September 13, 2004

Upcoming issues of "Hulk"

Although this has been announced at various conventions, I haven't stated it here,and word hasn't apparently filtered through to the on-line community. So I figure I'll clarify matters, especially since I see folks on Newsarama wondering if "Tempest Fugit" is going to be a $3.50 per issue price point similar to the current Hulk/Thing limited series.

Bottom line is this: The combination of the positive fan response to the "Hulk" limited series by Lee Weeks and me, and the fact that Bruce Jones is now exclusive with DC, prompted Marvel to say, "Why the heck are we doing this as a limited series instead of as part of the ongoing?" So rather than it being issues 1-6 of "Tempest Fugit," the Hulk series will simply start up again in January after a four month hiatus and my storyline will be issues 77 through 82 of the regular book. Which means that, to all intents and purposes, I'm back writing the Hulk.

Whether I'll stay beyond that hinges on a few things. First, I want to make sure that I'm comfortable back writing the Hulk. So I've really only committed to six issues Then again, I initially only committed to six issues of "Young Justice," so it's not unprecedented for me to stay around.

Second, of course, is fan and retailer response, and third is whether Marvel wants to keep me around on the series. But naturally those two aspects are inextricably bound. If the retailer and fan support is there, that will send Marvel one message. If it's not, that sends them another. And they will act accordingly, and I wouldn't blame them.

So ultimately what it comes down to is, I'm back on "Hulk." Whether I stay or not is up to a variety of factors, not the least of which is you guys.

PAD

Posted by Peter David at September 13, 2004 01:42 PM | TrackBack | Other blogs commenting
Comments
Posted by: Paul1963 at September 13, 2004 01:56 PM

Well, I'll be ordering it.

Posted by: Fred Chamberlain at September 13, 2004 01:58 PM

Count me in as someone who is more psyched about this project than most other projects announced over the past few years. I look forward to seeing what you do with the title after your time away.

Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. I hope that the expectations remain grounded and realistic. I'd be disappointed if there are more than a small percentage who begin denouncing the work as "less than his previous run" before giving it a shot. Waid got the shaft on his 2nd Cap run, imo.

Congrats again!

Posted by: R. Maheras at September 13, 2004 02:01 PM

PAD wrote:

"Which means that, to all intents and purposes, I'm back writing the Hulk."

Great news! I look forward to buying "The Hulk" again!

Posted by: Nick Eden at September 13, 2004 02:02 PM

Congratulations. I'll be there.

Posted by: Guido at September 13, 2004 02:05 PM

Count me in for those six issues. It'll be for the first time in years that Hulk makes it to my pull list again. Almost makes me wanna go and reread your previous run, if it weren't for the fact that I've just moved and have to sort through dozens of boxes first...
Luckily I still have some time till this gets out. :)

Posted by: Paul O'Regan at September 13, 2004 02:07 PM

I've never bought Hulk, but i've heard so much good about your writing on the series I have to give this a go.

Posted by: Jess Willey at September 13, 2004 02:08 PM

Count me in as well. It'll be the second Marvel book I've read regularly at full price in almost a decade. (I bought a few issues of Thanos, but I got those at 25% off.) The other book is of course Madrox.

Posted by: Dan Forinton at September 13, 2004 02:14 PM

Groovy. Just when I think Marvel don't want my business they start putting out stuff I'll buy.

Question - since I haven't been buying or otherwise following the Hulk since your previous final issue, are we going to need to know anything about what has gone on since?

It's a real shame that the big two won't do cross-company adverts, because this would be an ideal opportunity to push FA.

Posted by: Pascal Gagnon at September 13, 2004 02:15 PM

Yes sire !!!!!!!

That's wonderful news !

I'm so glad your back, Hulk will finally get the quality writing he deserves.

Can you talk us more about "Tempest Fugit" ? Some hints, who is the cast. Will we see some old faces ? Some new ?

Again, thank you so much for your return. I have waited for this moment since you left !! God, i'm so happy right now !! Somedy pinch me !

Posted by: Randy Lander at September 13, 2004 02:33 PM

This is fantastic news. I'm going to start hoping now that this might mean we'll see some (or better yet, all) of your previous Hulk run collected into some nice trade paperbacks by Marvel as well. I've got a good-sized chunk of it, but I'd really like to have all of it.

Posted by: James Tichy at September 13, 2004 02:33 PM

Looks like I'll be buying the Hulk again for the first time in a long time.

Posted by: Ralf Haring at September 13, 2004 02:41 PM

This is fantastic news. I'm going to start hoping now that this might mean we'll see some (or better yet, all) of your previous Hulk run collected into some nice trade paperbacks by Marvel as well. I've got a good-sized chunk of it, but I'd really like to have all of it.

"Hulk Visionaries: Peter David" is a long overdue series of collections.

Posted by: Craig J. Ries at September 13, 2004 02:47 PM

Iv'e been reading comments lately online from people who are getting a bit frustrated by Marvel's current approach - which is to put out a 6-book "mini series", and if it's success, let it become ongoing.

I actually had read one comment mentioning PAD's Hulk mini-series in particular on this.

Dunno what anybody else thinks about it, but I can see issues from all sides on this.

Posted by: Tom Pearce at September 13, 2004 02:48 PM

Booya!

I was hoping that PAD would do an Ultimate Hulk series so that he could start from "Ground Zero". But I understand that the killer Hulk from the Ultimates title is not would PAD would like -- what, with Bruce Banner's alter-ego eating people, and all. But it's great to have you back on HULK Peter! It may not come until January, but I'll tell my dealer to put it on my pull list this Wednesday!

Posted by: Chris F. at September 13, 2004 02:52 PM

"Which means that, to all intents and purposes, I'm back writing the Hulk."

Which means that I'm back buying the Hulk.

Posted by: AnthonyX at September 13, 2004 02:55 PM

Well, with reading Madrox, Fallen Angel and the Hulk, I'll be too busy to get pissed off with your politicals.

Nice strategy.

Posted by: tomthedog at September 13, 2004 02:55 PM

Best news since they announced Grimjack was coming back! 2005 is gonna be one hell of a year in comics.

Posted by: Bill Mulligan at September 13, 2004 03:04 PM

That'll be the first major Marvel comics series I've bought in a long long time. Great news.

Posted by: Michael Pullmann at September 13, 2004 03:12 PM

Well, I was gonna buy it anyway, so yay for saving $1.25!

Posted by: Kingbobb at September 13, 2004 03:19 PM

Oddly enough (or not) I've been going through some collection house cleaning, and just last night came across some of my old Hulks, written by PAD. Had to resist the temptation to read through Future Imperfect (again), but did put it where I could get to it easy. Just skimmed through the X-factor/Grey Hulk crossover. PAD's writing, even back then, shows his wit and style.

Good luck on the new Hulk run. Comics (other than Fallen Angel, getting the rest of the back issues tonight most likely) are outside my "real life" budget, so I won't be able to pick up Hulk. But I hope you get to work on him for as long as you enjoy it.

Just so long as it doesn't delay your next New Frontier book.

Posted by: Andy Hunsaker at September 13, 2004 03:58 PM

VERY glad to hear that. Not to be snotty, but I'd recommend just trying to ignore as much of Jones' run as possible, since he ignored everyone else's run. I'm still surly about how he completely ruined the Blonskys.

I've got most of your run, and I might have to start digging through it again, just to refresh myself on why I became such a huge Hulk nerd to begin with. Good luck, or leg breakage - whichever's appropriate.

Posted by: Luigi Novi at September 13, 2004 04:04 PM

Ahhhhhhhh. Just like old times again, Peter. I can't wait.

Posted by: Matt Adler at September 13, 2004 04:05 PM

Which means that, to all intents and purposes, I'm back writing the Hulk.

How do you feel about that?

Posted by: Eric Qel-Droma at September 13, 2004 04:06 PM

And here I've been starting to complain that I don't really like comics bing put out today (with notable exceptions), that quality is declining (and so is the number of books on my pull list).

I literally cannot wait for this. I'm building a time machine right now so I don't have to.

