Part three of “Tempest Fugit” hits the stores this week. Whad’ja think?
PAD
83 comments on “Out this week: Hulk #79”
Wow! First on this thread and it’s Thursday! Haven’t picked up the issue yet (I generally pick up my books at my LCS on Saturday) but I thought visitors to this blog, and this thread in particular, might enjoy excerpts from an interview I did with Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada. The interview was wide-ranging, but the excerpts naturally deal with PAD’s return to “The Incredible Hulk”. Anyone who wants a full transcript of the interview, which deals with virtually every Marvel title and big name, can e-mail me at jeromemaida@hotmail.com, and I’ll send it to you.
Another wonderful issue, PAD. I’m really getting into this badass green Hulk incarnation you’re depicting. I hope you plan to have him stick around for a while.
These flashback sequences to Bruce’s high school years are nicely done. I love the seamless transitions from present to past and back again. Bruce’s aunt tearing up the letter from Brian was an interesting development. I wonder if Bruce will ever find out about this (if he doesn’t know already)? It’s also a rare treat to see Bruce and the Hulk agree on anything, and I can only imagine where this new alliance to “smash them all” will lead.
General Ross? I’m still not sure. While it’s great to see ol’ Thunderbolt again, I still have this gnawing feeling in my gut that there is much more going on on the Island than meets the eye. Also cool to see Cerberus show up and start tearing Ross limb from limb. The three-headed dog’s always been a childhood favorite of mine.
The battle between the Hulk and Fin Fang Foom had the perfect amount of dry humor and serious action. Lee Weeks’ art is a great compliment to your writing. I wish he were able to stay on the book longer.
I’m eagerly awaiting Part Four, and the Hulk’s inevitable encounter with the “first appearance” Wolverine. Keep up the great work!
–Don aka Ygor
I’m thinkin I’m gonna pick it up next week, so then I’ll 2 great comics waiting for me (Hulk & Runaways) instead of only 1. Can’t wait to read ’em.
Hope you enjoyed my input!
The issue was great!My local shop ordered extras for your run and sold out of all copies by 2pm on wed. Thankfully mine was held for me and they plan to order more.
I love the dialog between the Hulk and Fin Fan Foom. “Got your tongue!” had me laughing out loud during my break at work.
Also I enjoyed the 3 headed dog taking out Gen Ross, after the coments of Hëll and not seeing any 3 headed dogs around.
MAIDA: Now, Peter David is back on the Hulk.
QUESADA:Mm-hm.
MAIDA: Given his long previous run on the title, and his acrimonious departure from it, how were you able to entice him to come back? Because it seems you’re very good at smoothing over past relationships.
QUEASADA: Well – it was as simple as – you know, I mean, Peter and I have had words in the past publicly, you know? And I take stuff like that less seriously than most people. So peter and i just sort of sat one day and we’re like, “We like each other. Why are we doing this? (laughs) So it was very simple. It was just a matter of – like, when Hulk became available after Bruce Jones left.
I figured, you know…Peter was owed at least another arc or two on the book. Because fans have been calling for it. So, you know, the best we can do is give Peter a shot.
Look, the worst thing that can happen is the book doesn’t sell great and then we just move on and we part company and we’re still friends.
Peter’s got other books that he does with us, too.
It’s a shot for him to sort of – you know – get back in the saddle with the book, and we’ll see how the fans and retailers respond.
MAIDA: Now, it’s always tough when creators come back to titles they’re strongly identified with. Mark Waid. Chris Claremont. What have you. What is your reaction to the storyline so far and could there be more to come?
QUESADA: With Peter?
MAIDA: Yes.
QUESADA: Well, my reaction is I’ve enjoyed the first two issues that I’ve read. But, ultimately…it’s not – now it’s not about me. I mean, now it’s about the people that vote with their dollars…and they have to tell us what they think. So – really – we’ll wat and see.
Tongue.
MAIDA: Now, Peter David is back on the Hulk.
QUESADA:Mm-hm.
MAIDA: Given his long previous run on the title, and his acrimonious departure from it, how were you able to entice him to come back? Because it seems you’re very good at smoothing over past relationships.
QUEASADA: Well – it was as simple as – you know, I mean, Peter and I have had words in the past publicly, you know? And I take stuff like that less seriously than most people. So peter and i just sort of sat one day and we’re like, “We like each other. Why are we doing this? (laughs) So it was very simple. It was just a matter of – like, when Hulk became available after Bruce Jones left.
I figured, you know…Peter was owed at least another arc or two on the book. Because fans have been calling for it. So, you know, the best we can do is give Peter a shot.
Look, the worst thing that can happen is the book doesn’t sell great and then we just move on and we part company and we’re still friends.
Peter’s got other books that he does with us, too.
It’s a shot for him to sort of – you know – get back in the saddle with the book, and we’ll see how the fans and retailers respond.
MAIDA: Now, it’s always tough when creators come back to titles they’re strongly identified with. Mark Waid. Chris Claremont. What have you. What is your reaction to the storyline so far and could there be more to come?
QUESADA: With Peter?
MAIDA: Yes.
QUESADA: Well, my reaction is I’ve enjoyed the first two issues that I’ve read. But, ultimately…it’s not – now it’s not about me. I mean, now it’s about the people that vote with their dollars…and they have to tell us what they think. So – really – we’ll wait and see.
