American Update: Hulk Double-Header! Second Series Premiere and First Annual New In
*Marvel: A two-fisted helping of Gamma-infused goodness this week! The first issue of the Hulk’s own title, eccentrically numbered #102, as he assumed the numbering of Tales to Astonish, this was Brucie’s big break, his comeback in his own title after his early-60s 6-issue flop, and the start of the long-running series most associated with him. Mirthful Marie Severin illustrated not only a recap of Bruce Banner’s irradiated origin, but also a new story thread with the Hulk frolicking with some of Thor’s Asgardian chums. (Bonus points for the appearance of guest-villainess the Enchantress (obviously)). The same year, 1968, saw Jade-Jaws’ first Annual, a 50-page extravaganza by Gary Friedrich and that Severin gal again, in which our not-so-jolly green giant travelled to Attilan and fell out with Black Bolt, leader of the reclusive race of super-beings known as the Inhumans. Needless to say – spoiler alert – wannabe usurper Maximus is behind the hostilities, and assembled his own band of rebel Inhumans to further bedevil our hero, all behind an iconic Steranko cover. Our Hulk #102 is a gorgeous FN grade, pence copy, with only the very faintest creasing around the right and upper edges preventing a still higher grade, on sale at £90. Hulk Annual #1 FN+, pence, with again only very light corner and edge creasing not detracting from the impact of the gorgeous cover image is on sale at £50. SORRY, THESE HAVE NOW SOLD