Hulk visits NYC

 

cover art by Dave Cockrum

(with John Romita doing alterations to Hulk's face)

The previous issue of The Incredible Hulk showed us the death of Bruce Banner's love Jarella. Hulk loved the green lady as well and isn't willing to accept her death. So Hulk #206 (December 1976) picks up with the Hulk jumping across the United States, heading for New York City. If the army couldn't help Jarella, maybe "Magician" (aka Doctor Strange) can. The script is again by Len Wein and the art by Sal Buscema and Joe Staton.

It won't take long to summarize the major story points in this issue, but it is peppered with nice character moments. There's a scene in which Glenn Talbot is still dealing with his PTSD from being put into a coma by the Russians. There's a scene in which Doc Samson talks General Ross out of continuing pursuit of the Hulk, with Ross being forced to wonder if this has become more of an obsession with him rather than a duty. There's a very nicely done scene with Clay Quartermain and Doc Samson talking about Hulk and aspects of their duty to catch/help/leave him alone. 

But the action is still pretty good. Hulk downs a couple of military jets before Ross calls off the army. The NYPD, though, object when Hulk climbs to the top of the Statue of Liberty (he's trying to spot Dr. Strange's home). They don't want him to damage the statue, but their efforts are counter-productive.

When Hulk finds Strange's home, a mystic barrier prevents him from going in. So he sits on the edge of the sidewalk, waiting for the magician to come home.

This leads to another effective scene. Hulk is soon surrounded by the cops. Hulk is willing to leave them alone if they leave him along. The captain in charge also wants a peaceful solution, but also has to make sure there's no more damage done to the city. But the situation blows up when a nervous rookie pulls a trigger. 

This sets off the rampage that the police captain was hoping to avoid. Hulk breaks patrol cars and buildings for awhile, but the issue ends when he is confronted by Dr. Strange and three other Defenders.

The art is great and the action is fun, but its the effective character moments seeded throughout the issue that make it stand out.

Next week, we are taking a Valentine's Day break from Wednesday and Thursday posts (not my fault--it's legally required since I got married). In two weeks, we'll return after quite a long time to one of my favorite comics--Dell's Indian Chief.