Customer Reviews

Incredible Hulk: The End (Marvel Premiere Classic)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Marvel finally had the good sense to re-print two modern classic Hulk stories with Hulk: Future Imperfect and Hulk: The End; both of which are written by legendary Hulk scribe Peter David and collected here in this handsome hardcover. Future Imperfect is a two-issue smash that finds the Hulk transported to the future to duke it out with an older, stronger, and tyrannical future version of himself, which goes by the name of the Maestro. Loaded with action and a surprisingly intelligent storyline and plot, Future Imperfect is made even better by the stellar, highly detailed artwork of the great George Perez, who wonderfully illustrates one of the best smackdowns the Hulk has ever been involved with. The second story is the Hulk: The End one-shot (and the first of Marvel's line of "The End" stories, unless you count the older and aptly titled "Last Avengers Story" as being a part of this line, which was written by, guess who, Peter David) which finds an old, decrepit Bruce Banner as being the last living human on Earth, and still wrestling with the monster inside. Surrounded by nothing but desolation and giant cockroaches (yes, you read that right), Banner attempts to finally rid himself of his lonely existence, but naturally, Hulk will have nothing of that. While nowhere near as enjoyable as Future Imperfect, Hulk: The End is a startlingly poignant and even somewhat frightening tale of a would-be demise of the jade giant, which is made all the more memorable by the artwork of Pitt artist Dale Keown, who made a name for himself illustrating the Hulk during David's prolific run on the title. All in all, it's great to see both these stories finally get re-printed, and needless to say, if you've ever considered yourself a Hulk fan, this collection deserves a place on your shelf.

While I've never been a huge Hulk fan, I have to say "Future Imperfect" remains one of my all-time favorite comic book stories. The idea of The Maestro is even more possible if you've read the recent World War Hulk storyline. No matter which incarnation of the Hulk is currently in charge (smart, dumb, green, gray, red, etc), it's obvious Marvel holds him in high regard as the most under-rated but possibly terrifying character they own.

"Future Imperfect" gives us a glimpse of the future as "the smart Hulk" (when he had Banner's mind in Hulk's body) is pulled into the future to face a villain known as The Maestro who is ruling the world with an iron fist. The world is without heroes now, and no one is left to oppose this tyrant...until the Hulk shows up. Of course, he's been there all along too. Confused? Get the story. There can be no doubt this is the best fight the Hulk has ever had. Matched evenly in intellect and out-gunned in strength, Banner must find a way to destroy this villain or die! Excellent artwork and storytelling.

"The Hulk: The End" is a different kind of story. While FI is filled with action and dialogue, The End is more subdued. The Hulk is literally the last man on Earth and has to find a way to make peace with both aspects of his personality, Banner and the Hulk, before they kill each other. A little gross in parts (mostly dealing with the mutant roaches), but still good.

To find these two stories collected together in hardcover format is a real treat. Marvel is really coming around with their "Premiere Classic" line, and this is a great addition to it. You won't be disappointed with this collection!

I mostly bought this collection because it included Future Imperfect which I have been dying to read and own for around a decade and I have read some of Marvel's other "The End" books and found them mildly interesting and, since this is a hardcover I would definetely say it's worth the price. Future Imperfect has excellently detailed artwork provided by THE greatest comic artist ever: George Perez and The End has art by Dale Keown who, as another reviewer mentioned, teamed with Peter David on a long run of Hulk comics in the past.

Peter David is the author of some of the best Hulk stories. In this collection are two of his best. Finally reprinted in hardcover and together, these two stories show why Hulk is a great character and loved by so many fans. Please check out all the Peter David Hulk reprints and see the best in the green (and grey) skinned goliath!

I was a little disappointed. This could have gone so much better, especially with the end of days where Hulk is alone. Even with the story of the maestro, there could still have been showings of the different hulk personas or even a glimpse of what bruce banner was like at that time. Left so much on the table for The End. Where are all the other Hulks?

This book of two stories, gripped me with excitement and left me pondering The Hulk 's life as a real experience if it happened to myself. The first story (Imperfect Hulk) had a lot of classic Hulk characterization to The Hulk and it 's enemy. But, the enemy (which I won 't spoil in revealing) was antagonistic and extremely precise in every move it made towards countering and creating elements of surprise! On a physical level to The Hulk? I won 't say. But, on a mental level? The enemy reminded me so much of Sylar of "Heroes" from the 1st Season as abusive towards every type of life with absolutely no regard for the sick, the injured or the dying.

I found the supporting characters to be more interesting to me and The Hulk as too classic for his own good in how he was represented throughout this story.

"The End" is a great story from start to finish! It is so suttle on so many levels, but hitting home for anyone who has thought, lived, is still living or could be living in the future on self-preservation to it 's ultimate demise. The art is realistic, detailed but yet simple in each panel of movement and thought. My sympathy (when reading this heartfelt and very moving piece of life and death with The Hulk), gave me a well rounded feeling of understanding more about The Hulk than I had ever known in the past, collecting and reading his stories.

If there is ever (and I hope) another Hulk movie to be made that it will embody this story, in all it 's glory, as being a ground-breaking experience by offering the man and beast within us all to really question and try to understand.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows about The Hulk in any fashion!

Besides Planet Hulk and World War Hulk. This book is it. Showcasing art from both George Perez and Dale Keown, You can't go wrong.This book tells two stories placed in the future, on two very different apocalyptic visions of Earth. Peter David weaves both tales masterfully.The eye popping art is brilliant. I would give it 5 stars if Planet Hulk was not out there.Check out Incredible Hulk Abominable for another great read.

I've had so little expectations from the second story in this volume,but when i read it,I was blown away.One word - great. Banner is the best, no doubt, but this one was real treat, too.The last sentence in the book is one of the sadest I've ever seen...As for Future Imperfect - fun - and that's all.Read it for The End.

I mainly bought the book because of the Hulk - The End Story, and was surprised by the inclusion of another great story. Both stories are great and depict the Hulk very well. This comic book won't disappoint at all and the package is very nicely done. Amazon shipped it internationally in a good box that arrived in perfect conditions in around 13 days from purchase.

I bought this one from another partner from amazon, trying to save some bucks. Book looks anything but new. I bought marvel zombies DEAD DAYS (on time cuz amazon is out of stock now)and green lanter rebirth, both from amazon and came flawless. story is good, the end is intersting