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The Incredible Hulk (1962-1963)
The Incredible Hulk (1962-1963) #4
Two tales of the Hulk, one science fiction and one fantasy - and both are incredible!
- GenresComicsMarvelComic Book
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 1962
About the author
Stan Lee
7,610 books2,392 followersStan 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 8, 2020
There were two stories in this comic which was pretty cool. The first expanded from the last comic and led into the second one. Both were not bad stories. I love Stan Lee's writing style and Jack Kirby's drawings are always pretty awesome!
March 26, 2024
First appearance of the Hulk's iconic thunderclap?
One of the better issues of the original six, but still not one of Marvel's finest titles from back in the day.
One of the better issues of the original six, but still not one of Marvel's finest titles from back in the day.
March 13, 2021
I liked the first story hated the second.
I don't really like cliché stories about communism its just too much i hate it when people are so paranoid about a certain group or a certain country i don't do well with hate.
The first story while i liked that we got bruce banner back i think the hulk's strongest suit is the struggle to try and not get angry or you release the beast inside i wonder when they will reach this treat.
And yeah get rid of rick jones he is starting to annoy me.
I don't really like cliché stories about communism its just too much i hate it when people are so paranoid about a certain group or a certain country i don't do well with hate.
The first story while i liked that we got bruce banner back i think the hulk's strongest suit is the struggle to try and not get angry or you release the beast inside i wonder when they will reach this treat.
And yeah get rid of rick jones he is starting to annoy me.
December 9, 2025
At last, this issue gives Hulk a brief taste of a better status quo, at least in the first story. With Rick Jones’ help, Dr. Banner manages not only to reverse the transformation and return to normal, but also to create a way to become Hulk whenever he wants while keeping his own mind. This obviously has major repercussions: Hulk loses the traditional trigger that defines him, along with some of the raw, anger-driven appeal that made the character compelling in the first place. On the other hand, a conscious, intelligent Hulk has the potential to open up genuinely interesting narrative possibilities if handled well. There’s also a hint that Banner’s personality becomes more irritable and brutal when he transforms, suggesting he might still lose control eventually. We also get to see Hulk display classic abilities like his massive, long-range leaps.
In the second story, Hulk/Banner is lured in by Russian soldiers who want to capture him, study him, and replicate his power to create soldiers like him. The premise had strong potential, especially if the alien deception had turned out to be real; it could have given us a major threat and a much more engaging showdown. Even so, Hulk showcases some fan-favorite powers, such as the thunderclap used to create a shockwave and repel his enemies.
We also see General Ross developing new weapons to capture Hulk, and the freezing rocket is admittedly a clever idea. Meanwhile, Betty Ross finally seems to be connecting the dots between Banner, Hulk, and Rick. The link is so obvious that you can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever figure out the truth. It would be interesting to see how she reacts if and when it happens.
The artwork remains fantastic. Hulk’s close-ups capture the full range of his emotions, and the action sequences make great use of his immense physical power. The backgrounds, along with the designs of devices like the X-ray machine or the spaceship, also add depth and texture to the issue.
In the second story, Hulk/Banner is lured in by Russian soldiers who want to capture him, study him, and replicate his power to create soldiers like him. The premise had strong potential, especially if the alien deception had turned out to be real; it could have given us a major threat and a much more engaging showdown. Even so, Hulk showcases some fan-favorite powers, such as the thunderclap used to create a shockwave and repel his enemies.
We also see General Ross developing new weapons to capture Hulk, and the freezing rocket is admittedly a clever idea. Meanwhile, Betty Ross finally seems to be connecting the dots between Banner, Hulk, and Rick. The link is so obvious that you can’t help but wonder if she’ll ever figure out the truth. It would be interesting to see how she reacts if and when it happens.
The artwork remains fantastic. Hulk’s close-ups capture the full range of his emotions, and the action sequences make great use of his immense physical power. The backgrounds, along with the designs of devices like the X-ray machine or the spaceship, also add depth and texture to the issue.
August 4, 2024
There is something about the ones with Soviets that are so funny to me. It reeks of the Cold War in both the worst & best way. A bunch of Soviet soldiers pretend to be space aliens so they can kidnap the Hulk to take him back to Russia. Again. Seriously; we are only on Issue 4 and the communists have tried to take Banner twice. Banner also calls Russia Vodkaland, which is so damn funny to me. This issue was much more entertaining than the last. Also, Banner being able to control the Hulk was shockingly ahead of its time considering how common that version of Hulk is now.
May 22, 2020
Bruce Banner has created a gamma-ray machine that has allowed him to keep his mind in the Hulk’s body! Additionally, the machine can be used to force the transformation back and forth between Banner and the Hulk. But when a powerful alien shows up and challenges the “mightiest mortal” to single combat, there might be more to things than the Hulk realizes.
