CGC to Certify Hero Initiative’s Hulk #1 “Ultimate 100” Comics for Collectors

Last year, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight Spider-Man artists throughout history to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, a collection of 100 original Spider-Man covers which were then eligible for CGC certification under the prestigious Signature Series designation. CGC and Hero are reprising the program with something meaner and greener—the Incredible Hulk!

Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Hulk #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create a new, Hulk-centric “Ultimate 100,” and dozens of artists are currently putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known Hulk vets such as Sal Buscema, Mike Deodato Jr., Ron Garney, Ed McGuinness, Don Perlin, Herb Trimpe, Ron Wilson, and more. In addition, Marvel superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Frank Cho, David Finch, Joe Quesada and John Romita Sr. have stepped up to add their own take on this classic character.

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“It’ll be tough to beat what we saw last year with the Spider-Man books,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “But folks are really stepping up to the plate already with some amazing Hulk pieces. It’s great to see them as they roll in!”

“After witnessing the overwhelming industry participation and fan response to the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, Marvel is excited to be working with the Hero Initiative once again on such a unique and beneficial project. It’s quite inspiring to watch the comic book community come together so selflessly to support those who came before them. And what better way to honor the pioneers of our industry, then by creating one-of-a-kind cover illustrations of one of the most iconic heroes of all time, the Incredible Hulk,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley.

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The comics were first publicly displayed at MegaCon in Orlando on March 7- 9 and the first 10 were auctioned of at Wizard World Chicago June 26 – 29. The artists who had created these covers were: Chris Bachalo, Tom Brevoort, Michael Choi, Alan Davis, Mike Deodato, Leonard Kirk, Joseph Michael Linsner, Whilce Portacio, Javier Pulido, and Arthur Suydam. (To view all of the covers and sale prices click here) Several of these were immediately submitted at no charge to CGC for the Signature Series designation and CGC extends that same offer to future winners of these fantastic custom comic pieces. (Submitters are responsible for all shipping costs to and from CGC) Support the hobby by bidding on these unique collectibles on eBay, and keep watching for future auctions.