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The Incredible Hulk (1968) #364-372, Annual #16
The Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David, Vol. 5
Collects Incredible Hulk #364-372 and Annual #16.
The latest collection for David devotees starts off with a crisis countdown that takes the gray Hulk from one fight to another against the Abomination, the Fantastic Four and a Madman who can't decide if he's Bruce Banner's biggest fan or worst enemy! Then, it's a reunion with Doctor Strange and Namor the Sub-Mariner when the Hulk joins his fellow founding Defenders against an invasion from a universe even stranger than they are! Plus: the fate of Betty Brant Banner! Also featuring Mister Hyde and the mutants of Freedom Force!
The latest collection for David devotees starts off with a crisis countdown that takes the gray Hulk from one fight to another against the Abomination, the Fantastic Four and a Madman who can't decide if he's Bruce Banner's biggest fan or worst enemy! Then, it's a reunion with Doctor Strange and Namor the Sub-Mariner when the Hulk joins his fellow founding Defenders against an invasion from a universe even stranger than they are! Plus: the fate of Betty Brant Banner! Also featuring Mister Hyde and the mutants of Freedom Force!
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2008
8 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,579 books1,368 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 7, 2019
Unfortunately Vol 4 wasn't available for me to read, so I've got a bit of a gap in just what happened between now and then.
The volume starts off with an excellent four-parter and followed by a very odd and creepy fill-in story featuring art by Sam Keith. There's also a multi-part team-up with the original Defenders spotlighting the fact that the Hulk actually has some friends. Through this, David takes the opportunity to examine and better define the relationship between the Hulk and Bruce, all part of the intriguing analysis of the character in his entire run. The last couple issues bring back the relationship between Betty and Bruce, which apparently took a strange turn in the last volume. This part of David's writing has been a bit non-sensical, as if he just had to come up with a reason to keep her out of the story for awhile. Lastly, is the introduction of the Pantheon and having read some of the future issues, I remember those stories fondly. David's humor has been showing up more and more, little by little, and adds quite a bit to his upcoming writings.
This volume also features (I believe) the start of Dale Keown on art. His style is much cleaner than Purves who I never cared for. Keown's has a little bit of Alan Davis in it especially in facial design. At this point in his career faces are literally a bit long (like a horse) and maybe a little too similar between characters, but his panel layouts are exciting and full of energy and his version of the Hulk is very muscular and well-proportioned. I know later his artwork becomes much more refined.
The volume starts off with an excellent four-parter and followed by a very odd and creepy fill-in story featuring art by Sam Keith. There's also a multi-part team-up with the original Defenders spotlighting the fact that the Hulk actually has some friends. Through this, David takes the opportunity to examine and better define the relationship between the Hulk and Bruce, all part of the intriguing analysis of the character in his entire run. The last couple issues bring back the relationship between Betty and Bruce, which apparently took a strange turn in the last volume. This part of David's writing has been a bit non-sensical, as if he just had to come up with a reason to keep her out of the story for awhile. Lastly, is the introduction of the Pantheon and having read some of the future issues, I remember those stories fondly. David's humor has been showing up more and more, little by little, and adds quite a bit to his upcoming writings.
This volume also features (I believe) the start of Dale Keown on art. His style is much cleaner than Purves who I never cared for. Keown's has a little bit of Alan Davis in it especially in facial design. At this point in his career faces are literally a bit long (like a horse) and maybe a little too similar between characters, but his panel layouts are exciting and full of energy and his version of the Hulk is very muscular and well-proportioned. I know later his artwork becomes much more refined.
December 20, 2018
Hulk gets AIDS (which sets up a few gems like "careful, I might bleed on you" and "I should have practiced safe fighting"). Yeah, the late '80s/early '90s were an interesting time in comics...
We also get something of a Defenders reunion, and the green Hulk returns. A pretty good-if not a little weird-volume.
We also get something of a Defenders reunion, and the green Hulk returns. A pretty good-if not a little weird-volume.
