There is no doubt that the Incredible Hulk is one of the most popular superheroes in modern comics. His popularity has risen and fallen, but he is certainly an enduring character, despite being subject to many relaunches and reboots. As a result, there are plenty of great Hulk key issues to look for in the market.
Incredible Hulk key issues are those that have become highly collectible due to their rarity or their importance in the storyline. They can be found in a variety of formats, including hardcover and trade paperback, and they may feature various different cover variants. Some of these are limited edition, and some are even numbered. While they can be expensive, they can also provide a great return on investment, particularly if you are lucky enough to find one in mint condition.
Among the most valuable Incredible Hulk key issues are those from the first six years of the character’s existence. These issues are important not only because they contain the earliest appearances of the character, but also because they often have some of the most iconic covers in the history of Marvel comics. For example, the Incredible Hulk #180 features Wolverine as a teaser for his own series, and it is the first full appearance of the clawed hero. Because of this, it is a prize issue that can command high prices.
The Incredible Hulk #160, which was illustrated by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, is another of the most sought-after Hulk key issues. This is because it is the first time that the Hulk appears in a gamma radiation-themed storyline. The story also introduces the supervillain Abomination, another gamma-irradiated being.
After the short-lived Hulk’s debut series ended, the character gained greater fame through guest appearances in other Marvel titles, including the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. He eventually garnered his own solo series, which ran from October 1964 to April 1968 and was later retitled The Rampaging Hulk. Then, he became a regular feature in Tales to Astonish until his own series began again with the title’s relaunch in 2012 as Indestructible Hulk.
Hulk’s second solo series, written by John Byrne and illustrated by Paul Dini, is an essential collection for any fan. It contains a wide range of important stories, including the reunification of Bruce Banner and Betty Ross, and the death of the gamma radiation creature known as the Abomination. It also contains the first appearance of a character who would become one of the most important members of the Avengers, the Leader.