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The Incredible Hulk (1999) (Collected Editions) #15
The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
When the Illuminati decide that the Hulk is too dangerous to stay on Earth and trick him into exile in outer space, his spaceship accidentally veers off course and the Hulk ends up on the dangerous planet of Sakaar.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2007
About the author
Greg Pak
1,571 books549 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Darth Vader" and "Planet Hulk: Worldbreaker" for Marvel Comics. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "World War Hulk," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 714 reviews
January 18, 2016
Smashin’ reading!
This TPB collects the comic book issues #92-105 of “The Incredible Hulk”, also “Planet Hulk: Gladiator Guidebook” and some material from “Giant-Size Hulk #1” and “Amazing Fantasy #15 (Vol.2)”.
Creative Team:
Writer: Greg Pak
Illustrators: Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti, Gary Frank & Takeshi Miyazawa
OF MONSTERS AND MEN
The group known, in the Marvel Universe, as The Illuminati: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Namor, Dr. Strange and Black Bolt, decided that The Hulk was a menace too dangerous and when he accepted a SHIELD operation in space orbit, they took the opportunity and trap him in a special space shuttle (designed by Reed Richards) and exile him to a remote planet where he would be the only sentient living being, so he wouldn’t be hurt and he wouldn’t hurt anybody else.
Something very wrong happened.
Since Hulk’s ship got trapped into an unknown wormhole and he landed into a far far remote planet, fully populated with sentient living beings.
However, another thing very wrong happened too.
The Hulk soon realized that the trip through the wormhole weakened him somehow and now his skin can be penetrated, and therefore he is made a slave of the current controlling empire of that world: Sakaar. The emperor is known as The Red King.
The Hulk is sent to gladiator games for the amusing of the populace. Where he will meet something quite rare to him…
…he will find a warbound family of fellow monsters.
Miek, a insectoid-like short being. A unnamed member of the Brood species. Korg, a powerful being made of rocks. Hiroim, a fallen from grace, shadow warrior. Elloe, a temperamental former member of the Imperial race.
All monster on their own. All powerful. All dangerous. All in the same “boat”: To survive, to get their freedom…
…and making pay to the Red King for all their suffering and humiliation.
Flash Gordon meets Spartacus meets Conan.
It’s not hard to get the general picture of the story.
The really tricky part is to recognize the real monsters from the others.
WHAT IS A MONSTER?
Is it a monster any creature with horrific features?
How a being that only wants to be left alone can be considered a monster?
Are really men, people who betrayed the trust of a fellow partner, to send him away without his consent?
Are really men, people who treat fellow beings of their world, as slaved animals?
How a being that only wants to unite a world can be considered a monster?
Is it a monster any creature that can’t avoid its own nature?
WELCOME TO SAKAAR
Greg Pak, the writer, not only penned the ultimate Hulk’s tale, but also he created a wonderful world of science fiction, full of different races, where each of those races have distintive appearances, social/religious/politic backgrounds, and unique kind of interactions between each other.
A world full of mindblowing locations where they play their part into the story.
The mysterious wormhole have trapped for eons all kind of creatures, and now Sakaar is a dangerous place in the same way that…
…marvelous.
Make no mistake, not matter if you’re a fan of The Incredible Hulk
But beware since fate is a bitch with monsters where they hardly find a happy ending.
And may the real tragedy for them if they are really monsters…
This TPB collects the comic book issues #92-105 of “The Incredible Hulk”, also “Planet Hulk: Gladiator Guidebook” and some material from “Giant-Size Hulk #1” and “Amazing Fantasy #15 (Vol.2)”.
Creative Team:
Writer: Greg Pak
Illustrators: Carlo Pagulayan, Aaron Lopresti, Gary Frank & Takeshi Miyazawa
OF MONSTERS AND MEN
The group known, in the Marvel Universe, as The Illuminati: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Iron Man (Tony Stark), Namor, Dr. Strange and Black Bolt, decided that The Hulk was a menace too dangerous and when he accepted a SHIELD operation in space orbit, they took the opportunity and trap him in a special space shuttle (designed by Reed Richards) and exile him to a remote planet where he would be the only sentient living being, so he wouldn’t be hurt and he wouldn’t hurt anybody else.
Something very wrong happened.
Since Hulk’s ship got trapped into an unknown wormhole and he landed into a far far remote planet, fully populated with sentient living beings.
However, another thing very wrong happened too.
The Hulk soon realized that the trip through the wormhole weakened him somehow and now his skin can be penetrated, and therefore he is made a slave of the current controlling empire of that world: Sakaar. The emperor is known as The Red King.
