Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #323

Title: “Certain Intangibles”

Writer: Al Milgrom

Penciller: Al Milgrom

Inkers: Barras & Bulandi

Colors: George Roussos

Editor: Bob Harras

Betty asks Rick if she did the right thing. Rick says that she did the only thing she could to give Bruce a chance to live. Wasp tells She-Hulk, Captain America, Wonder Man, Mockingbird, Photon, Tigra, Namor, Hercules, and Hawkeye to go easy carrying the Hulk. She says that it took all they had to knock him out and not to jostle him awake. Black Knight wonders to himself if the Hulk looks bigger than he did a moment ago. A General salutes Captain America. He thinks him for the assist and says that they can handle it from here. Cap asks if he is sure they won’t need him any further. The General says that not with the special equipment they brought along. He says that he was told it could hold ten Hulks if needed. Wonder Man helps Iron Man up and asks if he is all right. Iron Man says that he will be all right. He says that luckily that all the damage was done to his armor and not to him. The people of Jericho says that all he needs to do is change suits, but they ask what about them. They say that their entire town was destroyed. The people ask what kind of heroes they are. Captain America raises his arms in the air. He says that they are sorry for the destruction of their property, but that the Hulk had to be stopped. He says that the Avengers will do everything they can to make restitution. One man says that they can replace the buildings, but asks what about their shattered lives. He says that it will take years to rebuild and that many of them can’t afford to wait that long. The people ask what about their personal private things that were destroyed. They ask what about the terror their children suffered watching their town being destroyed. Rick Jones steps in. He tells the people to just hold on. He says that Captain America and the rest of the Avengers just put their lives on the lines to stop the Hulk, and that because they did that no one was killed. He says that he understands they are upset about their town, but that it doesn’t give them the right to lay it all on Captain America. Rick says that Cap already feels guilty and that they shouldn’t make it worse. Rick says that guilt is more than any man should have to bear. The people start to see that at least where there is life there is hope. They disperse. Cap thanks Rick and says that he didn’t know what to say to the people. Rick says that it is the least he could do for his old partner. Cap says that the guilt thing sounded like it came from the heart. Rick says that ever since Banner was turned into the Hulk saving him that he has felt responsible. Cap watches Rick walking away and thinks about his old partner growing up a lot.

Diane Bellamy approaches Samson on a gurney and asks if they can get a few words with him. Diane asks how it felt to be manhandled by the Hulk. Samson says that he doesn’t recommend it, but that he does want it noted that he wanted to save the Hulk from the beginning. Samson says that now that Hulk has to be rejoined with Banner that it is important that he not be interfered with by the army, by SHIELD, or by anyone. He tells Diane to let the public know that. As Samson is taken away he thanks Diane for the use of her gyro-copter. Diane runs over to Wonder Man. Simon asks her if she wants an exclusive interview. Diane says that she needs someone to retrieve her gyro-copter. She says that Samson left it in hover mode and that it must be close to being out of gas. The copter spirals to the ground and crashes. Wonder Man says that he is sorry he couldn’t be of more help. Diane says that her producer is going to kill her, but that at least she got the exclusive of the year out of it.

Cap says that their job is done. Wasp says that is good because she has a few things she would like to discuss with him about who is in charge of the team. The quinjets take off in opposite directions.

She-Hulk asks if there is anything she can do to help with Bruce. Betty says thank you anyway, but that they can take care of Bruce and the Hulk. Betty says that Bruce will hate it, but that the only way to save him is to merge him with the Hulk again. Betty says that Samson will help them do that. She-Hulk hugs Betty and says that his cousin has a heck of a wife. She-Hulk takes off and Rick tells Betty that it is just the two of them. Betty says that she hopes Bruce will forgive them for what they are going to do.

Bruce sits in bed. He says that he can’t believe that Betty stopped the Avengers from killing the Hulk. He says that means that they are going to try and merge him back with the Hulk. Bruce says that it should make him happy or sad, but that he is just feeling numb. Bruce says that he begged Betty to let the Hulk die. He says that it seemed so important not to share his life with a monster any longer. He says that he should resent her interference, but that he supposes that she meant well. Bruce says that she is too late anyway. Bruce holds up his hand and can see the television through his hand. He says that his body is becoming translucent and losing density. Bruce says that he is going to die soon, and that he is so tired that he doesn’t even care.