“Didn’t you see any science fiction movie ever!”
Hehehehe.
Great stuff – a kick-ášš fight, some odd psychological stuff that I want to see played out (and perhaps resolved), a three-headed dog.
And great art and colouring. I’m very impressed and very happy!
Great book, Peter. Best issue of the Tempest Fugit arc so far. The way in which Hulk dealt with Fin Fang Foon was worth the cover price alone.
I do have a question, though:
I stopped buying your first run sometime after the incarnation where the merged Hulk would revert to Banner, but with the old Hulk’s personality, which first occurred at the end of the Pantheon era. I stopped largely because of the lower and lower quality of the art, and finally, because of what happened with Heroes Reborn. But then I started to try and get the issues I missed around the time your run ended, and I learned something along the lines that the merged Hulk was revealed to be just another personality called “The Professor,” or something, but I notice now that Hulk is still smart, but mean like Mr. Fixit. My question therefore, is what exactly is the nature of this current incarnation, and what happened to him personality-wise after the appearance of that incarnation at the end of the Pantheon era? I just need to keep this straight. And was Betty ever brought back?
Loving the story….I really hope you’re staying on the book for awhile. And if Lee Weeks could find the time to hang around, too…well, that’d just be perfect.
Thank-You Mr. David–I was looking for a reason why I still buy/read comics. As long as you keep writing comics/novels–I (and my nephews) will keep on reading.
Curiouser and curiouser.
We have now been presented with two ‘explanations’ of what’s happening (From Ross and Fin Fang Foon) and I find myself believing neither one. The latest incarnation of the Hulk seems a merger of the Nasty grey Hulk and the arrogant ‘Professor’ Hulk with some more communication between himself and Banner. Plus the flashbacks (memories or imagined events by our lead character?) grow more worrisome.
I do hope Gwen and Ripley survive this mess. I find the two of them interesting. Sadly, Ripley’s explanation for things is the one that makes the most sense. The only hope I cling to in that regards is that, last I knew, General Ross was still alive. but then,I haven’t read the Hulk since you left sir. That could have changed.
Or he could be another phantasm.
Of course, the shadowed figure in part two has yet to introduce himself. (Reminds me of the Leader but that could be a bizarre wish fulfillment on my part.) And isn’t it interesting that, every time Hulk or Banner get a moment to catch their breath and wonder what is really going on, another figure immediately arrives to distract them? Does our friend in the shadows intend to keep Banner from emerging and asking (or worse, answering) any questions?
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Sliding towards sunrise,
Brian Jordan
Page 3: Gwen says to Ross “You’re the leader.”
I think that’s all the evidence we need, given the circumstances of PAD’s sense of humor.
I’m enjoying this. I get the idea that Banner isn’t the only fractured persona on the island — these “illusions” all seem to be semi-independent.
Part of why I’m enjoying it is that Banner and the Hulk have formed a dubious partnership. Banner and the Hulk don’t like each other, but know they need each other.
Further, this incarnation of the Hulk has gotten away from annoyances like Hulk’s 3-year-old-child persona or the amnesia separating Banner’s and Hulk’s experiences.
Another nice wrinkle: while we know Hulk/Banner will survive, and the villain’s “death” won’t hold, Ripley and Gwen are still at real risk. For all we know, one or both of them are island illusions. That gives the story a grounding that you don’t see in the recent mega-events-bending-title-hero-out-of-shape.
The Hulk fairly easily ripping off Foomy’s wings…. sumpin’ up when that happens.
Also… did anyone else look twice when one of those kids responded to General Ross with “You’re the leader.”?
Very fun read. I’m looking forward to the rest of the tale and more of Week’s increcible art.
fred
You know, I hate to say this, but I have yet to pick up any of the Hulk issues PAD had done yet. I think that my comic buying habits have just changed totally in the years since he last did the book on a regular basis.
10 years or so ago I used to know 15+ people who bought loads of comics on a regular basis. now, I just know three (including myself). Of those three, one seems stuck in the ‘bad girl’ phase of comic buying, another primarily buys ‘fandom’ related comics (Knights of the Dinner Table, Dork Tower, and the like). I myself still buy ‘standard’ superhero comics, and that mostly consists of the Avengers, JLA, the Ultimates, and ‘Ultimate JLA’… ummm, I mean Supreme Power 🙂
I probably will go back and collect the PAD issues of Hulk, espically if he should become the ‘permanent’ writer of the book.
I noticed something odd. During one of Bruce’s school flashbacks, there appears to be an actual Hulk comic book on the ground next to Bruce’s feet in one of the panels. Was this deliberate? Might this explain where the concept of the Hulk came from in Bruce’s mind? Am I overthinking this?
Anyway, loved the ish. Story, art, both top-notch. I’m a happy Hulk fan again.
I’m really enjoying this series for the psychological mystery, and I’m a big fan of Tom Palmer’s inks. I’m eagerly awaiting the concluding issues. And I feel bad about myself when the thing I most wanted to know was why Fin Fang Foom wasn’t wearing his diaper.
–your pal, Hoy
Really, really enjoying it. Best Hulk stories since, well, the last time you wrote a Hulk story. Please, please,please keep writing this book!