Happy Eric

Posted by: Scott at September 13, 2004 04:17 PM

This news sounds pretty encouraging. I'm especially excited about the upcoming Hulk story because I came into PAD's original run at the end. If PAD ends up staying, this'll be like a second chance for me. Now, if only they would collect his previous works.

Posted by: Edward at September 13, 2004 04:22 PM

Awesome!It was your run on the Hulk that got me started on comics. I have your entire run on the Hulk and can't wait for your return. I tried out the new series early on, but the out & out distain for continuity was just too much. That's one thing I've always loved about your characters, they remembered their past and grew from it. You had a good balance of humor and drama. Well, I hope Marvel lets you stay on, and that they give you a chance to develop some really good stories.

Posted by: Michael Brunner at September 13, 2004 04:24 PM

Don't worry about the fan response, I think you've had that right along.

"Best news since they announced Grimjack was coming back! 2005 is gonna be one hell of a year in comics."
I love this book - but where was the announcement made?

Posted by: funzo at September 13, 2004 04:54 PM

Never bought the hulk before, but will start now for as long as you are doing it. Enjoying fallen angel too!

Cheers for everything!
funzo, Funzo, FUNZO!!!

Posted by: Lee Houston, Junior at September 13, 2004 05:06 PM

You can count on my fan support Peter!

Posted by: Jason at September 13, 2004 05:20 PM

Excellent news and I'll both buy my copy and convince my retailers to up their order.

I'm on it for those six issues. Stay longer and so will I, as long as you do actually.

Posted by: Elayne Riggs at September 13, 2004 05:28 PM

I'm tempted to ask if you need an inker. :)

Posted by: Andrew at September 13, 2004 05:43 PM

Consider me preordered.

Hope you have Rick and Marlo in the book. Have to say that I'm looking forward to you writing a noncosmic Marvel book. Wow first multiple man and now this? I'm excited! JUST REMEMBER TO HAVE HUMOR IN THE BOOK!!! Thats why I couldn't stand Bruce Jones'

Thank You!

Posted by: Deano at September 13, 2004 05:45 PM

Some of the best news i have heard in a long time.
The last few years have been very hard being loyal to a book where the storytellers had no respect for the material they were dealing with.
Thanks for making my day and i hope all the people saying they want you back support the book
and that sales skyrocket!!!!
BTW will Lee Weeks be the regular artist on an ongoing basis or will you go another direction????

Posted by: J. Alexander at September 13, 2004 06:17 PM

Peter:

I have to admit that I am torn by the news. Part of me is looking forward to seeing you return to BANNER AND HIS ID full time, but the other part of me worries that you really can't go home. In addition, I really like what you are doing on your other books. From SPY BOY to SOULSEARCHERS to FALLEN ANGEL On the other hand, I do appreciate that a pay check is a pay check. Good luck.

Posted by: jeff at September 13, 2004 06:22 PM

Not trying to rain on the party here. I personally love the idea that PAD is back writing Hulk, I love it.

But I'm just waiting for the week the first issue comes out and we start getting, "It's not as good as the first time around" type critiques. Same happened with Claremont, Byrne and Perez, so I figure it's only a matter of time for this one too.

Of course I could be wrong.

jeff

Posted by: Matt D. at September 13, 2004 06:33 PM

This is fantastic news! I dig it a lot. I hope you blaze your own path if you stick around beyond the 6-issues. I know it may sound like a petty thing to say, but I don't think there's any need to refer to Bruce Jones' run at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of his run, and thought it was respectful to your past work. Although, his latter days on the title were terrible, especially the faux Betty story. But that is in the past now, and I'm not one to persistently speak ill of a creator. Right now, the future of the Hulk looks very bright.

Posted by: SteveHendricks at September 13, 2004 06:35 PM

I'm thrilled. I think it would be cool if Marvel went back to the numbering after the last issue PAD did, which was 476. Hee, hee. Retcon the other stuff out the door!

Wasn't it all just a Hulk clone anyway? Nudge, nudge.

Posted by: S. Yarish at September 13, 2004 07:04 PM

Finally, all those prayers have finally paid off.

s. yarish

Posted by: Brian C. Saunders at September 13, 2004 07:39 PM

What can I say except yippee!!!!!

Great News! I can say that. And stay and stay and stay.

