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The Christ like Hulk being crusified on Adam Warlocks cross was very memmorable one for my young teenage mind.And story inside wasn't usual Hulk is tricked by somebody/Hulk smash everything done by everyone else at the time.It was the sort of stuff,Jim Starlin was giving us everywhere else,from Captain Marvel,Adam Warlock and Darklon the Mystic,and for the Hulk this was fresh break from traditions-current Marvel might learn that after the Planet Hulk storyline went back the usual Hulk smash everyone,in World War Hulk material.“Holocaust At The Heart Of The Atom!” was one of Marvels early attempts to mix the Hulk with Sword and Sorcery material as was a What If story years later,when the Hulk desided to stay on Jarella's World,as her husband.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Jim Starlin and Alex Nino's Rampaging Hulk
While I've taken shots at some issues of Rampaging Hulk magazine, if there is any one issue that you must have in your collection--surely it is issue #4.
Rampaging Hulk 5 cover painting by Jim Starlin
This beautiful cover painting by Jim Starlin is your first indication that it is very special. The Hulk, held captive on a mystical cross, while a skeleton head spews magic in the foreground. Starlin not only did the cover, but plotted and penciled the lead story inside. Was it inked by Al Milgrom? Steve Leialoha? I say thee nay, true believers!
Starlin Nino opening splash in Rampaging Hulk 4
Alex Nino was the inker for this story. I never would have thought that Nino's inks over Starlin would work, but the combination of the two was wonderful. You can tell that the poses and faces are essentially Starlin, but the details and the world belong to Nino. Look at this opening splash page. That Hulk is unmistakably a Starlin Hulk through a Nino prism. It's like...Starlin on acid. As if he wasn't already cosmically aware!
Jim Starlin Alex Nino collaboration in Rampaging Hulk 5
In the story, a wizard named Chen K'an transports the Hulk to his world, which has been overrun by demon hordes. He needs the Hulk attain a mystical object of power called the Star of Catalax, but he finds the "Hulk smash" persona quite irritating. Chen K'an attempts to merge this personality along with Banner's, and winds up with a wise guy "Mr. Big" Grey Hulk persona. Years before the Peter David arc in Las Vegas, it's great fun as you see this Hulk battle demon hordes.In someways,this another story,that showed the Hulk in a Sword and Story setting,just those Jarella stories did and was a precursurer to the Planet Hulk material much later on.
Jim Starlin Alex Nino double page splash in Rampaging Hulk 5
Starlin's layouts provided the perfect avenue for Nino to showcase his style. Take a look at this double page spread where the Hulk and Chen K'an fight the second wave of demons.
As far as I recall, this was Alex Nino's only collaboration with a notable Marvel artist? Check out Man-Gods From Beyond the Stars if you want more Nino. Nuff said.
Here ya go, Groove-ophiles! The past couple of Black and White Wednesdays have been leading to this: Jim Starlin and Alex Nino's legendary artistic pairing on "The Other Side of Night" from Rampaging Hulk #4 (cover dated August, 1977). One of the greatest fill-in/inventory issues ever, the story was plotted and laid out by Starlin, scripted by John Warner (who at the time was the editor of Marvel's black and white line), and inked/finished by the incomparable Alex Nino.
Two of my favorite artists paired in a once-in-a-lifetime 30 page epic! I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined teaming Starlin with Nino, but man, did their styles ever work well together. You can still see the power of Starlin's figures (as well as their Ditko-esque poses), his mind-bending layouts, and his trade-mark freaky aliens, but Nino gives it all the otherworldly, hallucinatory edge that perfectly complements Starlin's pencils. I'm not gonna explain the whole story (it's another of Starlin's cosmic, self-destructive, end-of-the-world fables); if you wanna read it, pick up the Essential Rampaging Hulk--you'll be glad you did! Nope, I'm just picking out a dozen pages that demonstrate the power and cosmic-awesomeness of the Starlin/Nino team.The stories drawback is is far too short.Jim Starlin does a few story shortcuts to get toward the stories conclusion.Another shame,is the Hulk's relationship Chen K'an is an interesting-all far too breif.You might wanna have a friend nearby so they can put your eyeballs back into their sockets when ya get through!
