The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman # 1
Writer: Roger Stern
Penciller: Steve Rude
Inker: Al Milgrom
Letterer: Jim Novak
Colorist: Steve Olliff
Cover Date: July 1999
Rating: 
This week I’ll take a look at “The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman”
from 1999, which brings these two titanic powerhouses together for an unforgettable story.
The story is sandwiched between a modern-day sequence where a news special covering the Hulk catches the attention of both Clark Kent and Lois Lane, it isn’t long before the two of them began to reminisce about Superman’s first-ever meeting with The Jade Giant.
The flashback itself kicks off with Lois Lane traveling to New Mexico where The Hulk’s been sighted but it isn’t long before Clark Kent follows her there (As Superman that is); The first battle sees The Hulk get the better of the Last Son of Krypton but when Lex Luthor enters the scene, he quickly finds a way to use The Hulk to for the sole purpose of destroying Superman which in turn finds the two titans at odds and that alone makes for an incredible story (No pun intended); Roger Stern and Steve Rude deliver a historical team-up that brings with it heavy action scenes with a silver-age appeal that will definitely attract any comic book enthusiast and lives up to its hype, and then some. Stern’s deep-rooted knowledge for both the Marvel and DC Universes is used to perfection as he gives both The Hulk and Superman the respect they deserve. Seeing Rick Jones, Betty Ross, and General “Thunderbolt” Ross interact with the likes of Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor made for a beautiful addition to this story shook up the continuity for both icons. Steve Rude’s artwork was not only strong but gave this crossover a great vintage touch that no one will find when it comes to a story of this magnitude.
“The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman” will always be looked at as a great crossover presented with love by both Marvel and DC. It makes me wish that these two could put aside their differences and give us another masterpiece like this one (Even though 2004’s “JLA/Avengers” was the final crossover between the two);
And since I feel very strongly that their so-called battle which was chronicled briefly in 1996’s “DC vs. Marvel/Marvel vs. DC # 3” with little fanfare, this special made up for that thanks to its excellent narrative and at the same time, giving comic book fans something to look forward to.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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