Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #354

Title: “The Sure Thing”

Writer: Peter David

Penciller: Jeff Purves

Inker: Marie Severin

Colors: Glynis Oliver

Editor: Bobbie Chase

Marlo returns from shopping and sees the cops all around. She thinks that they should have been at the supermarket since the prices were criminal. She wonders if Bruce is involved. She realizes that she barely knows the guy and the first thing she does is leave him alone in her apartment. Marlo walks up to her door and shouts, “My… my place! What the heck happened?!” Lt. Eileen Barnes introduces herself and asks Marlo if she has any idea what happened. Marlo says that she just got there. Lt. Barnes asks if she might now who was involved. Marlo says, “Uh… not really.”

The Hulk stands building a brick wall with Bruce on the other side. Bruce tells Hulk that he has to tell him what is going on. He says that Hulk can’t shut him out. He asks Hulk what he thinks he is proving and that he will have to face him sooner or later. He asks how he kept him bottled up for three months. He asks what they are doing in Las Vegas. He asks Hulk if he is Mr. Fixit, but by then Hulk is finishing the top of the wall. He demands to know how he dragged Marlo into this. Bruce shouts that this is his life and that Hulk has no right to do this.

Bruce awakens from the nightmare. Bruce looks around and sees that he is in a hotel room now. He’s wondering what Hulk got him involved in, but then he spots a message to him written on the mirror, “Screw this up and I’ll kill you!” Bruce says that whatever Hulk is involved with that he just let him know how important it was to him. Bruce says that was his first mistake. He says that his second was thinking that leaving him with no clothes would trap him there. He opens the door and sees that the maid has brought by a full cart of laundry. He says that he hopes something there is his size.

Suzy asks Mike how he slept. Mike says that the mattress killed his back and that he hates these cheap out of town hotels. Suzy says that she thought the idea was to get out of town cheaply so they could use cash instead of credit cards. Mike says that being on the run stinks though. He wonders why Mr. Fixit had him keep his clothes with them. Suzy says that maybe he wanted to make sure that he didn’t go anywhere. Mike says, “Sure, Suzy.” Mike rings Fixit’s room, but there is no answer.

Bruce Banner is already on the road hitch-hiking. He thinks that he will send the clothes back as soon as he can.

Mike says that he is going by Fixit’s room, and that if he isn’t there to forget him. Suzy says that she told him that he was getting too dependant on Fixit. Mike says that he did fine before his grey leg breaker and that he will do fine without him. He says that he is calling a cab and that they are going to the Coliseum. Suzy asks what about the guys that want to kill him. Mike says that it is his casino. Suzy asks, “And you’ll cry if you want to?” Mike says that he was going to say that he won’t be chased away. He says that he doesn’t care who is coming after him. The cab passes Bruce hitchhiking and Mike says that there ought to be a law against it.

They arrive at the Coliseum and see that it is empty. They walk inside and Jerry says that they thought he was dead. Mike says that he was just resting. He asks where all the clients, high rollers, and shooters are at. Jerry says that it is the Maggia and that they are shutting them down. He says that they are strong arming travel agents, tour groups, and telling them to keep away from the Coliseum. Mike tells Jerry to tell him up in his office. As they walk up, Mike says that this is like some kind of nightmare and that he wishes he could wake up. The golden man in the casino thinks, “How nice… since dreams are my specialty.”

At Delatore Restaurant Supply, a worker tells Mr. Delatore that there is a guy that wants to see him really bad. Mr. Delatore says to tell him to come back tomorrow. He calls for a forklift to get down the Coliseum’s order. A large man stands behind Mr. Delatore and says that he will not be supplying the Coliseum anymore. Delatore asks what business it is of his, but then he turns around and the large man lifts him over his head. He throws r. Delatore against the wall. He then picks up the forklift over his head and asks if they have an understanding. He throws the forklift and the forks stab around Delatore. Delatore says that they have an understanding.

