Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Incredible Hulk (1968) #340-348

The Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David, Vol. 2

Rate this book
Collects Incredible Hulk (1962) #340-348.

The gray Hulk's out to get the Leader and neither Man-Bull, Halflife, nor the Hulkbusters can stop him! The confrontation ends explosively as the drab-skinned demolisher is blown into a new world: Las Vegas?! Villains perish and rise in the culmination of Peter David's first Hulk arc! Featuring the earth pounding menace of the Absorbing Man, and guest-starring Wolverine and Nick Fury!

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2005

20 people are currently reading
150 people want to read

About the author

Peter David

3,579 books1,368 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
109 (26%)
4 stars
197 (47%)
3 stars
90 (21%)
2 stars
17 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Himanshu Karmacharya.
1,163 reviews113 followers
August 27, 2021
Significantly better than the first volume.

Peter David is now finally free from all constraints left behind by previous writers and is able to move forward in his own way, and give shape to the characters and story. Todd McFarlane's artwork is amazing, although I wasn't a fan of Jeff Purves' work.
Profile Image for Malum.
2,866 reviews171 followers
December 18, 2018
The first half of this book is David still tying up the loose ends he inherited when he took the title over. Most of this is ok (I personally can't stand Rick Jones) and there is a really good Hulk vs. Wolverine fight (why do these two always fight in the snow?). Once all of this mess is dealt with, however, things start getting really interesting.

You see, lot of writers screw up when they take on writing the Hulk because they all try to do wildly different things with the character, and most of them fall flat. Peter David, however, did something really different with the Hulk that actually worked. He put him in Las Vegas and made him a mob enforcer named "Joe Fixit" in what would become one of the Hulk's most memorable forms.







Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,205 followers
August 12, 2022
Things heat up as Hulk's villain, big brain bitch I mean The Leader, step into the game.

First off the one shots at the start were GREAT. Between Hulk dealing with another man turned monster and not shying away from hitting him with facts to the excellent issue with Wolverine that was also great, I loved both those issues. The major storyline with the Leader was cool, though it does hit one negative Peter David has, which is sometimes very long winded speechs. Between the Leader's rambling and Jones when on stage, it could get a bit much.

But overall watching Hulk, or I should say Joe Fixit, begin his luxury life in Las Vegas, I couldn't help but get a laugh.

A 4 out of 5.
Profile Image for Alex E.
1,731 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2019
The second volume of Peter David's Incredible Hulk run has him tying up most if not all, the loose ends that he inherited and that are carried over from the first volume.

I actually appreciated the cohesiveness in which David is able to neatly wrap everything up with. He manages to balance the Leader, the cross country trek, the Betty drama, and of course the moon Hulk himself and make it entertaining and pretty riveting. There's even a tussle with the ol' Canucklehead himself, which is a blast of an issue. Of course there is still a lot of exposition and heavy handedness that was prevalent in the older comics, but it doesn't take away from the overall story.

And McFarlane definitely starts finding his own style in these issues as well. Where the first volume is much more traditional as far as drawing style, here we have that sketchy, somewhat grotesque McFarlane style that he is known and loved for. And here with the Hulk, it very much works as his version of the Hulk is truly menacing and monster like. Really like seeing the evolution of Todd's style in this one.

Unfortunately, the end of the volume took a downturn for me. Not only does the artist change, who by the way - isn't bad, but after McFarlane- the guy has a tough act to follow, but David introduces us to Fixit Joe who.... is the Hulk as a mobster-like body guard in Vegas.

Hmm.

I'm not trying to shit on anyone's memories as I know this run of the Hulk is well loved and adored, but....... what the actual hell? This comes off as not only as cheesy and corny, but lacking sense in any way. And that's saying a lot in a Hulk book.

