Incredible Hulk- Hercules Unleashed #1

Title: “In the Shadow of Argo”

Writer: Peter David

Penciller: Mike Deodato, Jr.

Inker: Mike Deodato, Jr.

Colors: Scott Rockwell

Editor: Mark Gruenwald

Hercules stands with Jason and the Argonauts on their ship headed toward home. Jason asks if Hercules is actually looking forward to a respite at home. Hercules says that it will suit him well. He says that their adventures have been great, but that the arms of his wife offer pleasures that no amount of escapades grant. Jason tells Hercules not to be so dismissive of heroism. He says that when Hercules’ wife is a “wrinkled prune” that he will come to him and ask forgiveness for his misplaced priorities. Hercules says that the joys of battle are paramount, but that all living beings need a place to be with family and friends or else they are the most wretched of creatures. Suddenly Jason’s ship, which had been constructed from the sacred talking oak of Dodona, speaks to Hercules. She says, “You shall be slain twice in your life, great Hercules… and both times shall a green monster be responsible!” Hercules starts to ask her what green monster, but she disappears. Suddenly a giant wave surfaces on an otherwise calm sea. The Hydra pops out of the water and says that nothing can withstand its fury. Jason blocks the Hydra’s putrid spray with his shield. Eurytus, fires arrows into the Hydra’s mouth. Hercules says that was bravely done, but that it is too slow and cumbersome. He says that they can’t risk the Hydra’s acidic venom rotting their ship. Hercules leaps onto the Hydra with a sword in hand. Jason tells Hercules to wait and that if he cuts off one of the Hydra’s heads that two will grow in its place. Hercules says that Jason was always the planner and hero, but that some battles are best fought by the son of Zeus. Hercules cuts off one of the Hydra’s heads and then pours pitch, used to seal the hull of the Argo, onto the neck so that the Hydra cannot sprout more heads. Eurytus says that Hercules was always the cleverest of his students. Hercules thanks him and says that today he will teach the Hydra its final lesson.

Deathcry wakes Hercules and says that their vessel is approaching Earth and that she thought he would want to know. Hercules thanks her. He says that the trip home has been uneventful and remarks at how rare that is for him. Deathcry wraps her arms around Hercules’ neck. She says that he was having a very involved dream and asks if it was about her. Hercules says that it was of days and heroes long gone. He says that he has been fortunate to have had, his whole life, brave men and women to stand by his side. He says that if it weren’t for them that he would lead the most empty of existences. Deathcry asks if he is walking away from more great adventures in space with her so that he can be with “brave men and women”. Hercules grants that the joys of battle are of paramount importance, but that all living beings need a place to be with family and friends or else they are the most wretched of creatures.

In Fargo, Hulk stands below in the sewers listening to Colonel St. Lawrence bark out orders to her men. The man driving Cary’s jeep asks her if she really thinks that the tanks pack enough wallop to penetrate the Hulk’s hide. Cary says that the tanks are designed by the Pentagon’s top minds and built by the cheapest cut rate contractors. She says that he has no clue. Cary calls out to Rogue 3 and says that they have fallen out of formation. She asks if they have developed mechanical difficulties. The tank says, “No, Colonel. You have.” Cary realizes that was the Hulk’s voice. She and her driver leap out of the jeep as Hulk blows it up. Hulk spins the tank around and blasts the other. He rips off the turret on his tank and starts smashing the thing. Cary lies on the ground realizing that Hulk must have burrowed up from underneath. She wonders what will happen. Hulk walks away. Cary realizes that Hulk is daring her to take her best shot.

Hercules says that it is unbelievable and asks how all the heroes could be dead. Black Widow says that she doesn’t know, but wishes that she did. Hercules says that they vanished in a battle with Onslaught, but that there has to be more information. HE asks if they are trapped or dead. Black Widow says that she wasn’t there. She says that they have to accept that they are gone. Hercules says that he doesn’t have to accept that. He says that on Olympus that there is a scrying pool, and that it will give him answers. Widow says that she thought he was on the outs with the Olympians. Hercules says that he can be persuasive with those he thinks can be of use to him. Hercules looks at the Hulk’s picture and sees that he is in Fargo, North Dakota.

