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Incredible Hulk Epic Collection
Incredible Hulk Epic Collection: Future Imperfect [New Printing]
Witness the terrifying future of the Incredible Hulk! Could our hero truly be destined to rule a ravaged world with a gamma fist as the despotic Maestro?! Or will a time-torn Bruce Banner be able to change his own nightmarish fate? One of the greatest Hulk tales ever told fully earns its Epic status! Plus, more adventures with Bruce, Rick Jones and the Pantheon! A monster at Loch Ness - but not the one Hulk went looking for! A showdown with Nick Fury! A royal rumble with Madman! Hulk and She-Hulk double-team the Bi-Beast! Silver Surfer and the Starjammers join the intergalactic Trojan War! And Rick is getting married...if he can survive his bachelor party! COLLECTING: VOLUME 20: INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) 407-419, ANNUAL 20; HULK: FUTURE IMPERFECT 1-2; INCREDIBLE HULK ASHCAN EDITION; MATERIAL FROM MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL 3
504 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2017
18 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,578 books1,368 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 20, 2019
During Peter David’s twelve year run on the Hulk, he, for the most part, eschewed the simple-minded “Hulk smash” persona – experimenting with other “versions” of the Hulk – here it’s Smart Hulk with Bruce Banner being in complete control of everything green. At this point in continuity, Hulk also led the Pantheon, a collection of half-human/half-gods who do good stuff.
Some in the Pantheon resented Dr. Banner’s gamma irradiated leadership – foreshadowing for the future perhaps.
It’s not all quadratic equations, quantum theory, philosophical dialogue and beakers and flasks; even though Hulk’s a f**king genius, he still likes to punch on occasion.
The title of this collection references one of the great Hulk storylines – Future Imperfect, included here. The Hulk gets sent to the future to deal with a cruel, despotic ruler – himself – The Maestro.
It seems that a nuclear holocaust has killed off all the other super heroes and left the Hulk stronger, larger, greener and in charge. Gary Frank does a fine job illustrating most of this book, but for this storyline, the artwork is by legendary George Perez.
There’s an underground movement, led by old man Rick Jones, who’s collected a bunch of super hero memorabilia.
Fighting a smarter, stronger and craftier version of yourself is never easier, even if you are Smart Hulk…
…so it takes Banner a couple of tries.
The rest of the book shows off David’s lighter approach to the Hulk. You have Piecemeal…
Madman
BiBeast and She Hulk
The Troyjan War saga, guest starring the Silver Surfer…
…and the Starjammers…
Hulk breaks into a SHIELD prison run by Mr. Bean…
…and says hello to his pal, Nick Fury (old white guy version)
Frank even got a chance to draw in characters he created pre-Marvel: Motormouth and Killpower.
The collection is rounded out with the marriage of Rick Jones and Marlo Chandler, Hulk’s ex-girlfriend. From picking up Marlo’s mother at the airport…
…to the bachelor party hijinks…
(Relax, kids, it’s just a stripper)
…to the porn film with its surprise star…
…it illustrates David’s fine sense of humor.
Where the hell did they rent those tuxes?
Bottom line: This is THE smart Hulk, and not, although I like his pre-Hulk Amadeus Cho, the current variation. If you are a Hulk fan and haven’t read Future Imperfect you need to check it out – it’s terrific. The rest of the book is decent with the comic highlight being the nuptials at the end of the volume. There’s also a Xmas story and an Abomination-centric issue.
Mmmmm! Gamma-irradiated goodness in every bite!
March 27, 2025
Smack dab in the middle of the best part of Peter David's legendary Hulk run. This period when the Hulk and Bruce's personalities have been melded into a gestalt is my favorite run of Hulk comics ever. Gary Frank may be my favorite Hulk artist too. He makes this book look so slick and smooth.
The Hulk is now leading the Pantheon and goes on a few missions before heading to the future in Future Imperfect.
Future Imperfect doesn't hold up quite as well as the rest of the book. David tried to go all Brave New World with the dialogue inventing new slang that makes the book feel dated. But this two page spread of Gramp's trophy room makes it worth it alone.
