The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk

The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk was one of the first comics I read when I started reading comics nearly two and a half years ago so I'm glad I came back to what I believed at the time was a fascinating story. I initially purchased the Panini UK omnibus printing of Planet Hulk as it was easily available but as I have grown more experienced with comics I opted to purchase the Marvel US printing for my next read through for one reason, that being to save space on my limited shelf space as Marvel US use better and thinner quality paper and contains the story in a smaller size volume as well as providing some extra content. I will include my initial review I wrote years ago then at the end add my current opinions of my latest read through, the images I provide will be of the Marvel US printing.Initial review posted 5/8/2018The Planet Hulk Omnibus is something very special to me, First off Planet Hulk collects Incredible Hulk #92-105 and Planet Hulk: Gladiator's Guidebook which just gives more detail into the world, characters and some lore, I haven't read it yet but it's nice to have. I just finished it and as soon as I finished it I'm glad I purchased World War Hulk at the same time to read right away. I wouldn't say I'm really a big Hulk fan but bought some graphic novels/comics to hopefully grow a new appreciation for him and it's working, not my favourite but he's growing on me, especially with this story. Planet Hulk delivers on all fronts, with strong writing from Greg Pak who gives these great characters depth and emotion with great pacing and action as well. With illustrations by Carlo Pagulayan and Aaron Lopresti complimenting this alien world and capturing the vibes while being able to display emotion and stellar action.The concept is great and I loved it, in a nutshell Hulk is betrayed by his friends on earth and put on a ship and sent away from the Earth because he's too dangerous. Hulk eventually arrives on another planet ruled by an evil king, Hulk weakened by the crash is captured as a prisoner and sold off eventually becoming a gladiator. This is a tale of freeing a planet from evil rule while making new friends and growing together along the way. There are surprises in the story and some parts will pull on the heart strings.It was a real treat to get to sit and read this and be immersed in this story and world and it's one of the best I've read so far and I will definitely be coming back to read it again. If you are on the fence about this omnibus, for the price you can't go wrong, this price for a rich, deep and compelling story is worth it. Even more desirable if you are a fan of Hulk. I'd say pick this up, you’ll be glad you did.End of previous review - current opinions.Something the Marvel US printing offers that the UK Panini printing doesn't is the material from Amazing Fantasy #15 and Giant-Size Hulk #1, GSH #1 is only a few pages but AF #15 begins after Hulk #105 and is more lengthy, at first I didn't care for it but as it went on I thought it was a nice inclusion.The story begins with Hulk in a spaceship, he has just saved a planet but with certain avengers learning of Hulks mission they see it as an opportunity to get rid of the Hulk, not just because of the threat and destruction that he poses to Earth but also because the Hulk wants to be left alone and be free and live in peace away from things that may trigger the Hulk to emerge and reprograms the route of the ship taking him to a peaceful planet. The plan however doesn't work and the Hulk and his vessel go through a worm hole and end up on a planet ruled by a vicious and cruel ruler who enslaves but also punishes people. Hulk imprisoned after the crash landing must survive a gladiator guantlet of several challenges and trust other to earn his freedom. This is just the first few issues.The story is strong and develops throughout, starting with betrayal from his friends to being enslaved and taken prisoner as a gladiator to fight for freedom to then change to a fighter of freedom then fight to survival and more. The characters are enjoyable and I appreciate characters like Miek who goes from a scrawny character and evolves throughout the arc. It doesn't end there as Hulk also changes through this arc seeing what he has taught and shown Miek how it may be wrong. It isn't directly addressed but I'm sure that seeing how his attitude and influence on others and seeing what they become driven by changes Hulk into a more compassionate character. I also love the ending, the tragedy encapsulates so well what Hulk is about and what drives him, if you've read Planet Hulk you know and should know just how gut wrenching it is. The artwork is spectacular and the colours really pop and fit more in line with cosmic stories where they are given freedom of using a wider colour palette than say Batman where it's a dark Gotham so the colour has to reflect that, here the artist and colourist knock it out of the park and deserve praise. I will say that is disappointing that Marvel didn't capitalize on this in the MCU as this is one of the best Hulk stories and easily could have been a movie in its own right instead of a 30 minute poor inclusion just to reference the comic to make the fans happy.Regardless, if you are. New to Hulk and have very little experience besides the Hulk is stronger the madder he is this is a good jumping on point and considered one of the best Hulk comics of all time. I still don't have much experience with Hulk but have read the first volume of Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk which is fantastic and I can't wait to pick up more of. If you're a fan of Len Wein's Swamp thing you'll love Immortal Hulk.Hopefully it's sunk home now that this comic is worth a read and should be on anyone's shelf who considers themselves a Hulk fan, and even if you're not and want a minimum of Hulk stories on the shelf this has to be the one you have. It's a no brainer, pick this up you won't be disappointed.Hopefully you found this review helpful and happy reading.

Every once in a while a series of comics comes along where everything just comes together, with the artwork and the writing both of exceptional quality that it deserves to be made into a 'Hardcover' presentation, and 'Planet Hulk' deserves this and more. I have to say first of all that it is best if you read the small graphic novel 'Prelude to Planet Hulk' beforehand just to help with the build up to this amazing piece of work.The story begins when a group of 'Superheroes' who call themselves 'The Illuminati' decide that 'The Incredible Hulk' is too much of a danger to the human race, and his rampages are putting too many lives a risk. They devise a plan to send him into space to an uninhabited planet where he can be alone and hurt no one, but things don't go as planned. I will mention nothing else about the story simply because it would spoil it for you.Greg Pak who wrote this epic has to be the greatest comic writer find of the last five years, and the superb artists who put his words into pictures have created a stunning visual treat that will simply amaze you.I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is a comic masterpiece that will be talked about for years to come, and the best thing of all is that the story is still going on this summer with 'Marvel's' 'World War Hulk' storyline!!!!

one of the best hulk stories! Wish it could have ended better but still terrific 😃😁😁😃 Worth a read fellow geeks

Probably the best hulk story line ever. This edition collects all the planet hulk issues plus bonus features. The hulk is tricked by iron man, Mr fantastic, Dr strange and black bolt and sent away from earth in a spaceship. They say he is too dangerous and they plan to send him to a distant planet where he can live in peace. But the spaceship goes through a wormhole and lands on the planet Sakaar ruled by the evil red king. The hulk is forced to fight in a gladiator arena for the kings entertainment. The hulk teams up with his fellow alien prisoners and escapes. He then leads a rebellion to try and take over the planet from the evil king. I loved this story from start to finish. It is nice to have a hulk story that isn't just about smashing things up. The hulk does destroy things but there is also some quieter times, where the hulk reflects if what he is doing is right. The people of sakaar think he is there mystical saviour from an ancient prophecy but the hulk doesn't think so. An essential read.

Wonderful plot with its twists and turns.Things aren’t always what they appear to be.Fuelled by rage, the Hulk has a heart and ambitions for a better life underneath it all.The usual exceptionally high standard of writing and artwork that defines Marvel Comics.

So Hulk is tricked and unwillingly sent to a planet by the so called heroes of earth, only he doesn't reach the planet they intended to send him to. Hulk passes through a wormhole and instead lands on another world. The world is in control of an emperor who is cruel to many of the people on the planet. The Hulk finds himself to be part of an ancient prophecy on the world, and must set about freeing the planet from the deadly grasp of the corrupt emperor. From gladiator to king, The Hulk goes through an incredible adventure. The illustrations are epic and the storyline even more so, an absolute MUST for any Hulk or even comic book fan!