HOTW- The Hulk

 

The Hulk first appeared in 1962, as a interesting take on both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as the Frankenstein Creature.  Dr. Bruce Banner sacrificed himself to save dumb ass teenager Rick Jones (a point missing in every live action adaptation of the character) which brings out his inner behemoth.  Needless to say, he is thought of as a monster in this form.  At first, Banner only changes into the Hulk at night.  Then stress made him change.  The Hulk was not the childlike Hulk of "Hulk smash!" fame, but was articulate enough to communicate with RIck and other humans.  He was also grey, though the green Hulk was probably a better idea overall.  The misunderstood monster motif could only run so far, and Hulk got pardoned, was an Avenger for two whopping issues, then became a Defender for a long spell.  Also, he wasn't Marvel's first Hulk...

Now there are more Hulks than needed, since success breeds copies like rabbits.  I like a smarter Hulk.  I am still in awe that the "Hulk want to be alone" lasted so long.  I never read too many Hulk issues, but I liked him in the Defenders.  I did also watch the television show, though had to come to terms with that iteration of the Hulk.  I also like him only being about seven feet tall, rather than 20 or something stupid.