TVXOHOF, MARCH 2019 - DR. BANNER AND THE HULK

It’s March 1st and time for the third superhero showcase in this 20th anniversary of the Television Crossover Hall of Fame. 

If you’re keeping track, or wish to catch up:

• January – The Dynamic Duo
• February – The Fourth Incarnation of Catwoman

And now we have March Madness with another two-fer:

DAVID BRUCE BANNER

&

THE INCREDIBLE HULK

We have to induct both of them; technically they are one and the same being.

It’s hard to believe there might be those who don’t know much if anything about the Hulk.  So we’re going to turn to Wikipedia for information… information… information… about the Green Behemoth.  We’ll be sharing extracts from two different Wikipedia articles – one on the original Hulk from Marvel Comics and then from the article about the TV series.

From Wikipedia:
The Hulk is a fictional superhero appearing in publications by the American publisher Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of The Incredible Hulk (May 1962). In his comic book appearances, the character is both the Hulk, a green-skinned, hulking and muscular humanoid possessing a vast degree of physical strength, and his alter ego Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, a physically weak, socially withdrawn, and emotionally reserved physicist, the two existing as independent personalities and resenting of the other.

Following his accidental exposure to gamma rays during the detonation of an experimental bomb, Banner is physically transformed into the Hulk when subjected to emotional stress, at or against his will, often leading to destructive rampages and conflicts that complicate Banner's civilian life. The Hulk's level of strength is normally conveyed as proportionate to his level of anger. 

Lee stated that the Hulk's creation was inspired by a combination of Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  Although the Hulk's coloration has varied throughout the character's publication history, the most usual color is green. He has two main catchphrases: "Hulk is strongest one there is!" and the better-known "Hulk smash!" which has founded the basis for numerous pop culture memes.

And now for the focus of our attention for this showcase….

From Wikipedia:

‘The Incredible Hulk’ is an American television series based on the Marvel Comics character The Hulk. The series aired on the CBS television network and starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Bruce Banner, Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk, and Jack Colvin as Jack McGee.

In the TV series, Dr. David Banner, a widowed physician and scientist, who is presumed dead, travels across America under assumed names, and finds himself in positions where he helps others in need despite his terrible secret: in times of extreme anger or stress, he transforms into a huge, incredibly strong green creature, who has been named "The Hulk". In his travels, Banner earns money by working temporary jobs while searching for a way to either control or cure his condition. All the while, he is obsessively pursued by a tabloid newspaper reporter, Jack McGee, who is convinced that the Hulk is a deadly menace whose exposure would enhance his career.

The series' two-hour pilot movie, which established the Hulk's origins, aired on November 4, 1977. The series' 80 episodes was originally broadcast by CBS over five seasons from 1978 to 1982. It was developed and produced by Kenneth Johnson, who also wrote or directed some episodes. The series ends with David Banner continuing to search for a cure.

In 1988, the filming rights were purchased from CBS by rival NBC. They produced three television films: “The Incredible Hulk Returns” (directed by Nicholas J. Corea), “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk”, and “The Death of the Incredible Hulk” (both directed by Bill Bixby). Since its debut, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ series has garnered a worldwide fan base.

In two of those TV movies, the Hulk and/or Banner met other Marvel superheroes - Daredevil and the Norse demi-god Thor.

Those are the basics.  For more about the “televersion” of the Hulk, click here.

Why did Toobworld Central choose March for the induction of Banner and the Hulk?  It's the month in which we celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  It's one thing for the wearing o' the green like the Riddler, but to be green as well?

Welcome to the TV Crossover Hall of Fame, Dr. Banner and your inner Hulk.  Try not to smash the place up!

BCnU!