Hulk lies on the ground getting bigger and bigger. They try to pick the Hulk up with a grappler, but the claw passes right through the Hulk’s body. Samson sees this before they load him into the ambulance. Samson tells them to take him over there. The techs agree but only because they see the Hulk isn’t going to move. Samson sees that Hulk is twice his normal size. He says that something must have been wrong in his calculations. Samson says that Hulk’s molecules are losing cohesion and drifting apart. Betty asks if they can still save Bruce. Samson says that only if the can get the Hulk to the nutrient bath, and even then it isn’t a sure thing. Betty grabs Samson and says that there has to be a way. Samson says that Hulk is only half the problem. He wonders if the same thing is happening to Bruce Banner.

The people at La Paloma shout for Dr. Fisher. Fisher runs into Bruce’s room. Banner is so large his feet are hanging over the end of the bed and his feet and hands are passing through the floor. You can see the bed through his body. Fisher tries to check Banner’s heartbeat, but his stethoscope passes right through him. The phone rings and Fisher picks up. He says that he is glad that Samson called and that they have a situation here.

Samson says that he was afraid of that. He says that they can’t move either one of them. Rick says that they haven’t played their last card yet. Rick gets on the phone and calls the quinjet. Rick calls Captain America and tells him what has happened. Cap says that growing and losing density is a little out of their department. He asks for ideas. Wasp says to call Hank Pym. She says that he used to change his size and density all the time as Ant-Man, Giant-Man, and Yellowjacket. Rick thanks them and calls the Avengers compound in Los Angeles. Hank Pym says that he doubts his gas would have an effect, but tells Rick to hold on while he transfers his call to someone he thinks may be able to help. Vision and Scarlet Witch are practicing their natural childbirth when the phone rings. Vision reaches through the wall and picks up the phone. Vision listens to Rick, but says that he can’t help him. He says that he and Scarlet Witch are expecting their first child any day now and that he can’t leave her. Betty takes the phone from Rick. Betty tells Vision that he if he doesn’t help that not only will the Hulk die, but that her husband will die. She says that she knows that most people see Bruce as a freak that turns into a monster, but that they don’t see the man underneath. She says that he and his wife know what it is to love in the face of extreme odds. She asks him not to let her husband, a good man, die. Wanda tells Vision to let her talk. She says that Betty is right and that no one knows what it is like more than she does to love a man that others consider to be less than human. She says that no one know more than her how little the color of one’s skin or one’s origin means in the face of love. Wanda says that Betty will have the help she needs. She tells Betty that her prayers are with her. Wanda tells Vision that he has to go help. She says that the baby is coming, but that she expects him back in time for the birth. She says that she couldn’t enjoy herself knowing that she let that woman suffer, Wanda kisses Vision and tells him to go. She tells him to hurry back as soon as he can. Vision flies out the ceiling.

Vision says that he hates leaving Wanda, and that he doesn’t even know if he can help Banner. He says that if Henry Pym thinks that he can that it must be so. Vision says that he is the master of his own density and not those of others. He says that maybe he will be unable to help and get to come back quickly. Vision spots a west bound plane and flies into it. Vision says that there was a time that he would have rushed out to help Banner, but that now he is prone to more human fears. He wonders if he can effect the Hulk. He wonders what effect the gamma radiation will have on him. Vision says that he doesn’t fear for himself, but that he wants to see his child born. Vision exits the plane and flies down to the La Paloma Medical Center. Dr. Fisher sees Vision and asks him if there is anything he can do. Vision says that they will see. Vision sinks into Banner’s body. Vision reduces his density, allowing his molecules to grow wider and wider. Once his molecules have interacted with Banner’s he increases his density and pulls Banner back together within his own body. Fisher looks at Vision and says that he sees both he and Banner. Vision dresses and says that he is taking Banner to the Hulk’s body. Vision/Banner flies out of the Medical Center.