Brian

Posted by: marc at September 13, 2004 07:50 PM

Congrats PAD! I hope it works out well for everyone involved.
Don't listen to any of that "can't go home again" crap.
Good writers always have more ideas for stories then they ever have time to get too, and you sir, are a very good writer.

As for sending a message to Marvel, I'll do what I can; I'll buy multiple copies and hand them out to some friends who loved your previous Hulk run.

I look forward to the story's start

Posted by: Charlie Griefer at September 13, 2004 09:57 PM

Hi PAD:

I first 'met' you on the Hulk (I 'jumped on' with issue 377). I wasn't a huge reader at that time, so my only prior knowledge of the Hulk was the "Hulk Smash" Hulk. Needless to say, I was blown away by what you were able to do with what had previously been such a 1 dimensional character (at least, in my mind...I know you credit Bill Mantlo with creating the multiple persona aspect of Banner/Hulk, but I read it in your Hulk first).

Anyway...I continued to hang out with you in various issues of Soulsearchers & Co, X-Factor (again, amazed at how you could make a 1 dimenesional character like Quicksilver not only actually seem 'real'...but actually sympathetic), Aquaman (various minis including Time & Tide and the Atlantis Chronicles, as well as the amazing ongoing)...not to mention reminescing with you about the old days, by picking up some back issues of Web of Spider-Man or Spider-Man 2099, Spy Boy. and most recently, Captain Marvel. Right now, we're hanging out in a town called Bette Noir where very little is as it seems.

[I was taking a hiatus from comics during Supergirl and Young Justice...hope one day to have the time and $ to pick up some back issues there as well.]

Point being...you and I have been a lot of places together. The depths of space, the darkest abysses of the oceans (i'll have to see if 'abysses' is a word later...bear with me for now if it's not), and the streets of Manhattan (outer space ain't got nothing on Manhattan). It's been an incredible ride, and I've loved every minute of it. I sought out all I could find and was left wanting more.

Thanks for all of that.

To echo marc's words, "Don't listen to any of that 'can't to home again' crap". We're going back to the beginning, you and I. If you don't think you have more Hulk in you...I respect that. Nobody knows better than you. But if you do...I'm on line, got my cash in hand, and looking forward to travelling with you and the big green guy again :)

Posted by: Thomas Wolfe at September 13, 2004 10:04 PM

"You can't go home again."

Posted by: Marty from the Netherlands at September 13, 2004 10:10 PM

I'm getting this, no doubt about it.
I missed the first run due to budgetary problems back then, not going to miss this again!

I do hope Marvel will collect PADs run sometime soon...I want to read the first run!!

Posted by: Eric Pilgrim at September 13, 2004 10:33 PM

I'll buy doubles....again....words dont describe the ecstacy I feel...I'm gonna hold my breathe tho....

Posted by: Ben Rosenberg at September 13, 2004 11:26 PM

Woohoo! I'm in for the duration! Sounds damn fine to me! :)

Posted by: Paradol Ex at September 13, 2004 11:38 PM

Hulk was in the first batch of comics I ever bought. And I loved it. Because of you I ended up buying tons of back issues, even ones that you didn't write.

I've read much of Fallen Angel and I will start collecting Hulk once again.

I cannot wait.

Posted by: Gary M. Miller at September 13, 2004 11:53 PM

PAD:

I beat you to this news on my site! (Hee, hee.)

All the latest news regarding your new HULK work--soon as I can find--is available up on my site, dedicated to helping you sell well enough to be able to write the book again, full-time, should you so choose. (Hulk-Fans who want to help, and I could certainly use it: click on my name to go to the site, and get the word out as fast and as far as you can.)

I'd bet that the years away from the characters will have done you a world of good, and have no doubt that you'll come up with yet another "fresh" take on the character--perhaps something akin to the darker tone you seem to have taken in other projects (Madrox and FA). Since you know the Hulk and friends (and foes...) inside and out from a previous stint, we'll avoid the pitfalls that Bruce Jones fell into during his run. Some good ideas were in Mr. Jones' run (using meditation as control, the advent of "Super-Banner") but were mired by horrid execution. It's the fervent hope of this fan that you'll be able to take Jones' lemons and make lemonade--just as you did with Byrne and Milgrom's runs immediately preceding your original run.