Rampaging Hulk #4 - Jim Starlin / Alex Nino, Marshall Rogers art, Starlin cover
Rampaging Hulk (magazine) #4, 1977 - Jim Starlin's powerful cover is followed by the story of an alien sorcerer. Alex Nino's inks are are distinctive, but Starlin's pacing and layouts keep the art grounded. Surprisingly the styles of these two artists are extremely compatible, and their two page spread of the Hulk battling aliens is impressive. This comic also includes four single pages by Keith Giffen and a Bloodstone ad by Marshall Rogers.The art was great,but the character stunk. This is 1 of 3 Rampaging Hulk issues with Starlin art and/or covers and number 1 of 1 Rampaging Hulk issues with Nino art and/or covers. See today's posts or more Nino, Starlin, Rampaging Hulk or Incredible Hulk issues. See also this blog's Marshall Rogers checklist, Jim Starlin checklist, Alex Nino checklist, -
Starlin painted cover = ***
"The Other Side of Night" Starlin pencils / Nino inks 28 pages = ****
Bloodstone ad Rogers pencils and inks 1 page = ***
CHEN K'AN
Real Name: Chen K'an
Identity/Class: Extradimensional (Universe-7711) extraterrestrial ("Warnlin") Magic-user
Occupation: Sorcerer
Group Membership: Former king of "Warnlin"
Affiliations: Hulk (Bruce Banner);
formerly unidentified lover
formerly unidentified lover
Enemies: Gyrahn and the Behemoths, Lyissa, Tynjo and the Trolls, cannibals, demons, extradimensional horde
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: The mage
Base of Operations: Currently unrevealed;
formerly a castle on "Warnlin," (a planet "half a galaxy" away from Earth), Universe-7711
formerly a castle on "Warnlin," (a planet "half a galaxy" away from Earth), Universe-7711
First Appearance: Rampaging Hulk I#4 (August, 1977)
Powers/Abilities: Chen K'an was a powerful sorcerer, able to fire powerful mystic blasts, form shields, open dimensional or space portals, project his astral self, observe distant events, and perform a number of spells. He could access greater power using magic talismans such as the Book of Eternity and the Star of Catalax.
History:
(Rampaging Hulk I#4 (fb)) - "Warnlin" was once "the most magnificent jewel to adorn the crown that is our galaxy." It was a dream world of perfection; its people's every need tended to, leaving their vital energies for exploring higher mind. Chen K'an was the world's king, and he was made whole by his lover. He knew there were dark forces that wished evil upon his kingdom, but it had been so long since they had tried anything that his guard was down. During the deepest astral meditation he had ever achieved, the dark mage Lyissa and her allies struck, severing the divine spinal light that allowed Chen K'an's astral and mundane forms to reunite. For what seemed like eons, he searched the endless astral corridors, at last finding the Book of Eternity. Within it he found the spell by which he could bridge the worlds above and below and recall the cloak of his corporeal form.
(Rampaging Hulk I#4 (fb)) - "Warnlin" was once "the most magnificent jewel to adorn the crown that is our galaxy." It was a dream world of perfection; its people's every need tended to, leaving their vital energies for exploring higher mind. Chen K'an was the world's king, and he was made whole by his lover. He knew there were dark forces that wished evil upon his kingdom, but it had been so long since they had tried anything that his guard was down. During the deepest astral meditation he had ever achieved, the dark mage Lyissa and her allies struck, severing the divine spinal light that allowed Chen K'an's astral and mundane forms to reunite. For what seemed like eons, he searched the endless astral corridors, at last finding the Book of Eternity. Within it he found the spell by which he could bridge the worlds above and below and recall the cloak of his corporeal form.
Chen K'an was devastated to find that his world had become a land of savage barbarians, ravaged by mutations and unholy cannibals, and that his lover was dead.
(Rampaging Hulk I#4) - Chen K'an cast a spell, asking the gods to show him what he needed to save "Warnlin." He glimpsed Bruce Banner working in one of his Desert Labs and transported him to his palace, placing Banner's intellect in control of the Hulk's form, though the Hulk retained his brash personality (a close approximation of the gray Hulk), and asked him to help recover the Star of Catalax (and reminding the Hulk he was his only means of returning home). Chen K'am led the Hulk towards her base, Tyroc, explaining his past history en route. They were attacked by a winged demon horde, which the Hulk swiftly dispatched, while Chen K'an conserved his power for the final battle. Continuing on, they encountered a monstrous cannibal, and Chen K'an was so disgusted that he obliterated the cannibal with an energy blast, squandering his power.
