10 Best Hulk Comics for Non-Hulk Fans

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The Hulk is one of Marvel’s most enduring and popular characters, first appearing in The Incredible Hulk #1 back in 1962. While he was a favorite during Marvel’s early “Silver Age,” his popularity truly exploded when the TV show debuted. Since then, he’s been featured in countless cartoons, movies, and video games, becoming a well-known figure for generations. However, despite his widespread recognition, the Hulk doesn’t appeal to everyone. Known as the strongest there is, he attracts a dedicated fanbase that often gets caught up in debates about his power level. In fact, discussing the Green Goliath can be surprisingly contentious, and some fans even avoid his comic books altogether.

This is a significant oversight. The Hulk is a fantastic character who has been featured in countless incredible stories – stories that even people who aren’t typically fans of the Hulk will enjoy. These ten stories are a great introduction to what makes the Hulk so beloved.

10) Hulk Annual (2023) #1

The Hulk is a classic horror figure, and Hulk Annual (2023) #1 perfectly demonstrates why. The main story centers around a documentary crew pursuing a monster, quickly discovering they’ve bitten off more than they can handle. A secondary story sets the stage for Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s The Incredible Hulk run, hinting at a larger awakening of monsters with a mysterious purpose. Both stories are engaging and will captivate any reader.

9) “Abominable”

Bruce Jones’s run on The Incredible Hulk in the early 2000s reintroduced the classic monster side of the Hulk after a period focusing on a more human portrayal. While the entire run has some great issues, the standout story is “Abominable,” illustrated by Mike Deodato. This arc, found in The Incredible Hulk (Vol. 4) #50-54, is a straightforward, action-packed battle between the Hulk and the Abomination, with both characters giving it their all. It’s a perfect entry point for new readers and doesn’t require extensive Hulk knowledge – it’s simply a fantastic fight comic. Though it’s no longer in print, it’s well worth seeking out, or you can find it digitally on Marvel Unlimited.

8) Hulk: The End

Peter David is a highly acclaimed writer, often considered the best to ever write about the Hulk. He’ll appear on this list multiple times, and we’re starting with his work Hulk: The End, created with Dale Keown. This story is set far in the future, depicting the Hulk as the last living being on Earth, observed by an alien robot documenting humanity’s final days. It’s a thoughtful exploration of the Hulk character, but also a compelling dystopian science fiction story that will appeal to a wide audience. It’s a fantastic story with beautiful artwork by another Hulk great, Dale Keown.

7) Hulk: Future Imperfect

In David and George Perez’s Hulk: Future Imperfect, the Hulk is transported to a bleak future where he faces a terrifying enemy: the Maestro, an older, evil version of himself. The Maestro has defeated all other heroes and villains and become incredibly powerful, presenting a huge challenge for the Hulk. This story is a thrilling, action-packed look at a dystopian future, beautifully illustrated by Perez. It’s a fan-favorite, delivering exciting Hulk action that readers consistently enjoy.

6) The Incredible Hulk #340

The long-running rivalry between Hulk and Wolverine reaches its peak in what many consider to be their greatest battle. In The Incredible Hulk #340, by David and Todd McFarlane, Wolverine tracks down the Hulk following a plane crash, and a ferocious fight ensues. It’s one of the most intense and brutal Wolverine battles ever depicted in a comic, packed with constant twists and turns that will keep you gripped from beginning to end. Few comic book fights are as memorable or exciting as this one.

5) The Incredible Hulk #402-404

Peter David spent eleven years writing about the Hulk, covering just about every type of story imaginable, even ones where the Hulk loses. His run on The Incredible Hulk, issues #402-404, with art by Jan Duursema and Gary Frank, starts with an epic battle between the Hulk and the Juggernaut. It quickly escalates, and when the Avengers arrive, they’re forced to fight two incredibly powerful villains. It’s a classic ’90s comic experience – three issues packed with huge fights and exciting storylines that will keep you hooked.

4) World War Hulk

The Hulk is known for fighting almost every hero in the Marvel Universe, often putting him at odds with the entire superhero community. A prime example is World War Hulk, a story by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr., where the Hulk attacks Earth, convinced the heroes are to blame for the destruction of his home planet, Sakaar, and the loss of his wife. This story, which follows the events of “Planet Hulk,” features five issues of intense battles between the Hulk and Marvel’s biggest heroes. It’s packed with the exciting action that fans expect from superhero comics and will likely give you a new appreciation for Marvel’s most iconic monster.

3) The Immortal Hulk

Al Ewing and Joe Bennett’s The Immortal Hulk is a truly exceptional 50-issue comic series. While it’s a significant undertaking, it’s absolutely worth the read. The story begins with the Hulk being brought back to life – a terrifying, nocturnal monster pursued by both the government and heroes. But he’s about to uncover shocking truths about his past and confront his biggest struggle yet. This comic is a fantastic experience for any comic book reader, even if you’re not already a Hulk expert. The series provides all the background you need, and it’s consistently surprising and captivating.

2) The Incredible Hulk #-1

In 1997, Marvel launched “Flashback Month,” releasing special 1 issues for each of their titles. The standout issue was undoubtedly The Incredible Hulk 1, written by Peter David and illustrated by Adam Kubert. This story takes readers back to a time before Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma radiation, focusing on the release of his father, Brian, from a mental asylum after killing his wife. Brian is then placed in Bruce’s care, and the events that follow are deeply impactful. The issue is a powerful exploration of the trauma that shaped Bruce Banner, brought to life with Kubert’s memorable artwork. Many consider this to be one of Peter David’s best stories featuring the Hulk, and it’s a truly exceptional comic book.

1) “Planet Hulk”

“Planet Hulk” is a truly fantastic story. Originally published across 13 issues of The Incredible Hulk (#92-105) and Giant-Size Hulk #1, created by Greg Pak and artists Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti, and Gary Frank, it follows the Hulk after he’s exiled to the planet Sakaar by the Illuminati. Intended as a peaceful paradise, Sakaar turns out to be a world ravaged by war. Stripped of much of his power, the Hulk is forced to fight as a gladiator, ultimately leading a rebellion against the planet’s ruler. Even two decades after its release, “Planet Hulk” remains a powerful and impressive story.

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2026-04-02 03:11