Marvel Masterworks: The Incredible Hulk - Volume 6 [Hardcover]

This volume collects issues 122 to 134 of Marvel Comics' The Incredible Hulk from December 1969 to December 1970. They are written (and introduced) by Roy Thomas and pencilled by Herb Trimpe. Inking is by mainly by Herb, with Sal Buscema (2) and John Severin (3). Herb's own inking reminds me of Marie Severin's work on The Hulk, and John Severin keeps up the family style.

The stories are now getting a bit formulaic, which is not a problem if you are a Hulk fan, but if you want a bit more sophistication, then you must look further afield. The stories have as guest-stars The Fantastic Four, The Avengers, Doctor Strange and Iron Man, and villains such as the Leader who pops up several times, and who recruits the Rhino to break up Bruce and Betty's wedding, and later resurrects the Glob. Also featured are Hydra, Tyrannus and the Mole Man, and the Absorbing Man. Among the plot threads, Bruce's personality gets control of the Hulk, and later Bruce gets physically separated from the Hulk. It doesn't last though.

A Hulk fan would give this five stars, a stranger probably three; I'm giving it four.

With this Masterworks volume the Hulk moves out of the '60s and into the '70s. Most Marvel titles of this period were having trouble maintaining quality because the available talent was spread over too many titles with declining sales. The Incredible Hulk was more fortunate than most in that it had a solid writer/artist combination in Roy Thomas and Herb Trimpe. Despite this, one can tell that Thomas and Trimpe were having troubles finding new directions for the Hulk.

The 13 issues (#122 - #134) collected in this volume highlight many of the difficulties of coming up with fresh approaches. The Hulk is of nominally childish and unsophisticated outlook but his intellect and knowledge get moved up and down as the plot requires. Everyone knows that the Hulk and Bruce Banner are one and the same but no villain ever takes advantage of this. (In one issue in this book the villainous Leader says that killing Banner would be no real victory but later says he must find the Hulk's weak point.) The book also uses other Marvel heroes as a crutch of sorts; the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Iron Man, and Dr. Strange make appearances.

There is also an (intentionally?) amusing scene where Major Talbot, in full uniform, is trying to tail a black kid through the 'hood.

But nevertheless, the issues are an engaging and enjoyable read. Thomas and Trimpe are clearing giving it their all. Trimpe, who inks his own pencils through most of the book, is inked by John Severin for the last few issues. The difference is amazing. Thomas has an interesting and informative introduction, as always.

There is only one extra, a Hulk house ad. Disappointingly, the biographies omit John Severin.

Not the best Masterwork volume by any means but the material holds up adequately and the reproduction is first rate. Highly recommended.

I love my Marvel Masterworks hardbound book. This is a great gift for any collector. Keep these amazing books coming!!!