As they approached what was once a beautiful lake, now a dank swamp, and they were assaulted by the behemoth Gyrahn. After Gyrahn punched down the Hulk, Chen K'an tried to use only a small amount of his power against their foe, but found it utterly useless. Ultimately the Hulk pulled Gyrahn into the swamp and apparently slew him. As they approached Tyroc, Lyissa opened a portal and summoned "those who lurk in those black worlds," and -- endless in number, incapable of dying, and unquestioningly obeying Lyissa who controlled the seals (portals?) -- they attacked Chen K'an and the Hulk. The Hulk fought relentlessly, occupying them and allowing Chen K'an to confront Lyissa.
Though he had led everyone to believe his powers had been stripped, Chen K'an revealed he had just been feigning this so he would not be perceived as a real threat and so he could test Lyissa to see her power; he further explained that he had chosen the Hulk because he was incorruptible and incapable of surrender. Harnessing his might, Chen K'an then slew Lyissa (her last remaining ally, the troll Tynjo, was slain in the blast as well) and then banished the extradimensional hordes to "the dimensions beyond the dimensions." Chen K'an then led the Hulk to the Star of Catalax and told him that his world was beyond saving, and that he was going to use the Star to obliterate his homeworld to free its soul and let it fly to be born again. Sending the Hulk back home, Chen K'an also restored his normal brutish state, clouding his memory of recent events, though he allowed him to remember that somewhere he had been respected and cherished. Mouthing silent names, Chen K'an then violently melded his mind with the Star of Catalax and then screamed, the force of which spread until it shattered the planet.
Comments: Created by Jim Starlin, John Warner, and Alex Nino.
This story was part of Bereet's "The Life and Times of the Incredible Hulk," which was a techno-art fiction intended to take place during the early months of the Hulk's existence, shortly after Incredible Hulk I#6. That story parallels reality on Earth-7711.
I'm tired of characters with apostrophes in their names. It's a distraction while typing.
Profile by Snood.
CLARIFICATIONS:
No KNOWN connections to:
No KNOWN connections to:
- Chtylok the Che-K'n Kau - ancient creature formerly dormant in bowels of Monster Isle, worshipped by Fall People, battled Hulk inconclusively, slew Gerald Roth when he attempted to escape after trying to flood the Savage Land--Sensational Spider-Man#13
- other sorcerers or Chen characters
Book of Eternity
Located on some unidentified astral plane, it was located by Chen K'an and enabled him to return to his physical form despite his connection having been severed long ago by Lyissa.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4 (4 (b)
cannibals
Following the devastation of "Warnlin," unholy cannibals roamed the land. One was encountered by Chen K'an and the Hulk en route to Tyroc. Disgusted by what had become of his world, Chen K'an squandered some of his much needed power in obliterating the cannibal.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4 (4 (fb) - BTS, 4
demons
The demons were part of Lyissa's union of dark forces, and the character shown in the headshot was their leader, "fiercest of his ancient race." The leader was allied with Lyissa in ambushing Chen K'an and severing his connection to the mortal plane. They presumably ran rampant over the world thereafter, contributing to its corruption and degradation.
When Chen K'an summoned the Hulk and approached Tyroc, the demons were the first to confront them, but the Hulk dispatched them in short order.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4 (4 (fb), 4
Gyrahn
Gyrahn was leader and "fiercest of his ancient race" of behemoths who were part of Lyissa's union of dark forces. Gyrahn was presumably (he wasn't pictured) allied with Lyissa in ambushing Chen K'an and severing his connection to the mortal plane. Gyrahn and the Behemoths presumably ran rampant over the world thereafter, contributing to its corruption and degradation.
After the Hulk had dispatched the demons, Lyissa sent Gyrahn after him and Chen K'an. Arising from a dank and polluted swamp, Gyrahn swatted the Hulk down and shrugged off a blast from Chen K'an who was trying to conserve his power for a later fight. After a fierce battle, Gyrahn was eventually pulled into the swamp, overpowered, and left for dead by the Hulk.
