Hulk is not a character.
Hulk (comics) . Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby , the character first appeared in the debut issue of The Incredible Hulk ( May 1962 ) . In his comic book appearances , the character is both the Hulk , a green-skinned , hulking and muscular humanoid possessing a vast degree of physical strength , and his alter ego Bruce Banner , a physically weak , socially withdrawn , and emotionally reserved physicist , the two existing as personalities independent and resenting of the other . One of the most iconic characters in popular culture , the character has appeared on a variety of merchandise , such as clothing and collectable items , inspired real-world structures ( such as theme park attractions ) , and been referenced in a number of media .