As it turns out, Hulk Gamma Green Smash Fists was named as one of WATCH’s “10 Worst Toys” in 2012 — nine years after its first version hit the toy aisles. TikTok’s creator 20_years_ago_ pointed out in July 2023, the Hulk fists — then known as “Electronic Hulk Hands” — were all the rage for consumers when they were first released by Toy Biz in July 2003.
According to 20_years_ago_ the Hulk Hands idea was born out of Toy Biz’s brainstorming session, which sought to find ideas for another Hulk toy after its success with the “Spider-Man Web Blaster”. Hulk Hands with their electronic sounds was made to accompany the release of 2003’s “Hulk” starring Eric Bana. As a result, retailers struggled to keep up with high demand.
Toy Biz, in addition to producing the Hulk Hands and a rock-like hand based on The Thing from “The Fantastic Four”, produced another pair of hands in 2005. According to 20_years_ago_, “this toy version was labeled a dangerous toy due to blunt-force trauma injuries,” despite the fact that the foam gloves and package stated they were intended for “dress-up fantasy play.”
The consumers ignored all warnings and disclaimers on the Hulk Hands. However, 20_years_ago_ reported that “they were also quite popular with college students who participated in Hulk Hand fighting clubs.”