Customer Reviews

Marvel Encyclopedia: The Hulk

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Some people just won't listen to good advice unless they hear it from hundreds of different people. I myself am very dubious of online reviews. So here's one more for the pile of negative reviews of this truly awful publication, just in case you weren't already convinced.

I wish I could say I can't figure out what Marvel was thinking when they published this... but it doesn't take much of a gue$$. I'm inclined to say that this book is little more than an extended ad for the current runs of the Hulk. But it might be more accurate to say that it is NOTHIING more than an extended ad for the current run of the Hulk.

Why would a person be curious about this book? Well, speaking for myself...

1. You enjoy the Hulk already, and would like some "encyclopedic" knowledge at hand. (That would be MY reason.)
2. You don't know much about the Hulk. Maybe you've read recent issues or seen the movie and would like some background history on the character.

Both are legitimate reasons to want a Hulk Encyclopedia. This book, however, will help you with neither.

The Hulk's history as a character is barely touched on. Long periods such as the gray and merged (or "professor" for Jenkins fans) hulks are barely addressed. Long-standing characters are hardly mentioned, even such characters as Rick Jones, who has been with the book since the beginning!

However, this is nothing compared to the history of the Hulk's writers and artists, which is downright insulting. Many of the long-running creative teams are barely if at all mentioned. Peter David, the writer who received acclaims for his original and innovative 10+ year run on the Hulk is mentioned TWICE. And the second time is both indirectly and degardingly (with a comment to the effect of "the Hulk during the nineties is best forgotten"). Unfortunately, Peter David's frequent and public conflicts with Marvel President Bill Jemas show through here. One can only wonder why else only one of his acclaimed stories made the top ten Hulk comics of all time... But even setting PAD aside, nearly every creative inidividual who worked on the book is exceedingly shortchanged.

What DOES the book cover? Full issue reprints of Bruce Jones recent (and current) run on the Hulk, along with an issue of "The Ultimates." Please don't get me wrong -- I love Bruce Jones' style. Jones is the only thing that brought me back to the book after Peter David left. But the time spent praising his works is excessive to the point of absurdity.

Also, pages upon pages of praise are heaped upon the AWFUL Banner mini-series, which completely misjudged the use of each of it's characters. Also, much time is again spent on "The Ultimates", and a surprising amount of time is spent on the as-yet-unreleased (as of 8/1/03) Hulk: Gray mini-series. At last check, this series is not even on the Marvel Comics release schedule.

Is there ANYTHING the book gets right? If you're looking for movie coverage, you certainly will find that here. Also, it has some intriguing information on the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno Hulk series from the 70's/80's. Unfortunately, this is the extent of the book's redeeming qualities (as far as I could see).

So, again, if you're looking for a reference to the Hulk, you've come to the wrong place. Instead, look for Tom DeFalco's excellent book, "Hulk: The Incredible Guide". It feels as if the two books have mysteriously switched names, as DeFalco's book is far more encyclopedic, although only Marvel would consider their own book "Incredible", but I digress... but I think you get the point by now anyways. Just in case, here's your final warning:

STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!

This has been a public service announcement.

It's times like this that I wish Amazon allowed people to issue a zero rating. This book is so poorly researched and written that I can't believe that Marvel gave it the go-ahead.

It's not only an insult to the readers intelligence, but it's insulting to writers like Peter David who barely rates a mention. David spent many years writing The Incredible Hulk for Marvel and did what many thought was once impossible...he turned the title into a critically acclaimed and commercially successful comic book. David isn't the only creator given the cold shoulder in this revisionist and ultimately useless "encyclopedia" from Marvel, and this leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth of fans and creators alike.

If you want a decent factual book about the Hulk, check out Tom Defalco's Hulk:The Incredible Guide, found elsewhere on Amazon. At least Defalco has respect for his fellow creators and the characters he writes about.

Avoid this book at all costs. It made me angry...and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry!

The author, Kit Kiefer, begins by professing (in his own words) "The below-average fanboy's pet monkey's ear mites IGNORE more about the Hulk than I know." My question is, if his knowledge of the subject is so lacking-- which he proves several times over-- just why he was given the job of writing this so-called Hulk Encyclopedia?

This is without doubt the worst "guide" to the Hulk ever produced. There are so many inaccuracies, I can't possibly list them all here. But just as an example: The author repeatedly claims that originally the Hulk would appear whenever Bruce Banner fell asleep. Actually, Banner's transformation into the Hulk was triggered by nightfall originally; it was never caused by Banner falling asleep. Reprints of Hulk #1 are not all that difficult to find. (In fact, this book contains a reprint of Hulk #1, which adds a bit of irony to Kiefer's mistake.)

Hulk isn't the only character Kiefer proves he's unfamiliar with. He refers to Black Bolt as a "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" who "plays a mean pinball." Black Bolt is not deaf, dumb, blind, nor a kid. No idea what the pinball part's about. I guess it's supposed to be... funny...? Other characters receive similar treatment. It's as if Kiefer was given a list of names and told just to make up something.