You haven't beaten Bill Mantlo in my eyes for favorite HULK writer yet, PAD...but who knows, maybe you just will, since you've been given a couple more miles of track...

However I do have two questions...since Tom Brevoort had been mentioned as editor of the series before, does that mean that A) he's the new editor on HULK? And if so, B) does that mean HULK has moved away from the Marvel Knights banner...?

Best,

~Gary

Posted by: Jim Ramsden at September 13, 2004 11:56 PM

Great and rats!

Great, as one more title from you is wonderful news.

Rats, as I am three or four very early issues short of having your ten year run and I didn't want to read them until I had them all. As you will no doubt throw in some cool references and tie up some stuff or spoil stuff, I'd best read what I have before that first new issue hits.

I hope writing the Hulk is enjoyable for you.

Posted by: JosephW at September 14, 2004 12:18 AM

To Michael Brunner, regarding GrimJack:
Newsarama had an article posted some time back that IDW would be releasing some collections of the old First "GrimJack" stories along with a new 6-issue miniseries with Ostrander and Truman (for more info, http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13770&highlight=Grimjack).
Newsarama now has an article that IDW will also be publishing a "Jon Sable" miniseries by Mike Grell next year as well as collections of the original series (info at http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17994).

Posted by: DF2506 at September 14, 2004 12:59 AM

Wow! This is VERY cool!!!

I was planning to read the mini-series when it came out and now I want to read this even more! I think you on the regular Hulk series again is a great idea and ALOT of people (from what I can tell) have wanted this!!! I hope it works (*knocks on wood*).

Meanwhile, I am thinking about trying out Fallen Angel again. I recently read a couple of the issues I have again and liked them even better. So if I can, I am going to try to get back into Fallen Angel! Maybe I'll try to get the trade even!

Oh and I'd like to read Madrox also! I read the first issue on-line and liked it! So I hope I can read that too.

Though, currently, I'm behind on alot of the titles I want to collect regularly (like Ultimate Spiderman. I have no clue what's going on in that title right now and really dislike that..)..so who knows what'll happen....*sigh*

Anyway, I will try my best to get your Hulk issues, maybe try out Fallen Angel again, and hopefully pick up some Madrox!

DF2506
" Oh and I hope to read more of your New Frontier books soon! "

Posted by: Diana at September 14, 2004 01:15 AM

*does her Carly Simon impression*

Nobody doooooooooes it betterrrrrrrrrrr... ;)

Congrats, Mr. David. Looking forward to it.

Posted by: Nivek at September 14, 2004 01:28 AM

I already pre-ordered these issues in my Local comic shop, which they told me in confidence that they are ordering alot because they've had alot of fan intrest with you returning to the Hulk title.

PAD, dont worry, I think the sales are gonna be fine. You should start brainstorming and talking with Tom on what kind of storylines you want to work on in Hulks future.

Posted by: ElCoyote at September 14, 2004 02:18 AM

All I'm sayin' is, if you hang around longer, I want an update on Hector, Prometheus and Atalanta.

That's all. I mean, last I remember those three had gone off on their own and y'know, they were my faves from the Pantheon and I'd just like to see they're still kicking around...

Posted by: Greg at September 14, 2004 03:34 AM

Excellent news!!!!

Posted by: jon at September 14, 2004 03:52 AM

I think that we should reverse things and have Bruce Banner write PAD's life for awhile. What do the rest of you think?

Posted by: Phinn at September 14, 2004 09:32 AM

For the first time in years I will be going out of my way to pick up Hulk again. Woo hoo!

Phinn

Posted by: WarrenSJonesIII at September 14, 2004 09:42 AM

That is the best news that I have had all week, and it is only Tuesday.

I think that the last thing you will have to worry about is a positive fan response Peter.

You should be more concerned with the endless crossover events that have the tendency to disrupt whatever story arc momentum that you are currently building.

Other than that I hope that I have another decade of Peter David Hulk storylines to look forward to reading.