Unabashedly,
Dave
I’m REALLY gonna miss Weeks when he leaves. Not a huge fan of Jae Lee’s but can take it for an arc or so. Now that the cover is more in tune with what behind it, let’s work on getting back Annuals.
Fin Fang Foom go boom?
Oh, well.
I seem to vaguely recall reading about Fin Fang Foom in CBG a few years ago, but other than that, I’m not familiar with the character.
On a slightly related note, I find it amusing when person A attacks person B without success; then impressed that he or she was able to withstand said attack, offers him or her a job, fully expecting it to be accepted.
Yeah, that’s gonna happen.
As to the overall story arc, I’m enjoying it. Both the present day stuff and the flashbacks to Bruce in high school.
Rick
Well, first, thanks for spoiling “Lost” to the rest of us…
But seriously, it was great. I love stories that intercut cool action sequences (Hulk jumping off the volcano – sweet) and character development. I guess I’m really curious whether the flashbacks are real: did Banner have an imaginary friend called Hulk back in his high school days, or is the present just interfering with memories of the past?
I’ve been trying to place Hulk’s personality. He’s definitely different from before. I think it’s confidence. He doesn’t posture as much any more, and he’s much more practical about how he expresses his strength. He thinks nothing of his opponents and doesn’t really care about proving who’s stronger, because everybody knows who’s stronger. So it must be confidence.
The story continues to meet the high standards I hold for a PAD-penned book. Curious about the mystery surrounding this island – for all we know, it’s not even an island at all. Villains in comics who love to “test” someone else tend to be ludicrously well-financed, so maybe it’s all just a testing facility. If that’s the real General Ross, then it could be a sign that the Hulkbusters are around. And, if not, I guess it’s a freaky, cool new villain.
Or the Leader.
Keep up the good work, Mr. David.
-Andy Holman
Well, I haven’t read the Hulk regularly since the 3 part X Factor cross-over (“the Professor”, as he’s called now, didn’t really facinate me as much as the grey Hulk), but you pulled me right back in. I’m really liking this version of the Hulk as well as the Banner flashbacks (one of my favorite issues was 377, IIRC, with Samson going into Bruce’s mind to try to reconcile the three).
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find 77 anywhere, guess everyone other than the fans underestimated you, eh? 🙁
ah well, looks like I’m getting a regular monthly on-going series again, as long as you’re writing it.
Kickass book. Second time in a row I left my LCS without grabbing it and had to go back — I’ve never been interested in The Hulk as a character and I didn’t become a fan of Peter David until sometime after his last run, so #77 was the first issue I ever picked up. I’m having a real good time with “Tempus Fugit” — has their been any news aboout whether or not David will continue after #82?
> Ken wrote: I noticed something odd. During one of Bruce’s school flashbacks, there appears to be an actual Hulk comic book on the ground next to Bruce’s feet in one of the panels. Was this deliberate? Might this explain where the concept of the Hulk came from in Bruce’s mind? Am I overthinking this?
I wonder if it’s an homage to Journey Into Mystery #s 62 and 66, which came out two years before the Hulk’s creation. I remember reading about them in an issue of Wizard. The story, written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, featured a huge, brown-furred, lumbering creature called “The Living Hulk”. This character could be considered a precursor to OUR “Incredible Hulk.”
–Don aka Ygor
And, if not, I guess it’s a freaky, cool new villain.
Or the Leader.
This is a direct quote from the latest issue: “You’re the leader.”
Make of that what you will.
I think people are reading waaaaaaaay too much into that “You’re the Leader” comment.
Especially since Bruce Jones’ last arc ended with the secret mystery villain being revealed as the Leader.
Besides – hasn’t PAD already said the Leader is NOT behind this?
I’m loving PAD’s story so far, it has been fun trying to guess where it’s heading, but this issue had one truthfully insignificant negative for me that just bothers me to no end.
The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the character in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Sometimes (rarely) PAD’s humour just doesn’t work for me and pulls me out of the story. Pretty -much 99% of his Young Justice was like that for me. Never did it bother me with X-factor, Aquaman, the Hulk (until now) or Supergirl.
I still can’t wait for the next issue though.
“So…Not…Caring!” was actually my favorite line of the book.
Loved this issue. Loved the fight between the Hulk and Fin Faux Foom. Here’s hoping PAD and Weeks stick around…
Love the dialogue. The whole exchange with Fing Fang Foom was priceless. Definitely seems to be somewhat of a parallel (homage?) to Lost. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I’m definitely in for the run.
“I’m having a real good time with “Tempus Fugit” — has their been any news aboout whether or not David will continue after #82?”
I know PAD’s staying until Decemberish. Not sure about Lee though. And there will be a mini-series involving a Hulk character (writen by Peter David, of course) that might come out later this year.
The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the character in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
I thought it was in character actually. Hulk is the kind of character who doesn’t like to get involved, just wants to be left alone–least, that’s what he’s said. He keeps trying to get away from these sorts of things, yet they seem to keep finding him. He doesn’t care about villainous plots or anything like that, he’s just ticked off that someone’s picked a fight with him.
As for Hulk’s language/grammar usage… I’m surprised nobody’s realized that he actually uses grammar (most of the time). This Hulk is pretty darn eloquent compared to the more famous incarnation.
