HULK #272 COVER- The Holy Grail!

Great cover and great story to boot!

It's like the worst nesting doll ever!  :-). Great cover!

Jesus!!!! This is freaking awesome.

Sasquatch (for some reason) is one of my favorite characters. Great cover, Ruben!

Cool :)

Classic cover - love this one. Congrats on your favorite piece Ruben!

There is so much bulk and hair on that cover!!  Very nice and sincere congrats!  

Baller score!

Congrats Ruben!

WOW, CRAZY COOL!

Happy Anniversary. It's a beauty.

Happy 20th Anniversary!

Congrats on locating, acquiring, and being able to hold on to your true holy grail!

Outstanding!

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! 

Incredible!!!

That's an awesome story to go with an awesome cover. Well done man. Well done.

Awesome! Great story and happy anniversary from a fellow Hulk ( and Sal) fan!

Yay!! Great to see this one on CAF, mate. So happy you still have it. 

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.

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...

Just wow!

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! 

Very cool. But I don't think I can save enough for the purchase price ;-). Anyway a big belated congrats.

I love a good Holy Grail story, mucho congrats!

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).

And thank you SO much for sharing your Holy Grail. A fabulous cover, indeed!!!!!

Well said, Ruben! Awesome cover and glad you finally shared it with us. Congrats! 

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!

You weren't kidding when you said you had something huge in store! This is awesome Ruben, wow!! 

Great cover, great story and an amazing issue of the Hulk by Sal B. 

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.

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!

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.  

I actually have about ten grails. Most of them are well hidden or unavailable. I feel lucky to have got a couple. I am always happy when someone gets one, unless it is one I want, nay, need, and you hear my piteous plea,"Here Graily, graily, graily" as it disappears into a portfolio or frame, unobtainable. Ironically some grails are really cheap. Two others I have been pining after for over twenty years. The owners know but dangle them on the site, forever beyond my reach. LOL.

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." :)

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.

Acknowledge us!

Acknowledge us!

Acknowledge us!

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!

Congrats! Love that WENDIGO!!! 

Stellar piece!!

Wooow wow wow

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!

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!

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!

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.   

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. 

I love it when collectors acquire art that is meaningful to their childhood. This is a fantastic cover. Congratulations.

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!

Congrats on being able to own your Holy Grail, and it is a stunner of a cover!!!

Fan. Freakin. tastic.  One of the handful of early Marvel books I acquired as a little kid.  Thank you for sharing!

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!

A pretty incredible cover and great story. This is a centerpiece. Bravo!

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!

Some people collect for the flex.  But not you.  

THE HOLY GRAIL!

You have chosen... wisely!

It looks like they're doing a conga line. lol.

Congrats!

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.

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.  

excellent cover - bravo !!

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!

Congrats on your grail. Great looking Hulk cover!!!!

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 :)

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!

Great cover!! Congrats on picking up your Grail!

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! 

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.

Fantastic story and cover, Rubén! Thank you for sharing your Holy Grail!

Just an amazing and memorable cover Ruben.  Thank you for sharing.

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.

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!

can't beleive I missed this...Damn, I love this book...Art is Fire

I absolutely love when the art and story behind it are equally amazing, a huge congrats!!

I'd buy that for a dollar!

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!

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.

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).

Comment.

Destiny!  Congrats on finding this gem. 

Congratulations, Ruben!  Didn't see this when you first posted it, somehow, but glad to have discovered it, and your description, just now.  So glad you acquired this ~25 years ago and had the sense and circumstances to hold onto it

I was just listening to the Beastie Boys: Check Your Head album.

Man, that record rocks!

You know what rocks even harder?

THIS FREAKING COVER!!!!

Congrats on having this amazing piece in your collection.

hey buddy, was looking at your gallery again,lol, forgot to add a few comments, love this cover