Planet Hulk

by Greg Pak, Carlo Pagulayan (Illustrator), Aaron Lopresti (Illustrator)

A whole new world of hurt!

Betrayed by Earth's heroes and exiled into outer space, the man-monster Hulk has landed on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the Green Scar, the planet's mightiest gladiator -- but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, the horrific Brood, wise rock-man Korg, shadow warrior Hiroim and noble-born rebel Elloe and her loyal guardsman Skee. Together, these gladiators start a revolution that could change their entire world -- or destroy it. It's savage sci-fi fantasy by award-winning writer Greg Pak, guest-starring the Silver Surfer!

COLLECTING: Incredible Hulk (1999) #92-105 and material from Giant-Size Hulk #1.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Greg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell if I've just been reading great stuff lately, or if my recent graduation has me in such a good and unburdened mood that everything feels better. Either way, I'm happy to report that I had an amazing time with Planet Hulk and was surprised by its depth and tragedy, particularly with Banner playing a minor role compared to what I normally expect from Hulk stories.

In premise, the book is about the Hulk being exiled by the Illuminati (Strange, Stark, Richards, Boltagon) to a distant planet, where he is made into a gladiator slave. Hulk finds himself the leader of a rebellion and the possible fulfillment of a heroic and apocalyptic fantasy. The book has fun sci-fi, lots of weird monsters, a great found family arc, some humor, and plenty of commentary about tyranny, fate, betrayal, and the double-edged possibilities of anger in its strongest form. I wasn't expecting it to engage with some of these more philosophical questions, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Without spoiling too much, the overall arc of the book is just so good. Things resolve quite well and make me desperate to read the next series, World War Hulk. I hope Marvel also releases a Premier Edition version of that, because I'll be first in line to pick it up. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Hulk, found-family sci-fi, or Spartacus. I would also recommend it to anyone who liked Dune and wants to get into comics. Specifically, I'd recommend this to my friends Tom, Keenan, and maybe Ronnie.

[ceruleanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hulk isn’t exactly one of my favorite superheroes. In all honesty I bought this book as a gift to someone, but my curiosity got the best of me and I read it in one sitting before preparing the gift. I was amazed by how deep and meaningful this storyline is. The art style is gorgeous, the story is action packed and intense, and the characters are complex. My only complaint of this book is the way it somehow puts fascist violence and anti fascist violence on the same level. The “we’re not like them” line of thinking. But as for the rest, an awesome comic that I enjoyed a lot.

[Lew Dominey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore that this comic just goes “what if gladiator but hulk” and then ends in such a legitimately kinda devastating way

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember fondly collecting the Planet Hulk storyline as monthly issues more than two decades ago. I just got my first job when a comic shop opened locally, and flush with cash from my wages, bought my first comic books in years. Sadly, that store and job were long gone and I have since learned to order my comic books from the internet.

Planet Hulk was a great storyline that ran in the regular Incredible Hulk monthly title. This made the monthly series a vital book for fans and readers to follow. Nowadays, special events would get their own miniseries or even relaunched just to get the number 1 issue sales bump.

The Planet Hulk issues had awesome José Ladrönn painted covers throughout the run, giving the individual issues as distinct visual identity along with a banner trade dress. This was the first Greg Pak story I read and I would read more. It also introduced me to the art of a fellow countryman in Carlo Pagulayan who made his mark in Marvel illustrating the Hulk and family of characters.

Making the Hulk a gladiator in an alien planet was such an obvious turn for the character that I'm surprised it took this long to explore this side of the character. Hulk smash, and where would be useful but in a arena where he could smash to his gamma irradiated heart's content.

I enjoyed this following this event, but I'm unsure if I got all the issues. The Marvel Premier Collection edition removes that uncertainty because now I have entire story in a handy collected edition. This allowed me to enjoy all over again Planet Hulk and in a convenient format.

[Daniel Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean what is there to say? An absolutely badass depiction of the hulk, both in strength and character. The hulk and Bruce are a very complicated duo, complex individually and even more so together. Watching the internal and external conflicts collide, supported by great art and awesome action, leaves you unable to ask for too much more. I know the story from years ago, so plot twists and reveals didn’t hit as hard for me. That’s probably the only thing keeping me from rating Planet Hulk a 4.5 or 5 stars. A mandatory read for anyone who wants to get to know the Hulk.

[Lucian Weeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute rollercoaster, although I think it absolutely peaked with issue #94 and maybe dragged slightly through the middle that ending was insane. Issues #101-#105 closes this story in the best but most tragic way possible which just encapsulates the Hulks whole character.

[John Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Hulk. Story. EVER.

[Pepi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, but since Goodreads sucks I'll bump it to 5