May 7, 2023
Hulk going face to face with abomination in opening issue, dealing with the brotherhood of mutants, defenders, and finally the Green Hulk returns. Solid stories, though defender one was a bit too wonky for me, 3.5 out of 5.
September 30, 2016
Oh, thank gods. Finally Dale Keown! Marie Severin greatly improve the art in the previous volume now we finally get a terrific artist. And Peter David finally moves it into high gear.
We even get a Defenders reunion. Best Peter David Hulk collection yet. It's from here on out that it is his most interesting part of the run. Crying shame it's not all tidily collected in paperbacks or omniboo. It's one of Marvel's longest and most famous author runs. They've had years to get it collected and reprinted. Still haven't finished the job.
But there is good new. There is a new volume coming in January 2017. I hope they can move a bit faster than a single Epic Collection per year to finish off David's run.
Now I understand why this volume in particular was so expensive and hard to find. Worth every penny I spent on it.
We even get a Defenders reunion. Best Peter David Hulk collection yet. It's from here on out that it is his most interesting part of the run. Crying shame it's not all tidily collected in paperbacks or omniboo. It's one of Marvel's longest and most famous author runs. They've had years to get it collected and reprinted. Still haven't finished the job.
But there is good new. There is a new volume coming in January 2017. I hope they can move a bit faster than a single Epic Collection per year to finish off David's run.
Now I understand why this volume in particular was so expensive and hard to find. Worth every penny I spent on it.
March 28, 2018
I've been somewhat underwhelmed by the last two Hulk: PAD trades with their weak art failing to capture the drama of the scripts. Jeff Purves wraps up his Hulk run three issues into this book, handing the book over to Dale Keown, and my enjoyment of the title jumped immediately upward.
The Countdown arc is well done - actually, those four issues were the earliest Hulk comics I owned (though they were bought as a back issue set; my next oldest issues were nearly two years later than Countdown, and my Hulk run doesn't get consistent until Liam Sharp's turn as artist, around the mid-420s -- all of which is to say that Marvel has a long way to go with these trades before they start to get in the Hulk stuff I'm really familiar with). The grey Hulk is a real bastard, almost totally unlikeable, which makes for a sometimes challenging read, but still a compelling one. PAD's really starting to explore the multiple personality idea, with Banner going into his mind to confront the Hulk on two occasions.
The Freedom Force story felt slightly pointless. The surface plot of the Dr. Strange and Namor issues was decent fun but just window-dressing to the exploration of Banner's mind.
Sam Kieth guest illustrated a one-off about the Hulk vs. Mr. Hyde, which was intriguing, and Angel Medina did excellent work drawing the Hulk Annual, which seems like it was a crossover story. The characters made repeated references to a Daredevil story that I've never read. Just a so-so story, but
Medina's art was enjoyable.
Plus, bravo to the collections department for ending the book on a great note. Looking forward to more of Hulk's personality crisis and the formal introduction of the Pantheon (who are teased late in this volume).
The Countdown arc is well done - actually, those four issues were the earliest Hulk comics I owned (though they were bought as a back issue set; my next oldest issues were nearly two years later than Countdown, and my Hulk run doesn't get consistent until Liam Sharp's turn as artist, around the mid-420s -- all of which is to say that Marvel has a long way to go with these trades before they start to get in the Hulk stuff I'm really familiar with). The grey Hulk is a real bastard, almost totally unlikeable, which makes for a sometimes challenging read, but still a compelling one. PAD's really starting to explore the multiple personality idea, with Banner going into his mind to confront the Hulk on two occasions.
The Freedom Force story felt slightly pointless. The surface plot of the Dr. Strange and Namor issues was decent fun but just window-dressing to the exploration of Banner's mind.
Sam Kieth guest illustrated a one-off about the Hulk vs. Mr. Hyde, which was intriguing, and Angel Medina did excellent work drawing the Hulk Annual, which seems like it was a crossover story. The characters made repeated references to a Daredevil story that I've never read. Just a so-so story, but
Medina's art was enjoyable.
