It's a proven fact by Hulk fans and comic readers in general that:
Mark Waid + Hulk = Mediocre Comics
Another proven fact is by Hulk fans and general readers is:
Jason Aaron + Hulk = A BIG steaming pile of garbage/crap
And Jeph Loeb's Hulk run is sandwiched right in between those two horrible runs on the Jade Juggernaut. It's worse than Waid's mediocre, yet not quite as horrific as Jason Aaron's terrible run. I think we can all agree on that.
Back on topic as to why I think why the series has declined in number. It all started when Greg Pak left. He told interesting stories. Stories that were filled with incredible feats of power, formidable/high-end threats, engaging supporting characters old and new alike, and he allowed Hulk/Banner to progress in a way that hasn't been done since Peter David.
Once Greg Pak departed (though there is some speculation that Marvel pushed him away/off writing the Hulk), Jason Aaron & Mark Waid came on with their runs that totally aliened fans/readers and regressed the Hulk/Banner character. Within just 3 years time, these two writers brought the character lower than even Jeph Loeb did. The power, the majesty, the incredible... it was all swept away. And in it's place? Mediocrity and pure garbage that should have never been approved, let alone printed and sold to readers.
They did not progress the character of Hulk/Banner, they did not make nods to past events that greatly affected them, they didn't give or create villains/threats that are of planetary or galactic level in order to challenge a high-end elite being like the Hulk, nor did they even use the majority of their supporting cast! More or less, they were given an immense opportunity, a chance to write the Strongest One of All, a chance to write one of the most unique and powerful heroic beings ever created in comics... and they didn't give a damn, dropped the ball, and more or less told the fans to go screw themselves. Needless to say, fan outcry and backlash against such treatment resulted in their runs declining in number faster than lightning can strike.
Then, finally, Gerry Duggan came on board. And for the first time in 3 years we have a good Hulk comic. However, it is still not what fans are craving, and even I can't help but feel something is amiss. And I believe I can take a guess at what it may be.
Both @raynoqw & @schwarz made solid points in the matter.
What Hulk needs is a writer in the vein of Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder, Greg Pak and Peter David.
Banner needs to be intelligent, one of the Smartest there is, clever, sympathetic and interesting. He needs to create advanced tech-based devices, whether for himself or for the Hulk or for something else entirely.
Hulk needs to have personality (which thankfully Mr. Duggan has given us with Doc Green) and not be just a mindless, one-dimensional brute.
Hulk needs to be shown being powerful, the Strongest One of All/Strongest One There is.
He needs to have amazing, incredible feats of power that'll leave readers in awe.
He needs to face powerful threats, whether they be planetary, galactic, or universal in nature.
He definitely needs a superior rogues gallery, that's for sure. I mean, I can't be the only one who is tired of Hulk fighting heroes or Hulk fighting the Leader or Abomination, right?
And he needs an interesting, engaging supporting cast of characters composed of old favorites and new creations.
What is needed is a writer with vision for the character and an equally extraordinary artist. That's what I, and many others, believe that the Hulk/Banner character needs the most.
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