The Incredible Hulk #156
Published and © by Marvel, October 1972
Title: “Holocaust at the Heart of the Atom!”
Synopsis: A Banner-brained Hulk returns to Jarella’s world where he must battle the monstrous version of himself to free his queen.
Writer: Archie Goodwin
Penciler: Herb Trimpe
Inker: Sal Trapani
Review: During his Hulk run, Archie Goodwin got good mileage from repositioning the titular jade giant into sci-fi and fantasy settings. Here, readers are treated to some epic fantasy, with dueling factions battling for the throne. The Hulk fits right into these feudal intrigues, while his star-crossed relationship with Jarella provides dramatic gravitas. On the art side, new inker Sal Trapani is a step down from John Severin, but the switch does make clear how essential Herb Trimpe’s pencils are to the look of the book. His work on Hulk would prove to be the high-water mark of Trimpe’s long career.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “Jarella’s world is heaven for the Hulk because … it offers him a Conan-type sword-and-sorcery environment that plays to his strengths.” – Phil Mateer, Comics Buyer’s Guide Presents Hulk, 2003
Cool factor: The Goodwin/Trimpe Hulk remains an underrated run.
Not-so-cool factor: Cousin Visis could have been a Lannister.
Notable: First appearance of Krylar.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a National Diamond variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Hatred and contempt for you… that is my dowry.” – Jarella, unwilling bride-to-be
Editor’s note: This review was written March 20, 2026.
