Planet Hulk and World War Hulk make up one of the most ambitious and best-constructed runs in Marvel Comics history. Published between 2006 and 2008 by Greg Pak, these two arcs transform Bruce Banner/Hulk from a semi-sympathetic monster into a betrayed warrior-king, then into a vengeful conqueror returning to Earth to punish his former friends.
Planet Hulk and World War Hulk make up one of the most ambitious and best-constructed runs in Marvel Comics history. Published between 2006 and 2008 by Greg Pak, these two arcs transform Bruce Banner/Hulk from a semi-sympathetic monster into a betrayed warrior-king, then into a vengeful conqueror returning to Earth to punish his former friends. It's a space-opera gladiator epic that has deeply shaped Hulk culture, and that Thor: Ragnarok (2017) partially adapted for film — opening the door to a long-awaited full adaptation.
This guide covers every essential issue of the Planet Hulk / World War Hulk run: the key issues for first appearances, the issues with strong collecting value, the tie-ins that are actually worth acquiring and current 2026 price ranges. Whether you're a long-time Jade Giant fan or a collector discovering these arcs through the MCU, this guide gives you the complete overview.
Editorial context: why Planet Hulk is a turning point
In 2006, the Incredible Hulk series was in a delicate position. After years of uneven runs following Peter David, the title was struggling to find its footing. Marvel editorial decided on a bold move: send Hulk off-Earth for an unprecedented galactic adventure. That gave birth to "Planet Hulk," an arc beginning in Incredible Hulk #92 (May 2006) and ending in Incredible Hulk #105 (June 2007).
The premise is simple and audacious: a group of heroes called "the Illuminati" (Iron Man, Reed Richards, Black Bolt, Professor X, Namor, Doctor Strange) secretly decides to exile Hulk into space to protect humanity from his uncontrolled destruction. Their ship goes off-course and Hulk lands on Sakaar, a slave planet where he becomes a gladiator, then a rebel leader, then king. It's a Spartacus / Conan the Barbarian rereading inside the Marvel universe, with a Hulk who's smarter, more strategic and more human than ever.
The follow-up, World War Hulk (2007), is the direct consequence: Sakaar is devastated by an explosion Hulk attributes to the Illuminati, and he returns to Earth with his comrades-in-arms (the "Warbound") for revenge. A 5-issue Marvel crossover event that engages the entire editorial line of summer 2007, in the direct continuity of Civil War.
Planet Hulk, key issues from Incredible Hulk #92-105
Incredible Hulk #92 (2006), the opening issue, arrival on Sakaar
Incredible Hulk #92 is the foundational issue of the entire Planet Hulk run. This is where Hulk arrives on Sakaar, gets strapped into an "obedience disk" and is forced to fight in the imperial arena. The issue introduces the Sakaar universe, the Red King's empire and lays the narrative groundwork for everything that follows. The issue every Planet Hulk collector needs to own first.
In 2026, Incredible Hulk #92 trades between $18 and $55 raw Near Mint. Cover variants (notably the Howard Chaykin cover) are slightly more sought-after. A CGC 9.8 oscillates between $90 and $225. Still very accessible with strong upside potential if an MCU announcement lands.
Incredible Hulk #93-94 (2006), the first appearance of Caiera
Incredible Hulk #93 introduces Caiera the Oldstrong, elite warrior of the Red King who becomes Hulk's adversary, then ally, and finally his partner. Caiera is one of the most beloved characters of the Planet Hulk run and the mother of Skaar, Hulk's son. Her first appearance in Incredible Hulk #93 is an important key issue for collectors anticipating a future MCU appearance.
In 2026, Incredible Hulk #93 trades between $14 and $45 raw. Undervalued relative to the character's importance — an interesting acquisition at this stage.
Worth watching: If Marvel confirms a World War Hulk or Planet Hulk adaptation for the MCU (film or Disney+ series), Incredible Hulk #93 (Caiera's first appearance) will be among the first issues to take off. Its current price level represents a real opportunity window.
