Description
The Incredible Hulk #377 is one of the most memorable Hulk issues of the early 1990s. Released in January 1991, it marks the debut of the merged Hulk commonly known as Professor Hulk. That transformation makes this issue an important book for Hulk collectors.
Peter David wrote the story during his celebrated run on the series. Dale Keown provided the pencils, with Bob McLeod handling inks. Their work helped define a distinctive period for the character.
The story, titled “Honey, I Shrunk the Hulk,” focuses heavily on Bruce Banner’s fractured mind. Doctor Samson attempts to help Bruce reconcile the personalities fighting inside him. Bruce, the savage green Hulk, and the intelligent gray Hulk each exist as separate personalities.
Their conflict is more complicated than a simple battle for control. Each personality represents a different part of Bruce and his emotional history. Doctor Samson knows that Bruce cannot continue living with these personalities constantly fighting each other.
The psychological session forces Bruce to confront painful memories involving his father, Brian Banner. His father appears as an overwhelming threat within Bruce’s mind. Both Hulk personalities struggle against the fear that Brian represents.
The situation eventually changes when Bruce’s mother, Rebecca Banner, appears. She encourages Bruce and the two Hulks to stop fighting one another. Instead, they agree to become something new.
The result is the merged Hulk.
This new form combines Bruce Banner’s intelligence with the tremendous physical power of the Hulk. It also carries personality traits associated with his different identities. Collectors later came to know this incarnation as Professor Hulk.
Betty Ross also witnesses the dramatic result of the transformation. Her reaction reminds readers that Bruce’s problems are far from completely resolved.
The issue stands out because Peter David made Bruce Banner’s psychology central to the story. Hulk comics had explored Bruce’s trauma before, but this chapter creates a major turning point. It changes the character’s status for the stories that follow.
Dale Keown’s cover has also become strongly associated with this era. The massive black Hulk figure dominates a vivid green background. Large pink title lettering gives the cover an unmistakable early 1990s appearance.
The pictured copy is the first printing direct edition. Its bright green cover and $1.00 cover price distinguish it from later printings. Second and third printings also exist, which gives collectors several versions to pursue.
For Hulk fans, issue #377 offers much more than an impressive cover. It represents a genuine change in Bruce Banner’s identity and direction. The combination of Peter David’s writing and Dale Keown’s artwork makes it especially representative of this period.
It remains an accessible key issue with lasting significance. Collectors interested in Professor Hulk, Peter David’s run, or classic Dale Keown artwork should recognize its importance.
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