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The Incredible Hulk (1968) #349-354
The Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David, Vol. 3
The gray Hulk's life as a Las Vegas legbreaker is broken into by a circle of cyborgs, with Spider-Man in the middle! Next up is a triple threat by Doctor Doom, the Thing and... the green Hulk?! Follow the Hulk from casino conclaves to interdimensional intrigue as Peter David's legendary run continues! Collects Incredible Hulk #349-354; Web of Spider-Man #44; Fantastic Four #320.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
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111 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
2,989 books1,362 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 19, 2018
There are a lot of fun cameos in this volume. Dr. Doom, Spider-Man, The Thing, and the Microverse all play a part in Joe Fixit's adventures. We also get another status-quo shift here in the form of which is too bad; I was having a lot of fun just seeing the Hulk run around causing trouble without that side-plot mucking up the works.
August 14, 2022
Little weaker than last two volumes.
The two parter Spider-Man story wasn't great. The thing vs hulk though was a nice surprise. I also liked the ending and wondering how much worse it'll get for Bruce.
A 3.5 out of 5.
The two parter Spider-Man story wasn't great. The thing vs hulk though was a nice surprise. I also liked the ending and wondering how much worse it'll get for Bruce.
A 3.5 out of 5.
March 3, 2019
Despite the multiple change of directions of stories, this volume was a big improvement over Vol. 2. It begins with a two-part crossover with Web of Spider-Man and while the plot is a little bit ludicrous, it was all necessary to get a peek into this new Hulk's thought process as he argues with Spidey, the master of responsibility: "So if you help, people can get hurt, and if you don't help, people can still get hurt. Makes you feel pretty useless, doesn't it?" It's the rationalization of a child, who's been hurt and is bitter. The grey Hulk has grown up a little bit from the green Hulk, but this Hulk has been abused so his perspective is skewed.
The next story immediately jumps to a two-part crossover with the Fantastic Four where the Thing has also gone through a transformation. Dr. Doom is involved and sets up a confrontation between the new Thing and the new Hulk. It's nearly two issues full of a good ol' fashioned slug fest that's aimed right at the young kid in you.
After that it's a few issues explaining just what happened to the Hulk after the last Gamma bomb (which turns out to be yet another detour although it was a enlightening) and then heads back to Vegas to conclude many of the subplots there. David spends a lot of time developing the new character of Marlo. Not quite sure what the point of her being there is other than for eye candy.
The next story immediately jumps to a two-part crossover with the Fantastic Four where the Thing has also gone through a transformation. Dr. Doom is involved and sets up a confrontation between the new Thing and the new Hulk. It's nearly two issues full of a good ol' fashioned slug fest that's aimed right at the young kid in you.
After that it's a few issues explaining just what happened to the Hulk after the last Gamma bomb (which turns out to be yet another detour although it was a enlightening) and then heads back to Vegas to conclude many of the subplots there. David spends a lot of time developing the new character of Marlo. Not quite sure what the point of her being there is other than for eye candy.
October 22, 2019
Im not a fan of Joe Fixit, but with this volume, it seems that Peter David is starting to bring us back to regular Hulk.
Not that there's a lack of Joe Fixit, cause there definitely isn't, but there are a couple of adventures in this volume that are much more traditional Hulk stories than mob enforcer Hulk stories.
We get a team up of sorts with Spider-man, and while the story is pretty straight forward, I always love seeing that Marvel cohesion of everyone living in the same universe and knowing the same information. This is something we take for granted nowadays, but seeing it in the 70's and 80's comics its still cool to me. We also get Doctor Doom and the Thing, referencing Secret Wars, and the return of a very familiar face. Definitely cool Marvel goodness in this book.
Overall, this volume is hit and miss with me as it's mostly Joe Fixit stuff. Also the story about how Hulk survived the last volume is convoluted at best. But, the stories where he is just being regular Hulk are very entertaining.
Not that there's a lack of Joe Fixit, cause there definitely isn't, but there are a couple of adventures in this volume that are much more traditional Hulk stories than mob enforcer Hulk stories.
