Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Incredible Hulk #181 Review
    Retro Review

    Retro Review: Incredible Hulk #181 (November 1974)

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonFebruary 9, 2020Updated:February 12, 20204 Mins Read

    He’s the best there is at what he  does…  with adorable little whiskers!  Your Major Spoilers (Retro) Review of Incredible Hulk #181 awaits!

    Incredible Hulk #181 CoverINCREDIBLE HULK #181

    Writer: Len Wein
    Penciler: Herb Trimpe
    Inker: Jack Abel
    Colorist: Glynis Wein
    Letterer: Artie Simek
    Editor: Roy Thomas
    Publisher: Marvel Comics
    Cover Price: 25 Cents
    Current Near-Mint Pricing: $4100.00

    Previously in Incredible Hulk:  Some say that he was originally an evolved mutated wolverine, though his creator denies this.  Some say that his claws were designed to be attached to his gloves, but an artist made a mistake.  Some say that he stole Timber Wolf’s face, and those people are right.  Whatever you think about Canadia’s most famous fictional export, there’s one thing noboby can argue: Gil Kane’s mask redesign was a very good call.  We begin our tale in the forests of Quebec, where The Hulk has come (though not of his own free will) to help cure the cursed Wendigo of his terrible affliction, only to be attacked by a strange, clawed little man.

    It’s fascinating to see so many slashes and hacks by the tiny Canucklehead resulting in so little blood from Hulk or Wendigo.  Like, ZERO blood at all, and repeated “SKRAK!” and “CHUT!” noises that imply that there should clearly be some, as he’s breking skin.  Confused by the complexities of three-sided interactions, Hulk decides that the enemy of his enemy is his friend, combining his massive gamma-ray powered muscles with Wolverine’s murderfingers to bring down the were-beast.

    Incredible Hulk #181 Retro Review

    Herb Trimpe’s art is always fascinating to me, especially his wild, mismatched facial features, making The Hulk clearly monstrous in ways that few other artists every could, and I’ve always been amused by the fact that Herb gave Wendigo a huge ol’ Jimmy Durante schnozz, for some reason.  Regardless of his nose, Wendigo is mystically powerful enough to shrug off being *stabbed in the heart*, which surprises both Greenskin and the future X-Man.  Then, it’s Wolverine’s turn to do the surprising…

    Incredible Hulk #181 Retro Review

    While the heroes clash, a pair of figures slips out of the woods and sneaks away with Wendigo’s body, preparing to do the mystical ritual that will transfer his curse… to the HULK!  The bloodless carnage rips a swath through the trees, and even the world-weary Wolverine can’t quite believe the power of Bruce Banner’s alter-ego.

    Incredible Hulk #181 Retro Review

    Marie Cartier’s mystical gas fells The Hulk and The Wolverine, and her associate Georges balks when Hulk reverts to human form, refusing to pass on the curse to an innocent man.  Abandoning their plan, Georges enters the cave where The Wendigo himself rests, while Marie assumes that he’s abandoned her and tries to prepare Banner for the ritual.  The delay was too long, however, allowing the healing factors of the two heroes to bring them around and continue their clash.  Marie rushes off to find her brother/were-monster, only to find that he, too, is up and about.

    Or so it seems…

    Incredible Hulk #181 Retro Review

    In fact, her brother is alive and well and free of transformations, thanks to Georges Baptiste willingly taking on the curse… because of his deep love for Marie.  The would-be sorceress bursts into tears realizing that she might have loved him too, leaving her alone with The Hulk, who tries to comfort her as the issue ends.  It’s a remarkably moving moment, thanks to Wein’s script, but Trimpe’s sad Hulk is a little bit heartbreaking, making me hear the piano solo in my head.  As first appearances go, Incredible Hulk #181 is one of the most early-installment-weirdness-filled, but it’s a nice chapter of Roving Seventies Hulk and it has some serious emotional punch, plus classic Trimpe art earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. 

    The fact that Wolverine gets the taste slapped out of his mouth is weirdly satisfying, as well.


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    INCREDIBLE HULK #181

    83%
    83%
    *Sad Piano Riff*

    Wein script + Trimpe art always makes for a good times, but remember to tell your friends: The "Mutated Wolverine" origin is an urban legend, per the writer himself.

    • Writing
      8
    • Art
      9
    • Coloring
      8
    • User Ratings (1 Votes)
      9.6
    Herb Trimpe Incredible Hulk len wein marvel comics Retro Review Review Wolverine
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDC Comics reveals Punchline
    Next Article [First Look] Vampironica: New Blood #3
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    Critical Hit #789: Monster Wrangler – Session Zero (MWS01-E00)

    Read More

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    Read More

    Top Five Snacks (2025 Edition)

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    9.0
    June 13, 2025

    Marvel United: A Pride Special Review

    6.3
    June 10, 2025

    X-Men #17 Review

    6.0
    June 9, 2025

    Power Rangers Prime #7 Review

    6.0
    June 8, 2025

    Retro Review: Detective Comics #20 (October 1938)

    8.0
    June 7, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #3 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: I Want More than Good Memories!
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT