The key Hulk issues of the Silver Age (1962-1970) are: Incredible Hulk #1 (first appearance, $300,000+ in CGC 6.0+), #2-6 (complete original series), Tales to Astonish #59-101 (anthology era with first appearances of the Leader, the Abomination), and Incredible Hulk #102-200 (relaunch with first Doc Samson #141, Wendigo #162, and Wolverine #180-181). These issues form the bedrock of any serious Hulk collection.

The Silver Age of Hulk is paradoxical: the original series only lasted 6 issues (1962-1963) before being canceled due to insufficient sales. The character survived through Tales to Astonish and then the 1968 relaunch, gradually building the rich universe we know today. For collectors, this period offers absolute rarities (the first 6 issues) and accessible opportunities (Tales to Astonish, first issues of the relaunch).

This guide systematically maps each key issue of the Silver Age Hulk, with current odds, CGC census and the factors that influence their valuation.

The original series: Incredible Hulk #1-6 (1962-1963)

Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962):First appearance of Hulk, Bruce Banner, Betty Ross, Thunderbolt Ross, Rick Jones. Hulk is gray in this issue (printing error). Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. CGC 9.2: $490,000 (record). CGC 6.0: $80,000-120,000. CGC 4.0: $40,000-65,000. CGC 1.0: $8,000-15,000. Census: ~3,500 copies, only 1 above 9.0.

Incredible Hulk #2 (July 1962):First green Hulk (correction of the gray color of #1). First appearance of the Toad Men alien race. CGC 9.0: approximately $40,000. CGC 6.0: $5,000-8,000. CGC 4.0: $2,500-4,000. Often undervalued because it is overshadowed by #1.

Incredible Hulk #3 (September 1962):First appearance of the Ringmaster and the Circus of Crime. Banner's first experiments to control transformations. CGC 9.0: approximately $25,000. CGC 6.0: $3,000-5,000. CGC 4.0: $1,500-2,500.

Incredible Hulk #4 (November 1962):Hulk is briefly fluorescent green. Atomic submarine. CGC 9.0: around $20,000. CGC 6.0: $2,500-4,000. Less sought after than #1-3 but an integral part of the complete set.

Incredible Hulk #5 (January 1963):First appearance of Tyrannus. CGC 9.0: around $18,000. CGC 6.0: $2,000-3,500. Continuous run with #4 in terms of demand and price.

Incredible Hulk #6 (March 1963):Final issue of the original series. First appearance of the Metal Master. The rarest number of the series in high condition because the last edition was already reduced. CGC 9.0: around $30,000. CGC 6.0: $3,000-5,000.

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Tales to Astonish era (#59-101, 1964-1968)

Tales to Astonish #59 (September 1964):Hulk's first appearance in the series (sharing the title with Giant-Man/Ant-Man). Beginning of the anthological era. CGC 9.4: $8,000-12,000. CGC 7.0: $800-1,500. CGC 5.0: $300-600. Most accessible Silver Age entry point for modest budgets.

Tales to Astonish #62 (December 1964):First appearance of the Leader (Samuel Sterns), one of the Hulk's main enemies. CGC 9.4: approximately $6,000. CGC 7.0: $600-1,000. CGC 5.0: $200-400. The MCU potential of the Leader (seen in The Incredible Hulk 2008, confirmed in Captain America 4) could increase this rating.

Tales to Astonish #69 (July 1965):Complete origin of the Leader. CGC 9.0: around $2,000. CGC 7.0: $400-700. Natural companion to #62 for collectors who follow the character.

Tales to Astonish #90 (April 1967):First appearance of the Abomination (Emil Blonsky). Major Hulk villain. CGC 9.4: approximately $5,000. CGC 7.0: $500-900. CGC 5.0: $200-350. The character appears in the MCU (The Incredible Hulk, She-Hulk), supporting the claim.

Tales to Astonish #93 (July 1967):First appearance of Silver Surfer outside of Fantastic Four. Hulk vs. Silver Surfer. CGC 9.4: approximately $8,000. CGC 7.0: $800-1,200. Dual appeal (Hulk fans + Silver Surfer fans) which supports a high premium.

Tales to Astonish #101 (March 1968):Last issue of the series. Hulk vs Sub-Mariner. The series was then renamed Incredible Hulk starting with #102. CGC 9.4: approximately $2,000. CGC 7.0: $200-400. Undervalued historic hinge.

The Relaunch: Incredible Hulk #102-200 (1968-1976)

Incredible Hulk #102 (April 1968):First issue of the revived series (continues the numbering of Tales to Astonish). Beginning of the modern era of the title. CGC 9.6: approximately $5,000. CGC 8.0: $500-800. CGC 6.0: $200-350. Ideal anchor number for a beginning Silver Age collector.

Incredible Hulk #141 (July 1971):First appearance of Doc Samson (Leonard Samson). Major recurring character. CGC 9.8: $8,000-12,000. CGC 9.4: $1,500-2,500. CGC 7.0: $200-400. Constantly increasing.

Incredible Hulk #162 (April 1973):First appearance of the Wendigo. The same Wendigo that leads to the introduction of Wolverine in #180-181. CGC 9.6: approximately $3,000. CGC 8.0: $200-400. Direct narrative connection with the Wolverine Keys.

Incredible Hulk #180-182 (October-December 1974):The Wolverine triptych. #180 (last page cameo, CGC 9.8: $25,000-40,000), #181 (complete first, CGC 9.8: $120,000-150,000), #182 (continuation and end of the fight, CGC 9.8: $2,000-4,000). Owning all three makes for a highly sought-after premium set.

Silver Age acquisition strategy

To build a coherent Silver Age Hulk collection without an unlimited budget, prioritize in this order: (1) Incredible Hulk #102 in mid-grade as a historical anchor, (2) Tales to Astonish #59 or #62 as a representative of the anthology era, (3) Incredible Hulk #141 for Doc Samson, (4) a #180 in mid-grade if budget allows. Reserve issues #1-6 for significant future investment — they are not necessary to appreciate the depth of the collection.

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