Best Hulk Comics

Regardless of taking on a supporting role in recent films, it’s important to note that the Hulk’s comic book history is far from insignificant. Spanning decades and encompassing tales from psychological terrors to epic space battles, the Hulk stands as a legendary character in his own right. For newcomers eager to delve into this universe, here are some top Hulk comics to kick-start your journey.

Best Hulk comics as of 2025

Due to the ongoing legal complications (Universal Pictures retains the distribution rights for any standalone Hulk films), the massive green character is frequently relegated to a supporting role rather than a leading hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s unfortunate, but with some of the more vocal Avengers getting their own movies, it can be easy to overlook him. This is quite ironic given that Hulk is one of Marvel Comics’ most famous and enduring characters, making his debut back in 1962 in The Incredible Hulk #1, a creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. So, kudos for being here and expanding your knowledge on this iconic character; let’s dive into some of the finest portrayals of him!

Future Imperfect/Maestro

Peter David authored Future Imperfect, a flawed world in the upcoming era that, as you might anticipate, is far from perfect! This two-part miniseries published between 1992 and 1993 showcases exceptional painted artwork by George Pérez. Not only does it rank among the greatest Hulk comics, but it’s also deemed indispensable. Future Imperfect unfolds in a bleak future where nuclear catastrophes have decimated Earth, and many heroes perished alongside it. In this desolate landscape, a new dictator emerges, known as the Maestro — a sinister, more ruthless incarnation of the Hulk. In this alternate timeline, the Maestro is none other than Bruce Banner, now corrupted by power and sorrow after many years have passed.

The only solution is to face him directly. A band of rebels from the future manipulate time travel to introduce present-day Hulk into their timeline. This is simply fantastic. Furthermore, it serves as a humbling reminder for our egos — what advice would your ideal self give to your most flawed self? And considering humanity’s ability to destroy itself, what vestige of human essence could endure? I find the profound, philosophical quandaries that comics present intriguing, and this one is no exception.

Hulk: Gray

From December 2003 until April 2004, Hulk: Gray was a six-issue series penned by Jeph Loeb with illustrations by Tim Sale. This series falls under Marvel’s color series, which encompasses other titles like Spider-Man: Blue, Daredevil: Yellow, and Captain America: White. If you’re interested, I recommend checking them out too. In the same vein as these others, Hulk: Gray delves deeper into its protagonist’s character, providing a more personal and introspective perspective. To put it simply, we gain a wealth of emotional history and psychological insight.

Title “Gray” is fitting, as this tale delves into the complexities or gray zones, not only concerning the characters’ uncertainties but also referencing the original gray Hulk before he turned green due to printing errors (an oversight). Over time, this unexpected transformation led to two distinct character versions. In “Hulk: Gray,” Loeb and Sale reimagine the Hulk’s origin story based on the original gray incarnation.

Planet Hulk and World War Hulk

It’s possible I might be combining two for the price of one, but I’d like to discuss the extensive Marvel crossover events penned by Greg Pak: Planet Hulk (issues #92-105 of Incredible Hulk) and World War Hulk (starting with World War Hulk #1-5). These epic stories unfold when Earth’s Illuminati, consisting of Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, and others, decide to exile the Hulk into space following another rampage. This wasn’t a hasty or malicious decision, but rather a difficult one that sparked much debate among heroes. They didn’t simply fling him out into the unknown; they aimed to send him to a peaceful planet where he could unwind, enjoy some quiet time, and take a break.

In an unexpected turn of events due to a navigational mishap, the Hulk finds himself stranded on the war-ravaged planet of Sakaar, as seen in Thor: Ragnarok. Despite its hostile environment, the Hulk showcases his remarkable abilities and even grows stronger. However, amidst the chaos, he also discovers love and rallies a rebellion to dethrone the oppressive Red King. In time, he assumes a leadership role. Yet, peace is short-lived as Sakaar is destroyed, prompting the Hulk’s return to Earth, seeking vengeance against those he suspects for the destruction of his newfound home.

In the 2000s, Planet Hulk and World War Hulk are two of the most memorable Hulk comic book series. They explore what transpires when the Hulk no longer struggles with his strength but instead embraces his rage. Although the Hulk might seem like the villain in World War Hulk, it’s challenging not to sympathize with Earth’s retribution.

Immortal Hulk

As a reader, I can confidently say that diving into the Immortal Hulk is an enjoyable experience, even for those new to the series. You won’t need extensive prior knowledge to fully appreciate it as it offers a self-contained narrative and provides ample backstory within the comic itself. The genre of this Hulk comic is a unique blend, encompassing elements of horror, psychological drama, science fiction, and body horror – a truly eclectic mix that sets it apart. It’s this unusual yet compelling combination that makes Immortal Hulk stand out among the best Hulk comics available today.

In the narrative I’m about to describe, I find myself immersed in the world of a character named Banner, who, due to an occurrence revealed later, is miraculously rid of his gamma-induced alter ego – the Hulk. However, Banner’s scientific curiosity leads him back to his old experiments, and he is haunted by a prophetic vision of himself transforming into the colossal green monster. This transformation, it seems, will result in unimaginable loss of life. His friends are left with no choice but to carry out the unthinkable – they must end Banner’s life to prevent this catastrophe. Yet, death appears to have little effect on our protagonist. (For those intrigued by another resurrected comic character, there’s always Swarm.)

Written by Al Ewing and featuring artwork by Joe Bennett, The Immortal Hulk explores the profound question of coexisting with your own self when certain aspects appear irreparably damaged. This series stands out distinctively in the Marvel universe, positioning it as one of the finest Hulk stories, if not among the top Marvel comics overall.

Incredible Hulk: Days of Rage

As a passionate film buff, I simply can’t contain my excitement about diving into The Incredible Hulk Vol. 1, issue #300 – a monumental milestone! This isn’t just any regular issue; it’s part of a thrilling mini-arc that unfolds across issues #298–300.

In true Hulk fashion, our green giant succumbs to his rage and begins wreaking havoc on anyone unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity. You see, the Hulk’s ability to discern friend from foe isn’t exactly his forte. It’s an exhilarating ride that I can’t wait to experience!

In the comic book “Days of Rage,” published in December 1984, we delve deeply into a narrative where the villainous Nightmare seizes control of the Hulk’s consciousness. As a result, the Hulk wreaks havoc across New York City, prompting the Avengers to intervene and attempt to halt his rampage. The story was written by Bill Mantlo, with artwork by Sal Buscema, ink work by Terry Talaoc, and colors by Bob Sharen.

How we chose the best Hulk comics

There are numerous exceptional Hulk tales worth reading, and choosing the top Hulk comics involves considering both personal preference and those praised by fans over time. It’s essential to emphasize the seminal storylines that help define the character for new readers. Additionally, comics with high readability factor are often included in the list of finest Hulk stories.

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2025-07-29 02:48

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