Key Artists of Hulk: The Creators Who Defined the Series

The Hulk is a deeply visual character—his raw power, transformations, and titanic battles demand artists who can convey exceptional physical energy on the page. Over 60 years, certain artists have left their mark on the character indelibly, creating visual versions that defined entire eras and directly influenced the value of the issues they illustrated.

This guide analyzes the major Hulk artists, their impact on the series, and the specific issues most sought after for their work.

Jack Kirby: the creator (1962-1963)

Jack "King" Kirby co-created Hulk with Stan Lee in 1962, drawing all 6 issues of the original series and establishing the fundamental design of the character. His Hulk is massive, angular, with an exaggerated musculature that will become the standard for all subsequent artists. Kirby also defined the aesthetic of the Banner/Hulk transformation as a moment of terror and unleashed power.

Key Kirby issues to collect: Incredible Hulk #1 ($490,000 in CGC 9.2), #2-6 (the original complete series). These issues command an astronomical premium not only for the character but also for the signature of Kirby, the most important artist in the history of American comics. A complete set #1-6 in uniform condition (same grade) is the ultimate holy grail of the Hulk collection.

Herb Trimpe: the definer (1968-1975)

Herb Trimpe drew the Incredible Hulk for over 7 consecutive years (#106-142, #145-193), an all-time record for the series. His style, less dynamic than Kirby but more narrative and detailed, defined the "classic" Hulk that '70s readers associated with the character. It was Trimpe who drew #180-181-182 (introduction of Wolverine), which ensures him a permanent place in comic book history.

Trimpe key numbers: #180-181-182 (Wolverine, record values), #141 (first Doc Samson, $8,000-12,000 in CGC 9.8), #162 (first Wendigo, CGC 9.6: $3,000). The complete Trimpe run (#106-193) in VF condition represents an ambitious but achievable project: most of the non-key numbers are between $15 and $40 in raw VF.

Trimpe died in 2015, causing his numbers to temporarily spike. The CGC Signature Series signed examples have taken a significant premium and have become finished (no new witnessing possible). A #181 CGC SS signed Trimpe is worth 50 to 100% more than a standard slab of the same grade.

Todd McFarlane: The Revolutionary (1987-1988)

Todd McFarlane only drew 17 issues of Incredible Hulk (#330-346), but his impact was disproportionate. His hyper-detailed style, with bold inking lines and a sense of cinematic composition, modernized the visuals of the series overnight. The cover of #340 (Hulk Gray vs Wolverine, reflections in the claws) is probably the most reproduced and iconic Hulk cover of all time.

McFarlane key numbers: #340 ($300-600 in CGC 9.8, the centerpiece), #330 (first David/McFarlane, $150-300 in 9.8), #331-346 (full run, $200-400 in raw VF-NM). McFarlane left Hulk for Amazing Spider-Man #298-328, then created Spawn. His Hulk period is his first significant Marvel work and has a unique historical appeal for fans of the artist.

Dale Keown: the sculptor (1990-1993)

Dale Keown (#367-398, with interruptions) defined the Hulk of the '90s: a massive, muscular character with a facial expressiveness that few artists have achieved. His Professor Hulk (the fusion of personalities created by Peter David in #377) became the definitive image of this incarnation, also included in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Keown key issues: #377 (personality fusion, embossed cover, $100-200 in CGC 9.8), #367 (first complete issue of Keown, beginning of qualitative rise), #393 (30th anniversary, embossed green cover, $40-80 in 9.8). The Keown/David run is the visual and narrative climax of Incredible Hulk — the two creators in perfect symbiosis.

Keown has a loyal following and his original commissions sell for between $3,000 and $10,000. Keown cover variants on recent series consistently command a 2x-5x premium over standard covers.

Ryan Ottley and contemporary artists

Ryan Ottley (Hulk #1-14, 2021-2023, with Donny Cates) brought his Invincible energy to Hulk, with explosive battle pages and a sense of movement inherited from his 144 issues on Robert Kirkman's series. His Hulk is dynamic and visceral. His run numbers are currently underpriced ($8-20 in NM raw) and represent a great long-term bet.

Joe Bennett (Immortal Hulk #1-50, with fill-ins) delivered remarkable graphic horror work on Al Ewing's series. Its pages of body horror and transformation have become references of the genre. The Immortal Hulk #1 ($200-400 in CGC 9.8) is the most sought-after Bennett issue. The entire run benefits from his unique visual contribution.

Nic Klein (Incredible Hulk 2023-present) continues the tradition of artists redefining the Hulk for a new generation. Its painterly style and atmospheric double pages recall Esad Ribic's approach to Thor. The first issues of its run are still at rock bottom prices — a potentially ideal time to build a full run.