Regards:
Warren S. Jones III

Posted by: Bill Mulligan at September 14, 2004 09:59 AM

I guess the one pitfall comes from the idea that fans often have about a cancelled show or series; that the creators have spent the hiatus doing nothing but thinking up great plotlines. So when the show or book resumes, they are inevitably disappointed when the stories are not absolutely groundshaking ("He had 5 years to think about it and THIS is the best he could come up with?")

Posted by: Fred Chamberlain at September 14, 2004 10:22 AM

Bill:

>I guess the one pitfall comes from the idea that fans often have about a cancelled show or series; that the creators have spent the hiatus doing nothing but thinking up great plotlines. So when the show or book resumes, they are inevitably disappointed when the stories are not absolutely groundshaking ("He had 5 years to think about it and THIS is the best he could come up with?")

True. Another is that many tend to remember the previous run as brilliant and as time goes on, they build it up even moreso, to the point of being beyond reproach.... certainly better than any new story can top.

As I said earlier, I'm hoping that there aren't too many that go the way of Waid's Cap fanbase. Instead of viewing it simply as "going home again", perhaps a better way of looking at it is going home again to add on a few new wings, a patio, and other additions. :)

Fred

Posted by: William at September 14, 2004 10:26 AM

I echo the approval of all the fans above.

Late last year, I finally came to my senses and wrote letters (actual letters) to Quesada and Alonzo regarding my disgust with Jones' Hulk, and informed them that I was dropping the title (after more than 27 years of collecting it) and would only pick it up again if and when another writer came on board. I guess I will be writing another letter telling them I am coming back (as it seems are many other fans).

Welcome back Peter. We've missed you.

Posted by: Johnny Fuller at September 14, 2004 11:05 AM

This is good news. PAD's a great storyteller and I llok foward to see what new aspect he brings to the Hulk, being that PAD doesn't repeat themes. I would like to see less emphasis placed on the healing factor. We see enough of that with Wolverine, Deadpool, etc. Of course the healing factor should still exist, but I would like to see the old invulnerability prevent us from having to deal with the now overused instant healing.

On another note, I think that PAD could have done wonders with Ultimate Hulk. The vile behavior of the character could easily have been delt with through Banner gaining a degree of control as is the case with the Merged Hulk of regular continuity. This balance would have still left a cold, obscene creature of questionable morality who has some desire to be in the spotlight as a hero. Kinda like the way PAD dealt with the insane Genis-Vell.

Posted by: Mark C. Dooley at September 14, 2004 11:17 AM

Well, for at least six issues, the Hulk is going to stop sucking.

Posted by: Bill Roper at September 14, 2004 11:44 AM

Congratulations! I'll look forward to reading it.

And best of luck knitting together the plot threads that you want to use.

Posted by: Borovan at September 14, 2004 12:17 PM

Great news! I'll be sure to pick up the trade when it comes out.

Posted by: Paul O'Regan at September 14, 2004 01:21 PM

MadroX has gotten a good review over at thefourthrail, lokking forward to that too.

Posted by: Ralf Haring at September 14, 2004 01:29 PM

Also:

WHAT IF GENERAL ROSS HAD BECOME THE HULK?
Written by PETER DAVID
Art by BART SEARS
Cover by GARY FRANK
Meet again, for the first time, General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross... a veteran army officer who believes that the time for talk is long past, and all that matters is his country's ability to develop weapons that will annihilate its enemies. Experience with him what happens when he himself becomes the mightiest weapon on two legs...but is trapped within that weapon, unable to communicate with former allies who only want to destroy him.
32 PGS./MARVEL PSR ?$2.99

I won't be getting this for one reason, Bart Sears.

Posted by: Tusko at September 14, 2004 01:48 PM

Fabulous News!
Congratulations PAD! You have my support and I hope you become comfortable enough with the character to provide many more years of excellent stories.
I think your creativity is amazing and I wish you good luck. Personally I've been cutting back on comics. They lack the giddy "I can't wait till next month" feel I used to get. I'm getting that now the Transformers G1 and I'm feeling that now with your return to HULK. I always had that feeling with you when you were the writer 6 years ago.
Best wishes!