When Mr. Kiefer isn't getting the basics of the characters wrong, he spends much of the book making irrelevant comments, such as comparing George Bush's IQ to that of an armadillo. Instead of spending so much time trying-- and failing-- to be witty, perhaps the author should have researched the subject of the book. With the wealth of information readily available online, from fansites to message boards, there's no excuse for how inaccurate this book is.

Infuriatingly, a number of the Hulk's more notable creators are disrespected by being given little if any mention. Sal Buscema, who was the penciler of Hulk for over 100 issues isn't mentioned even once. Peter David, who wrote 130+ issues, is mentioned by name once... and Kiefer later takes a shot at David's run by saying it was "not the Hulk" (although he makes it vague so that only the fanboys and their pet monkeys would know who the jab is directed at). On the flip side, Bruce Jones, the then-writer of the comic, gets a ton of hype from Kiefer. I understand why this is-- Marvel was seriously pushing the book at the time with the movie (which stunk) about to be released. But still... seeing such praise heaped on a run that I consider by far the worst ever while Peter David and Sal Buscema get disrespected left a bad taste.

In all fairness, it'd be wrong to lay the blame entirely at Kiefer's feet; Kiefer credits a number of people for "aiding" him and Marvel didn't prevent it from being printed.

I gave this a rating of 1 Star. I'd give it a lower rating if it were possible because it really and truly deserves it. Marvel should not have allowed this to be published.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a guide to the Hulk, I recommend Tom Defalco's Hulk: The Incredible Guide. It's not perfect but, unlike Mr. Kiefer, Tom Defalco's knowledge of the Hulk exceeds what is ignored by a monkey's ear mites.

Whereas the other Marvel Encyclopedias act like updated versions of the old Handbook to the Marvel Universe and gives entries about the different characters of the Marvel Universe, this book is more of an advertisement looking to sell Hulk merchandise to any curious individual looking for more Hulk stuff after seeing the upcoming movie. The book's author spends time telling us just how great a director Ang Lee is and how each actor in the movie is the best actor ever and how the Hulk himself is the best comic character of all. With only a few interesting notes(a full color reprint of The Incredible Hulk no. 1, some behind the scenes photos of the old Hulk TV show, and some pics from the upcoming movie) and spending most of the time it ends up making fun of comics, this book is recommended for only the most avid of Hulk fans.

What a waste! This is not an "encyclopedia" at all...it's more a like a presskit for the "Hulk" movie. After reading it, I had gained NOTHING in the way of new insight into one of Marvel's oldest characters. In fact, the sections of amatuer psychological analysis is embarrassing to read. While not 100% happy with volumes one and two, which I purchased at the same time as this volume, the previous books stand mountains above this exspensively-printed drival. There's a good reason why the book is wrapped in cellophane - Unless you are a fanatical completest, skip this volume. The same author is atributed to the upcoming Spiderman volume, but unless it's more inline with volumes one and two, I won't be buying it.

This is NOT an encyclopedia. It's a collection of extremely opinionated articles regarding the Hulk. On top of that, it's a blatant advertisement for the 2003 Hulk flick. It seems the author had to put in a word for the movie in almost every single page. This is not an exaggeration either. The author fills each page with his incredibly tiresome sarcastic wit and utter disrespect for the subject matter that makes the book almost unbearable to read and almost impossible to understand. It reminds me a lot of British Journalism. Is the author British? The author badmouths Hulk creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's early contributions, in some instances calling Kirby's artwork "square" which I find offensive. He provides some nice information on the Hulk film and the classic TV production, but treats the latter contemptuously. There is very little mention of prolific Hulk writer and Icon Peter David. The author seems insistant on disregarding any other incarnation than the famous Savage Hulk. There is little mention of the Grey Hulk (other than the debut issue) or the "Professor" incarnations. In fact the author blatantly states that the Hulks of the 80's and 90's were not the REAL Hulk. And he assumes the authority to say so. I was going to add another star to the rating because of the beautiful reprints that include Hulk #1, but these reprints are available in other collections minus the annoying sarcasm and unwanted opinions.

If you're looking for a thoroughly informative and objective look at the Hulk, look elswhere. If you want to read some jackass giving his un called for opinions, disrespecting the very subject he's writing on, blatantly advertising a new movie (I'm sure he got his share from Universal), trumping his conservative political stances and disregarding any and all information that he doesn't care for, then by all means buy this book.

What started off as a good idea (ie-A modern udate of the fantastic Handbook of the Marvel Universe limited series) has lost steam. The 1st volume (Marvel Encyclopedia) gave us Marvel fans hope. It was far from perfect, but it is leaps and bounds over this book. Even the Marvel Encyclopedia Vol. 2: X-Men is better.

Sadly, the book starts off (Acknowledgements) with:

"Let's be honest: If you equate fandom with knowledge, I'm neither a Hulk fan nor a comics fan. The below-average fanboy's pet monkey's ear mites ignore (know)-ed.) more about the Hulk than I know."-Kit Kiefer (Author).

What? A note to Marvel Comics: You have an entire stable of capable people who love Marvel Comics and in particularly, the Hulk. Why let someone who isn't a comics fan write this?

The whole premise of an encyclopedia is to learn about a particular subject. In this case the Hulk. I was hoping to see more information and a ton of pictures about the Hulk's supporting cast. Instead the book features 3 comics (All classics Incredible Hulk Vol. 1, number 1, / Hulk #34/ and The Ultimates #5, but it really doesn't belong here), a chapter on the terrible TV series, and the least of all things; Hulk merchandise. Mostly modern and does a poor job.

Like my title says, don't waste your money. Or your time.

Where do I start off? This book is, like many other reviewers have mentioned, a rip-off. The book goes out of it's way to insult the reader. Why is that, you ask?

First of all, the writer confesses that he isn't at all a big Hulk fan. Why Marvel is letting a smuck who doesn't know much more about the Hulk than a 3 year old kid, write the book is beyond me. I'm guessing because he has written published work before, but hell, I think I have a lot of Hulk fans backing me up when I say Stan Lee or Peter David are 20 times more qualified to write this book than the guy who did. If you don't keep up in the media, more specifically, Hollywood, you'll be lost. His constant refrences to celeberties are annoying and does nothing to get his points across. Seriously, I am sick of hearing about Jennifer Lopez in every other magazine, so why do I have to hear her name in this book?

Another reason I find the book insulting, is the chapter that covers the toys. I total guide would be nice, but it's not here.

I could go on and on, but I'll end it on a positive note. The section that covers the TV show is somwhat redeemable. I found that to be the only real reason to flip through the book.

Beware, you heard it here, from not just me, but many other annoyed reviewers; read at your own risk.

I would not really describe this official Marvel guide to the Incredible Hulk as being an "encyclopedia," although it certainly suffices as an introduction to the comic book creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for those whose only know of ol' green skin from the television series or the less than successful Ang Lee film. The chief value for me was to fill in some parts in the lengthy gap between when I stopped reading the comic book and what is happening on that front today. Obviously the emphasis is towards the more recent versions of the Hulk, as evidenced by the fact that of the three complete Hulk stories included in these pages we have the very first from "The Incredible Hulk" #1 by Lee and Kirby and then jump decades ahead to "The Incredible Hulk" #34 (Volume 2) by Bruce Jones, John Romita Jr. and Tom Palmer, and "The Ultimates" #5 by Mark Millar, Bryan Hitch, and Andrew Currie. That more recent pair offers an interesting contrast between what is clearly a Bruce Banner story and one that puts the emphasis on a new "bad boy" version of the Hulk.

The Hulk was a blend of the classic tales of Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, an outcast who just wanted to be left alone and who represented the inner rage bottled up inside everyone who is not a violent psychopath. Consequently, the Hulk was not a traditional superhero but a mean green smashing machine. Over the past forty years the Hulk has been adapted and animated, televised and computerized, and Kit Keifer's survey of his career covers everything from Hulk action figures to the Friday night television show that reduced the essence of the character to the famous line, "You wouldn't like me when I get angry." Beginning with the story of how Lee and Kirby dreamed up the Incredible Hulk, this volume looks at the major villains who have hounded the Hulk, examines the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno television series, and shows us a whole bunch of Hulk merchandise.

In terms of the comic books we are introduced to the supporting cast from Betty Ross and Rick Jones to Doc Sampson and the She-Hulk, provided with a list of Top 10 Hulk battles to argue about, and given a look at the Ang Lee film, which is clearly the reason this volume has hit the shelves. Scattered throughout the book is artwork from a couple dozen different artists who have drawn the Hulk over the years (including some nice Kaare Andrews cover homages) along with Keifer's analysis of the significance of their different approaches to drawing the character. There is even a chart that explains the Hulk's height and weight in all his various incarnations.

Overall, Keifer does hit most of the high points in the Hulk's career. As long as he mentions the Roy Thomas story where the Hulk finds a land where people respect him and the classic issue written by Harlan Ellison where the Hulk ends up as a noble warrior in the microscopic kingdom of K'ai where he wins the love of the Princess Jarella, then he has my minimal requirements for showing he has a clue as to what he is writing about. I would have liked to have seen more about the comic books I missed and less about the television episodes I rarely watched, but Keifer does cover all things Hulk, up to and including your inflatable Hulk Instant Muscles and the infamous Flying Fist. Of course I would agree with the idea this is an attempt to make money (greenskin greenbacks if you would), but then doesn't "MMM" mean "Marvel Makes Money" now adays?

First of all, this book is probably a great buy for Hulk fans if you want some background on the Hulk in comics, TV, animation, and the new movie. It also includes three comic stories- the first Hulk story, a sample issue of the current series, and the issue of the Ultimates with the Hulk. However, anyone looking for a repeat of the terrific X-Men Encyclopedia, or even the mediocre Marvel Encyclopedia Vol. 1, will be disappointed, as there is VERY little encyclopedic information. (One reason I think it's a bit unfair that it's shrinkwrapped- in stores, you can't tell what you're getting.) The Hulk Incredible Guide by Tom DeFalco is MUCH better for that.