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Hulk Gray Issue 5 Page 11 By Tim Sale
Artist: Tim Sale (Penciller)
9 Comments - 282 Views - 16 Likes
Artwork Details
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Description"Things are not always black and white...sometimes they're gray."The Gray of Hulk Gray is more than just the palette for the Marvel "color" series. The beginning and end of the story are in traditional black and white style, the "gray area" being the actual substance of the story. The gray symbolizes the nuances of the Hulk, the ambiguity surrounding Bruce and his alter-ego. Aside from literally being gray, Hulk's status as a hero or anti-hero has always been gray...seen as good by some and evil by others. At its core, "Hulk Gray" is both a story or romantic and self-love. The crux of the story is Bruce Banner's enduring love for Betty. Both the man and the monster share one thing in common, their love for her. Despite the challenges posed by Banner's "condition", Betty's love and acceptance illustrate the importance of a human connection. And while he has his own struggles, Banner and Hulk find solace in Betty, bridging the gap between the human and the monster. One of my collecting goals is to own a page from every major Tim Sale project. In Hulk Gray, the artwork is very expressive, complementing the tone of the narrative. Sale does a good job of making small moments feel huge. The series has a very muted color scheme, dominated by shades of gray. This choice creates a moody atmosphere. Secondly, the characters are very expressive. Whether it's the pensive presence of Bruce Banner, or the raw power and emotion of the Hulk, Sale's art breathes life into the characters, helping convey their true feelings. Even the poignant expressions of Betty Ross as she digests what's happened to her are memorable. I really love this page and think it captures all the reasons why I do love the art in this series. The layout... purposely choosing a half splash conveys how brutish the Hulk really is. He doesn't even fit in the panel, showing how monstrous and out of proportion he is as he towers over Betty... "No yell at Hulk, make Hulk mad". At the same time, Sale imbues the Hulk with a childlike innocence, particularly in his facial expressions and body language. Despite his immense power, there's a sense of vulnerability in his eyes. In the second set of panels, Betty's glare humbles Bruce...reducing him right to size. I love the weather in the background, the gray ink wash, the hand holding the mirror, and Betty's annoyed face as she says "So... you're not a complete idiot". It was fitting to get this page on 02/14... On Valentine's Day, Hulk give Betty mirror. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Jared Michalski
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 4/28/2024
Another dynamite write up, Sonu. Your love for not only the art, but the thought, care and effort Jeph and Tim invested in the deeper meaning behind the color book titles, is a wonderful tribute to them.
People’s feelings about the color books are fascinating to hear. Many say Yellow is their favorite, which is understandable. Thanks to the full on wash, you’d be hard pressed to argue it’s not Tim’s most impressive art for an entire series.
However, many also say Blue is their favorite. Which is also understandable, as people’s love for Gwen found a welcome outlet in Jeph and Tim’s fond revisiting of their relationship.
But, for my money, Gray will always be my favorite. The contrast of the ink-washed Hulk with the stark black and white backgrounds was breathtaking. Especially the scenes set outdoors.
More importantly, however, is the tale itself. While all of the color projects were tinged with loss and reflection, your comments about self-love are particularly fitting. While Matt and Peter struggle with it as well, Bruce’s knowledge that the beast is part of him elevates the plight of the waking nightmare he lives in.
All that said, for me, it’s the ending that clinches Gray as my favorite. Yellow and Blue had alternately (and fittingly) upbeat and sad endings. But Gray’s ending was revelatory. The idea that Betty’s love for Hulk came from her conflicted love for the monster that was her father blew me away when I read it, and continues to do so on each reread.
And Tim agreed. Many were the times we talked about the color books, and he was unequivocal in his assertion Hulk was their best project, and possibly Jeph’s finest writing.
Very happy you added this splendid piece to your collection. Now go get yourself a Yellow page. I won’t get in the way this time. LOL.
Anthony D. 
Member Since 2006
Posted on 4/28/2024
What a great page. Congrats on this one. One of my (luckily few) regrets in this game is getting rid of the Hulk Gray page I had years ago. Glad you got such an incredible example from the series.
alessandro gentili
Member Since 2011
Posted on 4/28/2024
Beautiful, beautiful page on so many levels ! Thanks for sharing this one .
M L
Member Since 2015
Posted on 4/28/2024
Tim Sale on Hulk is one of my favorite things - great write up and congrats!
stephen yarish
Member Since 2004
Posted on 4/28/2024
That is a great page from the series, congrats!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
Posted on 4/28/2024
Sweet love letter from Loeb and Sale to the Hulk and his universe. This page shows a romantic side of the Hulk and you see that big intimidating black mass, but a handsome and gentle brute in the face and his fancy eyebrows.
Mike Rice
Member Since 2003
Posted on 4/29/2024
Helluva write up, and a great page too. Gary hits that sweet spot of story and art for me as well.
T Shen
Member Since 2009
Posted on 4/29/2024
What an imposing figure to stare up at. Tim Sale was a true genius, I am guilty of sleeping too long on his Hulk Gray pages and absolutely regret it daily. Beautiful page and congrats!
Tangled Web Art
Member Since 2020
Posted on 4/30/2024
Congrats with this masterful page from one of Loeb and Sale's best work!
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