The Hulk is sent to gladiator games for the amusing of the populace. Where he will meet something quite rare to him…
…he will find a warbound family of fellow monsters.
Miek, a insectoid-like short being. A unnamed member of the Brood species. Korg, a powerful being made of rocks. Hiroim, a fallen from grace, shadow warrior. Elloe, a temperamental former member of the Imperial race.
All monster on their own. All powerful. All dangerous. All in the same “boat”: To survive, to get their freedom…
…and making pay to the Red King for all their suffering and humiliation.
Flash Gordon meets Spartacus meets Conan.
It’s not hard to get the general picture of the story.
The really tricky part is to recognize the real monsters from the others.
WHAT IS A MONSTER?
Is it a monster any creature with horrific features?
How a being that only wants to be left alone can be considered a monster?
Are really men, people who betrayed the trust of a fellow partner, to send him away without his consent?
Are really men, people who treat fellow beings of their world, as slaved animals?
How a being that only wants to unite a world can be considered a monster?
Is it a monster any creature that can’t avoid its own nature?
WELCOME TO SAKAAR
Greg Pak, the writer, not only penned the ultimate Hulk’s tale, but also he created a wonderful world of science fiction, full of different races, where each of those races have distintive appearances, social/religious/politic backgrounds, and unique kind of interactions between each other.
A world full of mindblowing locations where they play their part into the story.
The mysterious wormhole have trapped for eons all kind of creatures, and now Sakaar is a dangerous place in the same way that…
…marvelous.
Make no mistake, not matter if you’re a fan of The Incredible Hulk
But beware since fate is a bitch with monsters where they hardly find a happy ending.
And may the real tragedy for them if they are really monsters…
December 27, 2019
Shallow Comics Buddy Read!
Because Thor: Ragnarok.
Duh.
Re-read 2017
3.5 stars
Well, it's been 8 years since I originally read this one. sigh
And I was hoping now that I have a few more comics under my belt I may feel differently about this all-important Hulk storyline.
Eh. Not really.
It was still basically a chore to get through.
Ok, it's not bad. But I had to remind myself that I had promised to read this thing every time I opened it back up. To me, this just didn't do much to make Hulk relatable or sympathetic. Yes, he does good stuff...eventually. But a lot of the time he seems like a petulant child. Maybe my issues stem from liking Banner more than Hulk?
Still. Those Illuminati douchebags did rocket him off-world, so I can see why he's a tad upset.
Don't worry, Hulk. Cho still has your back...
Ok. So the epic journey on a distant planet battling evil empires thing is just not my bag. But by the end, I was still rooting for the big green guy to find happiness and love...even though I knew how it would all turn out.
Oh, and it's too bad that Marvel doesn't have the rights to the Silver Surfer. I forgot that he was in this, and it would have made for a cool cameo in the movie!
Original review: 2009
Let me start by saying I'm not a huge fan of the Hulk. I also didn't care for the whole gladiator/fighting on a strange planet thing. It took me forever to work up any sympathy for Hulk, and even longer for me to get into the story enough to sit down and read it for more than a few minutes at a time. Anything that can't hold my attention gets unceremoniously moved to a certain section of my house and is then forever dubbed one of my 'bathroom books'. You all know what I mean...don't pretend you're above it.
However, once I managed to get about halfway through it, something clicked. I can't say it was awesome, but I will say that (at some point), I think I'd like to read the next part of Hulk's story in World War Hulk.
Because Thor: Ragnarok.
Duh.
Re-read 2017
3.5 stars
Well, it's been 8 years since I originally read this one. sigh
And I was hoping now that I have a few more comics under my belt I may feel differently about this all-important Hulk storyline.
Eh. Not really.
It was still basically a chore to get through.
Ok, it's not bad. But I had to remind myself that I had promised to read this thing every time I opened it back up. To me, this just didn't do much to make Hulk relatable or sympathetic. Yes, he does good stuff...eventually. But a lot of the time he seems like a petulant child. Maybe my issues stem from liking Banner more than Hulk?
Still. Those Illuminati douchebags did rocket him off-world, so I can see why he's a tad upset.
Don't worry, Hulk. Cho still has your back...
Ok. So the epic journey on a distant planet battling evil empires thing is just not my bag. But by the end, I was still rooting for the big green guy to find happiness and love...even though I knew how it would all turn out.
Oh, and it's too bad that Marvel doesn't have the rights to the Silver Surfer. I forgot that he was in this, and it would have made for a cool cameo in the movie!
Original review: 2009
Let me start by saying I'm not a huge fan of the Hulk. I also didn't care for the whole gladiator/fighting on a strange planet thing. It took me forever to work up any sympathy for Hulk, and even longer for me to get into the story enough to sit down and read it for more than a few minutes at a time. Anything that can't hold my attention gets unceremoniously moved to a certain section of my house and is then forever dubbed one of my 'bathroom books'. You all know what I mean...don't pretend you're above it.
