Comic Info
Comic Name: Incredible Hulk (Volume 2)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Jeff Purves/Dale Keown/Sam Keith/Angel Medina
# of Issues: 10
Release Date: 2008
Reprints Incredible Hulk (2) #364-372 and Incredible Hulk (2) Annual #16. (December 1989-August 1990). Bruce’s attempts to hide are ruined when a villain named Madman targets him for his attack. Now the Hulk is on the run again and is in a cross country journey to find Betty. With the military and a mysterious organization pursuing him, the Hulk’s biggest problem could be the return of the green Hulk.
Written by Peter David, Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 5 is a Marvel Comics superhero collection. The comic books feature art by Jeff Purves, Dale Keown, Sam Keith, and Angel Medina.
Peter David continues his massive run on the Hulk and really evolves the character with each issue. Aspects of the story hearken back to the old TV show while other parts almost bring a horror aspect to the story. Loved by critics and fans, this is one of the best runs on the popular character.
Peter David really emphasizes the multiple personality aspect of the character and the fact that Bruce Banner is holding more than two personas inside of him. In this volume, it is seen how literally they are tearing him apart as they all battle for one body. He also battles characters like Madman and Mr. Hyde while have the same problem.
The battle inside of Bruce is a nice contrast to the Madman who is fighting a similar battle of split personalities. The “countdown” to the final part of the story seems like a bit much and it almost feels like a one issue throw away…but at least it brings back the Leader who was always a good foil to the mindless Hulk.
The last segment of the story really brings the Pantheon into the fold and sets up the next big arc for the Hulk (which comes to be in Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 6). There are some aspects of the Pantheon I enjoy, but I actually think the Pantheon is kind of lame. While they aren’t a big factor in this volume of David’s story, they become very important later on.
Peter David does do a nice job with a character that has kind of limited appeal. He keeps changing the formula to the Hulk and adding new depth and direction to the character. This is the volume that set up the big change in the Hulk in future issues and gives the character an entirely new direction for a number of years.
Related Links:
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 1
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 2
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 3
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 4
Hulk Visionaries: Peter David—Volume 6