Newsarama has run a rave advance review of “Incredible Hulk” #96, written by Greg Pak with pencils by Aaron Lopresti, which goes on sale tomorrow in the United States. An excerpt:

Greg Pak continues his winning streak on Planet Hulk. This story does not let up and does not disappoint. By the end of the story the reader is left in a state of awe and begging for more.
…
Lopresti’s artwork is on par with Carlo Pagulayan and because of that makes the artist transition smooth. I especially appreciate the Lopresti seems to go out of his way to maintain the consistency of the characters by modifying his style slightly to keep it inline with the previous issues.
Planet Hulk is quickly becoming the perfect example of a mega-storyline done right.

From the Marvel press release:

Giant-Size Hulk #1 has sold out at Diamond as “Planet Hulk” and all things Hulk continue to sizzle among fandom.
J. Caleb Mozzocco of Newsarama says, “Marvel’s “Giant-Size” format is the perfect one for Hulk stories—a character this big demands a big book, and, at 74 full-color story pages, Giant-Size Hulk #1 certainly fits the bill…with some great Hulk stories.”
Brian Ewing of IGN.com calls it a “must have…looking at the entire package as a whole, it’s a no-brainer.”
Featuring two all-new stories by Peter David and Greg Pak, one a Hulk-Champions flashback and a Planet Hulk interlude, along with a reprint of the popular Hulk: The End by Peter David, Giant-Size Hulk #1 delivered great Hulk stories all in one mind-blowing issue.
Be sure to pick up the next issue of the Planet Hulk saga in Incredible Hulk #96 as the next act of the Jade Giant’s epic begins, continuting from the events seen in Giant-Size Hulk #1.
Fans should note that some copies may still be available at the retail level.

Green Days, a Hulk fan blog, has a strong review of “Giant Size Hulk” #1, which hit comic book stores on Wednesday and includes the Greg Pak penned “Banner War” story. An excerpt:

“Banner War” should prove, for anyone who’s been wondering, that Pak has the chops not only to bring the action back to Incredible Hulk, but give us some new spins on the Banner/Hulk relationship. I’m more convinced than ever that I’d like to see Pak continue after “Planet Hulk” closes its doors.

Click here for the full review. WARNING: Spoilers in the review!

Marvel Comics has released the cover plus five lettered preview pages for “Incredible Hulk” #96, the first issue in the “Planet Hulk: Anarchy” story arc, written by Greg Pak with pencils by Aaron Lopresti. Click on the links below to view the pages.
Cover | Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5
“Incredible Hulk” #96 hits comic book stores on July 5. Use the Comic Shop Locator Service to find a store near you.

A Monster Guy talks Hulk
Aaron Lopresti is penciling the “Planet Hulk” story in “Giant Size Hulk” #1 as well as the “Anarchy” arc of “Planet Hulk” (beginning with “Incredible Hulk” #96). “Incredible Hulk” writer Greg Pak interviews Lopresti about everything from what’s fun to draw to the collaborative process to Michael Golden’s advice. Also featuring two of Lopresti’s gorgeous new preview pages from “Incredible Hulk” #96 (click on the images to see the full pages).
Greg Pak: I seem to remember “Incredible Hulk” editor Mark Paniccia telling me that you were hungry to draw the Hulk. What do you find so compelling about the character?
Aaron Lopresti: There are two ways to look at a character. One is from the writer’s stand point the other from the artist’s. My desire to draw the Hulk is purely from the artist’s standpoint. He is a big muscular monster! At heart I am a monster guy, who also loves superheroes. The Hulk is the perfect combination of those things. If I were writing the Hulk, I would say that his dual personality, his struggle with his own humanity, and his struggle to find his place in the universe would be what attracts me to the character. But since I am only drawing, I will stick with the simple visual appeal the character has for me.

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Jose Ladronn’s mindblowing cover of the Hulk versus the Silver Surfer for “Incredible Hulk” #95 has won the coveted “Cover of the Week” title from Velocity Comics in Richmond, VA. Click here to read the whole story.