It was first time I’d ever seen a large book that size, and being ten years old, it’s the biggest comic I ever saw! The book had reprints of Hulk stories by Bill Everett, Jack Kirby, Jim Starlin, and of course, Herb Trimpe.
The oversized format reprinted issues 139 and 141 which had Hulk facing off against illusions of various foes, and the latter had the first appearance of Doc Samson which features a great transformation scene of Banner transforming into Hulk and back. It still packs quite a wallop to this day.
It started off a personal quest of buying Hulk back issues by both Sal Buscema and Herb Trimpe. I still haven’t found #181 (the first appearance of Wolverine) for an affordable price just yet. Before establishing himself as an artist, Trimpe worked for the military. It’s apparent he brought his knowledge of planes and armed forces to not only Incredible Hulk, but also Godzilla, Phantom Eagle and G.I. Joe.
After finishing a mammoth stint on Hulk, he came to Britain to work on Captain Britain with Chris Claremont for the then burgeoning Marvel UK line. He had a hand in co-creating characters, like Lance Hunter, who now appears in Agents of SHIELD.
Trimpe was a mainstay artist during Marvel’s chaotic bankruptcy era during the late Nineties, and it’s been well documented of how he departed from the company. He successfully changed his career, and he became a art teacher teaching seventh grade students as well as a chaplain at Ground Zero during 9/11.
It seemed Herb had forgotten comics, but the fans hadn’t. He’d started doing private commissions and attending various conventions again. He made a comeback to comics after drawing BPRD: Plague of Frogs for Dark Horse in 2008 and drew the Hulk for a special giant size issue alongside writer Jeph Loeb.
Having been going to cons for the past several years, I often look at the way creators interact with their fans. There’s been some rare occasions where things don’t work out between both parties.
When Herb Trimpe came to London Super Comic Con in 2013, I had the feeling that he was enthusiastic in meeting people there. He was taking a commission list for fans, I asked of course, for Hulk. He said, “Neil it’ll be my pleasure to draw Hulk for you.” I also got my copy of Marvel Treasury Edition signed by him. Meeting him was one of the greatest experiences I’ll ever have.
Thanks for all the happy times Herb, rest in peace.