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Marvel Season One
Hulk: Season One
New York Times bestseller Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) and acclaimed artist Tom Fowler (Venom) retell the beginnings of The Green Goliath for a new generation! The definitive origin of The Hulk -- as well as Betty Ross -- now Red She-Hulk -- General Thunderbolt Ross -- now the Avenging Red Hulk! The Gamma Base, Rick Jones, and the introduction of an all-new Hulk villain that will continue to haunt both him and his alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, in present continuity!
136 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2012
5 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Fred Van Lente
1,358 books321 followersFred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.
Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).
He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 27, 2017
Puny rebooted origin story.
Maybe it’s just because Hulk has never been one of my favorite characters, but this one left me completely flat. The updates to the original story of nerdy Bruce Banner getting a rage filled monster as an alter ego stick so closely to the original that it barely seems worth the effort, and the attempts to tie it all into Banner’s subconscious issues created by childhood trauma didn’t add much either. The art is also messy and never delivers the kind of scale and power I think the Hulk requires to work well.
Overall, this was just a swing and a miss.
Maybe it’s just because Hulk has never been one of my favorite characters, but this one left me completely flat. The updates to the original story of nerdy Bruce Banner getting a rage filled monster as an alter ego stick so closely to the original that it barely seems worth the effort, and the attempts to tie it all into Banner’s subconscious issues created by childhood trauma didn’t add much either. The art is also messy and never delivers the kind of scale and power I think the Hulk requires to work well.
Overall, this was just a swing and a miss.
March 2, 2015
3.5 stars
Enjoyable!
I tend to get excited when it comes to retelling origin stories. Any kind, really. Fariytales, classics, mythology, superheroes...it doesn't matter.
This one was pretty good. I think the art was probably the biggest con this thing had going for it. When I opened it up, my first thought was that I had accidentally picked up something that was 20 years old.
Guess the artist was going for the retro look.
Ehhhhh.
Ugly or Retro?
Tomato or tomahto?
I'm going with ugly, but you're free to disagree.
I've gotta say, I thought Banner was pretty cool by the end of the story. I liked that he wasn't portrayed as a complete douche. The last few pages made me want to dig in and find some more Hulk stuff to read.
That's always a good sign, right?
Question:
If these are Season One books, is there a Season 2?
Yeah, I could look it up, but that's not how a lazy person does it...
Enjoyable!
I tend to get excited when it comes to retelling origin stories. Any kind, really. Fariytales, classics, mythology, superheroes...it doesn't matter.
This one was pretty good. I think the art was probably the biggest con this thing had going for it. When I opened it up, my first thought was that I had accidentally picked up something that was 20 years old.
Guess the artist was going for the retro look.
Ehhhhh.
Ugly or Retro?
Tomato or tomahto?
I'm going with ugly, but you're free to disagree.
I've gotta say, I thought Banner was pretty cool by the end of the story. I liked that he wasn't portrayed as a complete douche. The last few pages made me want to dig in and find some more Hulk stuff to read.
That's always a good sign, right?
Question:
If these are Season One books, is there a Season 2?
Yeah, I could look it up, but that's not how a lazy person does it...
February 6, 2017
It was very exciting and interesting to read it in the beginning, I found the story to be engaging and really... a page turner. But it changed by the end and got a little worse. It had emotion, story and character development. Lovely!
Although the art looked a bit old-ish, I still really liked it. It was easy to understand what is happening in the pictures and well, pleasant to look at them.
Although the art looked a bit old-ish, I still really liked it. It was easy to understand what is happening in the pictures and well, pleasant to look at them.
June 22, 2013
Of all the Hulk origins stories this one was the worst I've read. I couldn't even finish it. If you want a good Hulk origin story, go read Hulk; Grey.
November 14, 2019
3.5 stars
I wish this is what they had adapted for the MCU Incredible Hulk.
I wish this is what they had adapted for the MCU Incredible Hulk.
October 14, 2019
The story moves too quicky for what is supposed to be an updated origin story. Reads like a bland Hollywood-style reboot.
May 14, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this comic since some of the plots seemed like an unneeded attempt to create an 'edgier' version of the Hulk's origin story, which unfortunately resulted in something that felt very odd and distanced from the original source material.
However the parts of this that I did care for I really enjoyed, such as Bruce's fight for dominance with Hulk inside his mind that was extremely powerful and meaningful on its own, but also for people who themselves struggle with the toxic feelings and behaviors Hulk has come to represent which are often developed from experiencing continuous mistreatment or abuse.
