Item Biography
*Meet the Incredible Hulk - for the first time! Re-experience the landmark issue that introduced the strangest being of all: Is he man or monster...or is he both? When puny scientist Bruce Banner's gamma bomb experiment is interrupted by young Rick Jones, Banner charges onto the test site to rescue the reckless teen - and ends up caught in the blast! When the sun falls, a hulking new form rises - with gray skin, not green! A weakling no longer, the world is his - for he is the Hulk! But who, or what, is the Gargoyle? What are his plans for this newly-minted monster? And will it be the Hulk, or Bruce Banner, who triumphs over this Iron Curtain evil? It's one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting INCREDIBLE HULK (1962) #1. *Source: marvel.com
"Part 1: The Coming of The Hulk" (V-709) by Lee and Kirby; 6 pages.
At a desert military base, Dr. Bruce Banner readies for the test of his invention, the Gamma Bomb. His assistant Igor, a Communist spy, begs Banner to share his secrets, but he will not. General Thunderbolt Ross chafes at how long it is taking. With the countdown to detonation started, Banner spots teenager Rick Jones driving out to the test range on a dare. Banner instructs Igor to hold the countdown while Banner gets Jones to safety. Igor does not, and Banner is bathed in Gamma rays. When he comes to, he finds Jones has brought him back to base for treatment. The strain of the incident gets to be too much, and Banner undergoes a wild transformation to a grey skinned 'Hulk', and smashes his way to freedom, with Rick Jones in pursuit.
Reprinted in Marvel Tales Annual #1.
"Part 2: The Hulk Strikes!" 5 pages.
With the military at his heels, the Hulk instinctively makes his way to his lab to recover the secret of the bomb. Inside, he finds Igor ransacking the place. The Hulk smashes Igor and returns to normal as the military arrives.
Reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #14.
"Part 3: The Search for the Hulk" 3 pages.
The military is bewildered that they can't find the Hulk, only Banner and Jones. Banner is comforted by Betty Ross, but worries about nightfall, as he changes into the Hulk at sundown.
Reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #15.
"Part 4: Enter...The Gargoyle!" 5 pages.
Igor from his prison cell communicates with his employer, the Gargoyle, who, when he learns of the power of the Hulk, comes to investigate.
Reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #15.
"Part 5: The Hulk Triumphant!" 5 pages.
The Gargoyle captures the Hulk and Jones and brings them to the Kremlin, but by the time they arrive, Banner has returned. The Gargoyle now knows Banners secret, and begs his help to cure him of the affliction that made him a deformed genius. Banner does, and the Gargoyle helps Banner escape.
1st appearances of the Hulk, Bruce Banner, Rick Jones, General Ross, Betty Ross, and the Gargoyle.