However, once I managed to get about halfway through it, something clicked. I can't say it was awesome, but I will say that (at some point), I think I'd like to read the next part of Hulk's story in World War Hulk.
March 16, 2023
Yet another huge story from the Civil War timeline as the Illuminati's underhandedness sends the Hulk off into outer space. This epic story sees a weakened Hulk arrive on a planet of men and monsters and charts his rise from slavery, how his 'War Bound' team became, and their ongoing battle with the world's ruler the Red King.
This is essentially a massive off-world prelude to the sensational World War Hulk I read Incredible Hulk #88 - #105. Easily one of the best Hulk stories I've read. A 7 out of 12, firm Three star read.
2013 and 2011 read
This is essentially a massive off-world prelude to the sensational World War Hulk I read Incredible Hulk #88 - #105. Easily one of the best Hulk stories I've read. A 7 out of 12, firm Three star read.
2013 and 2011 read
October 31, 2022
Cómic largo, con mucha acción y con Hulk como protagonista absoluto, casi sin aparición de Bruce Banner. Hay muchos combates.
Se humaniza bastante el personaje de Hulk. Es más sereno, más reflexivo, aún con sus momentos de rabia desatada. También hay una historia de amor.
Personalmente, Hulk pierde un poco de su esencia y no me gusta, pero también entiendo que hay que buscarle matices al héroe y no encasillarlo siempre en el monstruo que nace de la rabia y que lo destroza todo.
-----------------------------
Long comic, with a lot of action and with the Hulk as the main character, with almost no appearance of Bruce Banner. There are many fights.
The character of the Hulk is quite humanised. He is more serene, more reflective, even with his moments of unleashed rage. There's also a love story.
Personally, the Hulk loses a bit of his essence and I don't like it, but I also understand that you have to look for nuances in the hero and not always classify him as a monster born of rage who destroys everything.
Se humaniza bastante el personaje de Hulk. Es más sereno, más reflexivo, aún con sus momentos de rabia desatada. También hay una historia de amor.
Personalmente, Hulk pierde un poco de su esencia y no me gusta, pero también entiendo que hay que buscarle matices al héroe y no encasillarlo siempre en el monstruo que nace de la rabia y que lo destroza todo.
-----------------------------
Long comic, with a lot of action and with the Hulk as the main character, with almost no appearance of Bruce Banner. There are many fights.
The character of the Hulk is quite humanised. He is more serene, more reflective, even with his moments of unleashed rage. There's also a love story.
Personally, the Hulk loses a bit of his essence and I don't like it, but I also understand that you have to look for nuances in the hero and not always classify him as a monster born of rage who destroys everything.
May 7, 2020
Rereading in preparation for Thor: Ragnorok.
Here's where the Illuminati start causing trouble. They decide the Hulk is too dangerous and blast his ass to outer space. They meant to send him to an uninhabited planet where he could chase bunny rabbits through fields all day, but his ship gets sucked into a wormhole and dumps him out on Sakaar instead. For some reason, society is a more brutal version of Roman civilization. Hulk becomes a slave and fights as a gladiator and we all know how that is going to go. After he scratches the Emperor, they send him to the Maw for training. Here, he teams up with the Warbound, who are pretty cool, except for Miek, he's a whiny pain in the ass. I liked how they brought in some minor characters from the MU like the Brood warrior and Korg, an alien who fought Thor once in the 60's. Then it soon begins about how Hulk is the chosen one that will free Sakaar and how the Hulk just wants to be left alone. Fast forward through a bunch of punchy-punchy. Hulk becomes king. Illuminati screws up again. World War Hulk ensues.
I enjoyed this. The art and coloring are both good. Carlo Pagulayan's art gets better with each issue and Aaron Lopresti is always a solid artist.
July 3, 2016
The Illuminati banished Hulk to a remote alien planet called Sakaar far away from Earth where he would no longer have to worry about hurting anyone or being hurt back. He would finally have peace and might find happiness there. Yeah, right! Tony Stark and co. were wrong - Sakaar is ruled over by a cruel Red King who enslaves Hulk to be the star attraction in his bloodsport. But these aliens have never come across anyone quite like Hulk before…
Billed as the quintessential Hulk storyline, Planet Hulk is actually a disappointing yawner. Greg Pak basically rewrote Spartacus with Hulk as the lead except it’s still not a very interesting story. Hulk goes from slave gladiator to people’s champion, and so on - I won’t spoil it but nobody ever beats Hulk so you can see the trajectory of the story. It’s soooo predictable.
