Many fans are familiar with the origins of The Incredible Hulk, due to TV shows and films telling the story, but the comics add much more depth to the character that movie fans might not know about. In fact, his history in the comics allows him to be an even more fleshed-out and impressive character.
While Hulk has played a huge role in Avengers comics and often goes well in a team environment, he's had many solo comic runs that have introduced new themes and characters to his story. Some of his stories are known for influencing the movies and are certainly worth reading since some themes might also pop up in She-Hulk.
World War Hulk: Front Line
World War Hulk: Front Line follows Hulk after he returns to Earth, with a focus on the registration act from Civil War, and drama with the Daily Bugle competing with Front Line. World War Hulk: Front Line takes place during the events of World War Hulk, in which Hulk seeks revenge on Doctor Strange, Iron Man, and Mr. Fantastic.
Reddit Mr_OneHitWonder stated, "I think Paul Jenkins has an undermentioned run and has a few elements that come back into play with the immortal hulk." What makes this story unique is that it focuses on what the superheroes are doing, but from the average person's perspective.
Planet Hulk
Planet Hulk follows Hulk as his ship is sucked into a wormhole and he's sent to a new world. On this planet full of gladiators, tribes, and slaves, Hulk must compete in its gladiator games on Sakaar.
fans probably don't from Planet Hulk is that characters from the films, such as Korg, appeared in this story.
The Incredible Hulk Visionaries
The Incredible Hulk Visionaries contains some older Hulk stories that helped to define the character. It shows the character teaming up with other heroes like X-Men, fighting other monstrous villains, and Bruce Banner's desire to be normal.
Redditor the best comic book romances that fans might want to read about.
The Incredible Hulk Epic Collection: The Hulk Must Die
The Hulk Must Die has many classic adventures of the Hulk and pits him against many popular villains. This story also introduces readers to the Abomination, has Hulk fight his most popular villain Thunderbolt, and even has him battle the Greek demigod Hercules.
Reddit dontyieldbackshield mentioned, "the first eight issues (Tales to Astonish #60 - 67) are drawn by Steve Ditko and he did a great job with the character, it's a shame it's so overlooked because Ditko is synonymous with Spider-Man and Doc Strange."
The Incredible Hulk: Return Of The Monster
After the Hulk has been accused of murdering a child, both Hulk and Bruce Banner go on the run to escape the police and a mysterious organization that has dark plans for them. Hulk also goes through the struggle of proving his innocence, despite looking like a monster.
Reddit comic character could get a horror movie in the MCU, it could be the Hulk, and Return of the Monster would be the perfect story to adapt.
Hulk: Gray
Hulk: Gray retells the story of Hulk's origin for modern readers. Bruce Banner, the scientist, was exposed to a gamma bomb explosion, which results in him turning into the Hulk every time he's angry. Hulk: Gray shows how Banner comes to with this and learns of his newfound power.
Redditor comic story the MCU would likely never adapt due to the Hulk's origins being told on-screen way too many times already.
Immortal Hulk
The Immortal Hulk focuses on both Bruce Banner and the Hulk, with the Hulk returning after Hawkeye ended his life. Hulk has risen from the dead, and he's much darker and no longer a hero. With his return, Bruce Banner travels the states as much as he can to avoid the Hulk taking over.
Redditor PerfectZeong mentioned, "The current run of the immortal hulk is pretty fantastic but certainly plays on stuff that was written by many previous authors. I don't think you HAVE to read them but it might help." Immortal Hulk brings back horror vibes to the Hulk comics, with Hulk being interpreted as a monster again.
Hulk, Volume 1: Red Hulk
After the events of World War Hulk, Red Hulk is another murder mystery comic book in which Hulk is once again accused of being the killer. Everyone depends on other heroes such as Iron Man and She-Hulk to figure out who was truly behind the murder.
Reddit Red Hulk is one of the best comic characters not in the MCU, considering he's likely going to appear in the films soon, it's probably a good idea for Hulk fans to learn his origins.
Indestructible Hulk
Indestructible Hulk follows Bruce Banner and Hulk as they become an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D and have been given the mission to stop Quintronic Man and Attuma. They also have to work with Tony Stark, which proves difficult given that the Hulk doesn't get along with Iron Man.
Redditor centipededamascus commented, "Indestructible explains everything you need to know right at the beginning." Another Reddit StoneGoldX added, "It's a totally different kind of Hulk, given that he hates to be called Hulk and subtly threatens to smash you if you don't call him Dr. Green, but it's a starting point."
Hulk: The End
Hulk: The End takes place in a dystopian feature in which Bruce Banner and the Hulk are the last people on earth. Bruce Banner knows that he can stop Maestro and save the world, but he needs Hulk to do it and Hulk refuses to make an appearance.
Reddit Joba_Fett praised this story, "In my opinion, Hulk: The End is one of the greatest single-issue comics I have ever read. Poignant, emotional, and artistically written. I can't recommend that one enough." Hulk: The End is an interesting story in which Hulk is brought back from the past to save the future, a situation in which he's rarely put in.