THE-INCREDIBLE-HULK-#56

The Incredible Hulk #56 (2003)

"Inside Out" (Hide in Plain Sight, Part 2)

The hunt is on. Bruce Banner, still on the run and desperately trying to keep his composure, finds himself at the center of a terrifying psychological game. The Absorbing Man (Carl Creel), confined to a secret prison, is projecting his consciousness into others, turning ordinary people into puppets to target Banner. In this chapter, the tension spikes as Banner realizes that nowhere is safe—not even the minds of the people he trusts.

Issue Highlights:

• The "Creel" Factor: Bruce Jones elevates the Absorbing Man from a "brawler" to a genuine cerebral threat. Seeing him possess bystanders to force Banner into transforming is chilling and builds immense narrative pressure.
• Leandro Fernández’s Art: The art here is moody and cinematic. The subway sequence in this issue is particularly well-executed, emphasizing the claustrophobia and helplessness Banner feels while trying to stay hidden.
• Character Dynamics: The relationship between Banner and Pamela Grayson continues to be the emotional anchor of this run. Jones keeps the reader guessing—is she an ally, or just another pawn in the Absorbing Man’s game?
• A "Thriller" Comic: This run remains a cult favorite precisely because it ignores the "superhero rulebook" of the time. It’s gritty, paced like a crime drama, and avoids the typical "Hulk smash" tropes for long stretches, making the eventual transformations feel earned and desperate.