Marlo cleans up the mess and says to herself that the next time someone needs help that she is going to tell him to forget it. She says that it is a good thing that Mona is working a double shift and that it will give her a chance to get things in order. She says that she would like to get her hands on Bruce. Suddenly Bruce is standing in her doorway. Marlo says that he has some nerve. She says that she came back from shopping to find the place trashed, the cops there, and Bruce gone. She asks what happened. Bruce says that he went out last night and that when he came back that the police were all over. Marlo asks if he didn’t want to answer a lot of questions. Bruce says that it was something like that. Marlo asks Bruce if Joe was involved. Bruce says that she could probably say that. Marlo asks Bruce if he is covering for Joe or for himself. She asks if the cops are after him. Bruce says that it might be best if he left. Marlo says that both of them are “keyed up”. She puts her hand on Bruce’s shoulder and suggests heading to the health club they work at and go for a swim. Bruce says that she is breaking his shoulder, but that it sounds good otherwise.

Bruce swims and thinks about how nice it was for Marlo to buy him a suit. He thinks that she is a really sweet woman. Bruce wonders how she got involved in this and wonders why he came back to her. Bruce thinks that it is because she is somehow linked to Mr. Fixit, and that the Hulk actually seems to like her. He thinks that he didn’t think that was possible in his current incarnation. Bruce says that so much has happened to Hulk, and that he really seems to care about what he has put together in Las Vegas. Bruce thinks that if that is true that for the first time their situations are reversed. Bruce says that he can make a shambles of Hulk’s life and that both of them know it. Bruce looks up and sees Marlo standing there in her bikini. She asks how the water is. Bruce says that it is warm. Marlo says that she likes it warm, and Bruce thinks to himself that he is starting to understand the Hulk’s concern. Bruce says that he has been meaning to ask Marlo what she sees in Joe. Marlo says, “Well, there’s the obvious, but besides that… he’s almost like an angry child, y’know? And all he ever wanted was to be loved, and when he wasn’t… he made this hard shell, so he wouldn’t be hurt again. Except, like a child, he leaves himself open in small ways… always hoping he’ll find someone he can trust. And I won’t be the one who hurts him. You’re his half-brother, Bruce. You know I wouldn’t hurt him.” Bruce says that he knows.

Mike looks and sees that Fixit’s room is shot up again. He thinks about how with the increase in his reputation that he has become a prime media target. His creditors are cutting him off, suppliers are slamming doors, and that no one is coming to his casino. Mike thanks Joe wherever he is. Mike says that he swore that he would never let Joe down, but that it is too bad he didn’t swear the same thing.

In the casino, Lt. Barnes tells Berengetti that there is trouble in town and that they both know it. Mike says that it is out of her league. He says that it is out of his league as well, but that he will deny it if she quotes him. Barnes says that word is that the Maggia is holding a powwow tonight. Mike says, “Do tell?” Barnes says that it is for all the casino heads and business in Las Vegas. Main Ballroom, Royal Grand Hotel and Casino which they have just purchased. Mike says that they own the Royal Grand now and that they sure make themselves at home. Barnes says that the cops and the casino owners are like apples living peacefully in the apple cart, but that the Maggia is a rotten apple and that no one wants the cart upsetted. Barnes says that at this point that the cops can’t touch them, but that they can arrange to be on a coffee break if Berengetti’s main leg breaker decided to go and make some rotten applesauce. Mike says that he and Mr. Fixit have come to a parting of the ways. Barnes says that is too bad. Mike says that maybe some of the other owners will refuse to attend the Maggia’s party.

Another owner sits in the back of his limo. The driver’s door finally opens and he says that he can get another driver that won’t keep him waiting very easily. The large man that threatened Delatore says that he is sorry for the delay, but that his driver is indisposed. He palms the man’s head. He says that he understands that he doesn’t plan on attending the meeting at the Royal Grand tonight. He says that he is there to persuade him otherwise. The man screams from the limo.

Mona shouts at the mess the apartment has become. Marlo tells her to chill out. She says that she should have seen it before and that she has it under control now. Mona says that she is going to the bathroom and then they are going to have a long talk. Mona asks Marlo what she is watching. Marlo says that it is some green guy that flexes and grunts. She says that it is probably an anti-steroids commercial. Marlo is about to change the channel, but Mona holds Bruce’s swimsuit and asks whose suit is in the sink. Marlo says that it is Bruce’s. Mona asks, “Springsteen or Willis?” Marlo says that it is Wayne. She says that it isn’t what she thinks. She says that he is just a friend and that Mona would like him. Mona asks where he is. Marlo says that he is staying with Joe over at the casino. She says that they could double date with Joe and Bruce. Mona says, “Marvelous. Another of your blind dates.” Marlo says that Mona would really like Bruce, and that he is a scream.

Bruce screams as he changes. He thinks that the painkillers he took before the transformation didn’t help, and that nothing ever does. Hulk asks Banner if that hurt and says good. Hulk sees that he is back in his penthouse. On the mirror, Bruce wrote, “Now you owe me!” Hulk smashes the mirror. He says that he has to find Mike and that he will think that he ran out on him. Hulk says that Jerry will know where Mike is.

Outside, the golden man tells Hulk as he leaps away that it will be very soon.

At the Royal Grand, the Maggia has just finished telling the casino owners the new terms of business. They say that if they agree to it that they will be allowed to continue operating. Mike Berengetti says that if they don’t that the Maggia can just leave Las Vegas. The Maggia’s front man says that he is glad to see Berengetti made it. He asks if Mr. Fixit is with him. Mike says that he doesn’t need him. He says that all they need is to stand united against the Maggia. He says that if they give them the percentages they want that they will all be out of business soon anyway. Mike asks the other if they will draw the line with him. All of the other owners are silent. Mike tells them that they missed their cue. The Maggia’s front man says that it seems they overestimated Berengetti’s influence. He says that if they had known that they wouldn’t have tried to kill him. He tells Mike to feel free and leave. Mr. Fixit appears. He says, “No. You feel free to leave. What Mike Berengetti says, goes. And he says you go.” The Maggia’s front man calls out for the Persuaders. A dozen men surround Fixit. Hulk says that it doesn’t  look good for him with a dozen tough guys. The Maggia’s man says that they aren’t just tough guys. He says that the Maggia is very well organized and that they even have a division devoted to strength enhancement and genetic engineering. He says that Man Mountain Marko was an early addition and that he fought Spider-Man to a standstill. He says that these are the later models. Fixit says, “Everybody out! You too, Mike. Sorry I’m late. But I got it under control.”

As they walk out, the Maggia’s man says that he hopes Berengetti is prepared to hire a new enforcer. He says that the odds are a hundred to one against him man coming out alive. Mike says that he will take those odds. Mike is told that he doesn’t have the capital. Mike says that he will put in all his assets… including the Coliseum. He says that he will cover all bets against Fixit. Mike says, “That is if you have the stones to cover any bets against your guys. Well coward?” The man says that Mike is on.

The betting begins at a hundred to one against Fixit. Still there are eighteen bets for the Persuaders and only three for Fixit. Suddenly one of the Persuaders comes flying through the wall. A few people start betting on Fixit, but some still think that even at a hundred to one that it is still a waste. Suddenly a second Persuader comes flying through the wall. Suddenly, everyone is betting on Fixit. The Maggia’s man knows this is trouble.

Rumors start breaking out all over town about the fight.

Some cops pull up outside the Royal Grand. One of the Persuaders smashes through the front and lands on the cop car. The police radio in that it is true and that Fixit is taking on the Maggia.

At the precinct, cops are betting for and against the Persuaders and Fixit.

Suzy asks Marlo if she has heard. Marlo asks what is going on. She says that the place is a madhouse. Suzy says that the place was empty, but that word got out that Fixit was taking on the Maggia and that everyone is betting all over town. She says that she told Mickey that he could rely on Fixit.

Another Persuader goes crashing through the roof. The Maggia’s man shouts that they aren’t taking any more bets. Mike welcomes him to Las Vegas. The door opens and a Persuader walks out. People start demanding their money for Berengetti, but then the Persuader falls over and Mr. Fixit stands over him. Hulk says, “Heh. Pay up suckers.” The Maggia’s man knows that the Maggia is going to kill him for this. Hulk asks Mike if he likes betting on sure things. Mike says that it is the finest kind. He says that he never doubted him for a minute. He asks Joe if he can buy him some dinner and that he happens to have a few bucks on him.

No Excuses rating: 8 out of 10

Review and pictures by The Leader

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