Incredible Hulk Special #4
Published and © by Marvel, January 1972
Title: “Not All My Power Can Save Me!”
Synopsis: An experimental ray gun beams the Hulk into the future where he battles the Asgardian Executioner.
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist (layouts): Jack Kirby
Pencilers: Kirby, Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo), Scott Edwards and John Romita
Inker: Esposito (as Demeo) and Romita
Review: Despite the cover hype, this three-part reprint from 1966’s Tales to Astonish #75-77 falls short of classic. The Hulk, sporting a Beatles haircut, puts a transparent salad bowl on his head, then gets blasted into the future where he battles the Executioner. Even King Kirby can’t elevate this story.
•••
Title: “The Ever-Lovin’ Thung vs. The Inedible Bulk!”
Synopsis: The Thung and the Bulk get their mad on during a visit to the sculptor Anemia.
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciler: Marie Severin
Inker: Frank Giacoia
Review: This silly reprint from 1967’s Not Brand Echh #5 is B-list Mad, but Marie Severin is a skilled cartoonist.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Shout out to that distinctive “picture-frame”-era cover from the signature Hulk team of Herb Trimpe and John Severin.
Not-so-cool factor: The titling of Marvel’s early annuals make them a bear to catalog.
Collector’s note: This issue is also known as The Incredible Hulk King-Size Special #4 and The Incredible Hulk Annual #4.
Character quotable: “If only it wasn’t gettin’ so hard for me to think … !” – The Incredible Hulk
Editor’s note: This review was written June 13, 2026.
