Well, this is an early 80s cartoon, so I guess there had to be a "computer takes over the world" plot somewhere!  The idea of the Hulk versus a giant computer complex is an interesting one, with lots of challenges thrown at the Hulk.  It's far more satisfying than the Hulk's later tangle with another super-intelligent villain in the form of the Leader.  Cyclops itself is given a great visual motif in the form of his single eye, which becomes quite creepy once Cyclops broadcasts it all over the world. However, you'd think that such a supposedly well-designed computer as Cyclops wouldn't be vulnerable to a mouse chewing through its wires!  The whole subplot with Rio and Rita is only partially successful at showing Cyclops' grip on the outside world - I think that would have been far more effective to show the chaos caused all over the world rather than just at Rio's diner (and may have been a good excuse for some super-hero cameos!). One thing that is very noticeable is that Banner is far more of a hero than the Hulk in this episode, ultimately saving the day! This makes a nice change from the usual over-reliance of the Hulk's brute strength to solve problems.


With this very 1980's concept I was expecting to really dislike this one.  It was fun though.  Obviously it owes it's plot to Colossus: The Forbin Project; a movie that has been ripped off so many times that it has become a cliché.  Still I was enjoying myself until the scene at Rio's.  That's when what I expected to happen...happened.  You guessed it: everyday appliances start attacking.  I'm really not sure why I can accept a man that can turn into a green monster but not a vicious vacuum cleaner.  I just...can't.  Even as a child these super computer stories seemed ludicrous to me.  It is a pretty short scene that does little harm to the episode though.  Some really nice suspense is created when Cyclops realizes that Banner is the Hulk.  (The computer starts gauging Banner's stress level as he works his way through the mountain with Betty.)  It was an unconventional approach that was really effective.  Due to our interview with Boyd Kirkland (layout artist for the show), I made an interesting observation:  Rick loses his cowboy hat at the begining of the episode.  Mr. Kirkland made it pretty clear that the hat was a real pain to draw so I gotta think that was intentional.  Overall, a good episode with a very dated concept.