Hulk: The End #1

by Peter David, Dale Keown (Artist)

When there's nobody left on the Earth but Bruce Banner, how can Hulk prove he's the strongest one there is?

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Comic Book

46 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

aka 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.

Reviews

[Ahmed Gohary · Rating 3 out of 5]

بروس بانر اخر رجل علي قيد الحياة علي الارض وقد يأس من الحياة وحيدا بعد ان تقدم في العمر فهل سيتركة هالك ليموت في هدوء

الفكرة جيدة و اعتقد ان لها تكملة لأن النهاية محبطة

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no humans left on earth...except for Bruce.

This is basically Bruce just wanting all of this to end. To finally say goodbye to the earth he once loved. But every time he gets close to dying the Hulk comes out and stops him. This is a pretty bleak tale of Bruce Banner's last days and the Hulk's never-ending quest to be the strongest there ever was. A 4 out of 5.

[Jameel Randeree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Im giving this book only 2 stars because I have already read about The End/Demise of The Hulk in 'Old Man Logan' which is without a doubt a far better end than this book. The Artwork and Production of this book is 'good' for the period in which the comic was released and the storyline is 'ok', but it was prob one of the most depressing endings for a superhero, or an Avenger, or for a Human Being. It is also an ambiguous ending which means that the torture can still continue!

[Pavlo Chehovets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Вельми файно. Пітер Девід, напевно, знає Галка, як самого себе. Бо так класно прописати взаємодію зеленого гіганта та Брюса, треба вміти. Хоч це і не частина його легендарного рану, цей номер пречудовий. Малюнок на висоті і Девід знає, що робить. Писати Галка - його стихія.

[Arsenovic Nikola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Postakopaliticna sudbina sveta sa Hulkom kao jedinim prezivelim. Dobro su odradjeni neki delovi price kao njegovo psiho stanje sa druge strane nema neku poentu kratka je i zbrzana. Crtež lep

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept. Hulk has never been a favorite Marvel character of mine, but I liked exploring the dynamic between Bruce and Hulk in this apocalyptic setting.

[Rade · Rating 4 out of 5]

talk about a depressing ending. still good read though.

[Gautam Surath · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Hulk book I have ever read and it was brilliant. Thanks you imgur for throwing this up in my feed. Maybe I need to venture into the Marvel world a bit more now.

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 4 out of 5]

La historia que inició la línea argumental que aborda cómo los héroes de Marvel Cómics afrontan el Fin del todo es sin duda la mejor que he leído. Aquel que insufló nueva vida editorial a Hulk afronta la gesta de darle su propio final a este personaje. Hulk: The End sin duda funciona como desolador relato post apocalíptico, poniendo al personaje afrontando toda su historia y enfrentando al Hombre con la Bestia que parece a gusto en este erial donde parece alzarse finalmente como el luchador definitivo de la humanidad, la vida y la muerte. La naturaleza atómica del personaje también logra que darle su trama apocalíptica funcione a la perfección.

Me ha parecido notar que en estas páginas, sobre todo en el macabro pasaje del ataque de enjambre de bichos, está el germen del Inmortal Hulk de Al Ewing.

[Omar Gómez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hulk: The End Libro de Peter David.

Escrito por Peter David y lápices de Dale Keown

The End es una historia donde Bruce Banner se lamenta, tiene alucinaciones con una joven mujer que desea poseer sexualmente y  luego muere, parecía maldito por no poder morir y ver el fin de la civilización y las muertes de todos los seres humanos.

Hulk queda solo en la tierra siendo torturado por cucarachas o insectos gigantes, Hulk solo dice que siente frío, parece que nunca madura la mente de savage Hulk se queda como la mente de un nlño de seis años.

[melancholinary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A philosophy of loneliness, a question of immortality, an apocalyptic story in the vein of Threads (with its nuclear warfare prognosis) told through the most lovable schizophrenic character in Marvel. I like it a lot.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hulk: The End. PAD's return to The Hulk is much appreciated. This story is melancholy and philosophical, which is pretty appropriate for his run. It's also quite slow and without much drama, due to the massive post-apocalyptism of the story. So, memorable in some ways, but a dry read [3/5].

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad at all, I found it sad to see Hulk get what he’s always wanted.

[Caleb Abel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really solid one-shot. Excellent art and writing.

