The Incredible Hulk: The Curing of Doctor Banner Epic Collection proves that its isn’t as easy as it looks to soothe the savage beast.
The latest Hulk Epic Collection contains The Incredible Hulk #201-226 and The Incredible Hulk Annual #6 (with the action beginning in 1976 and ending in 1978).
Len Wein and Sal Buscema (and inkers such as Joe Staton, Ernie Chan, Alfredo Alcala, Keith Pollard, George Tuska, and Tom Palmer) guide the Jade Giant through a number of harrowing situations (and much smashing) in The Incredible Hulk #201-220. Wein would begin co-writing with Roger Stern in issue #218 before turning over the reigns to Stern, and exiting the title. Stern continued to work with Buscema on Incredible Hulk (and new inkers Joe Rubinstein and Joe Sinnott).
The Death of Hulk’s green girlfriend Jarella (who has for the most part stayed “Uncle Ben dead”) dominates the start of the collection, and leaves the Hulkster more angry (and sad) than ever.
Two other highlights are a disturbing Hulk story (in Incredible Hulk #222) written by Jim Starlin and Wein, with art by Starlin and Alcala and Wein, David Kraft, Herb Trimpe, Frank Giacoia and Mike Esposito’s Annual which delves into to the mystery of the Beehive, an Adam Warlock-style cocoon, and a guest appearance by fellow Defender, Doctor Strange.
The Hulk contends with a number of rare, colorful villains such as Conan the Barbarian clone, Kronak, Psyklop, Kronus: Master of Time, Crypto-Man, Maha Yogi, Mongu, the Constrictor, the Quintronic Man, Bi-Beast, Captain Barracuda, and more recognizable foes such as the Absorbing Man, the Rhino, the Circus of Crime, and the Leader.
The Hulk also has some “disagreements” with fellow heroes (and teammates) The Defenders, Jack of Hearts, Doctor Druid, and Stingray in the collection.
The Incredible Hulk: The Curing of Doctor Banner Epic Collection contains 528 pages for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Check out the “larger-than-life-sized” Hulk cover by Dave Cockrum and John Romita Sr. below and stay tuned to Conskipper for all your Hulk action.
The Death of Jarella is a major storyline in this volume.