Hopefully the next volume can move us past this version of the Hulk quickly to get us to a different type of tone for the book.
Profile Image for Dan.
749 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2023
"I'm having trouble grasping the reality of it. HUNDREDS of Gamma Bombs, all from MY design. The potential destruction...good Lord, what could I have been THINKING when I first created it? Could it be that there was some small, HULKISH part of me urging me on even BEFORE the accident? That the Hulk wasn't CREATED by the blast so much as UNSHACKLED?"

from Closing Curtain

During this Hulk run collected in this collection, Peter David extricates himself from prior storylines and proceeds down his own path. The first half is somewhat goofy, with a lackluster fight with Wolverine in a snowy landscape near Dallas and, then, the super-villain The Leader, complete with Fu Manchu moustache and a to-do list which includes "lying" to henchmen, closing the story arc about those damn Gamma Bombs. During the course of this series, though, the character of Clay Quartermain is not consistent--he's a heroic SHIELD agent with a conscious, no, he's a Machiavellian posing and defining a path to political office. Then, mercifully, he's gone altogether--though I'm sure he's not gone that far.

In the second half, Davidson begins to focus on the "Joe Fixit" character of The Hulk, the Hulk who just wants to be a bodyguard and live in the luxury of Las Vegas. Oddly, this plot works. Hulk is the quintessential everyman who just wants to enjoy life by having someone else tell him what to do. The collection closes with a fight between Creed Creel ("The Absorbing Man") and The Hulk at Hoover Dam which is much better than the opening sparring with Wolverine. This TPB ends just when the story is launching into legend.

Highly recommended.

"Man, what a LIFE. Thanks to that Gamma Bomb explosion three months ago, everybody thinks I'm DEAD! Of course, if it weren't for GORSHAM and his pals, I would be. And it was worth all the chances I took for those little SQUIRTS! They made it possible for me to be the HULK by day and night. If it weren't for them, I'd have never hooked up with BERENGETTI and landed this great DEAL! Best food. Best suite. Best EVERYTHING! And all I have to do is beat people up sometimes! I finally, FINALLY, got some luck."

from Crapshoot
Profile Image for Blindzider.
971 reviews26 followers
February 19, 2019
While I'm quite sure I read this at one time in the past, it certainly doesn't hold up well with age. Having not read volume 1, I don't know (or remember) exactly why the Hulk has entered his new state, just know that he's grey, somewhat intelligent and only comes out at night. The majority of the volume falls into the standard comic bad guy trope who is behind the scenes, manipulating the characters unbeknownst to them, all while monologuing to the reader his every step. It doesn't make for very good reading. There's a small bit of characterization, looking at just what is Bruce Banner without the Hulk but it's very minor. And McFarlane's art is...McFarlane's art. I believe this is where he got started with Marvel. It's very cartoony and less refined than later. Gives the whole book a "goofy" feel so it's hard to take any of it seriously.

At the end of this volume there's a major event which results in the next stage of the Hulk transforming. You get a taste of it in this volume but I suspect the bulk will be in the next volume.
Profile Image for Michael.
3,394 reviews
March 21, 2018
I love how PAD gives each character believable depth and humanity - Rick Jones and Clay Quartermain have their own reasons for helping Bruce Banner in his quest to destroy the gamma bombs, Rock and Redeemer have reasons for wanting to destroy the Hulk, and the Leader has schemes beyond just destroying the Hulk. In fact, I liked that the Leader believes that he was successful at killing Hulk by the end of this volume - it's something that you don't see often. A triumphant villain (and he's actually got a masterplan for after killing his arch-foe!) and a hero getting a fresh start that makes sense.

The most compelling part of the story, however, is Betty Banner's struggle to come to terms with her and Bruce's relatioship. Will the Hulk always come between them? Can Bruce open up to her? Most heart-breaking, will they accept her for herself, or will she have to use her pregnancy against them. Bruce and Betty have a tragic love, and Peter David does a wonderful job giving each of them sufficient depth, humanity and reality to make you feel the tragedy.

The art in this book is lousy.
Profile Image for Sophia.
2,826 reviews386 followers
February 12, 2024
These characters definitely end up not how they began in this volume.
Of course nothing really changes for the Hulk (and Bruce Banner).

I loved how meta Clay Quartermain’s comment was about how every time heroes meet, they end up fighting.

Speaking of, I feel as though I should’ve finished this before starting the Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. series as Clay’s appearances didn't really make much sense after he *SPOILERS* died…

This was my first big story line with Leader as the antagonist.
Though, and I personally don’t mind this, I felt his presence was secondary to the drama between Betty, Bruce and Hulk.