Vision thinks about how smoothly things went, but notices that he doesn’t feel any joy or relief. He thinks how worried he was before, but that no he is blasé. Vision says that Banner’s thought patterns are working their way into his. Vision/Banner lands next to Hulk’s body. Betty asks Vision if he thinks he can merge her husband with the Hulk. Vision says that he supposes so, but that it hardly seems worth the effort. Vision struggles and takes control. He says that Banner doesn’t care, but that he does. He tells Betty that he thinks he can do it. Vision phases into the enormous Hulk. Vision releases Banner’s molecules so they can mingle with the Hulk’s. Vision then decreases his own density and raises Banner’s density level. Vision is in pain and realizes that this is what it must feel like for those he partially solidifies in. Hulk starts to shrink down. Vision tries to escape, but he is trapped by the Hulk’s body… his mind and rage. Samson tells the men to leave him there, but to get themselves out of harm’s way. Hulk says that he will smash the machine that tries to grab him. Hulk destroys the grappler. He says, “Now Hulk will… I will… lift this sucker up!” Hulk throws the grappler, hits the tanks surrounding him, and says, “Hah! There! That’ll show ‘em they ain’t foolin’ with kids here! Not a bad shot either.” Rick tells Hulk to wait. Hulk says, “Well, well, if it ain’t Rick Jones! Beat it twerp!” Hulk smacks Rick. Betty asks if Rick is okay. Rick says that he will live, but says that the Hulk is talking like he did when he first became the Hulk. Hulk says, “You ought to know, kid! It’s because of you that this happened to me! The spineless milksop just ran out to save you from his experimental gamma bomb and caught a dose of the rays himself! He should have killed you for what you did! Maybe I’ll do it for him!” Betty says that Bruce must be in there too. Hulk says, “Shut up, Betty! You think you’re any better? Banner says let him die and you go ahead and bring the Vision here and try to save him! Banner’d never have the guts to tell you what a lovesick cow you are! But nothing’s stopping me from saying it! Fool! You saved my life! Banner hates you for it! Don’t you see what I can do? And now you’ve given me the chance to waste the entire world… starting with you! And when I’m done with you, I’m going after that tin-soldier father of yours!”

Clay drives Ross up to the new Gamma Base and tells the General that they are here. Ross says not to call him a General anymore. Clay says that if Ross says so, but that he thinks Ross got a raw deal. He says that with what they have planned that Ross will finally get his revenge. Ross asks if the Hulk still lives. Clay says that he is alive and flourishing judging by the reports they’re getting. Clay shows Ross the tank where the Hulk and Banner were separated. Ross asks what his part is. Clay says that they will explain that soon enough. Ross thinks to himself that he doesn’t care what they do to him. He says that he is going to get his daughter away from that monster even if it kills him.

Hulk advances on Betty and Rick and asks them how it feels to know that they saved him only so he could kill them. Rick tells Betty to run. He says that he has had this coming, but that maybe he can hold Hulk off for a while. Suddenly Hulk clutches his head and shouts, “Get out of my mind!” Vision fights against Hulk not to lose his identity. Vision asks Banner for help, but Banner just asks what the point is, He says that no one can stop the Hulk. Vision says that he can’t give up, but that it is so hard to think. Samson tells Rick that he thinks Vision and Banner are distracting him. Samson tells the soldiers to stay back and that they will only fan the Hulk’s rage and bring his personality to the fore. Samson tells Banner and Vision not to let Hulk’s rage sweep over them. He tells them to be calm and use their reason. Hulk tells Samson to shut up. He knocks Samson off his gurney and says that no one tells him what to do. He says that Banner’s easy, but that the other one is a fighter. Hulk says that he will win and that he always wins. Vision fights, but the Hulk submerges him again. Hulk says that he beat Vision and that now it is Samson’s turn. He says that he has been a thorn in his side for too long. Betty runs up to Hulk. She says that she knows Banner is part of him and to listen to her with that part. She tells him not to be the monster that they make him. She says that his skin is a different color and his face is frightening, but that doesn’t make him a monster. She says that she sees the man beneath the surface. She tells him to be the man she loves. Betty touches Hulk’s face. Vision mistakes her loving touch for his own wife’s. Vision is woken and with thoughts of his wife he frees himself. Hulk falls to the ground and transforms into Bruce Banner. Bruce asks if he has been rejoined with the Hulk. Betty tells him to rest and that they will talk later. Betty asks Vision how she can repay him. Vision says that it was her loving words that allowed him to free himself from the Hulk. He says goodbye and flies into the air. Vision thinks to himself that he doesn’t think that their troubles with the Hulk are over, but that maybe with the love of a good woman maybe even a monster can overcome adversity. He thinks that maybe even an artificial man can know peace.

No Excuses rating: 6.5 out of 10

Review and picture by The Leader

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