The general story I wasn't really into due to its weird and gritty nature, and I wish much of this had more solid writing since it isn't on Marvel Unlimited and I had to purchase it separately, but I still don't regret buying or reading it since pieces were excellent and complimented well by the art.
However the parts of this that I did care for I really enjoyed, such as Bruce's fight for dominance with Hulk inside his mind that was extremely powerful and meaningful on its own, but also for people who themselves struggle with the toxic feelings and behaviors Hulk has come to represent which are often developed from experiencing continuous mistreatment or abuse.
The general story I wasn't really into due to its weird and gritty nature, and I wish much of this had more solid writing since it isn't on Marvel Unlimited and I had to purchase it separately, but I still don't regret buying or reading it since pieces were excellent and complimented well by the art.
March 28, 2013
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
Another updated origin story, oh-hum, wonder why? was the original that bad?
So they keep the best from the original, and add in what they think improves on the story... problem is, it really doesn't. If you really want to read a good re-telling of the Hulk's origin, read Hulk: Gray by Jeff Loeb & Tim Sale... now that was a good update of an origin!
Hulk: Season One does have some nice art even though the Hulk looks like something out of a Popeye comics. The story doesn't really improve on the original and my guess is, it'll quickly fade into comic book oblivion. Only thing I thought of mild interest was the way Hulk goes from a low IQ hillbilly with a temper to a moronic rage machine... though it could have been done much better.
Another updated origin story, oh-hum, wonder why? was the original that bad?
So they keep the best from the original, and add in what they think improves on the story... problem is, it really doesn't. If you really want to read a good re-telling of the Hulk's origin, read Hulk: Gray by Jeff Loeb & Tim Sale... now that was a good update of an origin!
Hulk: Season One does have some nice art even though the Hulk looks like something out of a Popeye comics. The story doesn't really improve on the original and my guess is, it'll quickly fade into comic book oblivion. Only thing I thought of mild interest was the way Hulk goes from a low IQ hillbilly with a temper to a moronic rage machine... though it could have been done much better.
July 31, 2017
As I've mentioned previously, I'm not a huge fan of Marvel - the comics, not the films - and the Hulk in particular. However, I actually enjoyed this one, and not just because Marc Silvestri is one of my favorite comic artists and he illustrated the last story in the collection. The story is easy to follow, even for one not terribly well-versed in the universe, and is basically a retelling of the Hulk origin. No, I've never seen the Hulk films and my real only exposure to the character is through the Avenger films, so I have no idea if this is canon, or a reboot. Either way, it's worth checking out if you're curious about the character.
June 4, 2013
My least favorite of the 'Season One' books I've read so far. The story was confusing and the art not to my liking.
The story incorporates material added to Banner's back story over the years (e.g., the abusive father), but also makes bewildering changes that make little sense (e.g., making Betty a member of the military & in change of base security).
Other changes were even stranger. I'm not sure how to describe the Teen Brigade Rick ran/ran with in 60s, but it certainly wasn't a gang of drug pushers run by the Russian Mafia...
The story incorporates material added to Banner's back story over the years (e.g., the abusive father), but also makes bewildering changes that make little sense (e.g., making Betty a member of the military & in change of base security).
Other changes were even stranger. I'm not sure how to describe the Teen Brigade Rick ran/ran with in 60s, but it certainly wasn't a gang of drug pushers run by the Russian Mafia...
February 23, 2014
Whew, what a stench. I don't know when I've read something so bad. I'm sorry I wasted my time. Definitely not based on the true origin of the Hulk and beyond that, just an all around bad story. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time.
August 7, 2020
This graphic novel is an update to the Hulk’s origin and early adventures in an attempt to modernize the story for today’s audience.
While the origin story isn’t changed very much (Banner is still exposed to Gamma radiation from his bomb while rescuing Rick Jones), most of the supporting cast and the storylines have been changed. Rick himself is now a drug-dealing gang member with a “heart of gold” - meaning he’s does what he does as a matter of survival, but is really better than all of that. His better nature doesn’t become obvious until very late in the story, which I suppose would set it up for future installments. Similarly, Betty Ross is now a Lieutenant in the Air Force and in charge of the Military Police on the base. She’s much more empowered and has some humorous and sarcastic dialogue, but yet finds herself involved in a romantic triangle (kind of a square, actually) with Banner. General “Thunderbolt” Ross is changed the least, but instead of simply being a blustery authority figure, he also has connections in Congress and is quite the political animal on the Hill.
