins run, which actually did some interesting things with the ball that you left rolling. The only thing I really hated was the cutsie names he gave the grey Hulk (Joe- he was only Mr Fixit for a short time), and the Merged hulk (The Professor-mmmmmmmmmmm).
The PAD/Weeks team has the potential to be fantastic for a long run. Surely Marvel must have thoughts as to what must happen in June just so that they can maintain deadlines. If not then I can see a break in any potential run you may have.
Thing I would like to have cleared up if you get Hulk back are:
What happened to the Leader (really)?
What happend to Betty ?
Get rid of Doc Samsons crappy eye patch!!
Return to the classic stone logo, I like the present one but it lacks the class of the old one.
Bring back Mad man!
Ian
I say bring back …”Wild Man”, we know he gave the Maestro a run for his money, how about a little torcher on the Hulk?
Pad,
I enjoyed it on the strength of Lee and Tom’s art. Granted you gave them some pretty cool things to draw, but there really wasn’t much story there. Just set up. I guess with our new paradigm of decompressed stories and writing for the Trades, I shouldn’t expect more. I trust you as an author, so I give you the latitude to develop this story, but I warn you; Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!
The only real weakness that I saw in this story was that it does not really stand on its own, even in terms of knowing what’s happening page to page. In other words, it reads like the first chapter of a trade, not really answering questions like “what’s the Hulk doing in the ocean?” and “who are these people?”, because much of that context can be given later in the trade. For a monthly, I see this as a weakness because I’m afraid many people are going to pick it up and say, “I don’t get it” and walk away. I bought a copy for school, so I’ll see how my kids respond to it (they are much more like the typical comic fan than I am).
That said, I really enjoyed the issue. I thought the specifics of what happen with the shark at the beginning are unclear, but the gist of the scene comes through. The Hulk/Banner interaction is a welcome return, as is the Hulk’s attitude and the limited jokes. (I think sometimes the jokes are too forced, but the one Daredevil reference was brief enough to still be witty.) Weeks isn’t my favorite Hulk artist of all time, but his work is always well done and accessible.
I wonder about a few things, though. First, since when does the Hulk’s body adapt to changing conditions (breathing fluid)? Second, did anyone else find themselves wondering why any of this was happening but then remembering, “This is based on The Tempest” and letting that answer the question? What would someone think if they were reading this without being a regular peterdavid.net reader? Third, how is Marvel looking at these numbers? Are they going to give the book a couple of months to gather steam, or are they only looking at 77? It seems to me that, since this was originally intended to be a mini-series, this story will not be representative of the type of story you would do on an extended run, PAD.
I am thrilled you’re back on the book, but I worry that reader response will be lackluster for any number of reasons and that Marvel won’t let you build a new following on this book. I really hope they do; I’ve been wondering for a long time what was going to happen with Cary St. Nord. (Did I get that name right?)
Good luck!
Eric
Nearly- Cary st. Lawrence.
Ian
This issue was awsome! Its so great to have you back writing the Hulk. The artwork was incredible as well. I liked how you explained that Hulk could breath underwater now, it made sense. That was one thing I always liked, you always got around to explaining some of Hulks powers, like the superfast healing factor. Anyway, its great that you’re back and hope you will stay for a long time!
So you CAN go home again. What the hëll does Thomas Wolfe know? Nice work on your part, PAD, with an intriguing story. And nice work on Lee’s part as well (although Tom Palmer makes anyone look good). All in all a solid issue. I’m in for #78.
I don’t know if its been addressed. First, the Shark. I assumed it ran into the Hulk, the Hulk was Hungry, Ripped it in half and through the top half away. It was done for dramatic effect. You think the Shark is swimming really fast at you, but learn it has been ripped in half and thrown by the emerging hulk on the Ocean Floor.
As for the Mutated Squid. Hulk is by Monster Island..or Island X or whatever you wanna call it. Its an Island full of Monsters, thus the sea life near it is the first sign of whats instore for the HULK. Classic that Monster Island gets another addition to its family…THE HULK!
Uh..Threw not Through the top half. Sorry for the misuse of the word.
Oh..and I like the fact that it starts off in the ocean. It gives us a story and it gives us something to wonder about. I’m sure we will learn the answer. Not everything has to be laid out neat in front of us in the first issue. AS LONG AS ITS resolved by the last issue then thats what counts. ( Here that Identity Crisis!!)
Your return to Hulk was long overdue!!
I can remember reading your final issue on the book and thinking “there’s no way he could top this!” Prove me wrong!!!!
Good news. My comics shop had it. I will read it and post my thoughts. In the mean time, PAD, would you please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please find time to do your Cowboy Pete Roundup, including the 2 hour return of Alias? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Jim in Iowa
I haven’t even read it yet, and I think it’s great! I hope Peter’s second run is longer than his first : )
(very happy Hulk/PAD fan)
it was wierd, the flashback was cool, and had atmosphere to spare. Me likey.
• 
You know what I think? I think that A) the comics were delayed cuz of new years and B) its gonna be delayed again because of snow & ice tomorrow and C) I gotta wait until Friday to read it
Therefore? I think AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
I enjoyed the issue and can’t wait for more!
PAD: great balance of words and lack of words. And WOW — some HULK/BRUCE INTERACTION (past and present) I’ve been SO starved for that! Best part of the whole issue. Bruce wants to be a hero? The Hulk (when interacting with teen Bruce) as a pacifist? I’m so eager to delve into Bruce and Hulk’s psyche(s) again! Thank you! Even though it’s not January 14th yet, you coming back to TIH is a great birthday gift!!
Lee Weeks: your rendition of the green Hulk is growing on me more and more, but I must say that your Kirby-esque grey Hulk/Hulk prime is FANTASTIC!!!!!
Tom Palmer: nice job with the inks. Glad to see you on Hulk some more.
Tom Brevoort: very nicely done issue overall. Well worth the money, and I’m gonna keep buying and spread the word. And I haven’t said that about most comics for years now, unfortunately.
Studio F did well too; coloring was appropriate underwater and out of water.
I can’t wait for next ish’!
I thought the issue was great, the art, the coloring, the writing.
One question I do have, why is Bruce wearing that knit cap in class? Isn’t he a nerd? He looked like the Banner on the run from Jones’ run more than a kid in a HS school class. Unless it was some sort of flashback with the adult Banner? Was that something I missed? Anyone?
The Gray Hulk was cool at the end as well, the lung thing not so cool.
Bruno
Bruno
As I said elsewhere…
I really liked the subtext in the school scene where young Bruce shows his contempt for his own imperfections, which are represented by the Hulk, and the Hulk in turn is angry at Banner for his derision. Since Banner and the Hulk are really one and the same, the conflict between them boils down to Banner beating himself up. Basically, low-self esteem. A very clever way of showing that.
I don’t get it? Who was they big green guy running around in the Hulk book?? What was up with the pages of action and not just people talking, and talking and talking? *wink* Love this issue glad to have you back, I’ll stay if you will!
I’m a lil confused by everything but I think I figured out where the Grey Hulk came from. Hulk puked him up on the beach….hahahahaha…great stuff!!!
Fun read! I had the opportunity to meet Lee Weeks at the Big apple Con in NYC back in November and he had copies of his artwork from this issue there. Impressive in color, but mind-blowing to see his pencils up close. This looks to be another great run.
Fred
Unfortunately, despite the fact that I added the title to my pull list, I didn’t get a copy; and my store had sold out of what was on the shelves. The question, of course, is how many did they order? If they ordered a lot, which all sold out, that’s probably a good sign, from your point of view. On the other hand, if they only ordered a handful, including the one meant for me, I guess it’s still a good sign, just not as impressive, sales-wise.
The owner of my store said he’ll try to find me a copy, which is nice and all; but to my way of thinking, you put the copies for the pull customers in their bins first, _then_ you put the rest on the shelves. I recently found a book I’d special ordered on the shelf instead of in my bin. The only copy, too. If someone had happened to pick it up out of curiosity, I’d never have seen it.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll like the issue when and if I see it.
Rick
Surely PAD must know whether he is permenant writer on Hulk by now? If not are we to expect a short hiatus whilst new issues were done?
As for a regular art team my vote would be for Lee Weeks, its’ been ages since we had a stable art team you could rely on.
Ian
“Unfortunately, despite the fact that I added the title to my pull list, I didn’t get a copy; and my store had sold out of what was on the shelves. The question, of course, is how many did they order? If they ordered a lot, which all sold out, that’s probably a good sign, from your point of view. On the other hand, if they only ordered a handful, including the one meant for me, I guess it’s still a good sign, just not as impressive, sales-wise.”
My guess, based upon retailer draws for “The End,” is that your retailer under-ordered it. I’m not new, I’m not flavor-of-the-month, and I’m not British, and since the major selling point of the book was me, I suspect sales cruised nicely under retailer radar.
PAD
I was very impressed by it. I am surprised that it was so fresh and interesting. I was afraid PAD was going to be burnt out on the HULK. Look forward to the series!
Hey PAD, what incarnation was this?
This appears to be the incarnation PAD left off with. A sort of Savage Hulk with Grey Hulk’s attitude.
My retailer always has Hulk books and had a stack of issue #77 today. Even when Bruce Jones’s run was selling high, each of the two shops I buy from
always had a stack of leftover Hulk issues.
I loved this first issue and the new power makes for great possibilities and increases Hulk’s potential. I really hope PAD stays on indefinitely.
Since I was literally snowed in yesterday here in Iowa, I have to wait until after work to go find my copy. Hope it does not sell out. (The customer service challenged store here (the only one selling new comics in about 50 miles) told me in November that they could not add me yet to a pull list for the comics I want. Since the other store here went out of business, they had too many come over to their store. Fine, I can understand it would take a few weeks to work through it all. But they don’t even take your name and sub list to add as soon as they can. They told me to wait until January and they *might* be able to add me. Of course, they promise they *always* buy enough copies of everything. Funny, though, how 3 of the comics I have gone in to buy have already been sold out. And you wonder why some comic stores go out of business …. Ok, sorry, my rant is over).
Jim in Iowa
Don’t have a lot of time to discuss it, but I loved it.
Best book of the week. No one else should be allowed to write The Hulk.
It was like seeing a good old friend after a number of years and resuming the friendship without any awkwardness. Peter, I hope that you are named as permanent writer on the book. I also loved the artist, Lee Weeks.
Hats off also to another great issue of SOULSEARCHERS AND COMPANY. It was great getting a double blast of Peter David in one week. Great Kubert gag.
It’s like the last seven years never happened. PAD, the last issue of Hulk I read was your last. This one could have easily come a month after that.
Glad to have you back.
The good thing about my comic store (Amazing Fantasy) is that we had a snow storm yesterday (I can relate, Jim, I’m in Illinois), so there were still a good 30 issues (guessing) left. I wanted to drive to the comic store yesterday during my lunch break at work, but the weather was getting worse by the minute. Any other time, it would take exactly thirty minutes to drive to the comic store and back. It would’ve taken a good hour or more yesterday.
This was a great read, long overdue. Welcome back, Peter!
I’m trying very hard not read any poster’s descriptions of the happenings in the story because my comic shop won’t get their new order until Friday as well, but I can not remember being this excited and looking forward to a new issue this much in a long, long time.
PAD, is there any word on what will happen to the title once your 6 issues are done? Does Marvel have another story ready to go while they decide who become’s the Hulk’s regular creative team? Will the title go on hiatus after your arc?
Loved it. The interweaving of past and present were well done and enjoyable, as were the Hulk/Banner interchanges.
And Monster Island! Yay!
Please, please make Marvel keep you on for more than 6 issues.
Okay, I’m one of those bleeding fanboys who had the usual inner climax at the thought of you coming back to the Hulk. Just remember that when it was first announced that you’d be taking the title after Bryne’s (whatever happenned), that you were coming off of an improved Justice and an awesome Spectacular Spider-man run (and a bunch of other things back then) so I for one was waiting with bated breath, and your run (obviously) made an impression.
And here you are again, with another run, starting with another interesting take on the Banner/Hulk relationship, an interesting couple of mysteries and none of the over-slow burn of Mr. Jones.
Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of what Bruce Jones was doing but he was taking to long getting anywhere near the point. I mean Robert Ludlum books are full of slow burn kinds of events piling up on top of each but the pay-off is usually worth it. I don’t think the pay off was worth it (or maybe it was rushed or something) during Mr. Jones run.
So far so good, and I can’t wait for more. I would put it on my pull list but anything Hulk is forever on my pull list, so whaddayagonnado?
I thought it was terrific… except… well… what exactly happened to that shark on the first couple of pages? Did he blow up or what?
I liked it. Dramatic. I haven’t read any Hulk since your last issue either. No, wait, I tried reading some of Byrne’s Hulk. I was mad he ignored your continuity.
Can’t wait for more. Decompressed storytelling is frustrating, like Heinz Ketchup.
BTW, I’ve been looking around on the Web, but can’t figure it out – did they revive Betty Banner? Is she alive? Anyone know?
Very Very Good. Been waiting for the real Hulk to return for awhile. Nice paceing, Nice Art, Nice Monster Isle. None of the bad Jones era stuff. Thank you PAD.
As for Betty… I think the Leader, who was supposedly “Dead” twice over, was revealed to have ressurected Betty, but also gave her plastic surgery so she looks like the actress who played her in the movie…
I don’t mean to break into the uninterrupted praise, but it was … all right. Not great, but better than the end of Jones’s run. Not as good as most of your initial run, but still pretty good. Enough to make me pick up the second issue, but I’m reserving judgment for now. It’s definitely not as good as Fallen Angel, but I suppose you know that. Anyway, specifically, do we even know how Hulk goes back to Bruce anymore? I guess it’s when he calms down, but who knows. And what’s up with the weird mutant squid? I assume it’s tied into the whole Monster Island (which is actually a peninsula!) thing. I didn’t like the lame Daredevil joke, but I’ll let it slide. It’s a good book, but I trust you to make sure answers will be forthcoming. It’s an okay start. Good to see you back on the big green/gray fella. On a slightly different topic, I was reading a post on Comics Should be Good about “Big Events” in a writer’s run on a title, and they said after #425, your run went downhill, partly because of artistic inconsistency. I just wonder if you felt that you still had good stories to tell after, say, “The Troyan (sp?) War” and that Marvel’s cross-over insanity ruined them. Just wondering.
Couldn’t wait for my monthly shipment of comics so I traveled across town and picked an issue up.
Ahhhh, feels just like home. Great beginning of a story and some great artwork from Weeks. Good to see the ‘classic’ Hulk back.
Quoth Darin:
I thought it was terrific… except… well… what exactly happened to that shark on the first couple of pages? Did he blow up or what?
The Hulk ripped it in half. I think he was even eating some of it…
~G., who enjoyed the book and all that delicious subtext
Jon writes: It’s like the last seven years never happened.
Well, if Peter actually has the audacity to go through with that wild idea he was telling me about, it’ll be more than seven years…
…no, no. I’ve said too much.
Loved it. Been a long time since I enjoyed the Hulk this much. It was the first thing I read of my new stack, and loved every page, every panel, every word. Welcome back.
Re: Hulk #77
Over all I really enjoyed the issue. It’s good to to have PAD back on the Hulk. I also really liked the art. The cover was just *ahem* incredible.
Quick question though, What was Hulk doing at the bottom of the sea? Is that where Jones left him at the end of his run? (I haven’t read the Hulk since PAD left the first time) Or is that something that will be explained as the story unfolds?
One more quick question, I also bought “The New Avengers” #2 when I bought Hulk #77 and noticed they had a letters page. Are the Avengers an exception or does Marvel have plans to bring back all letter pages?
I thought the issue was great, everything I wanted it to be! And more importantly, I can’t wait for the next issue. My local retailers ordered it pretty heavily, so I hope the issues sell out, and we can get Peter back full time on Hulk.
BTW, thanks for stopping in on the comicboards.com Hulk board, which have suddenly exploded. X-men fans have Claremont, Hulk fans have PAD.
Great first issue, PAD. It had just the right amount of drama and action. I enjoyed getting a further glympse into Bruce Banner’s teenage years, a part of his life that has remained largely unexplored. I can’t wait to see what events from the past will be uncovered, and what effect they will have on the present and future of both Bruce and the Hulk.
Speaking of the green guy, it’s a relief to see that the Hulk once again has a personality–an INDEPENDENT personality–for this story. I’m also thrilled that you have brought the unending inner conflict of the character back to the forefront where it belongs.
The confrontations with the sea monster and the two-headed creature were a treat, but the greatest thrill was the appearance of the original gray Hulk at the end! Very cool! It seems fitting; this is essentially a new beginning for the Hulk, and through this incarnation you’re taking the character back to his roots.
Overall, #77 was definitely worth the wait AND the hype. Keep up the great work, PAD! I’m eagerly awaiting #78. 🙂
–Don aka Ygor
And what’s up with the weird mutant squid?
Haven’t seen the issue yet, but now I’m flashing on an episode of the (somewhat lame) Teen Titans cartoon:
“Bumblebee! Release the mind-controlled squid!”
I’ve got a very limited experience with Hulk. I picked it up because of my pleased experiences with Madrox and Fallen Angel.
… I must admit to having no idea what’s going on.
Otherwise, though, I liked Bruce in school, and the way the Hulk was visualized. I’ll be buying the next one and hoping it makes a bit more sense to me.
This was a fun first issue. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the rest!
> Nivek wrote: BTW, thanks for stopping in on the comicboards.com Hulk board, which have suddenly exploded.
I second that, PAD.
> Nivek wrote: X-men fans have Claremont, Hulk fans have PAD.
This just keeps getting better and better. 😀
–Don aka Ygor
PAD
Please stay!! I actually like Hulk again, this is how it should be. Recently with the long winded garbage we’ve been subjected to for too many years.
The only run worth any mention since you left has been Jenkins run, which actually did some interesting things with the ball that you left rolling. The only thing I really hated was the cutsie names he gave the grey Hulk (Joe- he was only Mr Fixit for a short time), and the Merged hulk (The Professor-mmmmmmmmmmm).
The PAD/Weeks team has the potential to be fantastic for a long run. Surely Marvel must have thoughts as to what must happen in June just so that they can maintain deadlines. If not then I can see a break in any potential run you may have.
Thing I would like to have cleared up if you get Hulk back are:
What happened to the Leader (really)?
What happend to Betty ?
Get rid of Doc Samsons crappy eye patch!!
Return to the classic stone logo, I like the present one but it lacks the class of the old one.
Bring back Mad man!
Ian
I say bring back …”Wild Man”, we know he gave the Maestro a run for his money, how about a little torcher on the Hulk?
Pad,
I enjoyed it on the strength of Lee and Tom’s art. Granted you gave them some pretty cool things to draw, but there really wasn’t much story there. Just set up. I guess with our new paradigm of decompressed stories and writing for the Trades, I shouldn’t expect more. I trust you as an author, so I give you the latitude to develop this story, but I warn you; Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry!
