The Incredible Hulk hits Modesto. Comic store welcomes iconic guest on Graffiti Weekend
Modesto was full of colorful nostalgia this past weekend. Shiny rainbows of classic cars motored through downtown on Graffiti weekend, while on the other side of town, something big and green smashed into Invincible Comics on Tully Road. Fans lined up early for a chance to meet a 1970s TV icon, “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno.
About 40 fans were lined up before the doors opened and about 50 more arrived just a few minutes after opening. “Lou’s people called us and asked if we were interested in an appearance, and, well, you don’t say no to the Hulk,” said Invincible Comics owner Sean Beck.
Beck has had a few meet-and-greets over the past few years since opening in 2016, mainly comic book artists and writers. He noted the enthusiasm for Lou Ferrigno was off the charts.
“There was massive positive feedback, it was exciting. And I was excited for them. We have a huge community of comic book fans in the area,” Beck said.
First in line was 36-year-old Patterson resident Gage Keeling. He brought his copy of Planet Hulk for Ferrigno to sign. “I grew up watching ‘The Incredible Hulk’ series with my grandmother, so it was special for me to be here,” Keeling said.
Entering just before opening, Ferrigno was warm and welcoming despite his intimidating frame (IMDb.com gives his height as 6-foot-5).
Not just a TV star, Ferrigno is a fitness legend. He was propelled into fame along with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron,” which chronicled his attempt to win a Mr. Olympia title. He never did win Mr. Olympia, but Ferrigno already had been named Mr. Universe two straight years, 1973–74.
Ferrigno, 72, recalled the impact that both comic books and bodybuilding had on his life. “You know, when I was a kid, I would go into comic book stores by myself, and I remember I didn’t have the money. I remember the smell of the old-fashioned comic book paper. With comics, I learned about bodybuilders and I dreamed about being like the Hulk,” Ferrigno said.
In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as the alter ego version of David Banner in the CBS television series “The Incredible Hulk,” which ran until 1981. Ferrigno’s Hulk legacy continues as he made cameo appearances in the 2003 film “Hulk,” the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk” and voiced the Hulk in the 2012 “The Avengers” film and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015.
Ferrigno said he just completed filming three movies, “The Hermit,” “Fighting Destiny” and “Harry and the Mutant Mid-Century Furniture,” all in post-production.
Giving his thoughts on Modesto, Ferrigno said, “I live on the Central Coast and don’t usually get a chance to come over here. These smaller towns, the people are so nice and have such hospitality. It feels like everyone cares about each other, which is great.”
Sean Beck said he feels the same way. Ushering fans into his store, Beck reflected on his enthusiastic customers and the gratitude he has for the community. “Everybody’s always been so supportive,” he said. “We’ve been in business since August of 2016 and right from the get-go everybody has been very excited about what we’re doing, and I just want to say thank you.”
