Fred Hembeck’s Hero Complex: The Hulk (Part 3)

‘The Incredible Hulk’ No.139 (May 1971)

Herb Trimpe, original artist

The Rhino, the Abomination, Crusher Creel (AKA the Absorbing Man), the Glob, Sandman, the Mandarin -- like the cover says, many foes has the Hulk! But for about a decade beginning at the end of the sixties, The Hulk had pretty much only ONE artist: Herb Trimpe! Although I had met Herb in passing a few times over this past quarter century, it wasn’t until a few years back when he became associated with the high school my daughter was attending that I REALLY got to know him. He invited me in several times as guest instructor for a cartooning class he was teaching, and as a result, we became good friends. I did this piece specifically for Herb, and I was delighted to give it him as a gift -- plus, it was just such a way cool cover to do period, I was happy for any opportunity to redo the thing.

‘Amazing Spider-Man’ No.119 (April 1973)

John Romita, original artist

There they are, folks, the two big ones, together again! How can you possibly go wrong pairing up THESE dudes? I just wish Spidey wasn’t always so pessimistic (‘Even if it kills me! Which it probably WILL!) but I guess that’s just his nature. Just like trying to prevent the big guy from sounding like a trash-talking baby is a losing proposition as well...

‘Incredible Hulk’ No.181 (November 1974)

Trimpe, original artist

Over these three installments, we’ve seen the jade giant himself intrude on many another Marvelite’s turf, but HERE, famously, the tables were turned! Ladies and gents of 1974, I present to you THE FUTURE!!! Whoda thought? Not me, and I bought this comic off the stands. Frankly, MY money woulda been on the Wendigo -- proving once again, I don’t know nearly as much as I think I do (shh, don’t tell anyone...).

‘Incredible Hulk’ No 231 (January 1979)

Trimpe, original artist

I ask you, has the Hulk ever looked more menacing? Has alcohol consumption ever seemed more risky? Has a pair of fishnets ever been less distracting? Here’s hoping it’s St. Patty’s day and the hapless bar-keep has some green beer on tap--I don’t what else could calm our less-than-jolly jade gent down! Another Trimpe triumph!! And so, gang, we bring to an end our Hulk trilogy. With such a rich resume to his credit, we’ve only barely scratched the surface of Mr. Purplejeans past exploits, but hey, we did our best. Hope you’ve enjoyed the survey!! And if not, well to paraphrase Greenie, ‘Hembeck SMASH!!’ But if I somehow haven’t lost you with that hollow threat, I cordially invite you to visit my very own website, Hembeck.com. And hey, may I also suggest purchasing a copy of The Nearly Complete Essential Hembeck Archives Omnibus? I’m sure our buddy The Hulk would -- IF he could read, that is...

-- Fred Hembeck