And boring too! Hulk smashes stuff left and right, his Warbound (cadre of blood brothers) are all dull, and that’s really it. Fighting, more fighting, still more fighting, some dreary origin for a character you couldn’t care less about, back to more fighting - and this goes on for 15 issues! Good lord is this a bloated overlong exercise in tedium! Carlo Pagulayan’s art is decent but it’s like Pak’s writing in that it’s competent yet very plain and unexciting.
Maybe if you like A Princess of Mars-type stories you might get something out of this but I kept waiting to be impressed and waited and waited and then the book was over. Planet Hulk underlines how one-dimensional Hulk comics tend to be with this ridiculously overpowered one-note character.
Billed as the quintessential Hulk storyline, Planet Hulk is actually a disappointing yawner. Greg Pak basically rewrote Spartacus with Hulk as the lead except it’s still not a very interesting story. Hulk goes from slave gladiator to people’s champion, and so on - I won’t spoil it but nobody ever beats Hulk so you can see the trajectory of the story. It’s soooo predictable.
And boring too! Hulk smashes stuff left and right, his Warbound (cadre of blood brothers) are all dull, and that’s really it. Fighting, more fighting, still more fighting, some dreary origin for a character you couldn’t care less about, back to more fighting - and this goes on for 15 issues! Good lord is this a bloated overlong exercise in tedium! Carlo Pagulayan’s art is decent but it’s like Pak’s writing in that it’s competent yet very plain and unexciting.
Maybe if you like A Princess of Mars-type stories you might get something out of this but I kept waiting to be impressed and waited and waited and then the book was over. Planet Hulk underlines how one-dimensional Hulk comics tend to be with this ridiculously overpowered one-note character.
May 6, 2016
Book blurb: Betrayed by Earth’s heroes and exiled into outer space, the man-monster Hulk has landed on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the Green Scar, the planet’s mightiest gladiator – but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters…
Considering this is the story of a cosmic uprising, things felt surprisingly bland to me. Sure, there is no shortage of battles and explosions, but the alien setting is so simplistic that the outcome is never in doubt, and the aliens involved are so generic that I never really cared anyway. With an average rating of over 4.2 here at GR, I have to say I expected more from Planet Hulk.
Considering this is the story of a cosmic uprising, things felt surprisingly bland to me. Sure, there is no shortage of battles and explosions, but the alien setting is so simplistic that the outcome is never in doubt, and the aliens involved are so generic that I never really cared anyway. With an average rating of over 4.2 here at GR, I have to say I expected more from Planet Hulk.
May 22, 2018
Planet Hulk is the Roman Empire meets the Marvel Universe, with Hulk on a planet of gladiators, slaves, prostitutes, and myriad killer aliens. When Hulk not smash, it explores totalitarianism versus rebellion, love versus hate, monsters versus heroes.
February 6, 2018
I admit, I read this saga after watched "Thor: Ragnarok" Movie. The Hulk as a gladiator, teaming with Warbound. The other Warbound that appeared in the movie was Korg.
This story in general more like a Planetary Adventure than Super-hero story. The warbound seems inspired by Spartacus story. The story is predictable and I prefer to treat the story finished after the main bad guy of Planet Hulk Saga defeated.
But as in common DC/Marvel stories, there are fillers and foreshadowing for next saga. If this is a pure original setting, Planet Hulk could become a fine fantasy comic.
The gorgeous art and the exotic setting are effectively improving the entertainment, so I rate this saga not 2 star, but 3 star.
This story in general more like a Planetary Adventure than Super-hero story. The warbound seems inspired by Spartacus story. The story is predictable and I prefer to treat the story finished after the main bad guy of Planet Hulk Saga defeated.
But as in common DC/Marvel stories, there are fillers and foreshadowing for next saga. If this is a pure original setting, Planet Hulk could become a fine fantasy comic.
The gorgeous art and the exotic setting are effectively improving the entertainment, so I rate this saga not 2 star, but 3 star.
May 1, 2011
Every so often, there comes a tale -- with equal parts passion and pathos, with equal parts pride and prejudice -- that not only redefines what a character has meant throughout the already visited pages upon pages of illustrated storylines but also re-establishes the hero as a dominant force for storytellers, readers, the company's universe, and (arguably) the entire comic book industry. PLANET HULK is such a masterpiece.
