Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins
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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 5/19/2008 11:47:00 AM
“It’s Not Easy Being Green”
The Incredible Hulk (PG-13), a live-action film based on the Marvel Comics character and directed by Louis Leterrier, bursts into movie theaters on June 13, 2008. Following close on the metallic heels of Iron Man (released May 2), which recorded the 10th biggest opening weekend of all time, The Hulk, also the progeny of Marvel Studios, has his work cut out for him. Edward Norton (who also played a major role in writing the screenplay) stars as Dr. Bruce Banner, a scientist who as a result of a military experiment gone awry suffers from gamma radiation poisoning—a condition that turns him into an uncontrollable monster when he is placed under emotional duress.
After five years spent seeking a cure, he finally believes that he has a viable lead. Having taken refuge in Brazil, he returns to the United States with the Army hot on his heels, as his steadfast search for the antidote forces him to face up to his past; brings him into intimate contact with his long-lost love, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler); and pits him against a new, similarly pumped-up adversary, The Abomination (Tim Roth).
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this Marvel Comics superhero first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) and has, through the decades and various story incarnations, consistently remained a popular comic book persona. The character also inspired a television series (originally broadcast from 1978 to 1982) and TV-spin-off movies starring Bill Bixby as Dr. Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. In 2003, Hulk, a feature film directed by Ang Lee and starring Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly in the leading roles, premiered to mixed reviews. More of a fresh interpretation than a sequel to the 2003 movie, the 2008 release harks back to the comics and TV series, focusing more on Banner’s status as a fugitive and his personal struggle with his inner monster. The special effects are designed to be grittier, more realistic looking, and even a bit more frightening. Send library patrons to the official movie Web site for a preview, a photo gallery, and an interesting behind-the-scenes video. More information about the film, as well as links to other Marvel characters and comics, can be found at the Marvel Web site.
Movie Tie-in Books
Simon Spotlight is publishing a lineup of paperbacks featuring the body-morphing, seam-splitting, neon-green icon. The Hulk Rules (K–Gr 3), a staple-bound storybook illustrated with flat comic-book-style images, provides a power-packed recap of the plot. Two beginning readers, also embellished with cartoon artwork, retell the tale from Bruce Banner’s point of view, focusing on both the storyline and the character’s ultimate realization: “I am not a monster. I can be a hero.” A Hero Called the Hulk (K–Gr 2), a “Ready-to-Read Level 2” book, has several brief sentences per page, while My Search for a Cure (Gr 1–3), a Level 3 title, has a more lengthy text divided into brief chapters.
Film fans who don’t want to miss a moment of the action will enjoy the Movie Novelization (Gr 3–7), a fast-paced, more-fleshed-out retelling of the plot. An eight-page center section containing slick montages of film photos and animated images provide glimpses at the characters in both their human and monster manifestations.
Pub Info
ZURAVICKY, Orli, adapt. The Incredible Hulk: The Hulk Rules! illus. by The Artifact Group. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6054-6.
CIMINERA, Siobhan. The Incredible Hulk: A Hero Called the Hulk. illus. by Dan Panosian. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6053-9.
BRIGHT, J. E. The Incredible Hulk: My Search for a Cure. illus. by Saxton Moore. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6083-6.
BRIGHT, J. E., adapt. The Incredible Hulk: Movie Novelization. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-6084-3.
ea vol: Simon Spotlight/S & S. May 2008.