In fact, we may be dealing with a completely new Hulk. There was the gray Hulk, the mean one. There was the famous green one, the one that postured and flexed his muscles and threw tanks. And now there’s this one, the sort of weary, doesn’t-wanna-get-involved one. (I know there are other incarnations, but I’ve only read the first Visionaries volume.)
Really, really liked it! Keep up the good work, I’ll keep buying!
“So Not Caring” was my favorite line too.
If it’s the Leader, I’m never reading anything by Peter David again – not that he cares, but there it is. (I have great confidence that it’s not the Leader.)
I liked the issue, and it’s always interesting to see Fin Fang Foom, but when did Bruce become Peter Parker in high school? On PAD’s original run on the title, we didn’t see too much of teenaged Bruce, and I don’t know if other writers have tackled it. It was just kind of Lee/Ditko Spider-Man-ish, I thought.
My guess is that the leader comment was thrown in to throw off readers.
I was also one who saw the “so not caring” line and thought of PAD’s Buffy influence. It didn’t add or take anything away from the story for me, simply a fun nod to a great series.
Fred
As much as I hate to disagree with what was apparently everyone’s favorite line, the Hulk never says “So not caring.” What he said was “Not really caring.” Which doesn’t sound especially “Buffy” to me, although personally I think we’re reaching new heights in attempting to draw parallels between my work and Whedon’s.
The line stemmed from my determination to make the Hulk sound different this go-around than other times, and also to distinguish him from the Hulk in the flashbacks who generally refers to himself in the third person. Since I wanted to make this Hulk distinctive, I wanted to minimize his dialogue whenever possible. And one way to do that was to drop pronouns altogether. Rather than him saying “I’ll smash you!” or “Hulk will smash,” he’ll simply say nothing or, at most, “Smash you.” On occasion he’ll use personal pronouns, but for the most part, none at all.
None of which has a dámņëd thing to do with Buffy.
PAD
Hmm. What would Freud say about PAD’s issues with Buffy? 😉
Great comic. My favorite line was the one that said (paraprhasing): “Have you never watched a science fiction movie?” Classic.
Based on how long it takes to get a comic pitched and written, etc., I would guess that PAD had this idea before LOST came on the air. So the similarities are quite interesting in how they parallel, even though I doubt PAD knew much if anything about LOST when he planned this story. I think it goes back to both works playing off of the “stereotype” story, but both doing it well with some rather fun and different twists.
One side note (meant to be humorous): I thought the Hulk’s pants surviving the fiery onslaught was rather funny. Not saying I actually would prefer to see a nude Hulk (if for nothing else, to keep PAD from being distracted by complaints from us eeeeeeevil conservatives), but you have to admit it is not very realistic. Not to mention that they should just fall off of Banner when he reverts since the waist size of the Hulk is clearly much bigger. (Not a new or original observation, just somewhat that stood out to me in light of recent postings about nudity, etc., in comics.)
Iowa Jim
Iowa Jim wrote:
“….Not to mention that they (the Hulk’s pants) should just fall off of Banner when he reverts since the waist size of the Hulk is clearly much bigger.”
A brief scene in PAD’s original run of “The Incredible Hulk” obliquely addressed that issue. If I remember correctly, it was during the “Mr. Fix-it” era in Las Vegas, when Banner finally returned. But whatever the circumstances, Banner was in a clothing store looking for a new pair of pants. The clerk was trying to move a huge stock of one particular kind that had a _very_ elastic waistband.
Banner’s comment: “They’re all purple.”
Rick
Less confusing; looked great!
I’d say it was a dad-blamed good book!
I enjoyed it a great deal
the coloring was noticably cool whenFFF was about to blast him with fire.
I am really enjoyin it and am glad you are back.
Also, does anyone know where to find cheap issues/trades of Sachs and Violens online?
Without the “so” it’s not really a Buffy line anymore. 🙂
PAD and Whedon do have some things in common, such as their sense of humor and how they tell a story visually, but the buck stops there. If Whedon were writing Hulk and PAD were writing Astonishing X-men, the results would be something very different from what we have. They might echo one another, but it all boils down to the fact that they tell different stories and would tell the same stories differently.
I bought this one SOLELY for the purpose of giving it to my dad, who is the biggest Fin Fang Foom fan in existence.
He LOVED it. Even if FFF lost, he loved the fact that somebody even USED FFF in a story. So on his behalf, thanks. 🙂
PAD’s explanation (not that it was required for me anyway) of a different Hulk/different dialogue makes perfect sense.
I don’t know anything at all about any Whedon/David parallels. The only Whedon I have read is Astonishing X-men. I hope I didn’t I didn’t unintentionally cause insult. I meant something BUFFY would say, not something Whedon would type. He didn
marc, I saw no insult in your comments. As someone who appreciates both Whedon’s and David’s work, the statement in question still strikes me as very reminiscent of the Buffy characters. Saying it out loud only reaffirms the similarities in my mind, though I’ve no doubt that PAD was doing his own thing and there was no conscious intention here, since he said as much.
Fred
marc: The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the ch]aracter in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Luigi Novi: Which is why he never said that.
He said
marc: The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the ch]aracter in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Luigi Novi: Which is why he never said that.