The only real weakness that I saw in this story was that it does not really stand on its own, even in terms of knowing what’s happening page to page. In other words, it reads like the first chapter of a trade, not really answering questions like “what’s the Hulk doing in the ocean?” and “who are these people?”, because much of that context can be given later in the trade. For a monthly, I see this as a weakness because I’m afraid many people are going to pick it up and say, “I don’t get it” and walk away. I bought a copy for school, so I’ll see how my kids respond to it (they are much more like the typical comic fan than I am).
That said, I really enjoyed the issue. I thought the specifics of what happen with the shark at the beginning are unclear, but the gist of the scene comes through. The Hulk/Banner interaction is a welcome return, as is the Hulk’s attitude and the limited jokes. (I think sometimes the jokes are too forced, but the one Daredevil reference was brief enough to still be witty.) Weeks isn’t my favorite Hulk artist of all time, but his work is always well done and accessible.
I wonder about a few things, though. First, since when does the Hulk’s body adapt to changing conditions (breathing fluid)? Second, did anyone else find themselves wondering why any of this was happening but then remembering, “This is based on The Tempest” and letting that answer the question? What would someone think if they were reading this without being a regular peterdavid.net reader? Third, how is Marvel looking at these numbers? Are they going to give the book a couple of months to gather steam, or are they only looking at 77? It seems to me that, since this was originally intended to be a mini-series, this story will not be representative of the type of story you would do on an extended run, PAD.
I am thrilled you’re back on the book, but I worry that reader response will be lackluster for any number of reasons and that Marvel won’t let you build a new following on this book. I really hope they do; I’ve been wondering for a long time what was going to happen with Cary St. Nord. (Did I get that name right?)
Good luck!
Eric
Nearly- Cary st. Lawrence.
Ian
This issue was awsome! Its so great to have you back writing the Hulk. The artwork was incredible as well. I liked how you explained that Hulk could breath underwater now, it made sense. That was one thing I always liked, you always got around to explaining some of Hulks powers, like the superfast healing factor. Anyway, its great that you’re back and hope you will stay for a long time!
So you CAN go home again. What the hëll does Thomas Wolfe know? Nice work on your part, PAD, with an intriguing story. And nice work on Lee’s part as well (although Tom Palmer makes anyone look good). All in all a solid issue. I’m in for #78.
I don’t know if its been addressed. First, the Shark. I assumed it ran into the Hulk, the Hulk was Hungry, Ripped it in half and through the top half away. It was done for dramatic effect. You think the Shark is swimming really fast at you, but learn it has been ripped in half and thrown by the emerging hulk on the Ocean Floor.
As for the Mutated Squid. Hulk is by Monster Island..or Island X or whatever you wanna call it. Its an Island full of Monsters, thus the sea life near it is the first sign of whats instore for the HULK. Classic that Monster Island gets another addition to its family…THE HULK!
Uh..Threw not Through the top half. Sorry for the misuse of the word.
Oh..and I like the fact that it starts off in the ocean. It gives us a story and it gives us something to wonder about. I’m sure we will learn the answer. Not everything has to be laid out neat in front of us in the first issue. AS LONG AS ITS resolved by the last issue then thats what counts. ( Here that Identity Crisis!!)
Your return to Hulk was long overdue!!
I can remember reading your final issue on the book and thinking “there’s no way he could top this!” Prove me wrong!!!!
Good news. My comics shop had it. I will read it and post my thoughts. In the mean time, PAD, would you please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please find time to do your Cowboy Pete Roundup, including the 2 hour return of Alias? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
Jim in Iowa
I haven’t even read it yet, and I think it’s great! I hope Peter’s second run is longer than his first : )
(very happy Hulk/PAD fan)
it was wierd, the flashback was cool, and had atmosphere to spare. Me likey.