And it's cool to see the Hulk fight a future insane version of himself.
The remainder of the book is Rick Jones and Marlo's bachelor / bachelorette party and wedding. This is pure Peter David at his best. It's witty and charming, with just enough drama.
I dug all the little cameos in the book. Hulk beats up doomsday in a training scenario.
Then Peter David marries Rick and Marlo.
Death of the Endless attends the wedding.
The Hulk is now leading the Pantheon and goes on a few missions before heading to the future in Future Imperfect.
Future Imperfect doesn't hold up quite as well as the rest of the book. David tried to go all Brave New World with the dialogue inventing new slang that makes the book feel dated. But this two page spread of Gramp's trophy room makes it worth it alone.
And it's cool to see the Hulk fight a future insane version of himself.The remainder of the book is Rick Jones and Marlo's bachelor / bachelorette party and wedding. This is pure Peter David at his best. It's witty and charming, with just enough drama.
I dug all the little cameos in the book. Hulk beats up doomsday in a training scenario.
Then Peter David marries Rick and Marlo.
Death of the Endless attends the wedding.
December 25, 2018
This volume had a lot of fun, silly moments. Rick Jones' bachelor party, She-Hulk breaking the fourth wall, and chaos at the big wedding are just some of the shenanigans here. We also get some fun cosmic and time-travel adventures.
June 12, 2017
Peter David's run gets better and better because of art by Gary Frank and Paul Pelletier. For me the highlight of the collection is the outer space adventure, The Troyjan War. This collection marks the end of the trades collecting the David run which continues for quite some time. I've picked up the back issues so I'll be finishing off his run reading floppies. Was hoping to have more Epic Collections to follow up here but nothing to date has been announced. Seems very odd given the popularity of this Hulk run.
February 21, 2019
Future Imperfect is a great story, but the Troyjan War, Madman issues, Rick's wedding and the Doc Samson storyline foreshadowing future problems for Bruce are really the meat here. All are great.
May 25, 2023
This was a lot of fun! The first half are couple of one shots before we get to the first 4 part storyline which helps expand Hulk and his team. It's about getting revenge and Hulk having to face his anger issues. It's pretty fun and exciting and a lot of great character interactions.
Then we get the future imperfect storyline that I reviewed on its own and it was pretty fun. Then we get the storyline after which center on Rick Jones marriage and Bruce finally reaching out for some help and it's all great stuff.
Overall, just a ton of fun with a lot of great character moments. A 4 out of 5.
Then we get the future imperfect storyline that I reviewed on its own and it was pretty fun. Then we get the storyline after which center on Rick Jones marriage and Bruce finally reaching out for some help and it's all great stuff.
Overall, just a ton of fun with a lot of great character moments. A 4 out of 5.
January 8, 2017
Although it certainly has its share of fans I still feel Peter David's run chronicling the life and times of Bruce Banner is underrated. Luckily, somebody at Marvel must feel the same as this is the second Epic Collection, AKA Big, Fairly Expensive Trade Paperback, they've produced featuring David's work on the emerald giant. Dale Keown has long since left the building but Gary Frank, another underrated guy, ably takes over main pencilling duties here and his style meshes well with that of his writer -- no matter what sort of narrative curveball David throws in his scripts Frank effortlessly hits them out of the park time and again. I don't know that the Hulk has ever been as engaging a character as he was in the hands of these two. One word of caution: after over four hundred pages of goodness the book ends with a bit of a thud as it closes with the 1994 Annual: only one Peter David-scripted story followed by some extremely heavy-handed tales written and drawn by people you've never heard of (and, though I feel guilty saying it, probably deservedly so). There's nothing offensively abysmal in this final issue but it is a noticeable clunker after the excellent work that preceded it. That said, one sour note doesn't spoil the entire symphony so this is a must for any Hulk fans out there.
October 9, 2017
Sadly, the end of the collections of this volume of the Hulk, because there's more great issues coming up. Still, it ends the series with some really strong storylines.
October 10, 2022
Future Imperfect is one of the all time great comic stories and is a must-read for any Hulk fan. It features some fantastic George Perez art and Peter David writes a terrific villain with the Maestro. The rest of the book is fine. I really like the Gary Frank art but the Pantheon stuff is not that interesting to me and I don’t think I care for 90s Rick Jones all that much. The book picks up when the Future Imperfect issues start and follows up nicely with the Rick and Marlo wedding. Overall, Future Imperfect issues are worth seeking out, the rest is just alright.
February 12, 2017
The “Pantheon Saga” portion of Peter David’s twelve-year run continues as the Hulk matches strength, wits, and ideals against those of Madman and Piecemeal, Nick Fury, She-Hulk, the Bi-Beast, Trauma and Armageddon of the Troyjans, and even himself, all while trying to maintain order in the community he’s inherited. Meanwhile, big changes are in store for Rick Jones and Marlo Chandler.
Much has already been written about “Future Imperfect”. I myself now own at least four copies of it, including the original two-issue special format version. It’s not just that it’s one of the greatest Hulk stories ever told (and there’s no denying that it is one of the greatest), it’s that including it among the whole of Peter David’s first run shows just how well “Future Imperfect” has been integrated into the mainstream continuity, falling in-between issues 416 and 417 of the regular Incredible Hulk series. The Maestro plays a pivotal role in the Hulk’s downward spiral, which increases here as he moves from one savage encounter to another, each time running the risk of losing everything, as his future self warned. The Epics edition also compiles features from earlier ones, including previous release cover images, and excerpts of introductions and forwards from Peter David, George Perez, and Bobbie Chase. Most enjoyable is a comprehensive guide to all the items contained in the Rick Jones Trophy Room sequence. Aside from Captain America’s shield, Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton, Thor’s hammer, and the Silver Surfer’s board, there exists a whole collection of memorabilia from throughout the Marvel Universe and beyond, which the reader can spend hours picking through.
Rick Jones’ bachelor party and the subsequent wedding issue are still among the most popular high points of David’s run. While probably not as well-known as the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, or that of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, the wedding of Rick Jones and Marlo Chandler is a milestone nonetheless, replete with surprise twists, unimaginable guest-stars, and Peter David’s trademark humor. And it was heavily promoted with a lot of fanfare too, which included different cover variants, a wedding album included in that year’s Hulk Annual and an “Ashcan” version with illustrations, a guest list, and a glimpse into Bruce and Betty Banner planning the upcoming celebration, all reprinted for this volume. Rick Jones has been a part of the Marvel Universe proper since the beginning of the Silver Age, and one of the most consistent and reliable supporting characters to not only the Hulk, but to Captain America, Captain Marvel, and even ROM the Spaceknight. In short, he deserves the best send-off possible, this being his last appearance in the series for a while.
Gary Frank continues to make this era his own artistically, defining the look of the Hulk and his supporting cast for two years. Each artist’s arrival on and departure from the book seem to coincide with a change in the status quo, which seems fitting. Additionally, one can make the case that all the artists who came and went during David’s run all seemed to mesh well with his writing style at the time, as the writer was able to compliment the strengths of the artists, and vice versa.
Another volume that gives plenty of bangs for the buck, Hulk Epics: Future Imperfect not only represents the great Hulk masterpiece, but, for the first time, also reprints the stories surrounding it, continuing Peter David’s visionary first run in remarkable fashion. A must for Hulk fans, Rick Jones fans, and Peter David fans alike.