Plus, bravo to the collections department for ending the book on a great note. Looking forward to more of Hulk's personality crisis and the formal introduction of the Pantheon (who are teased late in this volume).
November 7, 2019
Finally, the green Goliath makes his return after many issues of Joe Fixit. Its not that grey Hulk was bad, in fact I kinda liked his care/don't care attitude mixed with the higher brain power that allows him to be a sarcastic dick. It kind of worked. But the Joe fixit thing was batshit crazy, and just not my cup of tea.
This volume is much more traditional in its approach. We get the Hulk battling some pretty heavy hitters, a Defenders reunion of sorts, but my favorite story line was of Hulk being poisoned to weaken his already weaker self. He pretty much goes to the brink before being able to come back and win the day, but putting the him in this type of "gauntlet" like story is perfect for the Hulk. Seeing his indomitable will literally carrying his dying body and still talking crap while doing it, pretty awesome stuff.
Another thing that makes this book so much better than the previous 2 or 3 volumes is the art. We get Dale Keown, Sam Keith and Angel Medina who, all three, really elevate the book and make it look good. Compared to Purves (sorry dude), its like night and day. The art makes the 90's style exposition a bit more palatable.
I definitely enjoyed this volume, and I'm hoping that now that we are on the right path, some good stuff is up ahead.
This volume is much more traditional in its approach. We get the Hulk battling some pretty heavy hitters, a Defenders reunion of sorts, but my favorite story line was of Hulk being poisoned to weaken his already weaker self. He pretty much goes to the brink before being able to come back and win the day, but putting the him in this type of "gauntlet" like story is perfect for the Hulk. Seeing his indomitable will literally carrying his dying body and still talking crap while doing it, pretty awesome stuff.
Another thing that makes this book so much better than the previous 2 or 3 volumes is the art. We get Dale Keown, Sam Keith and Angel Medina who, all three, really elevate the book and make it look good. Compared to Purves (sorry dude), its like night and day. The art makes the 90's style exposition a bit more palatable.
I definitely enjoyed this volume, and I'm hoping that now that we are on the right path, some good stuff is up ahead.
March 9, 2021
Artwork: Outstanding.Story: Excellent. This one had everything you would want in a Hulk title. The hulk was poisoned and the countdown to his demise was good and introduced us to Dale Keown, who was fantastic as an artist. The guest fill-in of Sam Keith was excellent Angel Medina was excellent on art. This is where Peter David shinned as a writer.
June 5, 2024
This is a childhood classic that at the time I loved because of the art but in recent times I've loved because of the dynamic story of Bruce Banner and Hulk.
The whole Hulk being poisoned and having to face numerous foes while weakened is easily the highlight but the smaller more personal scaled stories hit just as well imo. A personal favourite is when Hulk meets Hyde in a train carriage, no spoilers but it's terrific stuff.
The whole Hulk being poisoned and having to face numerous foes while weakened is easily the highlight but the smaller more personal scaled stories hit just as well imo. A personal favourite is when Hulk meets Hyde in a train carriage, no spoilers but it's terrific stuff.
October 8, 2017
There are a few comics in this collection that aren't quite 5/5 (most notably the annual), but most of these are excellent. We see the introduction of Dale Keown on art, and the book really kicks into high gear.
May 8, 2020
Vuelve el Hulk verde, y se siembran las bases para explorar la personalidad múltiple de Bruce Banner. El arte de Keown mejora muchísimo la calidad de la historia. Me embarco feliz en la saga que me recomendaron del 377 en adelante.
August 17, 2020
The first portion of the book is a slog but things pick up when they put Dale Keown on the artwork. Still, the stories didn't quite gel for me until they recruited Bob McCleod on inking. These last three or four issues include a Defenders reunion and are a joy to read.
December 30, 2018
Another great collection.
December 22, 2019
Solid Hulk. Peter David is a great writer and Dale Keown's pencils are incredible.
December 26, 2025
a touching story, even if I missed a lot because I have not read the first few issues, because I don't have them.
