Watch Marvel Comics The Incredible Hulk
- TV-Y7
- 1996
- 2 Seasons
-
6.7 (3,856)
The Incredible Hulk was a television series based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The show ran for five seasons from 1977 to 1982 and was revived in 1996 for another two seasons. The show aired on various networks including CBS, NBC and UPN. The series starred Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk and Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner. Bixby also served as the show's executive producer. On the show, Bixby's character had been experimenting with gamma radiation in an attempt to develop superhuman strength, but the experiment went wrong and turned him into a giant green-skinned monster whenever he became angry. As the Hulk, he was pursued by the military and forced to live life as a fugitive.
The 1996 revival featured a new cast and a new storyline. Neal McDonough replaced Bixby as the show's lead, playing Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant scientist who was accidentally exposed to gamma radiation during an experiment gone wrong. Unlike the original show, Bruce Banner could control his transformations into the Hulk and used his powers to fight crime.
John Vernon provided the voice for the show's main antagonist, the Leader, a genius-level intellect who was always conspiring to bring down the Hulk. The Leader was assisted by a team of henchmen including the Abomination, a powerful Hulk-like creature who was hellbent on destroying the Hulk.
Throughout the show's two seasons, Bruce Banner's alter ego fought crime and battled various villains while trying to find a cure for his condition. The show was praised for its special effects, which were cutting-edge for their time. The Hulk's transformations were achieved through a combination of prosthetics and stop-motion animation, and the show's action scenes were impressive.
The Incredible Hulk was a beloved character in the Marvel Comics universe and his television show did not disappoint. Despite the changes made to the character in the 1996 revival, the show maintained its popularity with audiences. Its themes of self-discovery and redemption resonated with viewers and it became a cultural touchstone.
The show's longevity can be attributed to its likable characters and engrossing storylines. The Hulk was a complex character who struggled with his dual identities, and McDonough played him with both vulnerability and strength. The Leader provided a formidable adversary for the Hulk, and Vernon's voice acting gave the character a sense of calculated menace.
The show also featured a memorable supporting cast including Betty Ross, Bruce's love interest, and Rick Jones, his loyal friend. The relationship between Bruce and Betty was a central part of the show, with the two characters sharing a deep connection despite the danger that surrounded them.
Overall, Marvel Comics The Incredible Hulk was a thrilling, action-packed series that captured the spirit of its source material. Ferrigno's portrayal of the Hulk remains iconic, and the revival's decision to go in a new direction with the character added a fresh perspective that kept audiences engaged. The show's legacy continues to this day, as the Hulk remains one of Marvel's most enduring and beloved characters.