Much has already been written about “Future Imperfect”. I myself now own at least four copies of it, including the original two-issue special format version. It’s not just that it’s one of the greatest Hulk stories ever told (and there’s no denying that it is one of the greatest), it’s that including it among the whole of Peter David’s first run shows just how well “Future Imperfect” has been integrated into the mainstream continuity, falling in-between issues 416 and 417 of the regular Incredible Hulk series. The Maestro plays a pivotal role in the Hulk’s downward spiral, which increases here as he moves from one savage encounter to another, each time running the risk of losing everything, as his future self warned. The Epics edition also compiles features from earlier ones, including previous release cover images, and excerpts of introductions and forwards from Peter David, George Perez, and Bobbie Chase. Most enjoyable is a comprehensive guide to all the items contained in the Rick Jones Trophy Room sequence. Aside from Captain America’s shield, Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton, Thor’s hammer, and the Silver Surfer’s board, there exists a whole collection of memorabilia from throughout the Marvel Universe and beyond, which the reader can spend hours picking through.
Rick Jones’ bachelor party and the subsequent wedding issue are still among the most popular high points of David’s run. While probably not as well-known as the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, or that of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, the wedding of Rick Jones and Marlo Chandler is a milestone nonetheless, replete with surprise twists, unimaginable guest-stars, and Peter David’s trademark humor. And it was heavily promoted with a lot of fanfare too, which included different cover variants, a wedding album included in that year’s Hulk Annual and an “Ashcan” version with illustrations, a guest list, and a glimpse into Bruce and Betty Banner planning the upcoming celebration, all reprinted for this volume. Rick Jones has been a part of the Marvel Universe proper since the beginning of the Silver Age, and one of the most consistent and reliable supporting characters to not only the Hulk, but to Captain America, Captain Marvel, and even ROM the Spaceknight. In short, he deserves the best send-off possible, this being his last appearance in the series for a while.
Gary Frank continues to make this era his own artistically, defining the look of the Hulk and his supporting cast for two years. Each artist’s arrival on and departure from the book seem to coincide with a change in the status quo, which seems fitting. Additionally, one can make the case that all the artists who came and went during David’s run all seemed to mesh well with his writing style at the time, as the writer was able to compliment the strengths of the artists, and vice versa.
Another volume that gives plenty of bangs for the buck, Hulk Epics: Future Imperfect not only represents the great Hulk masterpiece, but, for the first time, also reprints the stories surrounding it, continuing Peter David’s visionary first run in remarkable fashion. A must for Hulk fans, Rick Jones fans, and Peter David fans alike.
August 8, 2021
Peter David esse é o nome do cara que escreveu a história mais influente do Hulk: Futuro Imperfeito com um Hulk Velhaco e Sem Coração, o Maestro, e o Hulk Novinho e Esperto baixando o cacete num futuro distópico.
Contudo a questão é como chegamos aí? Futuro Imperfeito não é uma mini série especial solta no meio do tempo, ela faz parte de uma grande história sobre a exploração das diferentes personalidades do Bruce Banner. Afinal, porque que uma das maiores mentes do mundo - agora em controle de um gigantesco e forte corpanzil verde esmeralda - tá sempre saindo na porrada com todo mundo?
Pois é, sabe qual é a real? Todo mundo é mal resolvido.
A história começa com o Hulk e o Panteão enfrentando vários monstros e vilões - nenhum muito importante - até que chegamos na Guerra de Tróia. Histórias do Panteão sempre devem ter alguma referência à mitologia greca, tá no manual. Um príncipe do império intergaláctico do mês quer casar com uma mina do Panteão e, claro, o pau quebra e acaba envolvendo o Surfista Prateado e os Piratas Estelares. Depois disso temos os preparativos para o casamento do Rick Jones com a Marlo - alguém sabe por onde ela anda atualmente? Vale lembrar que a edição da despedida de solteiro é uma das mais engraçadas do Hulk, a própria celebração também é uma edição maravilhosa, com uma cacetada de aparições especiais e a Marlo - vinte anos antes do Parker - fazendo um acordo com um homem de riqueza e bom gosto.
E aí temos o Futuro Imperfeito.
