Marvel Masterworks: The Incredible Hulk, Vol. 4

Marvel Masterworks: The Incredible Hulk #4

by Stan Lee, Gary Friedrich, Roy Thomas

MARVEL MASTERWORKS

WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF IDEAS!

WITHIN THESE PAGES LURK THE AMAZING, THE UNCANNY AND THE MOST SPECTACULAR CHARACTERS THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!

It was August 1961, and change was in the air. Throughout the nation, a new comic book filled the stands, heralding an era of creativity soon to be dubbed the Marvel Age of Comics. Fantastic Four #1 did not feature the squeaky-clean heroes of yesteryear, clad in gaugy primary colors and hiding behind secret identities. These were real characters placed in extraordinary circumstances. They lived together, they fought among themselves-and sometimes, they even lost to the bad guys. This was more than a change in attitude: It was the beginning of something entirely different and readers couldn't get enough.

Thanks to the fertile imaginations of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and others, the runaway train called Marvel showed no signs of slowing down. An unending list of heroes followed the FF with ever-increasing acclaim and popularity: the Amazing Spider-Man, the Mighty Thor, the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Iron Man and the X-Men, to name but a few. These were the Marvel heroes, born of conflict and a continuous struggle to balance human lives with superhuman responsibilities.

The Masterworks series was created to give comic-book readers everywhere the chance to experience the creation of the Marvel Universe firsthand. The works contained within pulse with the same vatality, the originality and the same genius today as they did so many years ago. But above all, the pure joy and fun that went into making these stoes continues to transcend the illustrated page. So lay back, dig in and enjoy Marvel again for the very first time.

Excelsior!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Superheroes, Graphic Novels

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early Hulk tales collecting issues #103-#110 and annual #1 with the classic Steranko cover featuring Green skin holding up the heavy Hulk title on his back.
My favorite storyline was Hulks battle with the radioactive Missing Link creature from issues #105 & #106 because Hulk faces an extremely potent foe who one on one can give out as much as he takes. Honorable mention to the two-parter team-up I suppose with Ka-Zar and Zabu closing the collection from issues #109-#110 written by Stan Lee.

[Rich Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this Marvel Masterworks doesn't have any earth-shattering continuity points in it, other than the Hulk meeting the Inhumans and Ka-Zar, I have to say this is one of the best volumes I've read simply for the art and the care given to the color reproduction. I have never seen Herb Trimpe or Marie Severin's artwork ever look this BEAUTIFUL! It's simply breathtaking. And that's the best reason to get this one. The second best: It has some good Hulk stories in it!

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of The Inhumans. Throwing Hulk into the mix doesn't make me feel any different.

[Sean Korzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Hulk book. I've learned 2 things for sure. Nobody is as strong as Hulk and when Hulk doesn't like it Hulk smashes. Enjoyed the whole book. Almost every individual issue is a 4. An occasional 3 thrown in their since plot had to get in the way of Hulk smashing.

Artwork varies from artist to artist. Some Hulks are awesome some kinda clunky but fun was still had while reading them all. When they put in extra detail that I call "whispy lines" it detracts from the Hulk form and is not as good looking to me. Usually they are done on the arms and back to accentuate muscle. More straight or solid lines convey mass better and still have Hulk looking awesome.

I have 11 or 12 more masterworks for Hulk. I think it will be fun.

[Jaime Guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie Severin and Herbe Trimpe were comic book artists whose work I tended to avoid. While reading these volumes of Marvel Masterworks I have grown to realize that I have been such a dope. Both of these artists are masters of composition and have the ability to portray kinetic action.
Of the two Marie Severin's art is especially my favorite in this book due to her fine line work that gives both objects and characters volume and detail.
The Incredible Hulk has always been one of my favorite comic book characters and it is so great to finally be able to read issues that haven't been able to read before due to how expensive these hard to find comic books are.

[Jdetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's sometimes hard for me to understand what made Marvel Comics so popular back in the 60s, but even judged by the standards of the time, I am amazed this comic continued to be published. The first issues of his second try at a series continue to be plagued by creative turnover, and they just kind of land with a thud.

[Doctor Doom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is okay. The stories are a little better... especially the Hulk's dialogue. More than "Hulk smash" but not Banner's vocabulary either. Almost a normal person's vocabulary but with anger issues.

[Arturo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Battles with Rhino and Ka-zar, plus other forgettable issues. The Annual has Hulk taking on the Inhumans, that was decent.

[Ta0paipai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoiler alert:
Hulk smash.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible Hulk #103-106 - Odin has transported the Hulk back to the heart of NYC and a series of odd one-off adventures ensures featuring battles with the ridiculous Space Parasite, a newly power elevated Rhino and then a two-part story window a slugfest about as absurd with another creation: the Missing Link.

Incredible Hulk #107-108 - And now the Mandarin and another ill-conceived story to pit the Hulk vs an Iron Man villain.

Incredible Hulk Annual #1 - Takes the Hulk to the Hidden Refuge of Attilan, inexplicably relocated to the European Alps in this story instead of the Himalayan mountains of Central Asia.

Incredible Hulk #109-110 - Takes our green skinned protagonist to the Savage Land in Antarctic, where he meets Ka-Zar and Zabu.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marvel Masterworks volumes are fantastic reprints of the early years of Marvel comics. A fantastic resource to allow these hard to find issues to be read by everyone. Very recommended to everyone and Highly recommended to any comic fan.