It's difficult to talk about the adventure without giving too many elements best left revealed and explored by the reader. This trade paperback -- collecting issues of the HULK's monthly run as well as a few additional installments from other sources -- has more welcome twists and turns than any good piece of literature could hope for. Briefly, earth's (Marvel) superheroes have reached the breaking point in their inactions with the Hulk; fearing that the 'monster' could eventually turn the immeasureable dark fury against mankind, they construct a spaceship to send him to an unpopulated world in deep space where the Hulk can live out his days in isolation. The problem: not only does it make the Hulk angry ("you won't like me when I'm angry"), but also he's delivered to the wrong planet ... this one ruled by a 'Ming-the-Merciless' type who forced his citizens to fight-to-the-death ritualistically in huge arena. Think of the movie GLADIATOR ... only in space ... with dozens of alien creatures ... and with an even unhappier ending with the smoothest cliffhanger this side of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.
Really, that's all I should say. To reveal more would truly spoil the surprise, the PLANET HULK is full of them. This is one story for the ages, and it's best experienced by the audience.
It's difficult to talk about the adventure without giving too many elements best left revealed and explored by the reader. This trade paperback -- collecting issues of the HULK's monthly run as well as a few additional installments from other sources -- has more welcome twists and turns than any good piece of literature could hope for. Briefly, earth's (Marvel) superheroes have reached the breaking point in their inactions with the Hulk; fearing that the 'monster' could eventually turn the immeasureable dark fury against mankind, they construct a spaceship to send him to an unpopulated world in deep space where the Hulk can live out his days in isolation. The problem: not only does it make the Hulk angry ("you won't like me when I'm angry"), but also he's delivered to the wrong planet ... this one ruled by a 'Ming-the-Merciless' type who forced his citizens to fight-to-the-death ritualistically in huge arena. Think of the movie GLADIATOR ... only in space ... with dozens of alien creatures ... and with an even unhappier ending with the smoothest cliffhanger this side of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.
Really, that's all I should say. To reveal more would truly spoil the surprise, the PLANET HULK is full of them. This is one story for the ages, and it's best experienced by the audience.
December 21, 2015
Actually a 3.5, rounding up. I'm actually, legitimately surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. When I saw what a major chunk this book was, I skeptical that a Hulk book could hold my attention for that long. I read it in one sitting. The first couple of issues were admittedly a little slow going, but once I got into the swing of things I was highly entertained. Sure, it was probably all just an excuse to shoehorn a well-known character into a totally different kind of story, but Hulk made for a good revolutionary. I was also surprised that I actually liked the romance in the book, because it was generally understated and because I could totally get the mutual attraction between Hulk and his future wife. This will lead directly into World War Hulk, and I'm on board for that one, too.
June 26, 2016
I was very impressed with this.
I consider myself a Hulk fan (like, I've always liked the two 21st century movies despite recognizing that they kind of suck. Yeah, I think I even liked the 2003 one). I read World War Hulk last year and enjoyed it. I probably should have read this one first, but whatever. It's still cohesive.
Anyway, I watched the animated film version of this book two months ago and really liked it. That benefited me here because this starts after Hulk has already been stranded on Sakaar and is under enslavement of the Red King who is forcing various peoples to fight as gladiators (one atrocity among his many). For the most part the film did a good job of adaptation. At least, I was more convinced of that before I read this book, because there is A LOT going on here. I mean, it's like 400 pages. They couldn't possibly have fit all of this in a film.
This book was a very enjoyable read for me. I felt like I would never get through it, but I'm so grateful that the story was actually good. The world-building was phenomenal. Anyone who disagrees should reference the 40-page guide to Sakaar at the end of this book. It has geography, history, species statistics, character statistics, and maps. Seriously?! I mean, I didn't read it because, quite honestly, ain't nobody got time for that. But seriously, I highly doubt that it's full of crap.
The plot was awesome for me too, because there was a lot of character development for Hulk and even the minor characters. I mean, Hulk/Banner is not a bad guy at all. He does have some issues, but he's really a good person. From what I've read so far, this is the best version of Hulk as a person. And as a fighter, because he is ridiculously strong in this. Thanks to the Avengers and Bruce trying to kill him. Which brings me to my final point.
I loved that this showed how flawed the Avengers and the other main heroes can be. The Avengers really f**ked up this time. Sending Hulk to another planet is just the beginning. So World War Hulk makes a lot more sense to me now because I see why he is so mad. It's not just because they sent him to another planet. I don't blame him for his violence after getting back to Earth. And I loved the issues at the end with Amadeus Cho because he gave a fresh perspective in favor of the Hulk. And he put Reed Richards into his place about them sending Bruce into space and also about their Civil War bullsh*t.
Overall, a great read. I would highly recommend this.
Artwork: A
Plot: A+
World-building: A+
Dialogue: A
Characters: A+
I consider myself a Hulk fan (like, I've always liked the two 21st century movies despite recognizing that they kind of suck. Yeah, I think I even liked the 2003 one). I read World War Hulk last year and enjoyed it. I probably should have read this one first, but whatever. It's still cohesive.