It’s a bit of a shame there seemed to be some progress between Betty and Hulk but then Hulk ‘died’ and Betty was left alone again.
Well, alone with Rick anyway.

I am so excited to see this Mr. Fixit era. I hope it lasts for a little while because it’s so different from what's come before for the Hulk.
Profile Image for Andrew Alvis.
880 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2022
Consider dropping a star but I'm gonna stick with 5 and you ll find out why:
Todd McFarlane's artwork alone is enough to warrant the 5 stars because I always loved his style of art (thanks, Spawn lol), even Erik Larsens' art (what a loon he is in real life) gets a nod of appreciation from me from the sole issue he did art for in this collection.
Jeff Purves art though started reasonably well in his first issue but definitely dropped a bit by the second, shame really because I noticed it heavily on Marlo Chandler and her roommate :-/
Profile Image for Chad.
10.4k reviews1,060 followers
October 8, 2024
First, we get the Grey Hulk, Clay Quartermain and Rick trying to track down a gamma bomb before it goes off. All with the Leader manipulating things in the background. Then the Mr. Fixit era begins with the Hulk operating as an enforcer in Las Vegas. We also get Marlo's first appearance who sticks around the book for a long time. Those first several issues look terrific as Todd McFarlane finishes up his run. Jeff Purves jumps onboard for the last 2 issues. His art is fine but pales in comparison to McFarlane.
Profile Image for Neville Wylie.
24 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2018
OK straight off the bat, Wolverine (on the cover) appears for one part of this story fights the Hulk to a "stalemate" (really don't know if that's a valid description) .. anyway other than that its enjoyable as always with Peter David (PAD) , couple of pointless go nowhere filler e.g. Man Bull, but if you know PAD's run on the Hulk you know the long time foundations are being set and its a must read
Profile Image for Gonzalo Oyanedel.
Author 23 books78 followers
September 29, 2022
Considerado por muchos el guionista definitivo del personaje, Peter David inicia su andadura en el título en un traspaso que implica cerrar tramas previas y hallar su propio enfoque. Y si bien resulta a ratos vacilante, deja ver su tendencia a la introspección y tramas donde priorizará la psicología de los personajes por sobre la acción. En el apartado gráfico, los dibujos de McFarlane resultan menos que memorables incluso en aquellos años rendidos a su estilo; cosa de gustos, quizá.
Profile Image for Daniel.
1,216 reviews8 followers
June 4, 2018
I really enjoyed the story. Peter David is taking the Hulk and a new Direction the Story isn't just me Hulk smash things or I'm Dr Bruce Banner and my life is miserable Etc., there is real depth to both. this amalgamation that's the, cuz he is heading towards, I think I will ultimately prove to be very satisfactory.
Profile Image for Michael Craft.
45 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2019
The Grey Hulk—The best!

Peter David with a Todd Mc Farlane pencils. Great combination of talents but needed another inker to compliment McFarlane’s drawing. Loved the depth of character in not only the Hulk but the supporting cast of Rick, Betty, Clay, the Leader and his crew. Then, the introduction of...Mr. Fixit! And the first appearance of Marlo. Great stuff!!
Profile Image for Lavell.
184 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2021
Artwork: Excellent Stroy: Excellent. This book has the stunning debut of Todd McFarlane's artwork which I agree is excellent. Peter David's writing is excellent also. I remember The Incredible Hulk more for the writing. This would become a two-sided affair years later between the two. Both were great at the time.
693 reviews
July 2, 2025
The characterization of Wolverine in the first issue was great - his introspection on his rage in conflict with his role as a leader on the team. Hulk’s interaction with the Man Bill gets really interesting characterization too. Funny to see this version of Hulk before he eventually is told as an unstoppable force that only ever gets stronger. The explanation/characterization of his power as basically radiation induced cancer/uncontrolled growth leading to healing and strength was a neat perspective
Profile Image for dp.
231 reviews35 followers
November 17, 2023
Had to dock a star because the art really took a dip in quality when Todd McFarlane left, besides that it was great
Profile Image for Don Weiss.
131 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2013
Marvel continues its series of Hulk Visionaries: Peter David trade paperbacks with a re-release of the conclusion to the famed writer's "Ground Zero" storyline, this time with all the pages and scenes fully restored!