Deianira, wife of Hercules, calls Nessus, a centaur, a fool. She says that Hercules and the Argo could be back at any time. Nessus says that they are never coming back. He chases Deianira down and says that she had better face the futility of resisting his advances. Nessus draws a knife and says that he is going to have his way with her or she will die. Deianira tells him to go ahead then because she will never give in to him. Nessus says that he will, and that she can imagine what he will do to her body when it can no longer resist him. Suddenly, Nessus drops to the ground as Hercules sinks four arrows into his back. Hercules tells Nessus that he is one that besmirches the reputation of his people. Deianira runs to Hercules and says that she never doubted he would come. Hercules says that one monster has slain another because his arrows were tipped with the Hydra’s poison. Deianira says that if he is dying that surely they can give him some pity. Hercules says that she can if she wishes because she was always the most benevolent of souls. Deianira goes to Nessus. She says that she wishes that it didn’t have to come to this and asks if there is a way she can ease his pain. Nessus asks only her forgiveness and says that he has a gift for her. Nessus takes off his charm and says that someday Hercules will stray to other women… that it is his nature. Deianira tries to reject the notion, but Nessus tells her to hush. He hands her the charm and swears that if she puts it on him that it will cure his roving eye. Nessus dies. Hercules asks Deianira what he said. She says that he begged forgiveness. He asks if he said anything else. Deianira says no, but that she did forgive him because as he said she is the most benevolent of souls.

Hera comes upon Zeus watching a mortal son beg his father to lift his grounding so that he can go on an all too rare date that night. Hera says that he has been watching the mortals a lot lately and asks what the purpose is. Zeus says that all she needs to know is that it amuses him. He asks Hera if she thinks the father will “accede to his son’s urgings”. Hera says that he won’t if he is any kind of father. The son runs up to his room saying that his father doesn’t care about him at all. Zeus touches the pool to “change channels”. Hera asks what he will watch now, but when she sees Hercules she says that she should have known… his illegitimate son. She asks how the “ungrateful whelp” fares since Zeus stripped him of his immortality. Zeus tells Hera to have a care since the events that lead up to it didn’t reflect well on her either. Hera says that Zeus tries her patience and that Hercules is a walking symbol of his infidelity. She says that not only did he dally with another woman… but a mortal. She asks what lesson there is to be learned in that. Zeus shouts that the lesson is that mortal women know when to shut up.

Cary radios in that they are outside a hotel, in one of the few sections of Fargo that haven’t been devastated, where the Hulk has holed up. She says that it is a little late to offer him the “come quietly” option. She says that if they extend him an olive branch that he will snap it. She says that she will see what she can do. Once off the phone she says, “God save me from committees.” One of Cary’s men comes up and says that they have a guy there that claims he is Hercules.

Hulk sits on the floor in his room drinking and watching Xena. Hulk has decided that he no longer just wants to be left alone. He decides that it is time for payback as his right and due… and god help anyone that disagrees with him. Hercules stands before Hulk. He says that he is calling upon him, as one of the founding Avengers, to help him in any way possible. He says that Hulk was on the scene of the hero’s disappearance. He says that many blame him, but that he is withholding judgment. He tells Hulk to join him in his quest to save the heroes if they can be saved. Hulk doesn’t answer. Hercules says that he is offering him a chance for adventure and redemption. Hercules says that he has fought beside mythic allies and that he is inviting him to join those ranks. He says that he dare not ignore him on his honor. Hercules starts to say that he orders the Hulk, but Hulk hits Hercules and tells him to shut up.