Antes de mais nada, uma das páginas mais impressionantes dos quadrinhos: a coleção de memorabilia - segundo o Google isso é uma palavra - do Rick Jones. Um artista comum colocaria o escudo do Capitão, o martelo do Thor, a prancha do Surfista e, sei lá, um capacete do Homem de Ferro ou coisa parecida. Mas estamos falando com George Pérez. E o Pérez é foda bagarai. O Pérez põe todos os objetos relacionados a super heróis da Marvel que tu imaginar, até mesmo as pernas do Metalóide.
Quem se importa com o Metalóide? Só o Pérez.
Mas por que Imperfeito?
Porque é o futuro e o futuro, pela sua inexistência, é, logicamente, imperfeito.
A única chance de perfeição está no presente, o Maestro nada mais é que o Banner com uma bomba atômica em cada bíceps e o Hulk, apesar de toda sua genialidade, está preso num ciclo de violência herdado do Banner. E quem pode ajudar o Hulk?
Pois é né, o cara tem 2,5m de altura, pesa 2 toneladas e levanta montanhas antes do café da manhã, por que alguém tão forte precisa de ajuda?
Porque todo mundo é mal resolvido. Todo mundo precisa de ajuda e não tem problema nenhum nisso.
Enquanto isso, as pernas do Metalóide continuam no canto sala, elas não vão te machucar.
Elas só observam.
E julgam.
Contudo a questão é como chegamos aí? Futuro Imperfeito não é uma mini série especial solta no meio do tempo, ela faz parte de uma grande história sobre a exploração das diferentes personalidades do Bruce Banner. Afinal, porque que uma das maiores mentes do mundo - agora em controle de um gigantesco e forte corpanzil verde esmeralda - tá sempre saindo na porrada com todo mundo?
Pois é, sabe qual é a real? Todo mundo é mal resolvido.
A história começa com o Hulk e o Panteão enfrentando vários monstros e vilões - nenhum muito importante - até que chegamos na Guerra de Tróia. Histórias do Panteão sempre devem ter alguma referência à mitologia greca, tá no manual. Um príncipe do império intergaláctico do mês quer casar com uma mina do Panteão e, claro, o pau quebra e acaba envolvendo o Surfista Prateado e os Piratas Estelares. Depois disso temos os preparativos para o casamento do Rick Jones com a Marlo - alguém sabe por onde ela anda atualmente? Vale lembrar que a edição da despedida de solteiro é uma das mais engraçadas do Hulk, a própria celebração também é uma edição maravilhosa, com uma cacetada de aparições especiais e a Marlo - vinte anos antes do Parker - fazendo um acordo com um homem de riqueza e bom gosto.
E aí temos o Futuro Imperfeito.
Antes de mais nada, uma das páginas mais impressionantes dos quadrinhos: a coleção de memorabilia - segundo o Google isso é uma palavra - do Rick Jones. Um artista comum colocaria o escudo do Capitão, o martelo do Thor, a prancha do Surfista e, sei lá, um capacete do Homem de Ferro ou coisa parecida. Mas estamos falando com George Pérez. E o Pérez é foda bagarai. O Pérez põe todos os objetos relacionados a super heróis da Marvel que tu imaginar, até mesmo as pernas do Metalóide.
Quem se importa com o Metalóide? Só o Pérez.
Mas por que Imperfeito?
Porque é o futuro e o futuro, pela sua inexistência, é, logicamente, imperfeito.
A única chance de perfeição está no presente, o Maestro nada mais é que o Banner com uma bomba atômica em cada bíceps e o Hulk, apesar de toda sua genialidade, está preso num ciclo de violência herdado do Banner. E quem pode ajudar o Hulk?
Pois é né, o cara tem 2,5m de altura, pesa 2 toneladas e levanta montanhas antes do café da manhã, por que alguém tão forte precisa de ajuda?
Porque todo mundo é mal resolvido. Todo mundo precisa de ajuda e não tem problema nenhum nisso.
Enquanto isso, as pernas do Metalóide continuam no canto sala, elas não vão te machucar.
Elas só observam.
E julgam.
