The Incredible Hulk #356

The Incredible Hulk #356 was published by Marvel Comics in April 1989, appearing during Peter David's celebrated and transformative run on the title. By this period, the character had transitioned into the 'Grey Hulk' persona, known for his cunning and cynical demeanor, which allowed for a more nuanced exploration of Bruce Banner’s fractured psyche. The issue was crafted by writer Peter David and artist Jeff Purves, whose distinct, angular style helped define the gritty, psychological tone of the late 1980s era of the series.

This particular issue is widely remembered for its cover art, which features the Hulk in a dynamic, high-stakes confrontation. The design reflects the mid-to-late Bronze Age shift toward more complex, character-driven storytelling where the Hulk’s internal conflicts were given as much weight as his physical battles. It was received favorably by readers at the time for its consistency with David's long-term narrative goals and for maintaining the high-quality standards that marked his tenure as the series' primary architect.