Hercules flies out of the hotel. He hadn’t felt, or even seen, the punch, but now the pain begins to wash over him. Hercules, with eons of practice, pushes the pain aside. Hercules lies on the ground as Hulk leaps toward him. Hercules turns and hits the Hulk. He says that if Hulk wishes to ignore his words to “so be it”. He says that he has never been known for his powers of oration. Cary’s man, Newt, cheers Herc on, but Cary tells him to shut up. Hercules asks Hulk if he is familiar with the Greek skills at discus. Hercules takes a manhole cover and slams it off Hulk’s chest. Hulk doesn’t budge, doesn’t even grunt. Hercules notices Hulk’s lack of reaction doesn’t go unnoticed by Hercules, but he doesn’t let Hulk see his surprise. Hulk throws a punch, but Hercules blocks. Hulk follows up with another and pounds Hercules. Hercules says that if he had to rely on brute force that he might be concerned, but that he was taught to wrestle by Autolycus. Hercules flips Hulk over by grabbing his leg and tossing him over. Hulk goes to leap into the air. Hercules leaps onto Hulk’s back and asks if he is intending to escape him. Hulk says, “No. To crush you.” Hulk leaps backward into a building. Hulk pounds and pounds on Hercules. Hercules begins to feel things cracking within him. Hercules sees the blood all over Hulk’s fist and only later realizes that it is his blood. As Hulk’s rage increases, and the building comes down, Hulk says, “I don’t need your adventures… your quests… or your orders! And I don’t need…YOU!” Hulk pounds Hercules.

Hercules lifts the rotting hull of the Argo off of Jason. Hercules says that he thought it was Jason he heard cry out. Jason lies on the ground and says that it has been many years. Hercules says that the gods have brought him there in time to help him. Jason says that it is coincidence. He says that Herc was probably on his way to Oechalia to pay court to Iole. He struggles to say that there were whispers of his infatuation. Hercules says that he needs to get Jason to a doctor. He says that he can’t die there after so many great deeds. Jason says that it is fitting that it happen here… where he sat with his memories. He says that his friends and family are all dead, except Hercules, and that all of them had betrayed him. He says that he sat there in the shadow of the Argo and that even his ship betrayed him. Jason says that it was inevitable. He says that they are great men, and that they must live under the shadows they cast. He says that the shadows grow longer and longer until they are swallowed within them. He says that it is a terrible thing to be great and then he dies. Hercules stands and watches Jason’s funeral pyre.

Hulk leaps into the air. Hercules digs him way out of the rubble choking on his own blood. The fire from the building sears his flesh, but Hercules is beyond caring about the pain. He asks where the Hulk is. Cary says that their records said nothing could hurt Hercules. She says that he is not the man he was. Hercules says that actually he is, but that he won’t let it stop him. Hercules shouts, “Hulk! Coward! Turn and face me!” Hulk lands. Hercules hadn’t really expected the challenge to lure the Hulk back down. Hercules charges Hulk. Hulk braces for the impact, but Hercules leaps into the air and wraps his legs around Hulk’s head. He slams Hulk against the ground. Hulk freaks. He lifts Hercules into the air and smashes him against the ground. Cary St. Lawrence is reminded of the sound of a mine being stepped on. Hulk jumps on Hercules. It is no longer a fight as Hulk just pummels Hercules. Hulk tells Hercules to stay down. He tells him to go home and to not mess with him again. Hercules weakly says that he isn’t done with Hulk. He swears that if he falls again that it will be because he is dead. Newt says that they have to do something. Cary says that they can’t and that she has word from on high that this is Hercules’ fight.

Zeus watches as Hulk says, “I said… stay down!”

Hulk hits Hercules again… and again… and again… and again… and again. Hulk asks Hercules what he is trying to prove. He asks him if he wants to die. He asks him why he is doing this.

Deianira asks Hercules why he is doing this. Hercules says that he doesn’t need to answer her. Deianira says that for years she has ignored the rumors of he and Iole, but that now he is flaunting his affairs in public. She asks why he no longer loves him. Hercules says that her jealousy doesn’t suit her and that there is nothing to discuss. She says that if he won’t accept her pleas to accept her gift. Deianira presents Hercules with Nessus’ charm. Deianira didn’t know that the venom on the charm was meant for Hercules alone, but when Hercules takes hold of the charm Hercules is set ablaze. Deianira asks what is happening. Hercules, not answering, runs out toward the river. The poison of the Hydra had mixed with the angry blood of Nessus, which had grown more toxic over the years. The toxin seeped into every pore of his body and the water did nothing to relieve his suffering. The fire consumed Hercules completely. Deianira would never see Hercules again. The river washes Hercules several miles away. With his dying breath Hercules drags himself out. Suddenly, Zeus appears to Hercules. He tells him not to be saddened. He says that it is only his mortal life and that it means nothing. He says that he can now begin his true life as an Olympian. He tells him to leave behind his mortal pain and with it his mortal name Heracles. He says that it is derived from Hera, who has always meant mischief to him. He says that he is now Hercules.