April 29, 2022
This volume starts off with a string of loosely interconnected one-offs that play around with the Hulk and the Pantheon and the various supporting characters. Nothing too memorable here, except for Peter David’s brilliant ability for amazing character building. This brings us into the 4-part Troyjan War arc. This starts out as a seemingly joke of an homage to to both the Trojan War and of virtual any space-invaders-need-earth-women cliche, but it turns into something much more interesting as David examines the blight of sons who never live up to their father’s expectations. This also guest-stars the Silver Surfer and the Starjammers. That being us to the 2-part The Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect story by David and George Pérez. This is brilliant. And a little mini-masterpiece the. The volume is wrapped up with a session between the Hulk and Doc Samson, the wedding of Rick Jones and an annual that offers up a different take on the Abomination (again illustrating what David does best: character development). This is a really SOLID volume of Hulk stories.
March 5, 2022
About the only thing of worth in this collection is the two-part "Future Imperfect" story, which introduces the far-future version of the Hulk known as "The Maestro." I went back to this after reading a couple of more recent collections (neither of which really adds much to the original story as presented here). Add in the artwork of George Perez, and you've really got something. The rest of this is junk filler--stories about the "Troyjan" war, Madman, the Bi-Beast, and all the Pantheon filler. Plus the wedding of Rick Jones and Marlo. If this had been my first exposure to Peter David, I'm not sure I'd ever want to read more (luckily, I found his work on X-Factor before stumbling on this). Recommended for Hulk completists only...
February 6, 2022
Peter David's run on the Hulk is at its high point in this collection. The first half is solid, well I done monthly superhero stuff. Gary Frank's art is solid, though I like his modern work even more.
We then get the combo of Future Imperfect and Rick Jones' bachelor party/wedding. This is David at his creative peak with fantastic stories bridging two completely different tones. I don't know if anyone will ever write the character better.
We then get the combo of Future Imperfect and Rick Jones' bachelor party/wedding. This is David at his creative peak with fantastic stories bridging two completely different tones. I don't know if anyone will ever write the character better.
October 3, 2017
Nostalgia galore
This series took me back to the era when I began collecting. This graphic novel isn't consistently awesome, the highlight is definitely the Future Imperfect two-parter. This edition of Future Imperfect is the best edition because it places the story in greater context.
This series took me back to the era when I began collecting. This graphic novel isn't consistently awesome, the highlight is definitely the Future Imperfect two-parter. This edition of Future Imperfect is the best edition because it places the story in greater context.
December 9, 2017
One of my fave phases of Hulk's history with humorous script from Peter David plus beautiful art by Gary Frank who draws arguably the most handsome Hulk. This collection is from the 90s & I believe I have the single issues for some of these somewhere. Great stuff.
August 8, 2022
"WHAT KIND OF MILITARY ORGANIZATION ARE YOU RUNNING THERE, FURY?"
"WELL, FER STARTERS, WE HAVE A GREAT DENTAL PLAN AND WE DON'T GIVE THE GAYS ANY GRIEF."
- Secretary of State condescending to Nick Fury, who clearly gives zero f@#$'s.
I don't tire of saying this, but I love me some Peter David. Period. Aside from his roughly 100 issues of Hulk, David also worked on a plethora Spider-man titles, around 80 issues of Supergirl, 50+ Aquaman, and at least 150 of X-factor. Oh, and God knows how many Star Trek novels. He's a machine.
Gary Frank, whose later work on Batman: Earth One and Justice League was excellent, proved himself early on with Hulk. I'm itching to check him out on Doomsday Clock.
I didn't realize that Hulk had such an entourage. I knew of Rick Jones and Betty Ross, but Doc Damson, an entire group of super-people called The Pantheon, a number of current and former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Bruce's cousin She-Hulk also frequently bum around with Bruce. I'm certain there's more that didn't appear in this volume, but my point is, Hulk rolls deep. Here I thought Hulk was just an eccentric loner with anger issues. If he had any more friends hanging around with him on the daily, he too could have himself a reality show about... nothing.