Posted by: Gary M. Miller at September 14, 2004 03:42 PM

Borovan wrote:

"Great news! I'll be sure to pick up the trade when it comes out."

Why wait? Pick up the individual issues as a vote toward having PAD on the book full-time--it's the only language Marvel will listen to. You can always pick up the trade if/when it becomes available and pass the singles on to less fortunate souls.:-)

~Gary
Leader of the H.A.R.P.ies
http://www.comicmonsters.com/hulk

Posted by: Jason at September 14, 2004 04:16 PM

EXCELLENT!!! I hope this works out and you feel good writing it and continue on. I loved your run on Hulk. I having collected it since, but I'll definitely be picking it up again now.

Cheers.

Posted by: Faiz at September 14, 2004 05:15 PM

After reading and collecting the Hulk since around issue 280 (and a whole bunch of black and white Marvel UK issues before then) I stopped getting Hulk after the first Marvel Knights issue. It just wasn't fun anymore.
I loved PADs issues, the laughs, and the tears. And I couldn't be happier that he's back, if only to put the book back on the right tracks.
Really looking forward to it!

Posted by: Hooper at September 14, 2004 11:25 PM

I'm in!


Hooper

Posted by: CT at September 15, 2004 01:23 AM

I have just started reading Fallen Angel and have marveled at Peter David's range as a writer. I'm really looking forward to his return on the Hulk but, too tell you the truth, I just look forward to reading anything written by him.

Please get your friends to check out Fallen Angel. It's a wonderfully atmospheric series with terrific complexities.

Posted by: Jerome Maida at September 15, 2004 01:44 AM

PAD,
Congrats! The Hulk is the character and title that really got me collectind comics, starting with the great Bill Mantlo's run. Yet neither Byrne, Jenkins or Jones' runs excited me, and after "The Absorbing Man" mess of a "story", I swore off the character for the first time in 22 years!
So welcome back! I think the book will be a success with you on it and being on a high profile character like the Hulk will raise your profile again and help you attract new/younger readers to your other books.
Heck, you may even be in Wizard's Hot Writers list again!
Congrats again!

Posted by: Umar at September 15, 2004 06:34 AM

Sir, the only thing that could produce the amount of joy at hearing this if they also announced that they were going to put your Dreadstar run into a collectable (a lot of young whipper-snappers never got the pleasure and I can't lend out my originals anymore.)

When if comes to the Hulk you were an extremely tough act to follow. And honestly it showed. Bruce Jones did some incredible stuff, but the ending just didn't do it for me (and I absolutely LOVE the Leader as THE Hulk arch enemy.) Hopefully in these mature times and comics broken so far out the "code" it almost feels like nastalgia to think of those little shredded tags that used to hang on every issue, maybe you'll have the flexibility this time to do more of what you wanted. And if your run is long I hope cross overs don't get in the way this time around.

Good luck Mr. David (yeah, you owe me money), I can't think of a better writer for the big green guy. Ironically I was just re-reading your New Universe Justices, and I think I just got a prize for it (even though it was more of sometime to read in the Laundry last night thing.)

Posted by: Jim Tonn at September 15, 2004 09:18 AM

I just wanted to add to the hoopla-HOO RA!

Hope you find a passion and desire to want to stay on Hulk, PAD.

Posted by: Breck at September 15, 2004 12:05 PM

The Hulk has sucked since you left and I stopped reading it after Bruce Jones came aboard. I sure as Hell hope you stay on after the six issues and, other than word-of-mouth, if there is anything I can do to make sure that happens then I'll do it. Here's to hoping we get our Hulk back.

Posted by: Rick Keating at September 15, 2004 04:23 PM

PAD,

I stopped reading "Hulk" when you left the title (nothing against the new writing team, it just seemed a logical time to stop; the end of an era, as it were), and with the exception of a single issue, haven't glanced at the title since then. So I can't speak one way or another to what Bruce Jones or others have done with the book.

What I _can_ say is that I will be picking up those six issues you'll be writing; and who knows? If you stay longer, maybe I will, too. I guess it'll depend on what you do with the character and if I like the direction you take him.