We get a team up of sorts with Spider-man, and while the story is pretty straight forward, I always love seeing that Marvel cohesion of everyone living in the same universe and knowing the same information. This is something we take for granted nowadays, but seeing it in the 70's and 80's comics its still cool to me. We also get Doctor Doom and the Thing, referencing Secret Wars, and the return of a very familiar face. Definitely cool Marvel goodness in this book.
Overall, this volume is hit and miss with me as it's mostly Joe Fixit stuff. Also the story about how Hulk survived the last volume is convoluted at best. But, the stories where he is just being regular Hulk are very entertaining.
March 22, 2018
The most curious thing about this volume - the inclusion of an issue of Web of Spider-Man (written by PAD) and Fantastic Four (written by Steve Englehart). Sadly, the crossovers aren't very good either - Spidey and the Hulk spend two issues fighting robot soldiers who have wargames in various parts of the country. Dippy.
Then, the FF and Hulk spend two issues being manipulated by Doc Doom, which is just an excuse for a big Hulk vs. Thing battle. Most bizarre of all, after Hulk wins the battle, the exhausted Thing is just left lying next to a lake in Central Park. So apparently Doom just wanted to humiliate Ben, rather than doing something bad to him. (Also, man, I have no FF history apparently, because who on Earth is the lumpy, orange female Thing wannabe??!!)
Follow that up with a few "Jarella's world" chapters and some more Vegas action, and honestly, this still wasn't one of PAD's better efforts. There's some moments - Hulk and Banner baiting each other in the later chapters, but it feels empty. The mafia/casino stuff doesn't really go anywhere and ends with a silly "betting" joke, and the Jarella's world stuff is just a cop-out explanation for how the Hulk survived the gamma bomb explosion. And Jeff Purves art is oddly inconsistent and ugly.
Very disappointing, especially considering how much I enjoyed the first two volumes and PAD's later Hulk stories.
Then, the FF and Hulk spend two issues being manipulated by Doc Doom, which is just an excuse for a big Hulk vs. Thing battle. Most bizarre of all, after Hulk wins the battle, the exhausted Thing is just left lying next to a lake in Central Park. So apparently Doom just wanted to humiliate Ben, rather than doing something bad to him. (Also, man, I have no FF history apparently, because who on Earth is the lumpy, orange female Thing wannabe??!!)
Follow that up with a few "Jarella's world" chapters and some more Vegas action, and honestly, this still wasn't one of PAD's better efforts. There's some moments - Hulk and Banner baiting each other in the later chapters, but it feels empty. The mafia/casino stuff doesn't really go anywhere and ends with a silly "betting" joke, and the Jarella's world stuff is just a cop-out explanation for how the Hulk survived the gamma bomb explosion. And Jeff Purves art is oddly inconsistent and ugly.
Very disappointing, especially considering how much I enjoyed the first two volumes and PAD's later Hulk stories.
July 27, 2011
I really don't care much for Joe Fix-It. I just want the Hulk to be doing Hulk things. Peter David started out great with his first couple of issues, all leading up to the Leader. That was stuff I enjoyed reading. The only times I really enjoyed this volume were the two issues the Hulk ends up fighting the Thing. Those issues have the energy and fun I want in a Hulk story, but none of the Las Vegas business I'm bored with.
I also am having a hard time believing people are not recognizing the Hulk just because he's gray. But then, I never care that no one knows that Clark Kent is Superman so maybe I'm being unfair. Either way, I just hope the series changes direction soon and goes back to something that reads a little more like the Hulk. I'm one for changing things up, but this is not working.
a
I also am having a hard time believing people are not recognizing the Hulk just because he's gray. But then, I never care that no one knows that Clark Kent is Superman so maybe I'm being unfair. Either way, I just hope the series changes direction soon and goes back to something that reads a little more like the Hulk. I'm one for changing things up, but this is not working.
a
July 2, 2018
this collection of Peter David's work, was quite interesting period instead of just The Incredible Hulk, it also had a Spider-Man and Fantastic Four issue in it. it answered how mr. fix it came to be sort of, overall of the story was quite enjoyable and if you're a fan of the Hulk it's worth getting to know him and his mr. Fix-It stage. also, oddly enough I just read this and only a few days ago Harlan Ellison had passed away oh, and in this issue the Hulk visits Jarlla's world again which was written and created by Harlan Ellison back in the day. Jarella was Hulk's greatest love, and as most happiest time was spent with her when he was separate from the Banner personality.
