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HULK #272 COLOR- The Holy Grail
Artwork Details
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DescriptionTHE. HOLY. GRAIL.In 1982, I discovered my first comic shop, "EXCALIBUR". I walked in and literally just stood there, jaw agape, and when my eyes finally focused, I was staring at the new comics rack, directly at the cover of Incredible Hulk #272 which I quickly purchased and ran home to read. I first flipped through it, wanting to take in all the mesmerizing imagery, and I vividly remember the sheer TERROR depicted on Banner's face (Page 9, last panel) as he turns around while exploring an empty cabin in the woods and is confronted by the sheer savagery of the Wendigo standing behind him! I could literally FEEL the terror Banner was feeling in that panel at that moment, and I immediately wanted to know the name of the artist. That was the first time I went to the credits to specifically find out the name of the artist who drew the art, in the very first comic I ever bought myself and I've been a fan of our pal Sal ever since. Inside this story, there is a brief flashback to Wendigo's previous appearance in X-Men #139 & #140. I was suddenly in love with Wolverine and the X-Men as well as Sasquatch and Alpha Flight. The fateful day I stepped foot into "Excalibur" was also the start of a lifelong love affair with the fine art of storytelling with pictures. Although I couldn't have known it back then, I was well on my way towards reaching that day 8 years into the future when I'd purchase my first piece of original comic book art, which would shape a large part of who I'd become for the rest of my life. Fast forward to April 27th, 2001. By that point I had already known for the 4 years I'd been actively collecting and dealing comic art, that THE HOLY GRAIL for me would be the original cover art to HULK #272. Suffice it to say, that was the day I went to my bank and purchased the Money Order that I then sent to Spencer Beck, who was instrumental in connecting me with Al Milgrom, the artist of this, my HOLY GRAIL. So if you're still reading this and keeping track of the timeline, yes, today is officially the 20th Anniversary of the day I became the owner of this piece, THE HOLY GRAIL of comic book art. For me, this has always been THE ONE. I've never shared this piece publicly, and only at most a handful of art collectors have ever known I own this piece. So, why have I kept it a secret for 2 decades, and why am I sharing it publicly now? There's no single answer to that two part question. But I can tell you that even 20 years ago, the bad habit by collectors of truncating the term "THE HOLY GRAIL" down to simply "grail" and thereby rendering it meaningless and just another word synonymous with "cool" or "great", had already begun in earnest. To me, it's very clear. There is either one single piece of art that you clearly know means more to you to own, far and above ANY other piece you could acquire, or there isn't. If there is a piece like that for you, then it is your HOLY GRAIL. Anything else is just another cool or great piece to own. So I guess a part of the reason I kept this acquisition exclusively to myself, is because I already saw people around me diminishing the meaning of what a HOLY GRAIL is supposed to be, and since that was completely antithetical to what the term HOLY GRAIL means, I didn't want to give anyone the opportunity to "taint" this piece by diminishing its importance TO ME, by casually referring to it as just another "grail". So by keeping it to myself all these years, I've been able to maximize the enjoyment that the piece represents to me. To be clear though, I had always intended to share it in public eventually, I just didn't pick a date for that to happen. I considered finally posting it to my gallery several times over the years, but each time I did, I would get a negative vibe that told me to continue keeping it to myself. Last year, I once again thought about posting it here. But that's when I realized that on this day in 2021, it would be the 20th Anniversary of my having acquired it, so I told myself I'd keep it private for one final year before finally sharing it with other Hulk fans on this anniversary. Oh, and for those of you who have in the past asked me or wondered why or how I could possibly trade away or sell so many of the great pieces I've owned over the last 2+ decades? I likely gave you a reasonable sounding answer to that question. But the truth is, if you have a HOLY GRAIL in this wonderful comic art hobby and you're fortunate enough to one day acquire it, it really isn't too difficult to part with other pieces. Because after all, if you already own THE HOLY GRAIL, then everything else is, well, just another grail. NOTE: For those of you interested in owning this, you missed your chance at a measly $5,000,000. Given that the Hulk is at LEAST 100 times more valuable as IP, important and popular around the world, the Milgrom Black Cat Cover that sold for $1,020,000 has now raised the value of this piece to $100,000,000. Bank Transfers only, no PayPal. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Heidjer Staecker 
Member Since 2004
3 - Posted on 4/27/2021
It's like the worst nesting doll ever! :-). Great cover!
Chris Snorek
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Sasquatch (for some reason) is one of my favorite characters. Great cover, Ruben!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Classic cover - love this one. Congrats on your favorite piece Ruben!
James S
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
There is so much bulk and hair on that cover!! Very nice and sincere congrats!
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Happy 20th Anniversary!
Congrats on locating, acquiring, and being able to hold on to your true holy grail!
Jonathan Mueller
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Happy Anniversary of your Holy Grail aquisition! I'm always pleased when a collector is able to acquire their Grail, or Holy Grail... I feel like I may need to change my description on my Wrightson Hooky cover to include the "Holy" after your description of the terms. Congrats, and thanks for sharing after all of these years!
Nathan Hanley
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
That's an awesome story to go with an awesome cover. Well done man. Well done.
Eelco V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Awesome! Great story and happy anniversary from a fellow Hulk ( and Sal) fan!
LB Jefferies
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Yay!! Great to see this one on CAF, mate. So happy you still have it.
F M
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
I won't lie, I'm not the biggest Al Milgrom fan ever. BUT he does draw a mean bulky Hulk and the backgrounds are really nicely inked here.
Congrats, truly, on landing your own personal Holy Grail and enjoying it for so long.
Thank you for (finally) sharing it with us and for the fun write up that shows how much this piece of art means to you.
This is the best approach and and the most enjoyable for me.
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Congrats Ruben of 20 years ago!!! lol ;-) ...20 years wiser now!!!
That is a killer cover and even better story, thanks for sharing it. A holy grail for sure...
J H
Member Since 2019
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Hulk, watch out! Wendigo is behind you. Wendigo, watch out! Sasquatch is behind you! Sasquatch...you're cool. Rubén, lol, I love the price. And what an awesome cover! This is some of Milgrom's best pencil and ink work. Look at that beautiful shading and light-source work. The shadows from Wendigos hands. Heck, even on the Hulk's pants. And it was a great story, too. I remember it well, and the scene you described above. Very cool that you got your Holy Grail. Huge (belated) congrats!
Harry M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Very cool. But I don't think I can save enough for the purchase price ;-). Anyway a big belated congrats.
Mike W
Member Since 2007
5 - Posted on 4/27/2021
It’s been SOOO long since I’ve left a comment on CAF, but your description is really thought-provoking. I don’t know where I stand on the term “grail” anymore. When I first started collecting comic art, I naively thought that I would get a few nice pieces and be done with it. I remember calling a modern (at the time) cover my “Holy Grail” simply because I thought it would be the best I could do at the time – given my assumption that I would stop collecting soon afterward. But as a wiser, more experienced collector commented on that piece, it would be the first of many pieces I would call “Grail.” And he was right. As the collecting bug consumed me and I built my collection over the years, I acquired so many pieces that I could consider to be a “Holy Grail.” For years I questioned myself, “Why can’t I identify ONE piece as my Holy Grail?” I believe that, for me, the answer is that given the decades I’ve spent reading and loving comics, I’ve been exposed to so much comic material that I love that I can’t call one piece a “Holy Grail.” Certainly, I have artists that I love more than others, but there is something to love and admire from each of them. So there are pieces that I own that I would consider as “grails” because they are prime examples from stories or artists that I love. I envy you, Ruben, for being able to identify that ONE piece that you cherish above all others. I’m just not there yet, and I may never get there. However, you’ve got me thinking about it. “What is (would be) the Holy Grail for me?” I’m sure every collector has her/his own reasoning behind the answer to that question. For me, the answer (for now) is, “I have no Holy Grail because I love too many of my pieces equally and for different reasons” – which is okay for me. Maybe I’ll find it one day – maybe I won’t. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter for me because my love of comic art mirrors my love of comics – THERE IS SO MUCH TO LOVE!!!!!!! (Forgive me for rambling, and I hope I make sense).
Mike W
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
And thank you SO much for sharing your Holy Grail. A fabulous cover, indeed!!!!!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Well said, Ruben! Awesome cover and glad you finally shared it with us. Congrats!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Happy Anniversary! And what a great way (with a great description) to reveal what is obviously a true HOLY GRAIL. I love the composition of this image -- how the three figures are layered, each one bigger than the other. It reminds me of a transformation cover where Donald Blake turns into Thor, or, well, Bruce Banner turns into the Hulk. It's almost like the Hulk is transforming into the Wendigo, and then into Sasquatch. Anyway, brilliant piece!
T Shen
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
You weren't kidding when you said you had something huge in store! This is awesome Ruben, wow!!
Ron S
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Great cover, great story and an amazing issue of the Hulk by Sal B.
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
3 - Posted on 4/27/2021
I think having your holy grail has fried your skills on the keyboard. Caps locked. Unnecessary full stops. Look at the start of your description...If you even remember writing it. Its obviously affected your mental capacities. You should get rid of it before it fries your brain further. Did you not watch Indiana Jones? Never look directly at the grail or other holy objects. Lol.I got my holy grail too. The rest could all disappear and I would be content.
kent mansley
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Beautiful cover made even more special by the fact that it means so much to you! Thanks for sharing it! And congrats on 20 years with something this amazing!
Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Very cool to see this posted! I agree with your criteria for a Holy Grail, like Highlander, there can only be one! Not everyone has to have one but so many people throw the word grail around carelessly that it loses its meaning. For the few of us that still believe in Easter Bunny and Holy Grails, it is great to see when someone posts a true example.
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Thanks for sharing your story, as well as calling out how the term "grail" has been used (adding "holy" in front reminds me too much of Monty Python). I've seen collectors use it to refer to a cool new piece they pick up, but I've reserved that moniker for one piece in my collection. Some days, it's my favorite piece of art, and some days it isn't; but it's what I was searching for ever since I got into the hobby, and despite/because of the long journey, it has a ton of sentimental value behind it, more so than any other piece of art I own.
And to add to Peter's Indiana Jones reference, "Let it go, Indiana. Let it go." :)
Jason D'Ambrosio
Member Since 2018
2 - Posted on 4/27/2021
Ruben this is a wonderful cover!! One of my favorites too.. but not my Holy Grail.. I know what that piece of OA is but do not own it, hearing your story makes me hope one day to enjoy the feeling you so eloquentlly described!! Thanks for sharing.
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Beautiful story behind such a meaningful piece, Ruben. I've come to know you directly from two fantastic Hulk pieces you sold, that ended up in my collection through their circuitous routes. I'm fortunate that you did sell them and see how such a magnificent holy grail kept you satisfied enough to release some other good art. Stories like this really add a great depth to the hobby and passion! Thank you for finally posting this!
Tony Brischler
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Not a big Al Milgrom fan either but I can certainly see why this meant so much to you. My foray into collecting started with a Hulk comic as well (#144) so I can relate. But while I certainly have artists that I look for, I don't have a specific grail or "must-have" piece in mind. I just collect what appeals to me. Thanks for finally sharing this with us!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
2 - Posted on 4/28/2021
I'm not sure if this piece would be a Holy Grail to you or not, but it would be for me! You might want to add that to your description somewhere! ;) Congratulations!
Bob Kopman
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Great story Ruben and great cover. I don't think that I have a single holy grail. Perhaps a few pieces that I would love to get one day. Thanks for sharing the art and a terrific story!
A N H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Simply a great cover. You can see the passion you have for the hobby with your write up. Must feel great to have your Holy Grail in your collection. Not many of us can say that.
Vik V
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Ruben!!! Congrats to this beauty! This is just a wow and a cool and a great... Aaaahhh it's a grail. If think you needed the years to write this description, too. But it's nice to let us know your thoughts and your story. The art is fantastic and I like the image and layout of the characters. That's a perfect drawing by Milgrom.
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
2 - Posted on 4/28/2021
I love it when collectors acquire art that is meaningful to their childhood. This is a fantastic cover. Congratulations.
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
2 - Posted on 4/28/2021
What an absolutely EPIC write up, Ruben - well-befitting this piece in your outstanding collection. It sounds like you and I had _very_ similar experiences reading 'Hulk' 272 (I still have my copy in my collection - utterly destroyed from so many re-readings - but I have never purchased a replacement copy. Would never even consider it: that's my copy of Hulk 272. But you went with the cover OA, which is cool, too. :) ). I always think of the airport when I see this image, as it was bought for me before a long plane trip and I just stared and stared at the book as we made our way to our flight (where I was then allowed to read it). SUCH great stuff: the things that dreams and grails are built upon. Most sincere congratulations, sir!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Congrats on being able to own your Holy Grail, and it is a stunner of a cover!!!
Aaron O
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
Fan. Freakin. tastic. One of the handful of early Marvel books I acquired as a little kid. Thank you for sharing!
J. Sid
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
I remember the day my holy grail popped up in an auction. It was a bronze age Avengers cover. I pointed it out to a friend of mine and told him I was going to win it. His response to me was simply "you're lucky George Perez didn't draw your grail, or it'd cost you 3x what you will be able to get this for"
Just guessing, but I'd say his comment likely applies to your situation as well!
Jason Versaggi
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
A pretty incredible cover and great story. This is a centerpiece. Bravo!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 4/28/2021
I cant believe no one has snapped this up already?! In today's scorching market 1m is nothing. Nada. A bargain even. Love this hulk transformation page. Is this the first time that he transforms into sasquatch? If so.. Jordan J or Mr. Fish may want to give you a call before they miss out on one of these rare 1sts.