The only element of the original Hulk stories picked up here is the character of the Gargoyle, and he’s almost a throw-away. He’s no longer a military officer, but a member of the Russian mob who survived some time in Chernobyl after the nuclear accident - I suppose that accounts for his deformities, but that’s never actually stated. He now runs the drug operation that Rick is party to. And for no reason other than humor value, he has some defense robots that constantly spout Communist rhetoric - kind of the throwback to the constant “Red Threat” stories in early Marvel. Those robots were a high point in the story for me!
The main antagonists in the story are THEM, a group of AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) attempting to corner the drug market using clones that create addictive drugs in genetically engineered glands. Hulk encounters an escaped clone and initially tries to help him, but is taken in by the idea that THEM can eliminate Banner in exchange for the Hulk eliminating Gargoyle. There’s also a Super Soldier subplot that creates Biocide whom the Hulk must also deal with.
The characters of Banner and the Hulk are still pretty straight-forward. The Hulk begins the story with a pretty high level of intelligence similar to what was seen in the original issues. Van Lente draws a lot of ideas from the Peter David era of the Hulk comic as well as the Ang Lee Hulk movie - there’s a psychological connection between the two beings tied into a cycle of abuse and trauma. It takes things a step beyond the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde origins into a deeper territory including a scene near the end of the book where the two confront each other in a dream world. Interesting stuff that provides a nice reason for the changes in the Hulk’s intelligence and behavior.
Tom Fowler’s art took a bit for me to settle into. I think it would have been better suited toward a more horror-oriented take on this story than the more science fiction slant presented here. It’s a bit sketchy and stylized, and didn’t quite fit the high-tech feel of the AIM facility or Gamma Base. Oftentimes the Hulk and AIM members appeared more cartoony than intended and kind of undermined the moments.
Overall, it was an interesting reimagining of the Hulk’s early career, but since it’s not strictly “in continuity” I’d only really recommend this to big Hulk fans.
While the origin story isn’t changed very much (Banner is still exposed to Gamma radiation from his bomb while rescuing Rick Jones), most of the supporting cast and the storylines have been changed. Rick himself is now a drug-dealing gang member with a “heart of gold” - meaning he’s does what he does as a matter of survival, but is really better than all of that. His better nature doesn’t become obvious until very late in the story, which I suppose would set it up for future installments. Similarly, Betty Ross is now a Lieutenant in the Air Force and in charge of the Military Police on the base. She’s much more empowered and has some humorous and sarcastic dialogue, but yet finds herself involved in a romantic triangle (kind of a square, actually) with Banner. General “Thunderbolt” Ross is changed the least, but instead of simply being a blustery authority figure, he also has connections in Congress and is quite the political animal on the Hill.
The only element of the original Hulk stories picked up here is the character of the Gargoyle, and he’s almost a throw-away. He’s no longer a military officer, but a member of the Russian mob who survived some time in Chernobyl after the nuclear accident - I suppose that accounts for his deformities, but that’s never actually stated. He now runs the drug operation that Rick is party to. And for no reason other than humor value, he has some defense robots that constantly spout Communist rhetoric - kind of the throwback to the constant “Red Threat” stories in early Marvel. Those robots were a high point in the story for me!
The main antagonists in the story are THEM, a group of AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) attempting to corner the drug market using clones that create addictive drugs in genetically engineered glands. Hulk encounters an escaped clone and initially tries to help him, but is taken in by the idea that THEM can eliminate Banner in exchange for the Hulk eliminating Gargoyle. There’s also a Super Soldier subplot that creates Biocide whom the Hulk must also deal with.
The characters of Banner and the Hulk are still pretty straight-forward. The Hulk begins the story with a pretty high level of intelligence similar to what was seen in the original issues. Van Lente draws a lot of ideas from the Peter David era of the Hulk comic as well as the Ang Lee Hulk movie - there’s a psychological connection between the two beings tied into a cycle of abuse and trauma. It takes things a step beyond the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde origins into a deeper territory including a scene near the end of the book where the two confront each other in a dream world. Interesting stuff that provides a nice reason for the changes in the Hulk’s intelligence and behavior.
