by Jen
 | The Incredible Hulk has always been one of my favorite superheroes. Big, green, angry – what’s not to love? But my love of the Hulk was born before I discovered comic books (though Hulk titles have been published on and off since May 1962), and certainly long before Mark Ruffalo made Bruce Banner so adorable. My first Hulk was Lou Ferrigno. And they say you never forget your first Doctor, but I’ve never forgotten my first Hulk! |
I was four years old when the television series debuted on CBS in 1978, and quite honestly I’m surprised my parents let me watch that kind of show - I suppose I have my father, who was himself somewhat geeky, to thank, as he’d already begun sharing his love of Star Trek (the Original Series, of course) with me by then. I can still hear the opening of the show, in the voice of Ted Cassidy:
“Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter. The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.”
***Read more after the bump***
| And who could forget Bill Bixby’s famous line, which made an appearance in every episode: “Don’t make me angry. You won’t like me when I’m angry!” But as much as I loved Bixby’s portrayal of Bruce Banner, it was Ferrigno’s Hulk who really captured my imagination. |  |
Special effects were decidedly different in 1978 - Ferrigno had to spend up to three hours in the makeup chair getting ready for each appearance on screen. It’s not easy becoming green!
The final result was captivating, though, and enough to make at least one little girl fall in love with the superhero genre. This is why I’m happy to see Lou Ferrigno at so many fan conventions, even if he can be a bit gruff - the Hulk isn’t supposed to be cuddly and charming anyway!
On this Throwback Thursday, what was your first favorite geeky television show?
The final result was captivating, though, and enough to make at least one little girl fall in love with the superhero genre. This is why I’m happy to see Lou Ferrigno at so many fan conventions, even if he can be a bit gruff - the Hulk isn’t supposed to be cuddly and charming anyway!
On this Throwback Thursday, what was your first favorite geeky television show?