[Ryan Gasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Nuff said.

[Samuel Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10

[Nerdmaling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klassisk Hulken

Med alla dess fel och brister så kan jag ändå inte annat än älska det här albumet där två historier om en framtida hulk samlas.

Den första historien
Hulk future imperfekt dras med mycket som jag inte är så förtjust med i serier från 90-talet. Den är rörig, lite grabbig och dras med lite ytlig tonårsaction. Ändå så kapitulerar jag lite för upplägget. I en framtida värld så styrs världen av den onde "Maestro" men med hjälp av Dr. Dooms tidsmaskin (den var det ett tag sedan man såg) så hämtar rebellerna Hulken som i den här versionen är Bruce Banner fast jättestark. Vem är den mystiske Maestro och vem är han i relation till Bruce?

Med alla dess tidtypiska skavanker och lite ytliga handling så är den ändå rätt cool och jag förstår varför den blivit en klassiker.

I skrivandets stund är den också aktuell i och med nytt dlc till Avengers spelet där vi möter karaktären Maestro igen.

Den andra delen The End är något helt annat och också lite av en gömd pärla.
Här är ambitionerna skyhöga. En ensam Bruce Banner vandrar genom en ödelagd värld ofrivilligt odödlig och hela tiden med sitt alter ego i hälarna.
Bruce kommenterar både världens tillstånd och sin fiende som i slutändan är sig själv. Monstret vill bara vara sig själv och i slutet sörjer han sin förlorade mänsklighet.

Här är tekningstilen fantastisk och David Persez går på djupet med karaktären och refererar allt från Prometheus till Frankenstein. En lite ledsam och sorglig avslutning och en helt annorlunda historia än den första berättelsen.

Som helhet får albumet med de två hulkenhistorierna en stark fyra och en rekommendation till serieälskaren trots 90-talsröran i den första delen.

[Variaciones Enrojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reseña de Daniel Gavilán para Zona Negativa:
http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia...

Antología básica de Peter David 1: Hulk: ¿Fin o Principio?
Once años permaneció David al frente de las aventuras del Coloso Esmeralda firmando la que posiblemente sea la mejor etapa del Increíble Hulk. Y aunque parezca paradójico, para aproximarnos a su trabajo con el gigante gamma vamos a recomendar empezar… por el final. Parte de una iniciativa de Marvel Comics en la que varios artistas reimaginaban a los grandes iconos de la editorial en el final de sus días, serviría para que David se reencontrase con Bruce Banner y su monstruosa contrapartida, dando vida a un terrible relato de 48 páginas con sabor a epopeya del mundo antiguo, con el que define magistralmente la relación entre ambos seres condenados a compartir el mismo cuerpo, así como su relación con el personaje. Aunque se podrían citar otras muchas historias con las que dar los primeros pasos dentro de su etapa en El Increíble Hulk el que se trate de un especial contenido completamente fuera de continuidad, lo hace especialmente propicio como aperitivo para decidirse a meterse de lleno en el grueso de su trabajo en la serie regular.

(Reseña completa en http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia... )

[Ronan Barradas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma sensacional história principal. O Ultimo Titã, onde vemos Bruce Banner, já com 200 anos de idade, enfrentando a maldição de ser o Hulk após guerras nucleares que dizimaram todo o resto da humanidade.

O roteiro de Peter David e a arte de Dale Kweon retratam muito bem a agonia de Banner em viver sozinho como último sobrevivente devido a ser fruto de uma parte dessa loucura nuclear que tomou a humanidade. Viver numa Terra onde há apenas dois habitantes, sendo que no mesmo corpo, e conviver com a culpa de ter perdido amigos e aliados para a ambição humana.

[Jedhua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Info: This collection contains Hulk: The End issue #1.


