THE-INCREDIBLE-HULK-#55

The Incredible Hulk #55 (2003)

"Hide in Plain Sight, Part 1"

Bruce Banner returns to the sprawling chaos of New York City, attempting to lose himself among the millions of inhabitants. However, the respite is short-lived. A new threat emerges as the Absorbing Man (Carl Creel) is held in a high-tech plasma-field prison, and he has developed a terrifying new ability: the power to absorb the minds and wills of those around him. This issue sets the stage for a five-part arc of psychological tension and forced confinement.

Issue Highlights:

• The "Fugitive" Vibe: Bruce Jones’ run is famous for treating the Hulk not as a superhero comic, but as a gritty, character-driven thriller. This issue is a perfect example of that grounded, high-tension approach.
• Leandro Fernández’s Art: The art style is stark and atmospheric, ditching the "big, bombastic" superhero aesthetic in favor of something more cinematic and intimate.
• The Absorbing Man’s Evolution: Carl Creel is presented here with a chilling new capability that makes him a cerebral threat rather than just a physical one.
• Accessible Entry Point: Published at a time when Marvel was looking to attract fans from the Hulk film era, this issue was specifically designed as a low-cost, high-impact "jump-on" point for new readers.