Anyway, I watched the animated film version of this book two months ago and really liked it. That benefited me here because this starts after Hulk has already been stranded on Sakaar and is under enslavement of the Red King who is forcing various peoples to fight as gladiators (one atrocity among his many). For the most part the film did a good job of adaptation. At least, I was more convinced of that before I read this book, because there is A LOT going on here. I mean, it's like 400 pages. They couldn't possibly have fit all of this in a film.
This book was a very enjoyable read for me. I felt like I would never get through it, but I'm so grateful that the story was actually good. The world-building was phenomenal. Anyone who disagrees should reference the 40-page guide to Sakaar at the end of this book. It has geography, history, species statistics, character statistics, and maps. Seriously?! I mean, I didn't read it because, quite honestly, ain't nobody got time for that. But seriously, I highly doubt that it's full of crap.
The plot was awesome for me too, because there was a lot of character development for Hulk and even the minor characters. I mean, Hulk/Banner is not a bad guy at all. He does have some issues, but he's really a good person. From what I've read so far, this is the best version of Hulk as a person. And as a fighter, because he is ridiculously strong in this. Thanks to the Avengers and Bruce trying to kill him. Which brings me to my final point.
I loved that this showed how flawed the Avengers and the other main heroes can be. The Avengers really f**ked up this time. Sending Hulk to another planet is just the beginning. So World War Hulk makes a lot more sense to me now because I see why he is so mad. It's not just because they sent him to another planet. I don't blame him for his violence after getting back to Earth. And I loved the issues at the end with Amadeus Cho because he gave a fresh perspective in favor of the Hulk. And he put Reed Richards into his place about them sending Bruce into space and also about their Civil War bullsh*t.
Overall, a great read. I would highly recommend this.
Artwork: A
Plot: A+
World-building: A+
Dialogue: A
Characters: A+
July 30, 2015
Great premise, good story, okay art, and rushed ending. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I should have due to pacing problems. Glad I read it though.
January 26, 2018
Another meh.
Reread: I liked this one quite a bit more the 2nd time around.
Reread: I liked this one quite a bit more the 2nd time around.
September 2, 2019
This kind of feels like it was over hyped but it was still really good.
May 20, 2016
Fun, 3.5 stars rounded up.
Gets better as it continues.
Interesting how they bring in enemies from Earth past, Brood, Krog, etc.
Red King is a one-dimensional baddie, lame.
This was more important to set up World War Hulk, and build his anger towards Reed, Tony, Bolt, and Strange.
Strange is the biggest betrayal, from the Defenders days.
Also, another Defender shows up...Mr. Norin Radd. Aka The Silver Surfer.
But there's some cool stuff, like Hulk holding a planet together via the tectonic plates.
Gets better as it continues.
Interesting how they bring in enemies from Earth past, Brood, Krog, etc.
Red King is a one-dimensional baddie, lame.
This was more important to set up World War Hulk, and build his anger towards Reed, Tony, Bolt, and Strange.
Strange is the biggest betrayal, from the Defenders days.
Also, another Defender shows up...Mr. Norin Radd. Aka The Silver Surfer.
But there's some cool stuff, like Hulk holding a planet together via the tectonic plates.
April 28, 2019
Seeing thor ragnarok I had to read the inspiration for it and altho the source material has several things that were better than the movie I still can't overlook the flaws in the execution of this book. The story and concept are genius but I probably had different expectations for it to pan out, without spoiler my 2 biggest problems with it are: 1. It had way more dialouge than what I've expected of "Hulk ending up on an alien planet", I mean how cool could it've been - hulk comunicating in animalistic body language with its inhabitants etc. (the possibilites would have been literally endless) I honestly wished for a more original and artistic approach here to go along with the concept. 2. The pacing was way off.. its just too fast! So much so that it felt rushed even for modern standards.
Sadly not the masterpiece fans make it out to be.
3.5 stars out of 5.
Sadly not the masterpiece fans make it out to be.
3.5 stars out of 5.
August 19, 2015
Loved this way more than I thought I would. The art was absolutely beautiful and the story line was actually very developed. Very impressed.
December 31, 2023
4.6/5.0
Such a brutal and heartbreaking story that wonderfully exemplifies a fresh and raw take on heroism and villainy. This book is the epitome of less is more in the best way!
Such a brutal and heartbreaking story that wonderfully exemplifies a fresh and raw take on heroism and villainy. This book is the epitome of less is more in the best way!
May 7, 2022
8'5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sobre el argumento... cambiad a Russell Crowe de la película "Gladiator" por el gigante esmeralda y ponedlo en un planeta alienígena. ¡Entretenimiento asegurado!
Todo está pensado para que Hulk se luzca y podamos disfrutar de un verdadero "must have" de Marvel. La única pega es que en las secuencias de acción (y tiene muchas) da la sensación de que faltan viñetas para hacer más fluidas las peleas o enfrentamientos de turno.
Muy recomendable por su dibujo, por la duración de este arco argumental (376 páginas) y por los personajes secundarios, que prácticamente son protagonistas junto con Hulk y desprenden el mismo carisma.
Sobre el argumento... cambiad a Russell Crowe de la película "Gladiator" por el gigante esmeralda y ponedlo en un planeta alienígena. ¡Entretenimiento asegurado!
Todo está pensado para que Hulk se luzca y podamos disfrutar de un verdadero "must have" de Marvel. La única pega es que en las secuencias de acción (y tiene muchas) da la sensación de que faltan viñetas para hacer más fluidas las peleas o enfrentamientos de turno.
Muy recomendable por su dibujo, por la duración de este arco argumental (376 páginas) y por los personajes secundarios, que prácticamente son protagonistas junto con Hulk y desprenden el mismo carisma.
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January 3, 2017Phenomenal "Hulk Carter of Mars" pastiche. Most of my serious Hulk reading came from the "Hulk trapped at the crossroads" storyline and the David years, so I like me some madcap weird Hulk, and this delivers. I love how Pak gently inverts the traditional Hulk model—I'm used to thinking of Hulk as the furious beast Banner keeps inside, but Pak zeroes in on Banner as the empathetic, human inner core Hulk hides beneath all the anger and smashing.
Which in turn makes me wonder who Hulk is. He's not the beast within—he's not appetitive enough. (There's little gluttony or sexual passion in the Hulk as I know him.) Maybe he's Will, or perhaps even Selfishness? Or the asocial drive to dominate? With Banner in control, he's terrifying, but often necessary—like Jung's Shadow; with Hulk in control, Banner becomes terrifying but necessary—without Banner, that naked will isolates itself from friends, even destroys the world.
Huh. With Journey to the West on my mind—maybe Hulk, as weird as this sounds, is the Mind: the raw intellect without moral restraint, set free to break and destroy as it wishes. (Makes sense why it would be so strong in Banner.) Not sure about this yet—needs noodling. Worth a thought, though.
But, anyway: a fun, emotional planetary romance, with swords, hive men, gladiatorial combat arenas, power armor, and plenty of smashing. Really great read.
Which in turn makes me wonder who Hulk is. He's not the beast within—he's not appetitive enough. (There's little gluttony or sexual passion in the Hulk as I know him.) Maybe he's Will, or perhaps even Selfishness? Or the asocial drive to dominate? With Banner in control, he's terrifying, but often necessary—like Jung's Shadow; with Hulk in control, Banner becomes terrifying but necessary—without Banner, that naked will isolates itself from friends, even destroys the world.
Huh. With Journey to the West on my mind—maybe Hulk, as weird as this sounds, is the Mind: the raw intellect without moral restraint, set free to break and destroy as it wishes. (Makes sense why it would be so strong in Banner.) Not sure about this yet—needs noodling. Worth a thought, though.
But, anyway: a fun, emotional planetary romance, with swords, hive men, gladiatorial combat arenas, power armor, and plenty of smashing. Really great read.
May 24, 2017
This story deals with Hulk's betrayal by the heroes of Earth, and how he was able to build a family on a new world. The story is quite sad though. I was really touched by the loss that Hulk experiences. It's no wonder that he is so angry.
April 18, 2017
It's perfect. A man so angry with the world he's been forced into that he decides to destroy everything. I REALLY FUCKING RELATE TO THIS.
August 19, 2015
Interesting concept, and I'll say that for someone who hasn't read much Hulk (and isn't super likely to) it was nowhere near awful. I will also add, however, that I was bored and skimming during some parts of this "epic" story. Yeah, right. As IF I believe that Hulk would allow himself to be used as a Gladiator, even for as long as he did. It was nice to see a Hulk who could speak beyond monosyallables, and to see him viewing Banner as not just a nuisance, but basically his own personal supervillain. Overall, I got through it. Would I read it again: probably not. Am I going to continue to the next story arc: probably not. Whatever.
May 23, 2016
Amazing! So I marked this as read but I'm shocked to see that I have not reviewed it! So I like the hulk, but their aren't really any comic stories of his that I have really found, good! This however is fantastic! So the premise is simple, the hero's send hulk off planet, not in the way you think, that want to send him to a isolated planet, where he can just live in peace; his ship however goes off course to a planet ruled by a dictator, Hulk then becomes a gladiator in an arena where he fights giant aliens. The premise, sounds simple, but its actually a well written book, by far one of the best hulk stories ever!
August 29, 2019
Dve reči najbolje opisuju "Planetu Hulk": glupo i zabavno.
May 29, 2019
I saw the animated movie first and that's what perked my interest in this book. I loved the idea of Hulk as the hero and the savior. In the Avengers world, he's consider the big gun weapon who's hard to control. He was betrayed by his companions and marooned on a planet that was on surface inhospitable.
He's the ultimate unlikely hero, and very noble and tragic, in fact.
In this story, the reader gets to see a more thoughtful Hulk who is valued for more than just the havoc he can wreak. His blood literally is the stuff of life on Planet Sakaar. He is fated to save the people from unjust tyrant and to lead a revolution to liberate the people.
The worldbuilding is fantastic, with such a rich background for the different races and the creatures that live on Sakaar. The volume I read had a long appendix that explained everything, but I honestly got bored with it and didn't finish reading it. It's not necessary. The writing in the novel is so good, you don't need the backstory and explanations, to be honest.
I've grown to love Hulk and this book is a big part of that evolution. I would love to read more Hulk volumes as see this layered complex character in his best light.
He's the ultimate unlikely hero, and very noble and tragic, in fact.
In this story, the reader gets to see a more thoughtful Hulk who is valued for more than just the havoc he can wreak. His blood literally is the stuff of life on Planet Sakaar. He is fated to save the people from unjust tyrant and to lead a revolution to liberate the people.
The worldbuilding is fantastic, with such a rich background for the different races and the creatures that live on Sakaar. The volume I read had a long appendix that explained everything, but I honestly got bored with it and didn't finish reading it. It's not necessary. The writing in the novel is so good, you don't need the backstory and explanations, to be honest.
I've grown to love Hulk and this book is a big part of that evolution. I would love to read more Hulk volumes as see this layered complex character in his best light.
January 11, 2014
Fantastic. Sword and sorcery with the Hulk!
There are a few problems that will cause some dissonance for those unfamiliar with the full breadth of the ins and outs of the way the Hulk works. Admittedly I was in this camp, but just rolled with it. The idea of the Hulk being less than a giant irradiated ball of rage grows on you a little. Though I still don't quite understand how the Hulk himself could be so...un-angry so much. Yeah. Need to go read up on that.
The setup was well-done, and if you haven't read Prelude to Planet Hulk...don't. This book obviates the need in the first few pages and does so more effectively than the entire previous volume.
It's a love letter to planetary romance fiction, it's sword and sorcery using the Hulk as a leading man. There are several direct parallels to and subversions of elements from A Princess of Mars, though you'll also find bits of several other classic sword-and-sorcery tales.
If you like the big green guy at all, this is one of the best stories featuring him. If you like superhero stories, I think the same holds true. Despite the homage it is, it is still and always a superhero book. And it gets bonus points for the Hulk's re-entry scene.
Fun stuff.
There are a few problems that will cause some dissonance for those unfamiliar with the full breadth of the ins and outs of the way the Hulk works. Admittedly I was in this camp, but just rolled with it. The idea of the Hulk being less than a giant irradiated ball of rage grows on you a little. Though I still don't quite understand how the Hulk himself could be so...un-angry so much. Yeah. Need to go read up on that.
The setup was well-done, and if you haven't read Prelude to Planet Hulk...don't. This book obviates the need in the first few pages and does so more effectively than the entire previous volume.
It's a love letter to planetary romance fiction, it's sword and sorcery using the Hulk as a leading man. There are several direct parallels to and subversions of elements from A Princess of Mars, though you'll also find bits of several other classic sword-and-sorcery tales.
If you like the big green guy at all, this is one of the best stories featuring him. If you like superhero stories, I think the same holds true. Despite the homage it is, it is still and always a superhero book. And it gets bonus points for the Hulk's re-entry scene.
Fun stuff.
January 19, 2018
What a large collection, from Hulk #92 to #105, plus other stories. I finally got a chance to catch up on the Planet Hulk storyline (via my kindle fire), thanks to the KOLL program (saved $12). Lots of outer space action and a very sad ending........Gee Marvel, you couldn't allow the Hulk more than a few days of happiness?
Must to tough to write stories about someone as powerful as the Hulk. Yet it worked for the Planet Hulk storyline. Why not milk it for a longer period?
Must to tough to write stories about someone as powerful as the Hulk. Yet it worked for the Planet Hulk storyline. Why not milk it for a longer period?
January 25, 2018
In a word, SMASHING!
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