Hulk Foes: Captain Omen

Although I love Sal Buscema's work on Incredible Hulk I am nailing my colours to the mast and stating that Herb Trimpe is my favourite Hulk artist.  I believe that the strip did not blossom until Herb took it over from the legendary Marie Severin and it became one of the most consistently enjoyable books Marvel published as the Silver Age slipped into the Bronze.  It didn't hurt to have some stellar writers on the book such as Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart and Len Wein, however, it was Herb Trimpe's superb artistry and ability to tell a story that provided the consistency that propelled the book to greatness.  There were many standout issues but I want to focus on a two-parter (#164 and #165, June and July 1973) that introduced Captain Omen.  At this point Steve Englehart was writing the book, a writer who could do no wrong as far as I was concerned, and Sal Trapani was on inks.

Incredible Hulk #164 June 1973 Cover by Herb Trimpe

Hulk: Sal Buscema or Herb Trimpe?



Sal Buscema

Sal Buscema was the main artist on Incredible Hulk from 1975 to 1986, (#194 - #309), give or take a few fill-in issues, and could be considered the definitive Hulk artist of the Silver and Bronze Ages were it not for Herb Trimpe.

Herb Trimpe

Herb Trimpe took over the art on Incredible Hulk in 1968 and handed over the job to Sal in 1975, (#106 - #193), missing only two issues during that time!

So who do you think is the definitive Hulk artist?

They Made The Avengers: John Buscema

The late, great John Buscema for this fan is the definitive Avengers artist.  Jack Kirby may have launched the series and co-created many of the characters but Buscema's tenures on the title left an indelible impression on me.  John made his debut with Avengers #41 (June 1967) and continued on the title as the main artist until #85 (February 1971).  He made guest appearances on the title between 1971 and 1976, his last issue before his second long term commitment to the title was #153 (November 1976).  Fans had to wait nine years before our prayers were answered and John returned with #255 in May 1985.  We then experienced his greatness through to #300 (February 1989).  John's contribution to the Marvel style is often overlooked these days but after Kirby, Ditko and possibly John Romita, Snr, he was probably the most important artist Marvel had in the Silver and Bronze Ages.

Avengers: Greatest Stories Ever Told

Here it is Avengers fans, the greatest stories ever told about Earth's Mightiest Heroes as selected by yours truly.  Dig them out and read them again or track them down and read them for the first time. Thirty tales listed in chronological order:

The Coming of the Avengers, #1, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, September 1963

Hulk and Sub-Mariner ,#3, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, January 1964

Captain America Lives Again, #4, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, March 1964

Vision or Red Tornado?

The Avengers had the Vision and the Justice League had Red Tornado, who is your favourite?  Readers of  my previous post, Avengers Assembled, will be in no doubt that I favour Marvel's synthetic being but I am interested in what you think?

Justice League of America #64
Pencil Art by Dick Dillin, inks: George Roussos (August 1968)

Avengers #57
Pencil Art by John Buscems, inks: George Klein (October 1968)