The Incredible Hulk Annual No. 5 Cover by Kirby, Abel & Romita

This was the second appearance of Groot – made famous in recent years by his association with Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy films from Marvel. But 11-year-old me had wangled the price of a comic out of my mother as a way to keep me occupied while we attended my cousin’s wedding.

Jack Kirby was back at Marvel, and this cover with its monsters surrounding Hulk’s head looked pretty darn cool. Today I can appreciate that those monsters were from Marvel’s late 50s/early 60s anthology titles. With great stories illustrated by Kirby, Heck, Ditko and others, they’re worth seeking out in original or reprint form.

Here’s the cover with restored art and new colour. And always remember: HULK SMASH!

As published

Photocopy of Kirby’s pencils

Scan of the final art from Heritage Auctions

Cleaned-up art

Original colour re-created

Re-created trade dress added

New colour

Re-created trade dress added

BONUS: Arthur Adams Homage

An homage by Arthur Adams. Prints available through his website.

Colour version.