By Frank Sinatra
Don’t get him angry. You won’t like him when he’s angry. But to be honest, that’s tough to do, particularly as Lou Ferrigno, the star of the 1970’s hit show, “The Incredible Hulk,” is leaping from one project to the next, and having a great time doing it.
We caught up with the 63-year-old actor – who still looks, well, incredible – during the kick-off party of Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, part of the largest series of comic book/pop culture conventions across North America. It begins this afternoon at the Philadelphia Convention Center, where they expect over 100,000 people throughout the weekend.
“This is going to be the biggest show ever,” says Ferrigno. “This is where everyone comes to feel incredible.
“You know what’s great about this show? The fans. I love the people and the support. It’s positive. It’s exhilarating. You get pictures, you smile. It gets bigger and bigger.”
And while the event is in Philadelphia, there’s definitely a local, South Jersey angle to the event. Ethan Van Sciver, a very talented artist currently working for DC Comics, grew up in Merchantville and attended Pennsauken High School. He’ll be in the artists and creators section this weekend. You’ll also find Pennsauken native Ryan Brady, co-founder of Camden’s Comics and creator of The Bolt.
With “Avengers: Age of Ultron” out in theaters, and the popularity of TVs like “Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Arrow” and “The Flash,” it’s hard not to give a nod to folks like Ferrigno, who helped lay the groundwork for comic book-themed material that wasn’t focused on camp.
“I lent my voice to the Hulk; that’s why people identified with it, because I know how they think and feel,” explains Ferrigno. “That’s why today it’s still one the biggest franchises.”
Everyone’s favorite TV Hulk also commented on his successor, Mark Ruffalo, who has played Bruce Banner in the last two “Avengers” films. “Mark Ruffalo is a perfect Bruce Banner. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a solo Hulk movie, because the Hulk always saves the day.”
When he’s not signing autographs or posing for pictures, Lou is still a very busy actor. His latest movie, “Avengers Grimm,” a fairy tale-based action film, came out two weeks ago. Ferrigno also stars in the comedy, “The Bandit Hound,” which has a Christmas 2015 release date.
Wizard Word Comic Con Philadelphia is held Thursday, May 7, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 8, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information or tickets, click here.