"Sometimes it's hard for me to believe there even was a life before the existence I now know. That any of it was real. Because the only reality I know is this: the daily tedium, the endless journey across an unchanging tableau... My name is Bruce Banner. I am over two hundred years old, I think. I feel... cold. And I should be dying very soon... I want to. God in Heaven, I want to. But he won't let me. He never feels cold... or love... or anything except anger."
– Bruce Banner

ABSOLUTE RATING: {4.5+/5 stars}

STANDARDIZED RATING: <5/5 stars>



Nowadays, the totality of Bruce Banner's experience can be summed up simply as an unending cycle of terror, boredom, and despair. The vast world around him has long since been rendered barren and hostile, and Bruce wanders the land aimlessly – his sole company being a quiet, hovering "vidbot" that continuously records his lonesome existence. But no less burdensome is the Hulk's life: every waking moment, his mind is plagued by a toxic rancor, and all he seems able to think about is finally being free of the taint of Banner's weakness. And if ever Hulk makes the mistake of letting his guard down, he's suddenly besieged by swarms of irradiated, flesh-eating insects – each wave further evolved than the last, making self-defense more and more hopeless with every passing encounter. So with that, we're ultimately left to wonder: what in God's name has happened to the rest of humanity, and, more importantly, what will become of Banner and the Hulk? Will the two of them ever manage to find peace?

For me, The End is the definitive Hulk story. Hands down. While X-Factor is still my favorite of the few ongoing comic series I've read by David, the writing there rarely (if at all) reaches the heights he demonstrates here. But understand: this is coming from someone who practically hated it when he read it the first time. And that could be explained by the fact that it wasn't at all what I thought it would be; there was a lot less "Hulk Smash!" going on, and a lot more philosophical rumination than is typical for a book featuring the character. But now, after at least a year, I've revisited the story, with just enough recollection of what I had read that I couldn't have my expectations betrayed a second time, while still being able to enjoy the benefit of not knowing exactly what would happen next.

Part of what I think gives this book an edge over Marvel's other apocalyptic, future fiction stories is that David did not rely on blood and gore to capture the tremendous terror, bleakness, and mind-bending tragedy. With Old Man Logan , I suppose that's not surprising; Millar – though not quite the worst writer out there – isn't particularly known for poignant storytelling and dramatic characterization. On the other hand, Punisher: The End felt much closer in tone and quality, but it lacked the power of such a strict narrative that can so deeply underline human vulnerability under these kinds of circumstances: here, Hulk and Banner are pretty much the only two characters involved, so there's plenty of time for David to flesh them out perfectly – and with minimal distraction. Furthermore, the emphasis is much more on the thoughts of the characters, and their actions don't do all that much to drive the plot forward.






This brings me to my next point, and the book's biggest flaw: The End isn't exactly much of a story per se, because it doesn't really go anywhere. Not a whole lot happens of any consequence. And if you think about it, how could it? David's world is largely unpopulated, and so Hulk and Banner end up spending most (but not all) of their time wrapped up in their own heads. And though, for the most part, the writing manages to keep things quite captivating, it starts to drag just a tad during the middle third of the book, where the attention briefly shifts from diary-style reflection, and towards the specifics behind humanity's decimation. But fortunately, the writing promptly picks right back up again, and David delivers a finale so haunting it'll shake you to your core.

You know, I find it almost baffling how far David has come since his first Hulk run; although fairly decent overall, the writing absolutely pales in comparison. But if you've read it, you might have been able to tell that David had a particularly good handle on the Banner/Hulk dynamic even as early as that. Although much less grim, the mutual resentment (and grudging dependency) between the two was clearly there – enough for me to recognize that he could craft a truly formidable Hulk tale if he would but focus his energies more on that side of the story. Alas, he's done just that, and the results are even more impressive than I had conceived.

From the very first pages, David's poignant writing hooks you instantly, and he confidently proves himself to be the top authority on all things Hulk. The writer has obviously spent enough time with Banner's character to be able to deeply consider the psychological and emotional wear-and-tear that would manifest itself after living over 150 years with the green brute. Somehow, he's even able to convincingly sell the frayed mental state that would result from many decades of maddening anguish and solitude. The writing just feels so sincere, and flows so freely, that one cannot help but notice that this is a book that the writer made entirely his own. And near the end – during the dream sequence and that metaphor about Greek mythology – there just seems to be so many layers to the writing, and a lush reservoir of symbolic meaning. I won't lie to you though – it does start to get kinda esoteric. But don't worry: as long as you stick with it and devote a moment or two for reflection, chances are you'll find yourself handsomely rewarded for your efforts.