In addition to the Gray Hulk's legendary battle with Wolverine, and his subsequent skirmishes with the Leader and minions Half-Life, Rock, and Redeemer, this collection also includes the first two issues where the Hulk loses the torn pants and dons a three-piece suit and hat to become "Mr. Fixit", an enforcer and legbreaker for a Las Vegas casino, one of the most unique takes on the character to date.

Peter David continues to astound, taking the earliest concept of the Hulk as an "atomic age Jekyll and Hyde" and developing it into something truly remarkable: a Hulk who finally has the life of his dreams, constantly fearing that Bruce Banner will one day resurface and take it all away from him. Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, and Jeff Purves lend their artistic talents to these stories, fittingly marking the ending of one era and the beginning of the next.

Also featuring a battle with the Hulk's longtime sparring partner, the Absorbing Man, Hulk Visionaries: Peter David 2 is another classic milestone in the existence of the gray goliath. Keep them coming, Marvel!
947 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2014
It's a pretty long road to get there, but by the end of this volume Peter David has the Hulk in an interesting new status quo. He's serving as a strong-arm man for a Vegas casino, with the Hulk personality dominant and the Bruce Banner persona subsumed...but struggling to get out.

The issues before this aren't as strong, focusing on a bit of a "creature feature" approach as Hulk, Rick Jones and a disgraced SHIELD agent are on the road trying to find a stockpile of Gamma bombs. The Man Bull makes an appearance as the group hits the countryside to talk to the agent's brother, a farmer/computer genius (convenient, right?). There's also a big plot by the Leader, complete with some ridiculous villains, but that's all dedicated to tying up some loose ends I never really cared about.

The art by Todd McFarlane isn't really to my liking--it's busy and overinked for my tastes, complete with 90s bulges and grimaces. But while I was ready to ditch the story early on, the late recovery has me intrigued enough to check out one more trade.

Read digital issues
Profile Image for Oliver Hodson.
577 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2013
Thought it was ok. Read it hoping to hear more about bruce's split personality disorder but not much in there... There were some good moments, although the yellow robot enemies weren't that gripping- like the legion in emerald dawn. Didn't love mcfarlane's art, but had some great moments and the writing is kind of funny, like they'll have a big build up and a funny one liner on the side- like that 55mph joke another reviewer mentioned... Basically good comics but not on my top 10 list
Profile Image for Víctor Segovia.
210 reviews18 followers
March 27, 2016
En los últimos años, he sentido curiosidad por el coloso esmeralda. Personaje que ha estado mucho en la luz pública en vista de que lo consideraron parte de las primeras andanzas de los vengadores para la gran pantalla. Pero aquel Goliat dista mucho de ser como el de las viñetas, no aquí Peter David hizo historia, marcando lo que fue una de las etapas más recordadas del personaje y que pasó a la posteridad.
Profile Image for Jacobi.
443 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2015
These comics are every bit as good as long time readers say they are. Sometimes something reaches legendary statue, but cannot live up to the hype when you come to it after the fact. These comics don't suffer from that at all. Actually, they're sort of making the current mainstream superhero books I'm reading feel less than.
Profile Image for Todd.
984 reviews14 followers
June 9, 2015
Peter David really hit the ground running. I'm a bit surprised that this guy hadn't written another comic before. I'm not the biggest fan of some of these choices, but it's still a fun read.

McFarlane is the better artist here. The second guy has a vintage quality that just seems messy. It works for the scenes with girls and mobsters but falters in the fight scenes.
Profile Image for Michael.
721 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2009
This culminates in Peter David's first arc with the Hulk. Although it ends with the introduction of Joe Fixit, which is ridiculous, this is a great volume. Excited. Want more.
Profile Image for Sara Weather.
501 reviews
October 26, 2011
I thought it was okay. Note that i have not read the other 340 before it so that might a big factor.
3 reviews
April 4, 2013
this book was good especially when they were in the the snow it really made the pic come to like my fav part was when wolverine came out to battle hulk
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.