Hulk Smash! The Hulk is a member of the Avengers and first appeared in Marvel Comics The Incredible Hulk #1 in May 1962 created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Actor Mark Ruffalo played the big green beast and Bruce Banner in the box office hit film The Avengers (2012). Among comic book fans The Hulk has become an icon and even a fan favorite character to those who may not follow the funny books due to the heroes portrayal on screen. Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno helped make the character a household name in the 1978 TV series The Incredible Hulk. The Mighty Mugg above portrays him in his classic ripped purple pants and menacing expression.