These early issues of this comic really feel like Stan Lee is trying to figure out how he wants to handle this character. The Hulk has been wild and bestial, controlled by Rick Jones, and now has some semblance of intelligence (not completely Banner) and it’s only been 4 issues! I like the idea that Banner is experimenting with the transformations, but each issue seems to have big changes to the basic concepts of the book.
As for the stories themselves, the first one is actually mostly recap of what’s happened in earlier issues. Told from Betty Ross’s point of view, it does kind of build up the romance part of the story as she expresses concern over Banner’s apparent disappearance. We also get more of her father’s efforts to capture or destroy the Hulk by testing a new missile designed to freeze the Hulk in a block of ice. Aside from that, it’s mostly about Banner and Rick using the machine to change things for the Hulk.
The second story is the alien story that actually turns into a Cold War story when it’s revealed that it’s a hoax perpetrated by Soviets in order to capture the Hulk. There are actually some fun moments in the story and I was happy that it wasn’t another alien invasion! But a cold war story is almost as annoying, but at least they were creative this time! The Hulk speaks kind of like a common thug here, illustrating that he’s not quite Bruce Banner, I suppose, but it’s another change that seems sort of forced. There was really no reason these needed to be two stories. They could easily have been dovetailed together and worked as a single issue story.
Not a bad issue. The second story was fun enough that I can rate it a little higher.
These early issues of this comic really feel like Stan Lee is trying to figure out how he wants to handle this character. The Hulk has been wild and bestial, controlled by Rick Jones, and now has some semblance of intelligence (not completely Banner) and it’s only been 4 issues! I like the idea that Banner is experimenting with the transformations, but each issue seems to have big changes to the basic concepts of the book.
As for the stories themselves, the first one is actually mostly recap of what’s happened in earlier issues. Told from Betty Ross’s point of view, it does kind of build up the romance part of the story as she expresses concern over Banner’s apparent disappearance. We also get more of her father’s efforts to capture or destroy the Hulk by testing a new missile designed to freeze the Hulk in a block of ice. Aside from that, it’s mostly about Banner and Rick using the machine to change things for the Hulk.
The second story is the alien story that actually turns into a Cold War story when it’s revealed that it’s a hoax perpetrated by Soviets in order to capture the Hulk. There are actually some fun moments in the story and I was happy that it wasn’t another alien invasion! But a cold war story is almost as annoying, but at least they were creative this time! The Hulk speaks kind of like a common thug here, illustrating that he’s not quite Bruce Banner, I suppose, but it’s another change that seems sort of forced. There was really no reason these needed to be two stories. They could easily have been dovetailed together and worked as a single issue story.
Not a bad issue. The second story was fun enough that I can rate it a little higher.
January 10, 2022
Writer - Stan Lee : 5/10
- Rick Jones contrôle encore Hulk, mais avec un rayon le fait revenir à Banner
- Banner fait des ajustements à la machine pour garder sa conscience quand il se transforme en Hulk
- Rick Jones contrôle encore Hulk, mais avec un rayon le fait revenir à Banner
- Banner fait des ajustements à la machine pour garder sa conscience quand il se transforme en Hulk
August 18, 2022
The first story was pretty good, but the second story was iffy. I had a feeling it would be because of the space gladiator advertised on the cover, but it also feels really dated because of how it includes communists.
January 10, 2026
Bruce acts completely out of character when he has control over the Hulk. Also the Soviet angle was stupid. It was so dumb seeing a Soviet soldier pop out of an aline's chest and be like "haha got ya!"
January 7, 2022
Two stories in one book. The stories were too short
June 29, 2026
Amusing Issue Indeed.
The comic is broken down into two stories, which is kinda cool since you get two self contained stories in one comic.
The first story is actually good, it helps sort out the Hulk's biggest weakness, his lack of control and also does it in a decently convincing manner. I also like the small touch of Dr Banner getting extremely tired after trying to control Hulk, makes it seem genuine. (Didn't General Ross arrest Rick in just like the previous issues to ask for details on Hulk, why does he need convincing now?)
The second story is basically, *drumrolls*, aliens and commies. I think this seems to be like a formula now and it ain't the right one. Through the issue, I actually started rooting for the commies because they had come up with a well thought out plan. Hulk, on the other hand, was just being Hulk. (Mind = Blown). Also, no one actually cared that some people got saved from a fire. (LOL)
My criticisms are currently centered on three things:
One, the lack of good story lines.
Two, the forced love angle between Betty and Banner.
And lastly, the inconsistencies between the stories kill a bit of immersion.
