This ad ran in all the Marvel books during, like, all of the early '90s. I got this particular scan out of Infinity Gauntlet #5, the one where all the cosmic beings show up to slap Thanos. (Found in a 35 cent bin and given to Clark!)
Is that really the best licensing use of Hulk? As an icon for adolescent internal torment?
Sure, part of the Hulk's appeal is that he is id personified, often portrayed as man's primal subconscious unchecked. But generally Hulk is either A) mollified by a girl with a bundle of flowers, or B) on the side of right anyway. (Old-school stupid Hulk, anyway. I'm more a fan of the self-aware intelligent Hulk, or the grumpy gray Mr. Fixit Hulk.) This ad definitely tweaks towards the rampaging Hulk, and his shame at having done so.
And why is that kid naked? Or don't I want to know?
Even 15 years ago, Marvel would sell characters for any paycheck. No matter if the money came from a typically shady faith-based organization. Maybe now we know why the kid's naked.
Again, I have to wonder how Marvel has managed to hold the reputation of being the grown-up, serious comics company.
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