April 24, 2016
The fifth Visionaries volume of Peter David's Hulk run collects # 364–372 and Annual # 16.
The volume opens up with the four part arc "Countdown", in which Hulk fights the Abomination, the Thing (well, kind of), the Leader and finally the Madman. It is an interesting arc which features Jeff Purves' last three issues and Dale Keown's first (though his pencils are bit drowned out by Marie Severin's ink here and nowhere near as good as the four issues in this volume (# 369–372) where he is inked by Bob McLeod).
Before getting to see Keown in his full glory, there is the one issue pencilled by Sam Kieth (and giving us Hulk vs. Mr Hyde). Now, like Purves, I do not find Keith a perfect match for Hulk, but the story has been worked out to suit Kieth's sensibilities and with a good result.
Keown's first "proper" issue, with Hulk facing off Blob, Pyro and Crimson Commando of Freedom Force, is a pure delight. In fact, the Keown/McLeod art team is such a joy for the eye that the directly following Annual (drawn very competently by Angel Medina) seems like an intrusion. Although, I guess it does not exactly help that the Annual is the third part of a four part Annual crossover (which were more or less standard at Marvel at the time), where the other parts are absent from this collection.
Keown/McLeod's "return" with the two parter reunion of the original Defenders (well, not quite – a certain Surfer missing) has me back in a fully delighted mood.
The volume's closing issue (# 372) not only offers more Keown/McLeod but also, after a long gray season, the return of something green. Here's hoping for a sixth volume... soon!
The volume opens up with the four part arc "Countdown", in which Hulk fights the Abomination, the Thing (well, kind of), the Leader and finally the Madman. It is an interesting arc which features Jeff Purves' last three issues and Dale Keown's first (though his pencils are bit drowned out by Marie Severin's ink here and nowhere near as good as the four issues in this volume (# 369–372) where he is inked by Bob McLeod).
Before getting to see Keown in his full glory, there is the one issue pencilled by Sam Kieth (and giving us Hulk vs. Mr Hyde). Now, like Purves, I do not find Keith a perfect match for Hulk, but the story has been worked out to suit Kieth's sensibilities and with a good result.
Keown's first "proper" issue, with Hulk facing off Blob, Pyro and Crimson Commando of Freedom Force, is a pure delight. In fact, the Keown/McLeod art team is such a joy for the eye that the directly following Annual (drawn very competently by Angel Medina) seems like an intrusion. Although, I guess it does not exactly help that the Annual is the third part of a four part Annual crossover (which were more or less standard at Marvel at the time), where the other parts are absent from this collection.
Keown/McLeod's "return" with the two parter reunion of the original Defenders (well, not quite – a certain Surfer missing) has me back in a fully delighted mood.
The volume's closing issue (# 372) not only offers more Keown/McLeod but also, after a long gray season, the return of something green. Here's hoping for a sixth volume... soon!
June 5, 2013
Back on the run once again, Bruce Banner and the gray Hulk have decided their next course of action is to find Banner’s wife, Betty, who has gotten on with her life since his presumed death at the climax of the “Ground Zero” storyline. Finding her is no simple matter, especially when the obstacles include a fatal poison, an alternate universe, and something lurking behind a mysterious golden door deep within Banner’s mind…
Within this fifth volume begins the group of stories that Peter David is best remembered for, building up to an all-new era that will change how the Hulk is perceived for years to come. As if to mark the occasion, several mainstays of the Hulk’s life start showing up: his arch-enemies the Abomination and the Leader, his former Defenders teammates Dr. Strange and Namor the Sub-Mariner, and his sometimes-sparring partner Doc Samson. Even the iconic, savage green Hulk, missing for over four years, makes a triumphant return here. David appropriately nods to the past while moving on towards the future, full speed ahead.
Another milestone for the series is reached with the debut of Dale Keown, highly regarded as one of the greatest artists to ever work on INCREDIBLE HULK. Keown, taking over from Jeff Purves, brings back the massive, monstrous look of the Hulk and gives a realistically human touch to Bruce Banner and the other ordinary characters.
