The Incredible Hulk #158

Published by Marvel Comics in December 1972, The Incredible Hulk #158 arrived during a transformative period for the character as Marvel expanded its supernatural and horror-tinged storytelling. The issue was written by Steve Englehart, who was quickly becoming known for his intricate character work, and illustrated by Herb Trimpe, the definitive Hulk artist of that era. At this time, the Hulk’s stories were shifting away from simple monster-of-the-week narratives toward more complex psychological dilemmas and interconnected Marvel Universe crossovers.

The issue is historically notable for featuring the return of the character Jim Wilson, a significant supporting figure in the Hulk's mythos during the 1970s, and for showcasing the brutal, energetic action sequences that defined Trimpe’s tenure on the title. It represents the mid-Bronze Age approach to superhero comics, where creators balanced pulp-style adventure with grounded social commentary, solidifying the Hulk's status as a tragic, misunderstood figure rather than a mere antagonist.