Tom Fowler’s art took a bit for me to settle into. I think it would have been better suited toward a more horror-oriented take on this story than the more science fiction slant presented here. It’s a bit sketchy and stylized, and didn’t quite fit the high-tech feel of the AIM facility or Gamma Base. Oftentimes the Hulk and AIM members appeared more cartoony than intended and kind of undermined the moments.
Overall, it was an interesting reimagining of the Hulk’s early career, but since it’s not strictly “in continuity” I’d only really recommend this to big Hulk fans.
March 29, 2023
I've got mixed feelings about this retelling.
I recognize that each author who writes Hulk is trying to interpret the decades of other writer's ideas of who the Hulk is, where he came from, and his relationship to Bruce. There might not be 1 perfect answer, but I think I prefer Ewing's to this, if only because it makes room for Joe, and many other Personalities that the Hulk has exhibited throughout the comics.
What I'm saying is this comic acknowledges that Hulk and Bruce are two separate identities, but doesn't name DID, doesn't even hint at Joe and the others, and explains his existence as "a damaged chromosome or set of genes we got from dad" that was activated by the gamma blast. Retelling the Hulk's story in 2011 would've been a good opportunity to use a more informed lens about Systems, but instead they side stepped that, which is disappointing.
One of my main qualms is that I couldn't determine who the Hulk in this story was supposed to be. It seems, in order to explain that early Hulk could only come out at night, and spoke more proper english, Fowler used this serum from "Them" that was supposed to supress Bruce, but Bruce made it supress Hulk instead -- now he is 'dumber' but triggered by emotion rather than day/night.
On it's own, as an interpretation of early Hulk stories, it makes sense (and of course they didn't leave out Bruce's tragic childhood, which is so crucial to who he is and the trauma that created Hulk in the first place). But compared to Ewing's explanation of the Hulk system, it falls a little flat. From my understanding at least, Ewing's idea was that the early, smarter, night walking Hulk was "Devil Hulk" and the "Savage Hulk" was the one who came out based on emotion.
Of course, as noted above, it's always all been a mess, and this was written before Immortal Hulk anyway, but I just wish it didn't directly contradict it I guess.
Despite that, I did enjoy the comic. They made some very interesting changes to the original 60's version of this story.
Betty is not just General Ross's daughter, she is also a commanding officer at Gamma base. Monica Rappicini also shows up, and we get a little hint and her and Bruce's past (plus one steamy make-out sesh that she instigated in order to steal his DNA). So we've got two female characters with their own identities and goals, etc.
Although I don't really love this image of Rick, it does show the shift in how teenagers are viewed/portrayed. In the 60's he was just a silly kid trying to impress his friends, and he is quickly taken under Bruce's wing. In this version, the military is understandably upset at the breach in security, and suspicious of him. He wasn't just doing something to impress his friends, he was trying to get out of a gang initiation, either by impressing his boss or dying in the process. It definitely raises the stakes of Rick's story, and maybe makes it more "realistic" but I do miss young Rick Jones and his teen brigade who are all eager bright minds ready to assist the superheroes.
Bringing Them in was an interesting choice. I honestly don't know much about Them except that they are NOT AIM even though they look really similar.
I recognize that each author who writes Hulk is trying to interpret the decades of other writer's ideas of who the Hulk is, where he came from, and his relationship to Bruce. There might not be 1 perfect answer, but I think I prefer Ewing's to this, if only because it makes room for Joe, and many other Personalities that the Hulk has exhibited throughout the comics.
What I'm saying is this comic acknowledges that Hulk and Bruce are two separate identities, but doesn't name DID, doesn't even hint at Joe and the others, and explains his existence as "a damaged chromosome or set of genes we got from dad" that was activated by the gamma blast. Retelling the Hulk's story in 2011 would've been a good opportunity to use a more informed lens about Systems, but instead they side stepped that, which is disappointing.
One of my main qualms is that I couldn't determine who the Hulk in this story was supposed to be. It seems, in order to explain that early Hulk could only come out at night, and spoke more proper english, Fowler used this serum from "Them" that was supposed to supress Bruce, but Bruce made it supress Hulk instead -- now he is 'dumber' but triggered by emotion rather than day/night.
On it's own, as an interpretation of early Hulk stories, it makes sense (and of course they didn't leave out Bruce's tragic childhood, which is so crucial to who he is and the trauma that created Hulk in the first place). But compared to Ewing's explanation of the Hulk system, it falls a little flat. From my understanding at least, Ewing's idea was that the early, smarter, night walking Hulk was "Devil Hulk" and the "Savage Hulk" was the one who came out based on emotion.
