Incredible Hulk
# 1-6

May, 1962
Incredible Hulk # 1: "The Coming of the Hulk!" 
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Paul Reinman
Jay's Rating: JJJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The first Gamma bomb test goes horribly wrong as Dr. Bruce Banner is exposed to the blast radiation while saving Rick Jones who had stumbled onto the test site.  Later that evening as the sun sets, Bruce changes into the Hulk and stops the spy Igor from stealing Banner's Gamma bomb notes. However, Igor was working for the Gargoyle, who takes an interest in the Hulk, and captures the Hulk. Banner cures the Gargoyle of his deformity using radiation. The Gargoyle, with a new found pro-American, pro-Democracy attitude, sacrifices himself to delay the Communists giving Banner and Rick time to escape.

Jay's Notes

  • First appearance of Bruce Banner, Betty Ross, T-Bolt Ross, Rick Jones, and the Gargoyle.
  • First appearance and origin of the Hulk.

July, 1962
Incredible Hulk # 2: "The Terror of the Toad Men!" 
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Steve Ditko
Jay's Rating: JJJ
Synopsis:
The Hulk grows more and more out of control and Banner is forced to create a prison which can contain the Hulk. Banner and Rick Jones are captured by the invading toad men, who get more than they bargained for when Banner changes into the Hulk. The U.S. military shoots down the toad men's ship and blames Banner believing that he's a spy. However, the toad men make their invasion public, as Banner escapes when he becomes the Hulk. Rick calms the Hulk down enough so that he changes back to Banner and uses a Gamma Ray gun which forces the toad men to flee.

September, 1962
Incredible Hulk # 3
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Dick Ayers
Jay's Rating: JJJ
Synopsis - "Banished to Outer Space"
General T-Bolt Ross tricks Rick Jones into leading the Hulk into a trap. The Hulk is rocketed into Space where he's bathed in an unknown radiation. Rick manages to force the rocket back to Earth and learns that the Hulk is now under his control.

Synopsis - "The Ringmaster"
The Ringmaster and his circus of crime make their way across the country stealing from their mesmerized audience. Unfortunately for the Ringmaster, Rick attends one of their shows and subconsciously summons the Hulk despite the mesmerism. The Hulk easily defeats the Circus of Crime and they are apprehended.

Jay's Notes:

  • There's also a 3 page retelling of Hulk's origin.

November, 1962
Incredible Hulk # 4
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Dick Ayers
Jay's Rating: JJJ1/2
Synopsis - "The Monster and the Machine!"
The U.S. military develop a new iceberg weapon designed to take out the Hulk. They put some pressure on Rick Jones, who sends off the Hulk. The Hulk eventually rescues Jones from the military. Jones uses an experimental machine on the Hulk which allows Banner to keep his intelligence as the Hulk.

Synopsis - "Mongu!! Gladiator from Space!"
An alien gladiator arrives on Earth and challenges Earth's most powerful mortal. Of course the Hulk, with Banner's mind, takes him up on his offer. However, it's a trap by those pesky Soviets. The Hulk overwhelms them and sends them back to their country in style.

January, 1963
Incredible Hulk # 5
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Dick Ayers
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis - "Beauty and the Beast!"
Tyrannus, an immortal Roman tyrant of the underworld kidnaps Betty Ross hoping to force the surrender of General T-Bolt Ross. Hulk, with Banner's mind, and Rick attempt a rescue but their both taken captive. Hulk is forced to fight in Tyrannus arena. However, Rick frees Betty and they escape with the Hulk, who seals Tyrannus off from the surface.

Synopsis - "The Hordes of General Fang!"
The U.S. military attack the Hulk with their iceberg missile, but the Hulk escapes before being captured. Banner learns of General Fang, whose army is ruthlessly conquering China. Banner decides to intervene as the Hulk and defeats Fang's army. Hulk even turns Fang over to his enemies, ending his threat. Banner's personality within the Hulk grows more and more savage.

March, 1962
Incredible Hulk # 6: "The Metal Master!"
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Steve Ditko
Jay's Rating: JJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The Metal Master makes his presence known and declares his intentions to rule the Earth. The Gamma Base throws everything they've got against him, but his mastery over metal is too powerful. The Hulk takes a crack at him, but he is defeated and taken captive by the military. Rick pulls together a nation-wide ham radio club called the Teen Brigade. The Hulk escapes and with the Teen Brigade's help, he's able to defeat the Metal Master by tricking him with a plastic gun that looks like metal.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of the Metal Master and the Teen Brigade.
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