On a more serious note.. love the art! The brush work especially, but also the sense of scale and the expressions. A holy grail worthy of Indiana Jones!
Vito L
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 4/30/2021
THE HOLY GRAIL!
You have chosen... wisely!
It looks like they're doing a conga line. lol.
Congrats!
Tommy Garvey
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/30/2021
Awesome piece! I love the sense of scale on that cover. It's not often that Hulk looks so small and powerless. KIller layout. :) Congrats on obtaining your Holy Grail-iest of all possible grails! That doesn't happen often in the hobby, so it's always such a treat to see it.
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 5/1/2021
Super congrats Ruben on acquiring your Holy Grail! What a spectacular cover. Looking closely, Wendigo's hands cast shadows on Hulk's torso that bear an uncanny (symbolic?) homage to Wolverine's costume.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
2 - Posted on 5/6/2021
Glad you came around to sharing, brother! The.Holy.Grail. Based on the art and story behind it it's not lost on me at all why you'd consider it as such. It's cool how of the 3 monsters here the Hulk is the one that looks the smallest and least intimidating. But no matter! As we know, the madder the Hulk gets... :) Happy 20 years, Rube. CONGRATS!
David Askani’Son
Member Since 2012
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 5/7/2021
Amen to that Brother!!! What an incredible Holy Grail it is, thank you for sharing it with us. Badassness all around, love that you own this :)
Aaron O
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 5/12/2021
Holy crap! What an awesome cover. This was one of my first handful of comics I stashed in my garage to hide from my sister! Let me know if you spot a page from this for sale! Big Congrats!
Shaun Crowell
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 5/13/2021
Great cover!! Congrats on picking up your Grail!
Daeh Bew
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 6/5/2021
What a cover, man. I always enjoy reading peoples stories behind pieces like this and yours did not disappoint - glad you decided to upload this to CAF! Although it was 20 years ago, congratulations and happy belated anniversary to this amazing art!
R Shur
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 6/8/2021
Great story! I too own my Holy Grail and you are correct other art does not have the same meaning. I too waited a while before posting it but not as long as you.
Eldon M
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 7/22/2021
Fantastic story and cover, Rubén! Thank you for sharing your Holy Grail!
Jeffrey Freshcorn
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 3/29/2022
Just an amazing and memorable cover Ruben. Thank you for sharing.
Jason G
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 5/8/2022
There's so much to love here. The cover itself is amazing. How many times does the Hulk get dwarfed on one of his own covers by a much larger beast, who then also has an even (slightly) larger looking creature behind? Nobody look behind you! I'm gonna have to break out the old Marvel Universe Handbooks and see what the height and stats are on Wendigo and Sasquatch! But obviously as great as the cover is, the story is even better. It probably goes without saying, but is there anything better in any collecting hobby than landing The Holy Grail? Given the circumstances, I feel like the asking price is justified. Also, the fact that your first comic book store was named "Excalibur" - how great is that? Big congrats all around, and I enjoyed the explanation of just what The Holy Grail can and should mean.
R Shur
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 10/5/2022
As another owner of ones overall "Holy Grail", at least to me all other art in terms of personal meaning is secondary.
I also own my Hulk "Holy Grail", as result all other Hulk art in terms of personal meaning to me is secondary.
You know a piece lives up to true "Holy Grail" Status when decades later it has not lost any of it's lustre!
Congrats to the you of 2001 and 2021!
CJ Design
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/9/2023
can't beleive I missed this...Damn, I love this book...Art is Fire
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/22/2023
I absolutely love when the art and story behind it are equally amazing, a huge congrats!!
Matt Kennedy
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 8/14/2024
Looking at this art in black and white I would never have imagined all that blue sky in the published cover.
Great write-up, and I also scoff at the over usage of the term "grail". Happy to see that you were able to obtain yours. The comic that I first remember buying on the newsstand (which I kept in good enough condition to get it pressed and cleaned to a 9.0 grade) was Werewolf by Night #32, and that Don Perlin cover if it ever went back up for sale would be significantly more than the value of my house. The other comic that remains a childhood touchstone for me is different Hulk cover from the Herb Trimpe era. That would also cost a small fortune, but more akin to a new car than a house.
Congrats for scoring your Holy Grail back when it was was still financially possible!
David Williams
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 10/27/2024
What a great story. I'm late to your anniversary party but I totally dig it. It's rare to find true happiness and am glad you found it.
Y M
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 12/10/2024
Congrats on obtaining your holy grail, Ruben. Its something very few of us can truly accomplish in this hobby.
This cover is interesting on so many levels: Wendigo (tie-in villain to 1st appearance of Wolverine), Sasquatch (tie-in to Uncanny X-Men and Alpha Flight).
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