Of course, as noted above, it's always all been a mess, and this was written before Immortal Hulk anyway, but I just wish it didn't directly contradict it I guess.
Despite that, I did enjoy the comic. They made some very interesting changes to the original 60's version of this story.
Betty is not just General Ross's daughter, she is also a commanding officer at Gamma base. Monica Rappicini also shows up, and we get a little hint and her and Bruce's past (plus one steamy make-out sesh that she instigated in order to steal his DNA). So we've got two female characters with their own identities and goals, etc.
Although I don't really love this image of Rick, it does show the shift in how teenagers are viewed/portrayed. In the 60's he was just a silly kid trying to impress his friends, and he is quickly taken under Bruce's wing. In this version, the military is understandably upset at the breach in security, and suspicious of him. He wasn't just doing something to impress his friends, he was trying to get out of a gang initiation, either by impressing his boss or dying in the process. It definitely raises the stakes of Rick's story, and maybe makes it more "realistic" but I do miss young Rick Jones and his teen brigade who are all eager bright minds ready to assist the superheroes.
Bringing Them in was an interesting choice. I honestly don't know much about Them except that they are NOT AIM even though they look really similar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
While this comic wears its themes like a bumper sticker, Hulk Season One's pacing prevents it from achieving the deep character study it's climax is built upon.
Bruce Banner's troubled past is very rarely present in his character. While the comic hints at his relationship to his abusive father, the ways in which his trauma informs his actions feels negligible. Ultimately, this makes Hulk's relationship to Bruce feel disjointed as the two's identities only faintly intersect. This issue is made clearer in the two's final confrontation in which Hulk blames Bruce for the death of their mother. In a matter of few panels, Bruce retorts against his other half, shedding all guilt and responsibility in a matter of a few sentences. Because Bruce isn't shown to actively struggle with this grievance throughout the earlier portions of the comic, this "revelation" is left feeling anti-climatic.
Also... Personal thing... I just don't like a lot of the dialogue. The quick comedics jabs here and there don't add much to their comic's already wavering tone. And because of Bruce's lack of dramatic action, his quips make his character feel even further from the tragic hero the final act makes him out to be.
This is a pretty interesting read if you've read other Hulk comics more successful in humanizing Bruce and the Hulk's relationship.
Ideas I like:
1. Hulk saving a large group of children because his identity is rooted in Bruce's violent childhood... However... It is interesting that Hulk doesn't seem to recognize the innocence that Bruce had in his youth. Could be a neat concept if the comic explored it more
2. Bruce's anxious internal monologue when he thinks he's been found out
Bruce Banner's troubled past is very rarely present in his character. While the comic hints at his relationship to his abusive father, the ways in which his trauma informs his actions feels negligible. Ultimately, this makes Hulk's relationship to Bruce feel disjointed as the two's identities only faintly intersect. This issue is made clearer in the two's final confrontation in which Hulk blames Bruce for the death of their mother. In a matter of few panels, Bruce retorts against his other half, shedding all guilt and responsibility in a matter of a few sentences. Because Bruce isn't shown to actively struggle with this grievance throughout the earlier portions of the comic, this "revelation" is left feeling anti-climatic.
Also... Personal thing... I just don't like a lot of the dialogue. The quick comedics jabs here and there don't add much to their comic's already wavering tone. And because of Bruce's lack of dramatic action, his quips make his character feel even further from the tragic hero the final act makes him out to be.
This is a pretty interesting read if you've read other Hulk comics more successful in humanizing Bruce and the Hulk's relationship.
Ideas I like:
1. Hulk saving a large group of children because his identity is rooted in Bruce's violent childhood... However... It is interesting that Hulk doesn't seem to recognize the innocence that Bruce had in his youth. Could be a neat concept if the comic explored it more
2. Bruce's anxious internal monologue when he thinks he's been found out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
"Hulk: Season One" is exactly the kind of modern reimagining I enjoy: respectful to the original 1960s roots, yet unafraid to add new layers that enrich the mythos. The classic beats are all here — Rick Jones’ fateful mistake, Betty Ross’ concern, and General “Thunderbolt” Ross’ relentless obsession — but they’re seamlessly blended with fresh elements like A.I.M. and new supporting characters that give the story extra depth.