He was about 15' tall and strong and durable enough to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk
--Rampaging Hulk I#4
Lyissa
Lyissa was a sorceress, descended of the North-Elders. She was the leader of the dark forces that ambushed Chen K'an and severing his connection to the mortal plane. She allowed her forces to run rampant over the world thereafter, contributing to its corruption and degradation. She saw the beauty in evil and thought that any creative process must first be synthesized through suffering.
With Chen K'an's return and summoned the Hulk, she realized that he wished to destroy everything she had worked for. She gathered the leaders of her dark forces to Tyroc, including Gyrahn of the Behemoths, Tynjo of the Trolls, and the demon-leader, and sent them against her foes, who triumphed and approached Tyroc nonetheless. Lyissa then opened a dimensional portal and summoned extradimensional hordes to attack them, but the Hulk occupied them while Chen K'an, having lulled her into believing he was virtually bereft of power, confronted her directly and obliterated her.
Lyissa was a powerful sorceress, able to project blasts, form shields, open dimensional portals, and sever the connections between the astral self and the mortal body.
That's Tynjo by her feet.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4 (4 (fb), 4
Star of Catalax
A powerful magical energy source of unknown origin, it was held by Lyissa within the castle Tyroc. After slaying Lyissa and defeating her forces, Chen K'an used it to destroy his world, which was beyond saving.
Mouthing silent names, Chen K'an then violently melded his mind with the Star of Catalax and then screamed, the force of which spread until it shattered the planet.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4
Tynjo
Tynjo was leader and "fiercest of his ancient race" of trolls who were part of Lyissa's union of dark forces. Tynjo was allied with Lyissa in ambushing Chen K'an and severing his connection to the mortal plane. Tynjo and the Trolls presumably ran rampant over the world thereafter, contributing to its corruption and degradation.
After the Hulk had dispatched the demons and Gyrahn, Lyissa discussed with Tynjo how they would destroy Chen K'an. Tynjo noted his and the Hulk's approach, but mostly just cowered behind Lyissa, and he was apparently slain by the energy released when Chen K'an obliterated her.
Tynjo's full body can be seen in the Lyissa sub-profile.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4
Tyroc
Also known as the Citadel of Terror, it was Lyissa's base. It was nearly leveled as Chen K'an slew her and banished her forces, and was subsequently destroyed when Chen K'an destroyed the whole planet.
--Rampaging Hulk I#4
Rampaging Hulk (1977 Magazine) #4 "The Other Side of Night"
In a distant galaxy, the mage Chen K'an recites an incantation over a mystical pool. Splashing water from the pool forms a puddle that, in turn, casts the reflections of Dr. Banner and Bereet. At that moment, Dr. Banner, Rick Jones and Bereet are in an underground cave in Europe where they've discovered a grand supply of Krylorian equipment that has apparently been abandoned for some time. Dr. Banner and Bereet speculate on the condition and purpose of this equipment when Banner is suddenly zapped away in a ball of energy. As it turns out, Banner has been transported to Chen K'an's castle. Upon seeing Bruce Banner materialize, Chen K'an apologizes then explains that it's not Banner he wants, but rather "--the monster locked within." Chen K'an transforms Banner into his raging alter ego but quickly tires of the Hulk's threats to "smash," so he bestows upon the goliath just enough of Banner's mind to allow for a crude but moderate level of reasoning and craftiness. Chen K'an explains that he wants the Hulk's help in acquiring something called the Star of Catalax. Hulk is reluctant to help until Chen Khan explains that his world was once a magnificent place where its inhabitants spent their energies exploring gifts of the higher mind. The mage recounts how he was once attacked during a meditative spell by demons controlled by his enemy, a sorceress named Lyissa. The attack had, for a time, separated the mage's physical and astral forms. By the time Chen K'an had heeled himself, he found his world left in ruins. His own words condemn it as "--a land of savage barbarians, ravaged by mutations and unholy cannibals." The Hulk agrees to help. Using monstrous leaps, he carries Chen K'an across the land toward