He said
This was a great issue. I just know somthing shocking is brewing with this whole highschool flashback thing going on. Didn’t think I’d ever be more surprised than the issue where you find out Banner killed his father. Well just have to see…
• 
Wow! First on this thread and it’s Thursday! Haven’t picked up the issue yet (I generally pick up my books at my LCS on Saturday) but I thought visitors to this blog, and this thread in particular, might enjoy excerpts from an interview I did with Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada. The interview was wide-ranging, but the excerpts naturally deal with PAD’s return to “The Incredible Hulk”. Anyone who wants a full transcript of the interview, which deals with virtually every Marvel title and big name, can e-mail me at jeromemaida@hotmail.com, and I’ll send it to you.
Another wonderful issue, PAD. I’m really getting into this badass green Hulk incarnation you’re depicting. I hope you plan to have him stick around for a while.
These flashback sequences to Bruce’s high school years are nicely done. I love the seamless transitions from present to past and back again. Bruce’s aunt tearing up the letter from Brian was an interesting development. I wonder if Bruce will ever find out about this (if he doesn’t know already)? It’s also a rare treat to see Bruce and the Hulk agree on anything, and I can only imagine where this new alliance to “smash them all” will lead.
General Ross? I’m still not sure. While it’s great to see ol’ Thunderbolt again, I still have this gnawing feeling in my gut that there is much more going on on the Island than meets the eye. Also cool to see Cerberus show up and start tearing Ross limb from limb. The three-headed dog’s always been a childhood favorite of mine.
The battle between the Hulk and Fin Fang Foom had the perfect amount of dry humor and serious action. Lee Weeks’ art is a great compliment to your writing. I wish he were able to stay on the book longer.
I’m eagerly awaiting Part Four, and the Hulk’s inevitable encounter with the “first appearance” Wolverine. Keep up the great work!
–Don aka Ygor
I’m thinkin I’m gonna pick it up next week, so then I’ll 2 great comics waiting for me (Hulk & Runaways) instead of only 1. Can’t wait to read ’em.
Hope you enjoyed my input!
The issue was great!My local shop ordered extras for your run and sold out of all copies by 2pm on wed. Thankfully mine was held for me and they plan to order more.
I love the dialog between the Hulk and Fin Fan Foom. “Got your tongue!” had me laughing out loud during my break at work.
Also I enjoyed the 3 headed dog taking out Gen Ross, after the coments of Hëll and not seeing any 3 headed dogs around.
MAIDA: Now, Peter David is back on the Hulk.
QUESADA:Mm-hm.
MAIDA: Given his long previous run on the title, and his acrimonious departure from it, how were you able to entice him to come back? Because it seems you’re very good at smoothing over past relationships.
QUEASADA: Well – it was as simple as – you know, I mean, Peter and I have had words in the past publicly, you know? And I take stuff like that less seriously than most people. So peter and i just sort of sat one day and we’re like, “We like each other. Why are we doing this? (laughs) So it was very simple. It was just a matter of – like, when Hulk became available after Bruce Jones left.
I figured, you know…Peter was owed at least another arc or two on the book. Because fans have been calling for it. So, you know, the best we can do is give Peter a shot.
Look, the worst thing that can happen is the book doesn’t sell great and then we just move on and we part company and we’re still friends.
Peter’s got other books that he does with us, too.
It’s a shot for him to sort of – you know – get back in the saddle with the book, and we’ll see how the fans and retailers respond.
MAIDA: Now, it’s always tough when creators come back to titles they’re strongly identified with. Mark Waid. Chris Claremont. What have you. What is your reaction to the storyline so far and could there be more to come?
QUESADA: With Peter?
MAIDA: Yes.
QUESADA: Well, my reaction is I’ve enjoyed the first two issues that I’ve read. But, ultimately…it’s not – now it’s not about me. I mean, now it’s about the people that vote with their dollars…and they have to tell us what they think. So – really – we’ll wat and see.
Tongue.
MAIDA: Now, Peter David is back on the Hulk.
QUESADA:Mm-hm.
MAIDA: Given his long previous run on the title, and his acrimonious departure from it, how were you able to entice him to come back? Because it seems you’re very good at smoothing over past relationships.
QUEASADA: Well – it was as simple as – you know, I mean, Peter and I have had words in the past publicly, you know? And I take stuff like that less seriously than most people. So peter and i just sort of sat one day and we’re like, “We like each other. Why are we doing this? (laughs) So it was very simple. It was just a matter of – like, when Hulk became available after Bruce Jones left.
I figured, you know…Peter was owed at least another arc or two on the book. Because fans have been calling for it. So, you know, the best we can do is give Peter a shot.
Look, the worst thing that can happen is the book doesn’t sell great and then we just move on and we part company and we’re still friends.
Peter’s got other books that he does with us, too.
It’s a shot for him to sort of – you know – get back in the saddle with the book, and we’ll see how the fans and retailers respond.
MAIDA: Now, it’s always tough when creators come back to titles they’re strongly identified with. Mark Waid. Chris Claremont. What have you. What is your reaction to the storyline so far and could there be more to come?
QUESADA: With Peter?
MAIDA: Yes.
QUESADA: Well, my reaction is I’ve enjoyed the first two issues that I’ve read. But, ultimately…it’s not – now it’s not about me. I mean, now it’s about the people that vote with their dollars…and they have to tell us what they think. So – really – we’ll wait and see.
“Didn’t you see any science fiction movie ever!”
Hehehehe.