And Rick's girlfriend Marlo, who is she? Where did she miraculously come back from? And why is a woman that hot dating a guy with a pony tail? Yeah it's 1992 and a dude rockin' a pony tail was cool for about 11 minutes, but Marlo clearly has options.
Anyway, while I generally enjoyed the main titles, I really liked the Future Imperfect two-parter. Hulk is brought to a speculative future by an elderly Rick, where his future self, "The Maestro" is the despotic ruler of a post-apocalyptic dystopia. This was an iconic story of what could be. Penciled by the incomparable George Perez, Hulk is disgusted by what he could possibly become and does to Maestro what Hulk does best. SMASH!!!
A lot of the issues revolve around the Pantheon, the wacky hijinks they get themselves into and Hulk getting them out of it.
The last bit in this volume was an Annual. A bunch of really fun side stories, the Abomination fairy tale was especially enjoyable. When did he become a good guy? Did Blonsky surrender his villain card in the last epic?
Three and-a-half stars.
"WELL, FER STARTERS, WE HAVE A GREAT DENTAL PLAN AND WE DON'T GIVE THE GAYS ANY GRIEF."
- Secretary of State condescending to Nick Fury, who clearly gives zero f@#$'s.
I don't tire of saying this, but I love me some Peter David. Period. Aside from his roughly 100 issues of Hulk, David also worked on a plethora Spider-man titles, around 80 issues of Supergirl, 50+ Aquaman, and at least 150 of X-factor. Oh, and God knows how many Star Trek novels. He's a machine.
Gary Frank, whose later work on Batman: Earth One and Justice League was excellent, proved himself early on with Hulk. I'm itching to check him out on Doomsday Clock.
I didn't realize that Hulk had such an entourage. I knew of Rick Jones and Betty Ross, but Doc Damson, an entire group of super-people called The Pantheon, a number of current and former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Bruce's cousin She-Hulk also frequently bum around with Bruce. I'm certain there's more that didn't appear in this volume, but my point is, Hulk rolls deep. Here I thought Hulk was just an eccentric loner with anger issues. If he had any more friends hanging around with him on the daily, he too could have himself a reality show about... nothing.
And Rick's girlfriend Marlo, who is she? Where did she miraculously come back from? And why is a woman that hot dating a guy with a pony tail? Yeah it's 1992 and a dude rockin' a pony tail was cool for about 11 minutes, but Marlo clearly has options.
Anyway, while I generally enjoyed the main titles, I really liked the Future Imperfect two-parter. Hulk is brought to a speculative future by an elderly Rick, where his future self, "The Maestro" is the despotic ruler of a post-apocalyptic dystopia. This was an iconic story of what could be. Penciled by the incomparable George Perez, Hulk is disgusted by what he could possibly become and does to Maestro what Hulk does best. SMASH!!!
A lot of the issues revolve around the Pantheon, the wacky hijinks they get themselves into and Hulk getting them out of it.
The last bit in this volume was an Annual. A bunch of really fun side stories, the Abomination fairy tale was especially enjoyable. When did he become a good guy? Did Blonsky surrender his villain card in the last epic?
Three and-a-half stars.
November 30, 2020
This was the first collection of PAD Hulk that I've read. PAD is really great at balancing the humour and the more human side of superheroics against just the usual fistfights and we see that side to great effect especially in the Rick and Marlo wedding at issue's end. There is also the great "Future Imperfect" story in this collection. However, this being my first collection, I was lost as to the Pantheon story and the Troyjan War, that has continued plot threads from the previous collection. This isn't exactly new reader friendly for the first half. I did however enjoy the current iteration of Professor Hulk in this run - he feels like a much more interesting version of the Hulk to read.
Most of the art is by Gary Frank. I didn't realise how cheesceake his earlier art is, the men are ripped and the women are gorgeous with some gratuitous posing. If I were buying the issues when they came out in the 90s, I would have been in love with Marlo. But in any case, it's still enjoyable. So is Perez's crazy eye for detail in "Future Imperfect". That Rick Jones trophy room is insane.