A must-have for Hulk fans; these are the tales that renewed the book’s status of “Incredible”.
Within this fifth volume begins the group of stories that Peter David is best remembered for, building up to an all-new era that will change how the Hulk is perceived for years to come. As if to mark the occasion, several mainstays of the Hulk’s life start showing up: his arch-enemies the Abomination and the Leader, his former Defenders teammates Dr. Strange and Namor the Sub-Mariner, and his sometimes-sparring partner Doc Samson. Even the iconic, savage green Hulk, missing for over four years, makes a triumphant return here. David appropriately nods to the past while moving on towards the future, full speed ahead.
Another milestone for the series is reached with the debut of Dale Keown, highly regarded as one of the greatest artists to ever work on INCREDIBLE HULK. Keown, taking over from Jeff Purves, brings back the massive, monstrous look of the Hulk and gives a realistically human touch to Bruce Banner and the other ordinary characters.
A must-have for Hulk fans; these are the tales that renewed the book’s status of “Incredible”.
February 18, 2008
This is the end of Peter David's gray Hulk run (David stays on--the gray Hulk goes away). The mindless green Hulk is kind of a boring character for me--I much prefer the intelligent, mostly amoral (though with a touch of conscience) gray Hulk.
The book contains the four part arc, Countdown, a few stand alone issues, and an annual that's part of a separate arc (none of the rest of which is collected here). There's quite a bit of story that gets crammed into a single volume.
The art wasn't overly impressive. The art by Jeff Purves, Dale Keown and Angel Medina is serviceable, but not outstanding. Sam Keith's art is moody and cool, but I think only works for the occasional Hulk story.
The book contains the four part arc, Countdown, a few stand alone issues, and an annual that's part of a separate arc (none of the rest of which is collected here). There's quite a bit of story that gets crammed into a single volume.
The art wasn't overly impressive. The art by Jeff Purves, Dale Keown and Angel Medina is serviceable, but not outstanding. Sam Keith's art is moody and cool, but I think only works for the occasional Hulk story.
December 20, 2011
Finally! The Gray Hulk is a good concept and has been used better in this volume and last than with the stupid Joe Fix-It stuff, but this volume finally brings the promise of a Hulk in green. While that's the last issue, the whole volume did pretty good. The Countdown storyline was a fun trip through some villains. I really enjoyed seeing the old Defenders team-up again, especially for such a good story. The art in that two-parter was great. The final issue, as said, was a nice return to Jade Giant and I can't wait to see where it's going next volume.
August 16, 2016
It feels to me (as a stranger to the book) that it's trying to find its footing amidst a great deal of turmoil in the Marvel Universe. Few things seem as lost with hindsight as unironic Gray Hulks, Ms. Marvel (She-Thing), and Doc Samsons, right?
It's not a bad book. It's just hard to feel that there's anything going on when the main character is not either Banner or Green Hulk. It's clear that those are the going to be the survivors. . . . .
It's not a bad book. It's just hard to feel that there's anything going on when the main character is not either Banner or Green Hulk. It's clear that those are the going to be the survivors. . . . .
February 27, 2015
This one was a bit of a mixed bag. "Countdown" was okay, not great. I'm just not a fan of The Leader, I guess. Really enjoyed "Natural Selection," penciled by Sam Kieth. And "Dark Hulk" was interesting, if a bit strange. Basically, Hulk/Banner are on their way back to Betty and along the way encounter this, that, and the other thing. The reunion at the end is nice, but I still miss Mr. Fixit.
January 19, 2010
All of the sudden Peter David's writing picks up, and this is some tense material. I love the foreboding image of the scar on Banner's back.
November 28, 2011
Not my favorite volume, but, if for nothing else, it gets three stars for finally putting an end to Joe Fix-it. I'm happy to have the green Hulk back... smashing things. I'm eager for volume 6!
April 9, 2012
Good story and artwork, a few good cameos too.....
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews