“HULK SMASH!!!!

Within a span of thirty months, writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby created an astounding lineup of Marvel Comics characters in the early 1960s that are synonymous with the term "superhero" in American pop culture. Among these new legends was one character who stood apart. He didn't fight super-villains like Spider-Man, or defend the lofty ideals of liberty and justice like the Avengers, or even protect innocents like Daredevil. Instead, he simply wanted to be left alone. Lee and Kirby drew upon the classic tales of Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde to create an outcast that represented the inner rage inside each of us. When Bruce Banner's anger is unleashed he transforms into an unstoppable force of nature known as the Incredible Hulk.

Since his introduction in Hulk #1, the Hulk has been adapted and animated, televised and computerized to appeal to fans of all ages. From kids playing with Hulk action figures to adults watching the weekly Friday-night episodes of the Hulk TV show after the kids went to bed, the Hulk has proven his power as a worldwide cultural icon for the last four decades. Now, with the release of Ang Lee's blockbuster Hulk film, Marvel Comics presents the definitive guide to this influential character. This book covers it all, including such smashing subjects as:

The Hulk's salad days: Four decades of comic books had to start somewhere. Learn how Lee and Kirby dreamed up the Incredible Hulk, and meet the villains who've been keeping him busy for more than four hundred issues.

Big Green on the small screen: Actors Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno formed the flip sides of the TV Hulk, which was consistently the highest rated program on Friday nights for four years. A perpetual favorite on cable television, the Incredible Hulk still holds sway over modern viewers.

The Hulk in bulk: From action figures to wallpaper, the Incredible Hulk has been adapted into an astounding array of merchandise. Take a look at the successful (and not so successful) variety of items to feature the Hulk's emerald image.

The Hulk hits it big: Director Ang Lee makes every Hulk fan's dreams come true with the major Hulk motion picture. Take a peek behind the scenes at what drew Lee and the principal film actors to this character, and the mind-blowing special effects that will bring the Hulk to life.

Plus: the people behind the Hulk. From Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to the writers and artists who have shaped the character throughout the years, this is the story of the creators behind the myth.

With his illustrious history behind him and so many big projects on the horizon, the future of the Incredible Hulk looks green indeed. Whether you're a new fan or a long-time fanatic, there's something new for everyone in this definitive guide to everything that is the Incredible Hulk!