Going through the drawings as I was reading the book, I couldn't seem to shake the feeling that I'd run into Keown's work somewhere before. From beginning to end, it was something that just kept on bothering me, and after some extensive research, I recalled that I had once read (and bought) a Hulk/Pitt one-shot that he had illustrated. And funny enough, it was also written by David. Though it's a comic book I remember fondly, I'm sure it would prove to be crap if I read it now, so I won't even bother to fish it up again to check. Anyways, it seems Keown has retained much of that same '90s drawing style – which somewhat holds him back from greatness – but has also managed to modernize quite a bit. But I think if he were to abandon that stubborn nostalgia, the visuals would have been far more impressive. Just looking at his Banner sketches and his facial close-ups tell me he's capable of much more detail and grace than he shows. Still, Keown certainly did have his moments, I suppose, and his contribution was pretty strong overall.





Recently, I've gone through the process of reading a lot of Hulk comics by numerous writers, as well as some of David's other works. For a while there, I'd reached a point where I almost lost faith in either one. But with this story, my faith was partly renewed, and I was relieved to find that David's considerable talents as a writer were not limited to writing X-Factor alone. So while it's true this indeed reads more like a character study than a plot-driven narrative, I feel I must implore you not to let that discourage you. Though he may not always show it, David's easily a skilled enough writer to hold his readers' attention, and it's doubtful you'll ever run into a better showcase of his ability. So, in summary, Hulk: The End may or may not be the most enjoyable Hulk story you've ever read, but I'd be shocked if it wasn't, by far, the most insightful. And don't be surprised if you walk away from this book, as I was, deeply affected.

Postscript:


To those of you who didn't much enjoy this book (i.e. those who read it wrong) the following postscript analysis is dedicated to you. So go ahead. Read on. And who knows? If you can find the patience to sit through it, maybe you'll learn a thing or two.

First off, I think we'll start with a quick character breakdown. In this story, Bruce Banner is the main character, and compared to the Hulk, he's far easier to relate to. Basically, life has grown exceedingly tiresome for him – both physically and emotionally – and so he often fantasizes about death. He even fully embraces the frailty of his aging body, and curses the Hulk's incredible adaptability. Hulk, on the other hand, is repulsed by Banner's physical weakness, and of his eagerness to submit to the spectre to death. And although nuclear Armageddon has finally granted Hulk his wish of being free of humanity's scorn, he still seems extremely bitter, and must often contend with Banner's objections and against unyielding bug attacks.

But for all the apparent differences between them, Hulk and Banner are actually very much alike. As you probably know, Hulk is extraordinarily proud, and is always going on about how he's "the strongest one there is." So the primary reason Banner and the cockroach swarms distress him so much is probably because they both remind him, in different ways, of his vulnerability. And for Banner, he's nearly as smart as Hulk is strong, and seems to take great pride in this fact. At one point in the story, Bruce wistfully looks back on the acknowledgement of his costumed peers, and disparagingly states that – with the exception of brilliant minds like Tony Stark and – "most of them wouldn't have known an accolade from a Gatorade." Ironically, neither Banner nor Hulk appear to hold the rest of humanity in very high regard: for Bruce, it's an intellectually-based contempt, and for Hulk, it's physical (and perhaps, to an extent, moral?). Also, they're both clearly egotistical and selfish, which is interesting, given the fact that Bruce spends so much time criticizing Hulk for those same qualities. This denial seems complimentary to Hulk's own refusal to recognize weakness within himself.

Next up, there's that short dream sequence to address. As I see it, the beautiful, naked woman in Bruce's dream represents the allure of death's blissful embrace. And death's staggering appeal is only further underlined by Banner's de-aging and the transformation of the surrounding landscape into a vibrant and lush garden. But that's pretty obvious, as Banner implies as much a few pages later – specifically, when he likens the fire burning in his chest (which could be indicative of a deadly heart attack) to a lover. But right at the end of the dream, the woman whispers something in his ear. She says: "We will repopulate the world. We will be Adam and Eve. No... Even better... we'll be gods. Gods." It's a hugely thematic moment to be sure – especially since Bruce considers himself to be a man of science (not mysticism) – and almost justifiable for its own sake.

This dream then seamlessly leads into the Prometheus metaphor, which further underlines Banner's vanity and desperation: it's one thing to try and seek meaning from one's own suffering – we all do it – but it's quite another to liken oneself to one of the greatest and most renowned Titans, and then go on to defend your status by claiming to be the greatest of Earth's defenders. But by the same token, maybe it's less a question of vanity than it is of desperation (or madness). After all, who the hell are we to judge Banner's response to his unimaginably trying circumstances? One can legitimately interpret this either way. Or, if you're like me, you'd see it as a little bit of both.




[Isn't it funny how, even in the lowest depths of self-pity – or perhaps *because* of it – one can still rise to such blatant levels of conceit? And, at the end of the book, one can't help but suspect that the Hulk is completely right: even in spite of Banner's perceived intellectual/moral superiority over the Hulk, he still needs him; his legacy would not have been nearly as significant by himself. Not even close. Also, notice how Banner finally seems to be acknowledging the fact that he and the Hulk are connected. Before this, he tried everything he could to distance himself from the Hulk.]

And as David and Keown continue push toward the finale with their tantalizing imagery, we start to hear a bit more from Hulk. Up until this point, I find it was much easier to sympathize with and understand Banner's struggle, but the writer then manages to completely pull the rug out from under you: Standing right at the brink of death, we see Bruce desperately pleading with Hulk to let go of his anger and take a leap of faith. But Hulk argues against it, maintaining that the only thing his trust in Banner has gotten him so far is rejection and suffering. Suddenly, we start to gain insight into the cause/necessity of Hulk's blind reliance on this hyper-masculine independence he's adopted, and we begin to appreciate the hopeless tragedy it creates.

Okay. Now that all that's over with, we're finally ready to discuss the last two pages. And sure, it's gonna definitely take some doing, but I think I can handle it. Don't you? I've been going great so far, haven't I? So here's my take: if you take a look at the first panel on the penultimate page, you'll see a close-up of Hulk's left eyeball. Notice that this image comes one page after another close-up shot with a split picture of Banner and the Hulk reflected in one another's eyes. But in the current, solo Hulk shot, there's no Banner reflection (i.e. the eye is clear), and Hulk goes on to say that Banner is "gone now." Apparently, he was "[gotten] rid of" the night before. Huh? "[Gotten] rid of" how, exactly? Well, my best guess is that Hulk permanently takes over, and Banner is somehow completely driven out from the Hulk's conscious mind. There's some ambiguity here as to exactly how this occurred, but we do know for certain that Hulk ends up denying Banner that small mercy of being reunited with his friends and loved ones in the afterlife – if you subscribe to that kind of thing – and finally gets to be left alone. *Completely* alone. And we know something significant must have occurred to remove Banner from the picture. I make this claim because, for one thing, that blank eye shot was timed a little too perfectly for it not to indicate this. Plus, Keown appeared too deliberate in showing the reflections during previous close-ups, which to me looked like he was communicating that both Banner and the Hulk were always cognitively aware somewhere in the background whenever the other one was in the driver's seat. Maybe it's just me, but I choose to think there was a good reason behind that little artistic detail.

To close off, let's just explore the implications of Hulk's decision, shall we? Again, it's completely understandable that Hulk would refuse to follow Banner into an afterlife which might involve more ostracism and harassment, when he knows solitude is guaranteed in the material world. And although the story ends with Hulk beginning to face the pain of loneliness head-on, it's hard to picture him ever making the choice to revert back to Bruce and kill himself: he's far too proud for that, and probably feels that solitude is still a preferable fate to going back to a miserable life among humans. So as messed-up as all of this sounds, there appears to be no other way around it, and it's impossible to blame the Hulk for making a selfish decision which also happens to damn Banner in the process.

But even though we've gotten through a lot, there's still some ground I've neglected to cover. Take, for instance, the following examples: Could Hulk really have taken control over Banner at any time, or did these claims demonstrate nothing more than prideful ramblings on his part? If so, why didn't he do so earlier? Was it merely so that he could revel in Banner's weakness for amusement, and then swoop in to save him when Banner begged for help? Was it because Banner's fatal condition gave Hulk the only opportunity he'd got to succeed? And did Hulk's silencing of Banner make him effectively brain-dead, or is he still "conscious," and banging around in there pleading on deaf ears? Lastly, is there really any hope for Hulk to let them both die, or will he end up driven mad by rage and isolation – eventually forgetting that he still has such an option? I think these are all great questions, and it would be fun to explore them, but I'll have to leave them for you to consider. I'm sure we'd both agree that I've already said too much!