The first Incredible Hulk series includes two distinct eras: the original 6 issues (1962-1963, canceled for low sales, now among the most expensive comics in the world) and the revived series #102-474 (1968-1999, including runs by Trimpe, Mantlo, Peter David). The set represents 379 regular issues plus annuals, forming the main body of any serious Hulk collection.
The editorial history of Incredible Hulk is unique in the Marvel catalog. No other major series has been canceled after just 6 issues only to be resurrected 5 years later and become one of the publisher's most enduring titles. This atypical trajectory creates a particular collection structure, with extremely rare issues at the beginning and a long series accessible thereafter.
This guide analyzes both eras of the first series in detail, issue by issue for the keys, and by story arcs for the extended runs, with current market data and collecting recommendations.
The original 6 (May 1962 - March 1963)
Incredible Hulk #1-6 were published bimonthly from May 1962 to March 1963. Stan Lee on screenplay, Jack Kirby on art (with Steve Ditko inking on some pages of #1). The series was canceled after #6 due to lack of sufficient sales — a commercial failure that seems incomprehensible today. The character survived through appearances in Fantastic Four and Avengers before getting his own title in Tales to Astonish.
Editorial characteristics: printing on standard newsprint paper of the time, 12 cent covers, no barcode. The Hulk from #1 is gray (printing error which will be corrected from #2). The transformation is initially linked to the night (like a werewolf) before evolving into the emotional trigger we know.
Combined values of set #1-6 based on uniform grade: CGC 6.0: approximately $150,000-200,000 for all 6, CGC 4.0: approximately $60,000-80,000, CGC 2.0: approximately $30,000-40,000. A complete set in a uniform grade commands a 10-15% premium over the sum of the individual numbers.
The Tales to Astonish transition (1964-1968)
Between the cancellation of the original series and the relaunch, Hulk coexisted in Tales to Astonish #59-101 (43 issues), sharing each issue with Sub-Mariner (then featured alone starting in #92). This period is crucial because it maintains the character's continuity and introduces his main enemies (Leader #62, Abomination #90). The Tales to Astonish numbering continues directly in Incredible Hulk #102.
For the collector aiming for a “complete” Hulk run, the question arises: to include Tales to Astonish or not? The answer depends on your purism. Market consensus considers the "complete" Hulk run to begin at TtA #59 and continue through IH #474, making 416 issues total. It’s an ambitious project but not unrealistic at mid-grade.
The relaunch and the Trimpe era (#102-200)
Incredible Hulk #102 (April 1968) picks up directly after Tales to Astonish #101. Herb Trimpe became the main artist starting with #106 and remained so (with minor interruptions) until #193. This artistic stability is rare for the time and gives the series a coherent visual identity.
Major arcs of this period: the Leader saga (#115-118), the introduction of Doc Samson (#141), the Hulk in Counter-Earth (#158-159), the first Wendigo (#162), the stories with the X-Men (#150), and of course the Wolverine triptych (#180-182). Non-key numbers from this period can be found between $10 and $30 in raw VG-FN, making completing the run accessible.
The Bill Mantlo era and the psychological revolution (#245-313)
Bill Mantlo took over the storyline in #245 (1980) and gradually transformed the series from an action comic into a psychological exploration. Its crucial contribution: the revelation that the Hulk's multiple personalities (Savage, Gray, etc.) are the result of the paternal abuse suffered by Bruce Banner as a child (#312-314). This psychological layer will be the foundation of everything that Peter David will build subsequently.
Notable issues from the Mantlo era: #271 (first Rocket Raccoon, the financial key), #312 (first abuse flashback), #314 (full reveal), #300 (Spider-Man vs. Hulk, anniversary issue). Run #245-313 in VF raw condition: around $200-400 for the set, or $3-7 per issue — exceptional value for money for a run of this importance.
The Peter David run (#331-467): the golden age
Peter David arrived at #331 (April 1987) with Todd McFarlane drawing and did not leave the series until #467 (August 1998), i.e. 136 consecutive issues. It is the longest run by a writer on this series and universally considered the most accomplished.
Main phases: Gray Hulk/Joe Fixit (#331-377, drawings McFarlane then Jeff Purves, Gary Frank), Professor Hulk (#377-425, drawings Dale Keown then Gary Frank, Liam Sharp, Angel Medina), Deconstruction (#426-467, end of the Professor, return to the Savage Hulk). The continuity is rigorous over 12 years — a remarkable narrative feat.
Cost of completing the Peter David run (#331-467) in raw VF-NM: approximately $400-700. The key numbers (#340, #377, #393, #425) command individual premiums, but the majority of the run (#350-420 excluding keys) sits between $3 and $8 per number. It’s one of the best read/price ratio investments in the entire Marvel Universe.
End of the first series (#468-474, 1998-1999)
After the departure of Peter David, Joe Casey (#468-474) concluded the first series in 7 issues before the 1999 relaunch. These transition issues are little sought after ($3-5 in raw) but necessary for completionists. #474 (last issue of the first series, March 1999) has a slightly higher symbolic value as a "final issue": $10-20 in raw NM.
The first series totals 474 regular issues + 20 annuals + the 6 original issues from 1962. It is a monumental but structured collection project, with clear levels (Silver Age rare/expensive, Bronze Age moderate, Modern accessible) which allow a logical progression over several years.
Do you own Hulk comics?Estimate the value of your collection for freeto know their current rating.