Great stuff – a kick-ášš fight, some odd psychological stuff that I want to see played out (and perhaps resolved), a three-headed dog.
And great art and colouring. I’m very impressed and very happy!
Great book, Peter. Best issue of the Tempest Fugit arc so far. The way in which Hulk dealt with Fin Fang Foon was worth the cover price alone.
I do have a question, though:
I stopped buying your first run sometime after the incarnation where the merged Hulk would revert to Banner, but with the old Hulk’s personality, which first occurred at the end of the Pantheon era. I stopped largely because of the lower and lower quality of the art, and finally, because of what happened with Heroes Reborn. But then I started to try and get the issues I missed around the time your run ended, and I learned something along the lines that the merged Hulk was revealed to be just another personality called “The Professor,” or something, but I notice now that Hulk is still smart, but mean like Mr. Fixit. My question therefore, is what exactly is the nature of this current incarnation, and what happened to him personality-wise after the appearance of that incarnation at the end of the Pantheon era? I just need to keep this straight. And was Betty ever brought back?
Loving the story….I really hope you’re staying on the book for awhile. And if Lee Weeks could find the time to hang around, too…well, that’d just be perfect.
Thank-You Mr. David–I was looking for a reason why I still buy/read comics. As long as you keep writing comics/novels–I (and my nephews) will keep on reading.
Curiouser and curiouser.
We have now been presented with two ‘explanations’ of what’s happening (From Ross and Fin Fang Foon) and I find myself believing neither one. The latest incarnation of the Hulk seems a merger of the Nasty grey Hulk and the arrogant ‘Professor’ Hulk with some more communication between himself and Banner. Plus the flashbacks (memories or imagined events by our lead character?) grow more worrisome.
I do hope Gwen and Ripley survive this mess. I find the two of them interesting. Sadly, Ripley’s explanation for things is the one that makes the most sense. The only hope I cling to in that regards is that, last I knew, General Ross was still alive. but then,I haven’t read the Hulk since you left sir. That could have changed.
Or he could be another phantasm.
Of course, the shadowed figure in part two has yet to introduce himself. (Reminds me of the Leader but that could be a bizarre wish fulfillment on my part.) And isn’t it interesting that, every time Hulk or Banner get a moment to catch their breath and wonder what is really going on, another figure immediately arrives to distract them? Does our friend in the shadows intend to keep Banner from emerging and asking (or worse, answering) any questions?
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Sliding towards sunrise,
Brian Jordan
Page 3: Gwen says to Ross “You’re the leader.”
I think that’s all the evidence we need, given the circumstances of PAD’s sense of humor.
I’m enjoying this. I get the idea that Banner isn’t the only fractured persona on the island — these “illusions” all seem to be semi-independent.
Part of why I’m enjoying it is that Banner and the Hulk have formed a dubious partnership. Banner and the Hulk don’t like each other, but know they need each other.
Further, this incarnation of the Hulk has gotten away from annoyances like Hulk’s 3-year-old-child persona or the amnesia separating Banner’s and Hulk’s experiences.
Another nice wrinkle: while we know Hulk/Banner will survive, and the villain’s “death” won’t hold, Ripley and Gwen are still at real risk. For all we know, one or both of them are island illusions. That gives the story a grounding that you don’t see in the recent mega-events-bending-title-hero-out-of-shape.
The Hulk fairly easily ripping off Foomy’s wings…. sumpin’ up when that happens.
Also… did anyone else look twice when one of those kids responded to General Ross with “You’re the leader.”?
Very fun read. I’m looking forward to the rest of the tale and more of Week’s increcible art.
fred
You know, I hate to say this, but I have yet to pick up any of the Hulk issues PAD had done yet. I think that my comic buying habits have just changed totally in the years since he last did the book on a regular basis.
10 years or so ago I used to know 15+ people who bought loads of comics on a regular basis. now, I just know three (including myself). Of those three, one seems stuck in the ‘bad girl’ phase of comic buying, another primarily buys ‘fandom’ related comics (Knights of the Dinner Table, Dork Tower, and the like). I myself still buy ‘standard’ superhero comics, and that mostly consists of the Avengers, JLA, the Ultimates, and ‘Ultimate JLA’… ummm, I mean Supreme Power 🙂
I probably will go back and collect the PAD issues of Hulk, espically if he should become the ‘permanent’ writer of the book.
I noticed something odd. During one of Bruce’s school flashbacks, there appears to be an actual Hulk comic book on the ground next to Bruce’s feet in one of the panels. Was this deliberate? Might this explain where the concept of the Hulk came from in Bruce’s mind? Am I overthinking this?
Anyway, loved the ish. Story, art, both top-notch. I’m a happy Hulk fan again.
I’m really enjoying this series for the psychological mystery, and I’m a big fan of Tom Palmer’s inks. I’m eagerly awaiting the concluding issues. And I feel bad about myself when the thing I most wanted to know was why Fin Fang Foom wasn’t wearing his diaper.
–your pal, Hoy
Really, really enjoying it. Best Hulk stories since, well, the last time you wrote a Hulk story. Please, please,please keep writing this book!
Unabashedly,
Dave
I’m REALLY gonna miss Weeks when he leaves. Not a huge fan of Jae Lee’s but can take it for an arc or so. Now that the cover is more in tune with what behind it, let’s work on getting back Annuals.
Fin Fang Foom go boom?
Oh, well.
I seem to vaguely recall reading about Fin Fang Foom in CBG a few years ago, but other than that, I’m not familiar with the character.
On a slightly related note, I find it amusing when person A attacks person B without success; then impressed that he or she was able to withstand said attack, offers him or her a job, fully expecting it to be accepted.
Yeah, that’s gonna happen.
As to the overall story arc, I’m enjoying it. Both the present day stuff and the flashbacks to Bruce in high school.
Rick
Well, first, thanks for spoiling “Lost” to the rest of us…
But seriously, it was great. I love stories that intercut cool action sequences (Hulk jumping off the volcano – sweet) and character development. I guess I’m really curious whether the flashbacks are real: did Banner have an imaginary friend called Hulk back in his high school days, or is the present just interfering with memories of the past?
I’ve been trying to place Hulk’s personality. He’s definitely different from before. I think it’s confidence. He doesn’t posture as much any more, and he’s much more practical about how he expresses his strength. He thinks nothing of his opponents and doesn’t really care about proving who’s stronger, because everybody knows who’s stronger. So it must be confidence.
The story continues to meet the high standards I hold for a PAD-penned book. Curious about the mystery surrounding this island – for all we know, it’s not even an island at all. Villains in comics who love to “test” someone else tend to be ludicrously well-financed, so maybe it’s all just a testing facility. If that’s the real General Ross, then it could be a sign that the Hulkbusters are around. And, if not, I guess it’s a freaky, cool new villain.
Or the Leader.
Keep up the good work, Mr. David.
-Andy Holman
Well, I haven’t read the Hulk regularly since the 3 part X Factor cross-over (“the Professor”, as he’s called now, didn’t really facinate me as much as the grey Hulk), but you pulled me right back in. I’m really liking this version of the Hulk as well as the Banner flashbacks (one of my favorite issues was 377, IIRC, with Samson going into Bruce’s mind to try to reconcile the three).
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find 77 anywhere, guess everyone other than the fans underestimated you, eh? 🙁
ah well, looks like I’m getting a regular monthly on-going series again, as long as you’re writing it.
Kickass book. Second time in a row I left my LCS without grabbing it and had to go back — I’ve never been interested in The Hulk as a character and I didn’t become a fan of Peter David until sometime after his last run, so #77 was the first issue I ever picked up. I’m having a real good time with “Tempus Fugit” — has their been any news aboout whether or not David will continue after #82?
> Ken wrote: I noticed something odd. During one of Bruce’s school flashbacks, there appears to be an actual Hulk comic book on the ground next to Bruce’s feet in one of the panels. Was this deliberate? Might this explain where the concept of the Hulk came from in Bruce’s mind? Am I overthinking this?
I wonder if it’s an homage to Journey Into Mystery #s 62 and 66, which came out two years before the Hulk’s creation. I remember reading about them in an issue of Wizard. The story, written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, featured a huge, brown-furred, lumbering creature called “The Living Hulk”. This character could be considered a precursor to OUR “Incredible Hulk.”
–Don aka Ygor
And, if not, I guess it’s a freaky, cool new villain.
Or the Leader.
This is a direct quote from the latest issue: “You’re the leader.”
Make of that what you will.
I think people are reading waaaaaaaay too much into that “You’re the Leader” comment.
Especially since Bruce Jones’ last arc ended with the secret mystery villain being revealed as the Leader.
Besides – hasn’t PAD already said the Leader is NOT behind this?
I’m loving PAD’s story so far, it has been fun trying to guess where it’s heading, but this issue had one truthfully insignificant negative for me that just bothers me to no end.
The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the character in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Sometimes (rarely) PAD’s humour just doesn’t work for me and pulls me out of the story. Pretty -much 99% of his Young Justice was like that for me. Never did it bother me with X-factor, Aquaman, the Hulk (until now) or Supergirl.
I still can’t wait for the next issue though.
“So…Not…Caring!” was actually my favorite line of the book.
Loved this issue. Loved the fight between the Hulk and Fin Faux Foom. Here’s hoping PAD and Weeks stick around…
Love the dialogue. The whole exchange with Fing Fang Foom was priceless. Definitely seems to be somewhat of a parallel (homage?) to Lost. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I’m definitely in for the run.
“I’m having a real good time with “Tempus Fugit” — has their been any news aboout whether or not David will continue after #82?”
I know PAD’s staying until Decemberish. Not sure about Lee though. And there will be a mini-series involving a Hulk character (writen by Peter David, of course) that might come out later this year.
The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the character in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
I thought it was in character actually. Hulk is the kind of character who doesn’t like to get involved, just wants to be left alone–least, that’s what he’s said. He keeps trying to get away from these sorts of things, yet they seem to keep finding him. He doesn’t care about villainous plots or anything like that, he’s just ticked off that someone’s picked a fight with him.
As for Hulk’s language/grammar usage… I’m surprised nobody’s realized that he actually uses grammar (most of the time). This Hulk is pretty darn eloquent compared to the more famous incarnation.
In fact, we may be dealing with a completely new Hulk. There was the gray Hulk, the mean one. There was the famous green one, the one that postured and flexed his muscles and threw tanks. And now there’s this one, the sort of weary, doesn’t-wanna-get-involved one. (I know there are other incarnations, but I’ve only read the first Visionaries volume.)
Really, really liked it! Keep up the good work, I’ll keep buying!
“So Not Caring” was my favorite line too.
If it’s the Leader, I’m never reading anything by Peter David again – not that he cares, but there it is. (I have great confidence that it’s not the Leader.)
I liked the issue, and it’s always interesting to see Fin Fang Foom, but when did Bruce become Peter Parker in high school? On PAD’s original run on the title, we didn’t see too much of teenaged Bruce, and I don’t know if other writers have tackled it. It was just kind of Lee/Ditko Spider-Man-ish, I thought.
My guess is that the leader comment was thrown in to throw off readers.
I was also one who saw the “so not caring” line and thought of PAD’s Buffy influence. It didn’t add or take anything away from the story for me, simply a fun nod to a great series.
Fred
As much as I hate to disagree with what was apparently everyone’s favorite line, the Hulk never says “So not caring.” What he said was “Not really caring.” Which doesn’t sound especially “Buffy” to me, although personally I think we’re reaching new heights in attempting to draw parallels between my work and Whedon’s.
The line stemmed from my determination to make the Hulk sound different this go-around than other times, and also to distinguish him from the Hulk in the flashbacks who generally refers to himself in the third person. Since I wanted to make this Hulk distinctive, I wanted to minimize his dialogue whenever possible. And one way to do that was to drop pronouns altogether. Rather than him saying “I’ll smash you!” or “Hulk will smash,” he’ll simply say nothing or, at most, “Smash you.” On occasion he’ll use personal pronouns, but for the most part, none at all.
None of which has a dámņëd thing to do with Buffy.
PAD
Hmm. What would Freud say about PAD’s issues with Buffy? 😉
Great comic. My favorite line was the one that said (paraprhasing): “Have you never watched a science fiction movie?” Classic.
Based on how long it takes to get a comic pitched and written, etc., I would guess that PAD had this idea before LOST came on the air. So the similarities are quite interesting in how they parallel, even though I doubt PAD knew much if anything about LOST when he planned this story. I think it goes back to both works playing off of the “stereotype” story, but both doing it well with some rather fun and different twists.
One side note (meant to be humorous): I thought the Hulk’s pants surviving the fiery onslaught was rather funny. Not saying I actually would prefer to see a nude Hulk (if for nothing else, to keep PAD from being distracted by complaints from us eeeeeeevil conservatives), but you have to admit it is not very realistic. Not to mention that they should just fall off of Banner when he reverts since the waist size of the Hulk is clearly much bigger. (Not a new or original observation, just somewhat that stood out to me in light of recent postings about nudity, etc., in comics.)
Iowa Jim
Iowa Jim wrote:
“….Not to mention that they (the Hulk’s pants) should just fall off of Banner when he reverts since the waist size of the Hulk is clearly much bigger.”
A brief scene in PAD’s original run of “The Incredible Hulk” obliquely addressed that issue. If I remember correctly, it was during the “Mr. Fix-it” era in Las Vegas, when Banner finally returned. But whatever the circumstances, Banner was in a clothing store looking for a new pair of pants. The clerk was trying to move a huge stock of one particular kind that had a _very_ elastic waistband.
Banner’s comment: “They’re all purple.”
Rick
Less confusing; looked great!
I’d say it was a dad-blamed good book!
I enjoyed it a great deal
the coloring was noticably cool whenFFF was about to blast him with fire.
I am really enjoyin it and am glad you are back.
Also, does anyone know where to find cheap issues/trades of Sachs and Violens online?
Without the “so” it’s not really a Buffy line anymore. 🙂
PAD and Whedon do have some things in common, such as their sense of humor and how they tell a story visually, but the buck stops there. If Whedon were writing Hulk and PAD were writing Astonishing X-men, the results would be something very different from what we have. They might echo one another, but it all boils down to the fact that they tell different stories and would tell the same stories differently.
I bought this one SOLELY for the purpose of giving it to my dad, who is the biggest Fin Fang Foom fan in existence.
He LOVED it. Even if FFF lost, he loved the fact that somebody even USED FFF in a story. So on his behalf, thanks. 🙂
PAD’s explanation (not that it was required for me anyway) of a different Hulk/different dialogue makes perfect sense.
I don’t know anything at all about any Whedon/David parallels. The only Whedon I have read is Astonishing X-men. I hope I didn’t I didn’t unintentionally cause insult. I meant something BUFFY would say, not something Whedon would type. He didn
marc, I saw no insult in your comments. As someone who appreciates both Whedon’s and David’s work, the statement in question still strikes me as very reminiscent of the Buffy characters. Saying it out loud only reaffirms the similarities in my mind, though I’ve no doubt that PAD was doing his own thing and there was no conscious intention here, since he said as much.
Fred
marc: The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the ch]aracter in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Luigi Novi: Which is why he never said that.
He said
marc: The hulk’s dialogue “so.. not.. caring” just sounds like something the ch]aracter in any of his incarnations, would never say. This phrase sounds more like something Buffy the Vampire Slayer would say.
Luigi Novi: Which is why he never said that.
He said
This was a great issue. I just know somthing shocking is brewing with this whole highschool flashback thing going on. Didn’t think I’d ever be more surprised than the issue where you find out Banner killed his father. Well just have to see…