I often ponder the future... Are hover cars a thing yet? Will Dane Cook ever be funny? Can DC make a respectable superhero movie out of Aquaman? When I ponder these questions I realize that the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is currently up for debate. We have had our first glimpse of Captain Marvel, Avengers 4 is soon to hype, and Phase IV is coming. There has been speculation that Marvel will be moving on from some of their legacy characters and Captain America seems like a lock to have a major shift. I am sure a character or two will die and stay dead (that really does happens in the comics!). However, there is one guarantee for the future of Marvel movies...Hulk and taxes.
Marvel appears to treat the Incredible Hulk as a concept rather than a character, a MacGuffin of sorts. You may have forgotten but there was actually a Hulk movie in Phase I for Marvel. Remember when Edward Norton was the Hulk? No?... Good. I wish Marvel had the insight and dignity to keep Tim Roth's Abomination around for a few more appearance along with the failed Leader cameo. Although, the 2008 movie was better than an Eric Bana anything, we all deserve a better Hulk. In Ragnarok, we were treated to a bit of the Planet Hulk storyline (I honestly thought that was going to be a stand alone movie in the future, so good on you Marvel). In general, beyond those two movies, the Hulk has been a hero/sometimes villain in the Avengers movies. Does anyone else feel a bit cheated? I do. I want a solid, off the charts Hulk movie that has excitement, grandeur, and something I've never witnessed in cinema... Queue the Maestro.
If you are unfamiliar with the character of the Maestro, I'll give you the quick rundown. An alternate future version of the Hulk absorbs so much nuclear radiation that he becomes insane, kills most of Earth's remaining heroes and villains and rules the planet. The Maestro makes his debut in Hulk: Future Imperfect #1 from 1992. This is the Hulk I want to see. A rage-charged behemoth with Gandalf-white hair, a grizzly beard, and the trophies of his victims worn like boy scout badges.
When it comes to Hulk comics, it is hard to pick a loser. Hulk has a solid fanbase, is popular, and will always be around for Marvel to cash in on. Hulk: Future Imperfect #1 is a solid book that most collectors can get because it still remains affordable. 9.8 graded copies of Future Imperfect #1 have sold around the $100 threshold in recent months. Some sellers will post copies under $100, making a super affordable buy-in point. Some copies have even sold as high as $125 which shows that there is value to be had between the price points. Most collectors would probably like to pick up Hulk: Future Imperfect #2, at the same time, to hold the entire limited series. The covers of the two issues combine into a single scene and issue #2 has a great depiction of the Maestro on the cover...a great show piece for any Hulk fan or collector. Although, the census shows plenty of copies available, they rarely hit the market which means collectors tend to keep these issues which helps indicate value perception and future price rise.
Are you pleased with how the team at Marvel have treated the Hulk in movies so far? Is Ruffalo the best Bruce Banner? Does the Hulk deserve another shot at a solo movie outing or is he relegated to being a parlor trick? Drop your comments and join in the conversation!
