Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been talking about the iconic writer Peter David. Peter David’s health challenges are widely known, and we all join in hoping for his swift recovery. But things have gotten so bad—including the cancellation of his medical coverage that led the family to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical costs.
Last time around, I talked about his lesser-known projects, which make fantastic reads—like Star Trek and SpyBoy. But, once upon a time, the Incredible Hulk was not a big seller, and David ended up writing the series because, at the time, no one else wanted to write it. As a result, David has pretty much given carte blanche to take the series in different directions. Even now, his additions to the Hulk mythos still ripple through into today’s comics.
David’s legendary run on The Incredible Hulk spanned from 1987 to 1998 and is still widely regarded as a pinnacle of storytelling in superhero comics. For fans unfamiliar with his work, it’s an unparalleled mix of psychological depth, genre experimentation, and long-term character development that elevated the Hulk beyond the standard “smash” archetype. Here’s why, if you’ve never read his run—it’s still a must-read!
It was David who introduced the Gray Hulk into the modern era, giving him the persona of “Joe Fixit,” a morally ambiguous Las Vegas enforcer with a flair for sarcasm and sharp suits. This unique take allowed David to play with noir and crime genres, presenting readers with a Hulk that operated in the shadows and challenged the moral binaries often found in superhero comics.
One of the most transformative aspects of David’s run was his deep dive into Bruce Banner’s psychology. Rather than treating the Hulk as a mere force of destruction, David explored him as a manifestation of Banner’s trauma. This approach led to now-iconic storylines such as The Incredible Hulk #377, where Bruce confronts his abusive childhood through therapy with Doc Samson. This issue culminates in the merging of Bruce’s fragmented personas (the Savage Hulk, the Gray Hulk, and Banner himself) into the “Merged” or “Professor” Hulk—a version of the Hulk that combines Bruce’s intelligence with the Hulk’s strength. This nuanced exploration made Banner and the Hulk feel like profoundly human, multidimensional characters.
David’s ability to engage in genre-hop was another highlight of his run. From traditional superhero brawls to introspective dramas to stories featuring science fiction, horror, and even comedic elements, David kept the series fresh and unpredictable. This experimentation reached its peak in issues like “Future Imperfect,” a two-part story illustrated by George Pérez. In this tale, the Hulk is transported to a dystopian future ruled by the Maestro, an older, tyrannical version of himself. The storyline not only showcased David’s knack for epic, thought-provoking narratives but also posed an unsettling question: Could Bruce Banner’s own worst enemy ultimately be himself?
Naturally, David’s collaboration with a diverse lineup of gifted artists—such as Todd McFarlane, Dale Keown, Gary Frank, and many more—played a crucial role in the run’s success. Their striking visuals perfectly complemented David’s compelling narratives, infusing the Hulk’s world with something that stood out among other comic books at the time.
In short, Peter David’s run on The Incredible Hulk redefined what superhero comics could be. It balanced action and introspection, humor, and heartbreak, all while pushing the boundaries of the medium. For comic book fans who haven’t read it, diving into this era is like discovering a masterpiece that’s as thrilling as it is profound. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to see the Hulk—and superhero storytelling—at its very best.
Luckily for fans who’ve never read David’s run—or for fans who want to delve into it again—several omnibuses collect all of Peter David’s Hulk tales. And, while you’re checking out those stories, if you can, head on over to the campaign. Every dollar helps, and it would be a fantastic way to honor David’s take on those classic Hulk tales.
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