Incredible Hulk #95 (2006), the first appearance of the Warbound
Incredible Hulk #95 is the issue where the Warbound group officially forms: Hulk's gladiator companions who become his brothers-in-arms. The group includes Miek (insectoid), Elloe Kaifi (human of Sakaar), Hiroim (Shadow Priest), No-Name (Filière, insectoid warrior species) and Korg (stone Kronan). This issue marks the group's first collective appearance.
Among the Warbound, Miek is the most popular and briefly appeared in Thor: Ragnarok, which has already pushed up his appearance issues. Incredible Hulk #95 trades between $12 and $40 raw in 2026.
Incredible Hulk #100 (2007), the milestone of the run
Incredible Hulk #100 is the centennial issue of the relaunched series, published with multiple cover variants (including a foil cover and several artist variants). Narratively, it's an important issue: Hulk is crowned king of Sakaar after defeating the Red King. This issue marks the peak of the Planet Hulk run and arrives in the final third of the arc just before the tragic final turn.
The cover variants of this milestone are the most sought-after of the run. The foil variant trades between $35 and $90 raw; the regular cover between $18 and $45.
Incredible Hulk #105 (2007), end of Planet Hulk, death of Caiera
Incredible Hulk #105 is the last issue of the Planet Hulk arc, the most bitter and most narratively important: the Illuminati's ship explodes over Sakaar, devastating the planet and killing Caiera (pregnant). This event triggers World War Hulk. Essential for having the complete conclusion of the arc and understanding Hulk's motivation in what follows.
In 2026, Incredible Hulk #105 trades between $12 and $35 raw. An issue often overlooked on key issue lists but essential to narrative completeness.
Your complete Planet Hulk / WWH checklist
Build your tracking list for Planet Hulk and World War Hulk, track your missing issues and monitor market values in real time.
Start 14-day free trial, no commitmentWorld War Hulk, the 5 main issues guide
The World War Hulk miniseries is made up of 5 main issues published from June to November 2007, written by Greg Pak and drawn by John Romita Jr. It's a Marvel summer blockbuster event, comparable to Civil War but more focused and more narratively streamlined — which actually makes it the better story.
World War Hulk #1 (2007), the shock of the return
World War Hulk #1 is one of the most spectacular event-opening issues in Marvel history. Hulk and the Warbound arrive on Earth, neutralize Black Bolt in seconds and issue an ultimatum to New York: hand over the Illuminati. David Finch's cover is iconic — Hulk dominating the New York skyline — and the issue sold very well at initial release.
In 2026, World War Hulk #1 trades between $22 and $65 raw Near Mint. The Art Adams variant is the most sought-after ($45 to $135). A regular CGC 9.8 sits between $170 and $340.
World War Hulk #2-4 (2007), the event's escalation
Issues #2, #3 and #4 develop the confrontation between Hulk and Marvel's heroes (Iron Man, Strange, Reed Richards). Each issue is an epic fight drawn beautifully by John Romita Jr. Issue #4 is particularly memorable with the Hulk vs. Sentry showdown — two of the Marvel universe's most powerful beings.
These issues trade between $9 and $28 each raw. Often sold as a lot with #1 and #5.
World War Hulk #5 (2007), the conclusion and introduction of Skaar
World War Hulk #5 is a key issue for two reasons: it concludes the event and its post-credits reveals the existence of Skaar, son of Hulk and Caiera, who survived the destruction of Sakaar. Skaar's appearance on the final page of World War Hulk #5 is technically his "first appearance," though his solo series only starts in 2008. More in-demand than #2-4 for this reason.
In 2026, World War Hulk #5 trades between $18 and $45 raw, with a premium for Near Mint or graded copies.
The World War Hulk tie-ins worth the effort
Like every Marvel event, World War Hulk generated many tie-ins. Here are the ones actually worth collecting:
World War Hulk: X-Men #1-3 (2007)
This three-issue miniseries pits Hulk against the X-Men team at Xavier's School. Written by Christos Gage, remarkably well-constructed and functions as a standalone narrative. Professor X must answer to Hulk for participating in the exile. One of the best tie-ins of the event, acquire as a lot.
World War Hulk: Frontline #1-6 (2007)
In the tradition of Civil War: Frontline, this series by Ben Urich and Sally Floyd covers the event from a journalistic perspective. Brings a valuable human angle and includes original subplots. A strong narrative complement if you read the event in full.
Incredible Hercules #106-112 (2007-2008)
The Incredible Hulk series is renamed Incredible Hercules after the conclusion of World War Hulk, with Hercules and young Amadeus Cho as protagonists. Issues #106-112 cover the transition and are directly connected to the WWH aftermath. Issue #112 (the first officially "Incredible Hercules" issue) is a key issue for the series that follows.
Complete checklist, Planet Hulk & World War Hulk
- Incredible Hulk #92-105: Complete Planet Hulk run (14 issues)
- World War Hulk #1-5: Main miniseries (5 issues)
- World War Hulk: X-Men #1-3: Essential tie-in
- World War Hulk: Frontline #1-6: Recommended tie-in
- Incredible Hercules #106-112: Direct aftermath
- Skaar: Son of Hulk #1 (2008): First Skaar series
The impact of Thor: Ragnarok and MCU potential
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) by Taika Waititi used many visual and narrative elements from Planet Hulk: the planet Sakaar, the Grandmaster (played by Jeff Goldblum), the gladiator combat and Hulk as the arena champion. It's a partial, reinterpreted adaptation — not a direct one — but it dramatically multiplied interest in the original comics and pushed values up 20 to 40%.
The question stirring fandom in 2026 is whether a full World War Hulk adaptation is coming. Sources inside Marvel Studios have regularly mentioned a World War Hulk film as a project in development. The resolution of Hulk distribution rights (Universal Pictures held solo distribution) seems to be progressing, making a solo Hulk/WWH film possible in the medium term.
In that context, Planet Hulk and World War Hulk key issues — still affordable in 2026 — represent a clear investment opportunity. The optimal buying window is before any official announcement. For a complete analysis of investment strategy for this type of issue, see our complete comics investing guide.
Current values and appreciation prospects
2026 price ranges, Planet Hulk & World War Hulk (raw NM)
- Incredible Hulk #92: $18 to $55
- Incredible Hulk #93 (1st Caiera): $14 to $45
- Incredible Hulk #95 (1st Warbound): $12 to $40
- Incredible Hulk #100 (foil variant): $35 to $90
- Incredible Hulk #105 (Planet Hulk finale): $12 to $35
- World War Hulk #1: $22 to $65
- World War Hulk #1 Art Adams variant: $45 to $135
- World War Hulk #5 (1st app. Skaar): $18 to $45
The vast majority of these issues are still very accessible in 2026 — remarkable for a run so critically acclaimed. By comparison, Civil War issues (2006, same period) often trade two to three times higher. Planet Hulk is objectively underpriced relative to its narrative importance and MCU potential.
How to complete your Planet Hulk / World War Hulk run
Buy the WWH miniseries as a lot
World War Hulk #1-5 is often sold as a lot on eBay or at conventions. A complete Near Mint lot can be acquired for $70 to $140 depending on sellers. Often more economical than buying individually.
Priority on Planet Hulk key issues
Start with IH #92 (opening issue) and IH #93 (first Caiera), the two most important issues of the run. Then fill in with #95, #100 and #105 for the key moments.
Complete the IH #92-105 run issue by issue
The complete Planet Hulk run (14 issues) is accessible for under $230-340 in lots. A short, coherent, entirely self-contained run — ideal to complete in one go.
Grade your best-preserved copies
If you have an IH #92 or WWH #1 in perfect Near Mint, consider CGC grading. On an MCU announcement, a CGC 9.8 on these issues could be worth 5 to 10 times what a raw copy fetches.
FAQ, Planet Hulk & World War Hulk key issues
Track your Hulk values in real time
My Comics Collection lets you track every issue of your Hulk collection, monitor values and never miss a buying opportunity.
Start 14-day free trial, no commitment