The script is tight and cinematic, balancing action with moments of vulnerability that remind you Bruce Banner’s curse is as much emotional as it is physical. The artwork is top-tier: dynamic in the big moments, subtle in the quiet ones, and always attentive to character expression.
As a retelling, it works beautifully for new readers who want a clear, compelling entry point, and for long-time fans it offers a fun “what if this was told today?” lens without betraying the spirit of the original.
A must-read for anyone who loves the Hulk, or simply enjoys seeing a classic origin story reimagined with respect and style.
The script is tight and cinematic, balancing action with moments of vulnerability that remind you Bruce Banner’s curse is as much emotional as it is physical. The artwork is top-tier: dynamic in the big moments, subtle in the quiet ones, and always attentive to character expression.
As a retelling, it works beautifully for new readers who want a clear, compelling entry point, and for long-time fans it offers a fun “what if this was told today?” lens without betraying the spirit of the original.
A must-read for anyone who loves the Hulk, or simply enjoys seeing a classic origin story reimagined with respect and style.
December 26, 2022
Вирішив прочитати "Hulk: Season One", оскільки давненько ми не говорили про Галка на каналі. Цей комікс є частиною серії "Season One" в якій Марвел робили осучасненні оріджини своїх персонажів. І якщо говорити конкретно про Галка то його серія з цим дуже вдало впоралася. Сценарист Фред Ван Ленте написав досить знайому історію, героїв та лиходіїв однак подав їх в нових тонах. Так наприклад Бетті тут є військовою з якою працює Брюс на гамма базі, а не просто донькою генерала яка була присутньою на тесті бомби просто так. З хорошого також виділю те, що комікс інтегрує розлад множинної ідентичності Брюса в свою історію. І сцена в якій Брюс взаємодіє з Галком мабуть є моєю улюбленою у коміксі, єдине що мені трошки не сподобалося це те, що автор опустив те, що Брюс спочатку перетворювався в Джо, а лиш пізніше в Галка. З плюсів ще можу виділити досить приємний малюнок Тома Фовлера. В результаті "Hulk: Season One" є хорошим коміксом який спокійно можна порадити читачам які хочуть прочитати щось про Галка.
July 27, 2018
Fred Van Lente was doing comics for kids when I started buying Marvel Age for my small people. He quickly became someone whose name I would look for when I got their stuff because he was able to write accessibly for kids without pandering. This is from the 2011-2012 attempt by Marvel to deal with Stan Lee's exhortation "every comic is someone's first" by bringing everyone forward through time (Banner has a cellphone when the blast happens, it's 1991, not 1964) and incorporating elements of the various versions of people's origin stories (AIM, Hulk chimp). It's good, this thing. It was a propellant read, and a solid Hulk story.
June 12, 2021
I don't know what I was thinking buying this considering I couldn't give less of a shit about the Hulk, but this was okay at best. I understand it was a retelling of the classic story but it just felt boring. The art and colours were great though, and the first issue of a different incredible hulk run that they included at the end was good enough to bump up my rating to three stars instead of two.
January 19, 2026
for hulk's status as one of the all-time most popular and iconic superheroes, i don't really know anything about him, his side characters, his villains, etc. and when i learned about this series of "season one" graphic novels i decided to check out hulk's first
it's... fine? clearly a long story heavily condensed down and i found the dynamic between hulk and banner intriguing but ham-fisted at times.
it's... fine? clearly a long story heavily condensed down and i found the dynamic between hulk and banner intriguing but ham-fisted at times.
November 15, 2023
Great art, great story, GREAT storyline, fantastic storyteller... Van Lente hews to the origin as closely as modern science and technology will allow, while ALSO maintaining the push for new information about the Jolly Green Giant. Walks the thin line between history and what must have 'been' without falling off.
May 16, 2017
Stylish but sort of standard 21-century updating of the origin story.
May 23, 2017
Beautifully drawn and colored. A good storyline too.
I enjoyed this.
I enjoyed this.
May 27, 2017
I found this to be tedious. Could not get into it and the art just didn't work for me.
February 2, 2018
Not bad book, but not get 4 stars because Hulk not favorite character.
August 15, 2022
Why is Betty a cop?
March 22, 2023
4.5. Updated origin of Hulk story.
February 21, 2025
Is there anyone in Marvel that doesn’t have daddy issues?
August 28, 2015
Full Review at: https://ilayreading.wordpress.com/201...
I’ll break this down into two sections. Again…first graphic novel ever…this is going to be a learning process.
Story/Writing: Boy was this dark! I had heard people say The Hulk was a dark story, but this is not The Hulk I knew at ALL. Obviously, this is not the Avengers Hulk, and maybe I’ll do some reading to see where all that fits in, but he is not a superhero here. I kept waiting for that to happen, and it didn’t. The explosion happens, Banner doesn’t die, and his superiors are pissed that he’s still alive? Ummmm ok? Thanks a bunch, asshole. The misogyny in this book is horrible, by the way, and the jokes are totally crude. I had to look to see when this was written–I was expecting 20 years ago, not 2012. I was also extremely confused by Banner vs Hulk. In the interpretation I am used to, Banner IS Hulk, but in this book it seems that they are two split entities/bodies. At first I thought they just had two different consciousnesses warring with each other–that would make sense to me–but about halfway through I think they were no longer even in the same place. I wasn’t entirely sure how that split happened or why.
Art: The aesthetics of this book were not to my taste, but that doesn’t mean they were necessarily bad. They are definitely for a more traditional, hyper-masculine sort of fan. The men are jacked up, and I’m sorry…but no female scientist is going to be in a mini-dress and knee high boots with exposed legs and an open labcoat. Nope. Sorry boys. I did, however, really like the super close up panels of The Hulk “hulking out,”–like the shots of his eyeball or the sound-effects. There’s also a great one where Banner is walking with a clipboard in his hand and The Hulk is ginormous behind him (again, I thought it was representing his subconscious…but maybe they really are split at that point).
I definitely much prefer Movie Hulk–and maybe I’ll look into reading something with the Avengers, so I can see the difference. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them. This was a little dark for me, and the art wasn’t to my taste. But…now that I have a bit of an idea how to read a comic and what I am looking at, I have my foot in the door! AdultBooklr does a monthly Graphic Novel readalong, so maybe I’ll start participating in that.
I’ll break this down into two sections. Again…first graphic novel ever…this is going to be a learning process.
Story/Writing: Boy was this dark! I had heard people say The Hulk was a dark story, but this is not The Hulk I knew at ALL. Obviously, this is not the Avengers Hulk, and maybe I’ll do some reading to see where all that fits in, but he is not a superhero here. I kept waiting for that to happen, and it didn’t. The explosion happens, Banner doesn’t die, and his superiors are pissed that he’s still alive? Ummmm ok? Thanks a bunch, asshole. The misogyny in this book is horrible, by the way, and the jokes are totally crude. I had to look to see when this was written–I was expecting 20 years ago, not 2012. I was also extremely confused by Banner vs Hulk. In the interpretation I am used to, Banner IS Hulk, but in this book it seems that they are two split entities/bodies. At first I thought they just had two different consciousnesses warring with each other–that would make sense to me–but about halfway through I think they were no longer even in the same place. I wasn’t entirely sure how that split happened or why.
Art: The aesthetics of this book were not to my taste, but that doesn’t mean they were necessarily bad. They are definitely for a more traditional, hyper-masculine sort of fan. The men are jacked up, and I’m sorry…but no female scientist is going to be in a mini-dress and knee high boots with exposed legs and an open labcoat. Nope. Sorry boys. I did, however, really like the super close up panels of The Hulk “hulking out,”–like the shots of his eyeball or the sound-effects. There’s also a great one where Banner is walking with a clipboard in his hand and The Hulk is ginormous behind him (again, I thought it was representing his subconscious…but maybe they really are split at that point).
I definitely much prefer Movie Hulk–and maybe I’ll look into reading something with the Avengers, so I can see the difference. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them. This was a little dark for me, and the art wasn’t to my taste. But…now that I have a bit of an idea how to read a comic and what I am looking at, I have my foot in the door! AdultBooklr does a monthly Graphic Novel readalong, so maybe I’ll start participating in that.
March 7, 2013
I am a long-time fan of the Hulk, and I've read many different versions of the character over the years... didn't really need another one. Having said that, this was realy well done.
Tom Fowler is the perfect artist to draw the Hulk. His art is very expressive, and reminds me of some of the old Mad Magazine movie parodies. He is also great at drawing monters (read Mysterius the Unfathomable).