Actually, I generally give a title a one-year trial run (unless it's really bad) before deciding whether to keep buying it. Knowing your past record of quality, if you end up staying for a significant tenure, I probably will, too.

Rick

Posted by: Gary M. Miller at September 15, 2004 05:23 PM

Umor hath posted the following:

Good luck Mr. David (yeah, you owe me money), I can't think of a better writer for the big green guy. Ironically I was just re-reading your New Universe Justices, and I think I just got a prize for it (even though it was more of sometime to read in the Laundry last night thing.)

A prize? lol...

I have fond memories of those old JUSTICE books, and PAD knows full well I do (Practically the only guy bugging him at cons about John Tensen? Right here!). Of special significance to JUSTICE fans: the new HULK creative team is the same as the old JUSTICE one: PAD and Lee Weeks.

Now, if we can just get (a) Justice to appear, even for a panel, and (b) Mike Gustovich to ink an issue, we'll be set. (Kidding! But not about having Tensen appear;-))

~Gary

Posted by: Xero at September 15, 2004 05:49 PM

The Hulk in the New Universe? I'd pay good money to read that book!

Posted by: Don at September 15, 2004 08:06 PM

> So ultimately what it comes down to is, I'm back on "Hulk." Whether I stay or not is up to a variety of factors, not the least of which is you guys.


You can count on me, PAD. :-D

--Don aka Ygor

Posted by: Jonathan (the other one) at September 15, 2004 11:42 PM

I hope this doesn't get me into trouble, but a few years back, when I was running a D&D campaign with a homegrown pantheon of gods, I assigned the position of Lawful Good deity to Tensen, Lord of Justice...

...on the plus side, his paladins weren't the endlessly-forgiving little wimps one so often finds in these games... :)

Posted by: Gary M. Miller at September 16, 2004 12:55 AM

Sounds like fun, Jonathan...

I didn't pick those JUSTICE books up when they first came out--I was a lot more into standard superheroics than I am now (forgive me, I was 9!)...but around '96 or thereabouts I rediscovered the entire New Universe. The brightest star of the whole line was PAD's JUSTICE stuff. Together with Tensen's use in SPIDER-MAN 2099, it made me write a whole lot of fanfic based on the character (continuing, natch, where PAD left off in 2099). Later I found out from PAD that a version of Tensen appeared in his PSI-MAN novels under the name of Tom Jensen, the Magistrate--but whose storyline logically followed from JUSTICE #32. Very cool stuff.

John Tensen's one of those impeccably cool, perfectly-nuanced characters who hardly anyone ever knows about these days. Heck, I'd be happy for a name drop in a book.:-D

Tensen's sword and shield against the Hulk's pure, unbridled rage...hmmm....

~Gary
http://www.comicmonsters.com/hulk

Posted by: Geezer at September 16, 2004 01:11 AM

Finally! I knew you would be reunited with the Hulk eventually, Peter. And not a moment too soon--Big Green needs ya! It's been far too long since I waited with anticipation for the latest issue of Hulk, and even longer since I read the book with a smile on my face. I have no doubt that with you back on board, this will change in a hurry.

Posted by: Gabh at September 17, 2004 04:54 AM

Yaaaaaay!

Sorry, that wasn't very mature.

Yaaaaaay!

Posted by: daveb at September 17, 2004 09:36 PM

This could be really good. I loved David's run on the hulk right up until the hulks merged into the pantheon leader hulk. When David's on his game, he's by far the best hulk writer. Hopefully his writing holds up.

Posted by: Darin at September 17, 2004 09:59 PM

It's going to be great to finally be buying the ongoing Hulk title again. I haven't bought it since Romita Jr left the title and I haven't ENJOYED it since Peter left the title. (For those of you wondering why I continued to buy a title that I wasn't enjoying... I was hoping that one month it would start getting good again. Needless to say, it never happened.)

I did enjoy the first issue Marvel Age Hulk, though.

Posted by: Darin at September 17, 2004 10:03 PM

I do hope that the Hulk featured in "Tempest Fugit" is somewhat recognizeable as a Hulk from Peter's first run, though.

Posted by: Max Ballstein at July 20, 2006 08:30 PM

You can't be 75601 serious?!?