The highly acclaimed Immortal Hulk series begins with a simple premise: Bruce Banner wandering through the American Southwest. Along the way, the Hulk occasionally emerges, punishing those who harmed others. This premise is a classic component of the Hulk's mythos, exemplified years earlier in "Return of the Monster," a story that began in 2002's Incredible Hulk #34, by Bruce Jones, John Romita Jr., Tom Palmer, Studio F, Richard Starkings, Wes Abbott and standout covers by Kaare Andrews.
"Return of the Monster" began much like Immortal Hulk, with Banner aimlessly drifting across the country. As a fugitive from the law, Banner would stay in motels under assumed names. Banner did everything to hide himself, from growing a beard to shaving his head entirely. The only form of contact which Banner had was on an encrypted laptop, frequently messaging the enigmatic "Mr. Blue." During his attempts to stay below the radar, Banner ran into some trouble. For example, a young man named Jerome found himself caught up in local gang violence. Although Banner tried to help Jerome himself, ultimately, the Hulk emerged, beating up a group of street criminals off-panel. Banner also found himself constantly hunted by government agencies. At several points in this story, the Hulk emerged to dispatch his pursuers.
Eventually, a recurring agency, called Home Base, began hunting down the Jade Giant. Home Base hired agents Jink Slater and Sandra Verdugo to find and capture the Hulk. These highly-trained, deadly killers were approached by Home Base, along with Doc Samson. Banner's old friend turned down Home Base's offer, instead attempting to find and help Bruce.
After a great deal of work, Samson finally tracked Banner down to a diner, where Slater and Verdugo also found the scientist. Samson warned Banner of the impending danger, just in time for the Hulk to emerge and flee through a smokescreen of destruction. Throughout the story, it was assumed that the Hulk was responsible for the death of a young boy, Ricky Myers. When Banner found Verdugo in a secluded cabin, she revealed herself as Ricky's mother. In truth, Sandra was accused of killing her son and sent to death row. Home Base offered Verdugo the chance to save herself and her son. After she was executed, Verdugo was mysteriously revived by Home Base, who also gave her incredible strength and healing abilities.
Verdugo revealed to Banner that Home Base faked the footage of the Hulk killing Ricky, intending to hunt and use the Hulk for their own purposes. Sandra also told Banner that Samson was Ricky's true father. Before they could make another move, Slater arrived at the cabin, intent on killing Banner. Fortunately, Verdugo blew up the cabin, with Bruce transforming into the Hulk at the last minute. Burying the assassins, Banner moved on to investigate Home Base.
In many ways, "Return of the Monster" brings the Hulk back to his roots. With this storyline, Banner's journey is simplified, removing many of his alternate personas such as Joe Fixit or the smart Professor Hulk. Much like some of his earliest appearances, Banner spends time wandering the Southwest, hiding from his pursuers. Of course, this Hulk is not the friendly, Savage Hulk of the 1960s and '70s. Rather, the Hulk in this tale is more of a looming presence, rarely appearing on the page.
The true destruction and devastation that this Hulk brings make him a true monster. While the inspiration for the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk is present, the story is also very similar to Immortal Hulk's beginning. This Hulk is fairly similar to the Devil Hulk, in that they both emerge primarily to punish those who harm innocents. There's a clear purpose to what these Hulks do. Both Hulks are part of Banner's aimless wandering, emerging only when night falls or when absolutely necessary.
Still, there are some major differences between "Return of the Monster" and Immortal Hulk. For one thing, Banner is more of the protagonist in "Return of the Monster" than the Hulk. This story is very much Bruce's journey, with mere glimpses of the Hulk. Immortal Hulk, on the other hand, gives the Jade Giant his own perspective and voice. The Devil Hulk has long moments of dialogue and action, while "Return of the Monster" rarely shows the Hulk. Additionally, the Devil Hulk is accompanied by other personas, not limited to simply one perspective. As a whole, Banner is also much more ambitious and proactive in Immortal Hulk. "Return of the Monster, " for instance, features Banner on the run, evading his pursuers. Immortal Hulk, however, illustrates the Hulk's long-term goal to end humanity as we know it, taking the fight to corporations like Roxxon. Despite their differences, both "Return of the Monster" and Immortal Hulk found success by emphasizing primal aspects of the Hulk and building their narratives around those ideas.