Engaging yet flawed, this is a decent addition to understand Hulk, especially the first one.
The comic is broken down into two stories, which is kinda cool since you get two self contained stories in one comic.
The first story is actually good, it helps sort out the Hulk's biggest weakness, his lack of control and also does it in a decently convincing manner. I also like the small touch of Dr Banner getting extremely tired after trying to control Hulk, makes it seem genuine. (Didn't General Ross arrest Rick in just like the previous issues to ask for details on Hulk, why does he need convincing now?)
The second story is basically, *drumrolls*, aliens and commies. I think this seems to be like a formula now and it ain't the right one. Through the issue, I actually started rooting for the commies because they had come up with a well thought out plan. Hulk, on the other hand, was just being Hulk. (Mind = Blown). Also, no one actually cared that some people got saved from a fire. (LOL)
My criticisms are currently centered on three things:
One, the lack of good story lines.
Two, the forced love angle between Betty and Banner.
And lastly, the inconsistencies between the stories kill a bit of immersion.
Engaging yet flawed, this is a decent addition to understand Hulk, especially the first one.
May 21, 2019
THE INCREDIBLE HULK 1-6 (First Arc)
Wow...
This comic really has gone down in legend, and no interpretation that has come since can do the character as much justice as the original comic that started it all did.
I especially love how Jack Kirby visually interpreted the transformations of the Hulk, by drawing the same panel 3 times but with a visually different Bruce Banner/Hulk as he became more an more Hulk-like in appearance. The transformation sequences serve as a nice transition of the protagonist from being Bruce to being the Hulk, and vice versa when the story calls for it.
In fact, treating these two as separate characters sharing the same body was really what made this comic book so special. It was a really potent conflict, as they have a very parasitic relationship with each other that is TOXIC despite never meeting each other; that's not easy to do. Stan Lee heightens this with giving each character contrasting dialogue; Bruce Banner is highly articulate and calm in his demeanor, as opposed to Hulk's stilted third-person retorts that lack pronouns and possessive cold frankness that makes him quite confrontational and aggressive.
That's really the theme of this comic book that makes it so potent; the Hulk serves as the embodiment of the darker aspects of Bruce Banner as a character. It works to say everything that appears good on the surface has greater darkness hidden within. Considering it was the height of the cold war, this could easily be a metaphorical commentary on America; pretending to be the clear capitalist good guy to the Soviet bad guy, despite being more or less the same in its international methods.
The only real issue with these stories is that the narrative dynamic was changed SO OFTEN. Stan Lee did a massive change-up of how the powers work and the narrative logic of the world that readers sometimes became slightly confused. Sometimes THIS was how he becomes Hulk, suddenly it changed to being THAT was how he becomes Hulk. Changing this narrative context so often was likely what doomed this comic book to cancellation WAY before its time, which is really a shame given the good aspects far outweighed this issue.
Wow...
This comic really has gone down in legend, and no interpretation that has come since can do the character as much justice as the original comic that started it all did.
I especially love how Jack Kirby visually interpreted the transformations of the Hulk, by drawing the same panel 3 times but with a visually different Bruce Banner/Hulk as he became more an more Hulk-like in appearance. The transformation sequences serve as a nice transition of the protagonist from being Bruce to being the Hulk, and vice versa when the story calls for it.
In fact, treating these two as separate characters sharing the same body was really what made this comic book so special. It was a really potent conflict, as they have a very parasitic relationship with each other that is TOXIC despite never meeting each other; that's not easy to do. Stan Lee heightens this with giving each character contrasting dialogue; Bruce Banner is highly articulate and calm in his demeanor, as opposed to Hulk's stilted third-person retorts that lack pronouns and possessive cold frankness that makes him quite confrontational and aggressive.
That's really the theme of this comic book that makes it so potent; the Hulk serves as the embodiment of the darker aspects of Bruce Banner as a character. It works to say everything that appears good on the surface has greater darkness hidden within. Considering it was the height of the cold war, this could easily be a metaphorical commentary on America; pretending to be the clear capitalist good guy to the Soviet bad guy, despite being more or less the same in its international methods.
The only real issue with these stories is that the narrative dynamic was changed SO OFTEN. Stan Lee did a massive change-up of how the powers work and the narrative logic of the world that readers sometimes became slightly confused. Sometimes THIS was how he becomes Hulk, suddenly it changed to being THAT was how he becomes Hulk. Changing this narrative context so often was likely what doomed this comic book to cancellation WAY before its time, which is really a shame given the good aspects far outweighed this issue.
August 7, 2026
6/10. The first story in this issue is really great, something I would give an 8/10. The second story however brings the overall rating down since I would give that story a 4/10 due to the USAian Cold War propaganda.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews