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| 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.
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| 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?
Sal?
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| Pencil Art: Sal Buscema |
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| Pencil Art: Sal Buscema |
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| Pencil Art: Herb Trimpe |
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| Pencil Art by Herb Trimpe |
Sal drew the Hulk in The Defenders
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| Defenders by Sal Buscema |
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| Pencil Art by Herb Trimpe |
Great topic and I don't think there is a clear and definitive answer as they are both Hulk legends. I think it really depends on where your heart lies. I started reading Hulk during Sal's run and, for me, he will always be the definitive Hulk artist. At the same time, I was pulling Herb's issues out of the back issue box at the local comic shop (we had only one) so his art is right up there with me personally as well.
ReplyDeleteSal is great but it is Herb for me, I started to collect Incredible Hulk during his long tenure and so as you say that is where my heart lies.
DeleteAs much as I liked Herb Trimpe's run on Incredible Hulk, the impact of his artwork on me usually depended on who inked on the book at the time. My hands-down favorite in that respect was always John Severin, whose gritty finishes added a realistic look to the Hulk as well as enhancing Trimpe's excellent renditions of military hardware. By contrast, Jack Abel gave too glossy a look to the characters--their faces were almost like glass sometimes. (You could often say the same for Trimpe inking his own work.)
ReplyDeleteSal Buscema's work on the Hulk (hell, on everything) often had its standout moments--though there were times when his Hulk was drawn a little too "compact," considering this character's name is "the Hulk." :) And just as in Trimpe's case, a good inker could bring out highlights in his layouts that might otherwise be overlooked.
John Severin was a truly great artist, I particularly like his work on The Losers and as you say he lifted Trimpe's work to another level.
DeleteTrimpe! Hulk is fun and Trimpe brought the fun! Yes he was better with a strong inker...but Buscema, a great artist, didn't have a special take on the Hulk, for me, and was just less fun. Love Sal on Captain America, the Avengers, Defenders, etc.
ReplyDeleteThis is a toughie. But I have to go with Sal. I especially enjoyed Sal's Hulk when Ernie Chan was inking him. Joe Rubinstein was also a good inker for him. I was'nt crazy when Sal inked his own work.
ReplyDeleteIt's like asking what's better; Pizza with pepperoni or Pizza with bacon. Both are pretty damn good! For me, though, I give Sal the edge because he drew the Hulk for most of my impressionable youth time.
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