The Incredible Hulk (1996)

Common Sense Media says

'90s Hulk 'toon is clever, complex, action-packed.

Age(i)

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Quality(i)

 
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What parents need to know

Positive messages

Superheroes with generally good intentions protect one another -- and sometimes the world -- while struggling with what it means to have powers that separate them from the human race. Violence is too often used as a solution to problems, and good doesn't always triumph at the end of every episode.

Violence & scariness

Strong animated violence, explosions, throwing characters long distance, etc. The Hulk is more violent than his inner Bruce Banner wants him to be.

Sexy stuff

Mild innuendo, particularly regarding She-Hulk, who occasionally also seduces (verbally) villains into cooperating with her.

Language
Not applicable
Consumerism

You can certainly buy plenty of Hulk products.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a complex, modern superhero cartoon with a notable amount of animated action violence. Characters are conflicted about their powers and roles, and plots carry over from episode to episode. Not all episodes end with victory for the good guys; in fact, many end with things looking pretty bleak -- and not just in the cliffhanger sense. This isn't a show for kids who worry about the fates of the people they see on television.

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Kids say

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AGE
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What's the story?

When this animated iteration of THE INCREDIBLE HULK (which originally premiered in 1996) begins, Bruce Banner (voiced by Neal McDonough) is already the victim of the accident that causes his transformations. The Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) is its own entity, unaware of Banner within him but still only emerging when Banner is angry (an odd concept that some kids may not grasp). Throughout the series' run, Banner seeks a cure for himself and for his cousin She-Hulk, who was infected by an infusion of Banner's blood but is far happier about her hulky side than he is.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

This Hulk is dark and complex in the way of modern superhero comics. Every episode requires some knowledge of the overall back story -- or a willingness to try to figure it out. It's often not clear who characters are, and there aren't necessarily easy 20-minute story arcs. Nor do the good guys always win, and many episodes end on a bleak note. It's all well done, but young kids won't find much pleasure in the action. That said, older kids and fans of other takes on the Hulk will enjoy this different light on the story.

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about how the show's various heroes -- the Hulk, She-Hulk, the Fantastic Four, etc. -- feel about their powers and the way that those powers limit their actions in society. What do they give up to be superheroes? Would you want to have their powers? How are their powers like the things that make people extra-powerful in real life -- such as money and fame?

TV details

Cast:Genie Francis, Lou Ferrigno, Matt Frewer
Network:Disney XD
Genre:Kids' Animation
Topics:Superheroes
TV rating:TV-Y7

This review of The Incredible Hulk (1996) was written by

KJ Dell Antonia

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Teen, 13 years old Written byThedude68683 December 22, 2013
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8
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My thoughts

I've only seen 1 episode on YouTube but I'm going to purchase the first seasoni f I can find it because it was that good form what I've seen it's one of the best hulk things I have seen
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