October 8, 2017
I have to give David credit for jettisoning the supporting cast and building an entirely new life for the title character in Las Vegas. It was a brave move and it worked pretty well. These are solid Hulk comics, better than almost any issues that came before.
February 25, 2021
Artwork: decent.Story: Excellent. This is the Joe Fixit storyline and it did not disappoint. The Artwork suffered a little but it moved the story along. This version of the Hulk was old vegas at its best. I'll miss it but there is more Hulk story to go.
June 1, 2018
It's not the worst Hulk comic I've read, but it's not the best either.
February 25, 2024
Joe Fixit is a gas
Joe Fixit is a gas. This book has some of the best grey hulk stories. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Joe Fixit is a gas. This book has some of the best grey hulk stories. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 28, 2024
Not going to continue this run im afraid
April 11, 2015
Three volumes in, I have to conclude that while I've enjoyed other stories by Peter David, his Hulk run isn't for me. Part of the problem is the character. The Hulk here isn't the mindless beast he's generally represented as; instead, he's a nasty, amoral strongarm man. But while other characters, notably his girlfriend, talk up his supposed redeeming qualities, nothing on the page makes him pleasant to spend time with.
Beyond that, the stories are pretty weak. We kick off with a team of robot mercenaries--pretty much the most generic 80s villains imaginable--rampaging their way through Las Vegas in a game of murder tag. The Hulk gets into a fight with Spider-Man here for no good reason, following that up with a team-up with Dr. Doom (?!) to head to New York and trade punches with the Thing.
Both storylines seem silly, embodying the childishness at the heart of generic superhero comics. Why are the Hulk and the Thing destroying New York City for no reason? Worse, why does the Hulk come off so much like a phony tough guy?
From there, the story takes a quick trip into another universe before wrapping up with a mob fight in Las Vegas that's at least a compelling idea. But the boring old Banner-Hulk split surfaces again, and I just didn't see much imagination or credibility in the set-up. The Hulk as a ritzy Vegas strong-arm guy? I can get behind that. But the series seems bored by that premise before it can even get into it, and the distorted Jeff Purves art doesn't help things either.
Read digital issues.
Beyond that, the stories are pretty weak. We kick off with a team of robot mercenaries--pretty much the most generic 80s villains imaginable--rampaging their way through Las Vegas in a game of murder tag. The Hulk gets into a fight with Spider-Man here for no good reason, following that up with a team-up with Dr. Doom (?!) to head to New York and trade punches with the Thing.
Both storylines seem silly, embodying the childishness at the heart of generic superhero comics. Why are the Hulk and the Thing destroying New York City for no reason? Worse, why does the Hulk come off so much like a phony tough guy?
From there, the story takes a quick trip into another universe before wrapping up with a mob fight in Las Vegas that's at least a compelling idea. But the boring old Banner-Hulk split surfaces again, and I just didn't see much imagination or credibility in the set-up. The Hulk as a ritzy Vegas strong-arm guy? I can get behind that. But the series seems bored by that premise before it can even get into it, and the distorted Jeff Purves art doesn't help things either.
Read digital issues.
May 20, 2013
The Hulk’s Las Vegas adventures continue in the third installment of the HULK VISIONARIES: PETER DAVID series. Living the good life as the enforcer “Mr. Fixit”, the Hulk finally has everything he wants: status, respect, a purpose, and most of all, no Bruce Banner.
Peter David’s development of the original, once-ignored concept of the Hulk is impressive. The gray Hulk may lack the childlike innocence and tragic loneliness of his later green incarnation, but he is a richly complex and multilayered version in his own right. The true “darker side”, Mr. Fixit is crafty, devious, and sadistic, and yet David writes him in such a way that we continue to root for his success. His basic needs remain the same: to be left alone to live his life the way he wants to. While merciless to his enemies, he is devoted to his friends, boss Michael Berengetti and girlfriend Marlo Chandler. And where Bruce Banner regarded his predicament as a total curse, in the case of the gray Hulk the opposite is true. Becoming Bruce Banner again is something Mr. Fixit dreads, and constantly fights against. It’s a startling reversal of the old formula, and part of what makes this storyline stand out as a uniquely fresh take.