Van Lente writes a heck of a story here too. He has modernized the Hulk's origin story, but not in a superficial way, like simply having characters wear ipods and talk about Facebook. The changes he made for the most part make the story better. I loved how the relationship with Betty starts out a bit rocky, it's not a given that they will be a couple. I also like that the BannerBomb was to benon-lethal non-destructive, and free of fallout.
Van Lente chose some excellent elements to keep in the story from previous versions too. In the beginning, Banner's transformations are triggered by nightfall, and he comes up with a cave to lock himself in over night to keep the Hulk under wraps.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite click... for example, those are clearly agents of Aim - why change it from AIM to THEM? Also, some elements of the story seemed to wrap up a little to quickly. Maybe this story would have been better suited to a longer form. It' not worth dwellinon the negative though, since there's so little of it.
This. is a must read for fans of the Hulk, and a perfect intro for anyone who just saw The Avengers,and wants some more HULK SMASH in their life!
Tom Fowler is the perfect artist to draw the Hulk. His art is very expressive, and reminds me of some of the old Mad Magazine movie parodies. He is also great at drawing monters (read Mysterius the Unfathomable).
Van Lente writes a heck of a story here too. He has modernized the Hulk's origin story, but not in a superficial way, like simply having characters wear ipods and talk about Facebook. The changes he made for the most part make the story better. I loved how the relationship with Betty starts out a bit rocky, it's not a given that they will be a couple. I also like that the BannerBomb was to be
Van Lente chose some excellent elements to keep in the story from previous versions too. In the beginning, Banner's transformations are triggered by nightfall, and he comes up with a cave to lock himself in over night to keep the Hulk under wraps.
There were a couple of things that didn't quite click... for example, those are clearly agents of Aim - why change it from AIM to THEM? Also, some elements of the story seemed to wrap up a little to quickly. Maybe this story would have been better suited to a longer form. It' not worth dwellinon the negative though, since there's so little of it.
This. is a must read for fans of the Hulk, and a perfect intro for anyone who just saw The Avengers,and wants some more HULK SMASH in their life!
December 6, 2016
I'm quickly becoming a fan of Fred Van Lente. Everything I've read from him has been very enjoyable. His writing on the Hulk took a character I wasn't much interested in and made him sympathetic.
Hulk: Season One retells the origin of how Bruce Banner became the Hulk. The story takes place in and around a military installation known as Gamma Base. Bruce is here developing a weapon to rival the nuclear bomb and ends up getting caught in the blast. This triggers his transformations into the Hulk, which he tries to hide while simultaneously attempting to figure out what is causing them. Having never read a Hulk comic before, this felt like a great starting point.
There are some characters included that Hulk fans should recognize. These allow for some interesting relationships to develop, both friendships and rivalries. That is probably part of why I found this book so likeable. The characters felt developed enough to understand the interactions between them without having tons of history on them. It also delves into Bruce's background a bit, giving clues as to why he acts the way he does and showing a reason for the Hulk to exist.
The art is cartoonish, which works nicely for the story. It isn't overly serious and the art style complements it. For those that like something a little different, this book includes the first issue of Jason Aaron's Hulk series. The art on that one is superb, and I like the take on the character.
This book leaves a few things unexplained within the story presented. Familiarity with the Marvel universe will allow the reader to fill in the blanks, and those elements aren't things that will ruin the story for a new reader.
Hulk: Season One retells the origin of how Bruce Banner became the Hulk. The story takes place in and around a military installation known as Gamma Base. Bruce is here developing a weapon to rival the nuclear bomb and ends up getting caught in the blast. This triggers his transformations into the Hulk, which he tries to hide while simultaneously attempting to figure out what is causing them. Having never read a Hulk comic before, this felt like a great starting point.
There are some characters included that Hulk fans should recognize. These allow for some interesting relationships to develop, both friendships and rivalries. That is probably part of why I found this book so likeable. The characters felt developed enough to understand the interactions between them without having tons of history on them. It also delves into Bruce's background a bit, giving clues as to why he acts the way he does and showing a reason for the Hulk to exist.
The art is cartoonish, which works nicely for the story. It isn't overly serious and the art style complements it. For those that like something a little different, this book includes the first issue of Jason Aaron's Hulk series. The art on that one is superb, and I like the take on the character.
This book leaves a few things unexplained within the story presented. Familiarity with the Marvel universe will allow the reader to fill in the blanks, and those elements aren't things that will ruin the story for a new reader.
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