Hulk tells Hercules to fall and that he can’t beat him. Hercules says that he already has. He says that he defeated Hulk centuries ago when he became part of the hearts and minds of mankind. He says that someday they will both be dust, but that he will live on. He says that the body is nothing. Hulk hits Hercules and says that he is nothing. He tells him to quit, but Hercules refuses. Hulk asks if Hercules thinks that he won’t kill him… if he thinks a god can’t die. Hercules says that he actually hasn’t given it that much thought. Hulk pulls his fist back and waits. Hercules tells his father to forgive Hulk and that he knows not what he does. Hulk displays mercy. A bolt of lightning strikes Hulk and Hercules vanish.

Hebe tells Hercules to drink gently and that he is finally regaining consciousness. Hercules recognizes her. He says that even an immortal lifetime could not dim her from his memory… nor of the ambrosia that he just drank. He says that he is back on Olympus and asks if his father has changed his mind. He says that he had thought that impossible.

Zeus watches the father and son from before. The father tells the son that he was young once. He tells him to have a good time and to think kindly about his old man. Zeus tells Hercules not to skulk outside and that he can hear him. Zeus asks if Hercules knew that he would save him… that he couldn’t stand by and let him die. Hercules says that it did occur to him. Zeus says that he might have let him die the warrior’s death that he has earned. Hercules says that he had thought of that as well. Zeus says that they have fought too long about matters not befitting gods. Zeus tells Hercules to ask him any one boon and that he will grant it. Hercules says that he wishes to use the scrying pool to search for his lost comrades. Zeus is surprised, but grants Hercules’ request. Hercules asks where Hulk is. Zeus says that Hulk is much like Hercules in that he is driven to prove himself. He says that he is engaged in battle. Hercules says that a battle with the Hulk could raze Olympus. Zeus says to trust him.

Hulk drinks chalice after chalice of wine. Artemis tries to wake the passed out Apollo, but Dionysus tells her not to be chagrined and that this is an incredible mortal.

Hercules finishes with the pool. He says that there was a flash of light, their disappearance, and then nothing. He says that they may be beyond his reach or they may be dead. Hercules thanks his father for the boon and says that he will take his leave. Zeus asks Hercules if he is insane. Hercules asks why. Zeus says that Hercules could have, should have, requested the return of his immortality. He says that instead he has wasted his boon discerning the fates of mortals. Hercules asks why that is insane when that was his goal all along. He says that if the Hulk had allied with him that they would have stormed Olympus. He says that as it was that he gained entrance, more subtlety though painful means. Zeus says that Hercules makes it difficult to love him. He says that he offers him his immortality again. He asks if he will have it. Hercules says that all his greatest exploits occurred before he attained godhood. He says that godhood distances one from mortals and from one’s self. He says that he has seen so many worthy people die. Some much worthier than him. He says that his battle with the Hulk drove it home for him. He says that he no longer desires to hold himself above and away from them. He says that if his risks are not as great as theirs that he is not worthy to call himself one of them. Zeus says that he is more concerned with by worthy to be called a mortal than to be worthy of being called a god. He tells Hercules that a god can die too. Hercules says maybe, but that only a mortal can truly live.

Hercules finds Hulk sprawled out on the table asleep next to Dionysus. Hercules says that it seems the life of a god agrees with Hulk. He says that like youth is wasted on the young maybe godhood is wasted on the gods. He tells Hulk to awaken and that it is time to depart. He says guests are permitted, but that he can’t stay. Hulk sees Hercules and says that he is alive. Hercules says, “Somewhat. Green monsters have slain me twice. One slew my mortality. And a second has slain my immortality.” Hulk says, “Like I care. How do we leave?” Hercules says that to the east is a safe path down into Greece, but to the west is the regions of Ossa and Pelion. He says that giants dwell there as well as barbaric monsters, a rogue titan, and a Cyclops or two. He says that it is a journey worthy of those who desire to emerge from the shadows and chart new mythic exploits. He says that it is more hazardous and longer journey. Hulk says that he is in no hurry.

Hulk and Hercules battle side by side.

No Excuses rating: 9 out of 10

Review and pictures by The Leader

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