Featuring memorable battles with Spider-Man and the Thing, the issues collected here remain one of the best examples of the versatility of the Incredible Hulk.
Peter David’s development of the original, once-ignored concept of the Hulk is impressive. The gray Hulk may lack the childlike innocence and tragic loneliness of his later green incarnation, but he is a richly complex and multilayered version in his own right. The true “darker side”, Mr. Fixit is crafty, devious, and sadistic, and yet David writes him in such a way that we continue to root for his success. His basic needs remain the same: to be left alone to live his life the way he wants to. While merciless to his enemies, he is devoted to his friends, boss Michael Berengetti and girlfriend Marlo Chandler. And where Bruce Banner regarded his predicament as a total curse, in the case of the gray Hulk the opposite is true. Becoming Bruce Banner again is something Mr. Fixit dreads, and constantly fights against. It’s a startling reversal of the old formula, and part of what makes this storyline stand out as a uniquely fresh take.
Featuring memorable battles with Spider-Man and the Thing, the issues collected here remain one of the best examples of the versatility of the Incredible Hulk.
May 22, 2010
I'm still wandering through classic comics. This time it's Peter David's run on The Incredible Hulk.
The Hulk is one of the most difficult characters in comics to write for. By definition, he's not a well-rounded personality: he's an embodiment of rage and isolation. He's an anti-hero whose only ambition is to be left alone to stew in his own misery. Most Hulk plots boil down to, "Somebody bothers Hulk, Hulk tries to avoid problem, Hulk get angry, Hulk smash problem."
David does the best he can with all of this. He has his trademark deft touch with dialogue. He digs into the relationship between Banner and the Hulk, finds some things the Hulk can legitimately care about, and gets the most out of old and new supporting characters. It all works, and the stories still hold up today. But it's not hard to see the talented writer behind the scenes, bumping up against the constraints of the character and the rules of Comics Code-approved comics stories.
The Hulk is one of the most difficult characters in comics to write for. By definition, he's not a well-rounded personality: he's an embodiment of rage and isolation. He's an anti-hero whose only ambition is to be left alone to stew in his own misery. Most Hulk plots boil down to, "Somebody bothers Hulk, Hulk tries to avoid problem, Hulk get angry, Hulk smash problem."
David does the best he can with all of this. He has his trademark deft touch with dialogue. He digs into the relationship between Banner and the Hulk, finds some things the Hulk can legitimately care about, and gets the most out of old and new supporting characters. It all works, and the stories still hold up today. But it's not hard to see the talented writer behind the scenes, bumping up against the constraints of the character and the rules of Comics Code-approved comics stories.
October 30, 2015
I can't get enough of Mr. Fixit! I've never seen the Hulk like this and it doesn't get old! In this volume, Hulk teams up with Spidey against some cyborg mercenaries and then takes on spiky Thing at Doctor Doom's urging. Then we find out what happened after the gamma explosion that destroyed the town in volume 2--Hulk gets called back to Jarella's world (I haven't a clue, but it's a great pre-Planet Hulk Planet Hulk-type story. Hulk always looks and read great in classic fantasy settings), where he deposes the Grand Inquisitor. Then it's back to Vegas where Banner (sigh) shows up again and messes up Hulk's life and job. In the last issue, Glorian makes his first appearance, wearing striped shorts and a ridiculously flowered shirt. He's gonna make things difficult for Mr. Fixit next volume. But not before Mr. Fixit saves his boss's casino and career by kicking the tar out of a gaggle of toughs from a crime family trying to take over Vegas.
January 31, 2015
These stories are still fun, but the book takes a hit losing Todd McFarlane on art. Not to mention the main plot of these Joe Fixit stories aren't as interesting to me as what Peter David was dealing with when he first took over Hulk. Hopefully, this is just a minor lull in this otherwise classic run.
January 19, 2010
Not a particularly strong set of issues. Joe Fixit was pretty funny for a little while...
August 26, 2016
A lot of folks don't seem to care much for the part of David's run where the Hulk works for the casino boss. So far, I've found it to be an enjoyable little story!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews