Artist Pete Wallbank has revealed his art for a new cover for INFINITY magazine featuring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno in their roles as David Banner and his big green alter-ego from the 1970s TV show The Incredible Hulk – and it’s absolutely awesome.
He teased fans of his work with his initial design work/sketch for this a new cover a while back, and they won’t be disappointed by the final version.
“Like many others I adored The Incredible Hulk as a kid, starring the brilliant Bill Bixby and the equally incredible (every pun intended) Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk,” says Pete, an illustrator whose professional career began with Doctor Who Magazine back in 1991.
The Incredible Hulk was the brainchild of the legendary producer, writer and director Kenneth Johnson, who was also responsible for hit shows such as The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.
The framework of the show followed a ‘fugitive’ style format with each episode following the footsteps of Doctor David Banner as he attempted to settle down, only to get annoyed and, in turn, to get angry and go green!
“He must have spent a fortune on clothes!” Pete, who’s provided numerous covers now for the cult TV and film magazine INFINITY, notes.
“The show was a huge success, lasted five seasons and was loved by many all around the world.
“It’s timely that I complete this work with the current Marvel Avengers film being so incredibly successful at the cinema at the moment,” the artist continues, “so it is with this in mind I rightfully dedicate this work to the Hulk’s co-creator, Stan Lee.
“If you’ve ever loved the Hulk in any of his forms this work is also dedicated to you,” he finishes. “I hope you approve.”
Pete Wallbank at work on his Incredible Hulk cover for INFINITY Issue 20
Even if you aren’t a fan of the show, memorable to me for scenes of Lou Ferrigno running through New Work wearing slippers, there’s no disputing Pete’s done a bang up job on this superb cover. No need to make him angry with daft comments, Mr McGhee!
And for his next trick?
“I’ll be travelling back in time to my past and who knows what that might be?” he teases, not very effectively… can’t wait!
• INFINITY Issue 20 featuring The Incredible Hulk is on sale in July 2019. INFINITY is online at http://infinitymagazine.co.uk
• Pete Wallbank is online at www.petewallbankart.com
• Lou Ferrigno is online at louferrigno.com | Twitter
• There’s a small tribute site to the late Bill Bixby here, compiled by JH Harison
• There is an archive of The Incredible Hulk SciFi Channel web site here on WayBack
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Comic Art, downthetubes News, Magazines, Other Worlds, US Comics
Comic Book Creator Spotlight: Wallace “Wally” Wood