Tyroc, Citidel of Terror, where resides Chen K'an's enemy, Lyissa. On the way, the pair is attacked by a horde of winged demons, which are dispatched by The Hulk easily enough. Next, Chen K'an observes a cannibal feeding upon a dead corpse, and the sight disgusts him, reminding him how far his world has fallen. Chen K'an dispatches the cannibal, but it's not long before the pair is attacked again by a larger and more formidable demon. The Hulk engages the creature in battle. Both tumble into a murky body of water; after a period of time, only the Hulk resurfaces. In her own citadel, Lyissa pouts and postures until Chen K'an arrives with the Hulk. The mage demands that Lyissa surrender the Star of Catalax. The sorceress responds by opening a mystical doorway to a fearsome, dark dimension. A horde of vile creatures of every shape and size come pouring through. Fighting side-by-side, the Hulk and Chen K'an battle courageously against overwhelming odds until Chen K'an steps away to directly engage Lyissa in battle. After a trying conflict, Chen K'an manages to banish the demons and their mistress away. Having now gained the Star of Catalax, Chen K'an expresses his gratitude for the Hulk's help. The Hulk asks how the Star will save the mage's fallen world. Chen K'an explains that nothing can save his world; instead, he wants to use the star's power to destroy it. Chen K'an transports the Hulk out of harm's way then proceeds to destroy the planet. The planet endures various stages of physical upheaval before exploding into fragments. The Hulk reappears somewhere in France, speaking out loud in his standard dim & brutish manner again. He claims to feel very sad, only he cannot remember why.The story is a remmorable tale.It's only flaw is first,despite Marvel Fictional history,you wish Chen K'an and the Hulk stay together longer.Their relationship is much like Remo Willian and Chun.Second,the story is too short.More pages might given more more explore the elements,that tell the story.It's written on knowledge,if you know the kind of stuff Jim Starlin write ok,otherwise a new reader might not get it.Also,the Hulk has forget the story,in it's not apart of future Hulk history-future,being the Hulks early 1960's future history.Nobody,but us readers witness the events and thats ashame,since a tale should change the protagonist-in this case the Hulk,but it dosen't he's dum and forgot it,as if it never happenned.Much of the story,like with Captain Marvel,Adam Warlock,Darklon,Dreastar and others revolves about death and suicide,a major element of Mister Starlins own mental thoughts. cover art by Jim Starlin (pencils) and Daina (inks); Great Moments in Hulk History article by Doug Moench, art by Ed Hannigan; Hulk Prologue, script by Doug Moench, art by Jack Kirby; The Other Side of Night, script by Jim Starlin (plot) and John Warner (script), Pencils by Jim Starlin, Inks by Alex Nino; Gallery of Villains Hulk article by David Kraft, art by Keith Giffen; and Return from Oblivion, Script by John Warner, Pencils by Val Mayerik, Inks by Sonny Trinidad. 68 pgs. Cover price $1.00.
images: (without ads)
Rampaging Hulk I#4, story page 2, panel 1 (full body)
p6, panel 6 (face)
p7, panel 1-5 (Tyroc, Lyissa & Tynjo full bodies, Tynjo face, demon-leader face, Gyrahn face
p8, panel 3 (Warlin)
p9, panel 1 (Chen K'an as king)
panel 5 or so (Book of Eternity)
p12 (demons vs. Hulk)
p14, panel 4 (cannibal)
p16, panel 4 (Gyrahn vs. Hulk)
p19, panel 2 (Lyissa face)
p22 (Chen K'an vs. extradimensional forces)
p27, panel 7 (Star of Catalax)
Rampaging Hulk I#4, story page 2, panel 1 (full body)
p6, panel 6 (face)
p7, panel 1-5 (Tyroc, Lyissa & Tynjo full bodies, Tynjo face, demon-leader face, Gyrahn face
p8, panel 3 (Warlin)
p9, panel 1 (Chen K'an as king)
panel 5 or so (Book of Eternity)
p12 (demons vs. Hulk)
p14, panel 4 (cannibal)
p16, panel 4 (Gyrahn vs. Hulk)
p19, panel 2 (Lyissa face)
p22 (Chen K'an vs. extradimensional forces)
p27, panel 7 (Star of Catalax)
Appearances:
Rampaging Hulk I#4 (August, 1977) - Jim Starlin (plot & penciling), John Warner (scripting & editing), Alex Nino (inking & finishing)
Rampaging Hulk I#4 (August, 1977) - Jim Starlin (plot & penciling), John Warner (scripting & editing), Alex Nino (inking & finishing)
Last updated: 12/29/07
Non-Marvel Copyright info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™ and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™ and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com
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