THE-INCREDIBLE-HULK-#57

The Incredible Hulk #57 (2003)

"Hide in Plain Sight, Part 3: The George Washington Bridge Incident"

The walls have finally closed in on Bruce Banner. With the Absorbing Man (Carl Creel) manipulating the people around him and the authorities hot on his trail, the chase culminates in a tense, brutal showdown on the George Washington Bridge. This isn't a traditional superhero brawl; it's a desperate struggle for survival where Banner is forced into a corner, making the transformation into the Hulk inevitable, violent, and deeply tragic.

Issue Highlights:

• The "Bridge" Sequence: This issue is legendary for its cinematic pacing. The shift from slow-burn suspense to explosive, high-impact violence on the bridge is one of the standout moments of the entire 2000s Hulk run.
• Psychological Stakes: Bruce Jones continues to emphasize that the real horror isn't just the physical threat of the Absorbing Man, but the loss of control Banner experiences as he fights to remain "himself" while being pushed to the brink.
• Leandro Fernández’s Gritty Art: The art style here is rugged and stark, perfectly capturing the desperation of the chase and the sheer, overwhelming power of the Hulk when he finally lets loose.
• Essential "Fugitive" Storytelling: This run is often cited as the definitive "Banner on the run" story. If you're building a collection that focuses on the internal struggle of the character, this issue is a cornerstone.