Most of the art is by Gary Frank. I didn't realise how cheesceake his earlier art is, the men are ripped and the women are gorgeous with some gratuitous posing. If I were buying the issues when they came out in the 90s, I would have been in love with Marlo. But in any case, it's still enjoyable. So is Perez's crazy eye for detail in "Future Imperfect". That Rick Jones trophy room is insane.
October 18, 2021
Many of these issues collected here I actually had as individual floppy copies growing up, so I had a definite nostalgia factor while reading this. However, as with much Peter David stuff, not a lot of it holds up to the current light of day. A lot of surface level characterization and too-silly humor. Also, a ton of focus on supporting characters, to the point that the Hulk takes a back seat to most of the stories.
However, there is the famous Future Imperfect story collected here. I had actually never read it, and it is quite good. The character of the Maestro is an intriguing, twisted version of the Hulk, and it is this character that haunted him for many years and is quite popular yet again. Plus, there are some amazing pencils by the talented George Perez. That oversized two-part story is a 3-star rating on its own!
Overall, though, these stories belong to the mid-90s where they came from.
However, there is the famous Future Imperfect story collected here. I had actually never read it, and it is quite good. The character of the Maestro is an intriguing, twisted version of the Hulk, and it is this character that haunted him for many years and is quite popular yet again. Plus, there are some amazing pencils by the talented George Perez. That oversized two-part story is a 3-star rating on its own!
Overall, though, these stories belong to the mid-90s where they came from.
April 18, 2018
I think I've read Future Imperfect too many times now. And the rest of it has a lot of ups and downs?
Like I still don't know who could care about the Pantheon. They're a bunch of spoiled-seeming people who are not well defined. And the Hulk engages in some behavior that's out of character, no matter which personality is in charge.
The almost complete lack of diversity (and treatment of women) has not aged well, although David seems to have a sympathetic treatment of a gay character, which was (hard to believe now) way ahead of its time in a mainstream title.
One little irritant is that the characters are always announcing David's pop culture references. If you draw enough attention to a cameo, it's not a cameo anymore.
Probably the most irritating thing is the cover art where all the characters look incredibly same-y.
Like I still don't know who could care about the Pantheon. They're a bunch of spoiled-seeming people who are not well defined. And the Hulk engages in some behavior that's out of character, no matter which personality is in charge.
The almost complete lack of diversity (and treatment of women) has not aged well, although David seems to have a sympathetic treatment of a gay character, which was (hard to believe now) way ahead of its time in a mainstream title.
One little irritant is that the characters are always announcing David's pop culture references. If you draw enough attention to a cameo, it's not a cameo anymore.
Probably the most irritating thing is the cover art where all the characters look incredibly same-y.
December 13, 2025
Arguably the apex of Peter David's Hulk, Future Imperfect is an insanely detailed (thanks to the unmatched George Perez) dark future story that shows the possible concequences of Hulk's misanthropy personified in the malicious Maestro! Also included is the crazed wedding of Marlo and Rick, and what Marvel wedding would be complete without Maphisto?
July 31, 2017
I grew up loving Peter David's run on the Incredible Hulk. It was fun and wild. Unfortunately the re-reading fails to bring back the fond memories I have for it.
September 2, 2019
Pretty fun book. I came in blind without having raid any of Peter David’s other work, I’ll probably reread his book after I’ve read volume one omnibus of his run.
June 3, 2020
Really good! loved the wedding and all the cameos; even one from Death of the Endless. In fact the writing in this arc might be my favorite of the entire Hulk oeuvre up to this point.
February 26, 2021
Some of my favourite Hulk stories are in here, plus I’d never read Future Imperfect before.
March 27, 2022
A fun set of comics - Troyjan War ran a bit long, but Rick and Marlo's wedding was a good time and Future Imperfect a fun romp.
July 25, 2025
I’ve never been a huge Hulk fan, but I enjoyed this. Fun stuff with the Pantheon. Everyone’s favorite sidekick, Rick Jones, gets married. And Future Imperfect was an amazing story. RIP Peter David.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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