Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #400Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #400
Title: “Ghosts of the Past, Conclusion: “Dues Ex Machina” Part 1”
Writer: Peter David
Penciller: Jan Duursema
Inker: Mark Farmer
Colors: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bobbie Chase
Betty is in her pajamas and gargling in front of the bathroom mirror when Agamemnon appears in the mirror. He apologizes for intruding, but that he is looking for her husband. Betty spits out what she is gargling and starts running. Agamemnon says that he will take that as a sign of surprise instead of disrespect. Betty asks who he is. Agamemnon introduces himself as the leader of the Pantheon. He says that Bruce was very angry about one of his recent decisions regarding an old enemy of his- The Leader. Agamemnon says that he stormed off and hasn’t been seen since. He asks if he came to contact her. Betty says that he hasn’t. Agamemnon asks if she knows where he might have gone. Betty says that she might. Agamemnon says that just telling them may not help since he may leave if they arrive. Betty says that what he really wants is for her to clean up the mess he made. She says that it is her he wants and that he could probably find him themselves. Agamemnon admits it. He says that they, and Bruce, need her Mrs. Banner. He says, “It is Mrs. Banner, isn’t it?” Betty says that she doesn’t need to be reminded of her marital responsibilities from “Casper the geriatric ghost”. She tells Agamemnon to give her a minute to get dressed, but that it will take forever to get there. Agamemnon says that he has arranged for a ride.
Betty walks outside and gets into Prometheus’ car. She sees his mangled up face, gets in and buckles her seat belt. She tells him that they are going to the site of the first gamma bomb test and asks if he knows where that is. Prometheus says that he does. He adds that he is impressed and that most people scream when they meet him. Betty says that she isn’t surprised since smoking is a filthy habit. Prometheus spits out the cigarette. As he drives, Prometheus says that they scream because of his face. Betty says that she has seen worse.
In Alberta Canada, beneath the Columbia ice field, is Freehold. People are walking by and greeting Rick Jones as he walks with Hotshot and Jailbait. Hotshot asks Rick what he thinks of Freehold. Jailbait says that it is pretty impressive. Rick says that all these people are dying. Hotshot says that they are all living. Mrs. Jergins, an elderly woman, comes up to Hotshot and asks him, “How are you today, Louis?” Lou says that he is fine, but asks her not to call him Louis. She asks if she ever told him that her late husband’s name was Louis. He says that she never told him. Mrs. Jergins asks if Louis will be going to services. He says that he wouldn’t miss it.
Inside the
church, Leader stands before the congregation. He welcomes
everyone and says that they have a newcomer with them. He says
that he is someone that is as lost as all of them used to be.
Leader asks Rick Jones to stand up. Leader says that Rick was
once afflicted with cancer as all of them are now. He says that
they have all been hurt by radiation for the ozone layer,
improperly shielded workplaces, asbestos, or industrial waste. He
says that it is in the air they breathe, the water they drink,
and in the food they eat. Leader says that his acolytes have
brought all of them here, from the greatest of scientists to the
simplest of people. Leader says that his control over people in
key positions have given them the supplies he needs and that his
mindless drones have built Freehold. He says that now they live
there content in the knowledge that mankind will wipe itself from
the planet. He says that in time their descendants will emerge to
build a better world. Rick says that he thought that the Leader
wanted to rule the world. Leader asks who would want to rule the
world with the shape that it is in now. He asks why he should
clean up humanity’s mistakes. He says that they can choke on
it, and that true men of vision care about the long term. Leader
says that Rick Jones was cleansed by a being of godlike power.
Leader says that they have their own being of godlike power. He
says that Soul Man cannot heal their bodies, but that he can ease
their spirits. Soul Man descends from the ceiling on a platform.
He asks that they pray with him because God is listening. Rick
sees the immense light radiating off Soul Man. Soul Man says that
Rick Jones has come there for a miracle. He asks if Freehold is
the place for miracles. The crowd shouts that it is. Soul Man
says that their Leader has come to them in the hopes that their
prayers might help Rick Jones. Soul Man asks that they pray for
success in bringing back Rick’s beloved Marlo. Marlo is
encased in some type of crystal chamber. Rick thinks to himself
that he would have blown this whole thing off, but then Leader
showed him that Redeemer was actually the deceased General Ross.
Ross sits there with a blank expression on his face.
Hydra salutes as their Supreme One enters the room. The Supreme One says that he understands that his second in command wishes to speak with him. His second says that he doesn’t understand why they are attacking Freehold. He asks how a group of survivalists could be of interest to them. Supreme One says that he has two responses. He says that Hydra has lacked a true collection of scientists since AIM split with them, and that it has prevented them from attaining the heights they once held. He says that there are many scientists in Freehold, including the Leader himself. Supreme One says that he doesn’t expect the Leader to join them, but that he will settle for his research and development along with his personnel. He says that in addition the Leader is a threat to them as well since he doubtlessly has world domination plans as well. The second in command asks what the second thing is. Supreme One shoots him and says that he doesn’t recall asking for his opinion anyway. Supreme One orders the squad to assemble for launch in five minutes. Another Hydra agent tells the Supreme One that he has a communiqué. Supreme One asks who it is. The agent whispers in his ear. Supreme One heads into his office to take it. He answers as “Supreme Hydra”. The voice on the other line says, “Supreme’ indeed. Lord it over your own branch of Hydra, but don’t presume I’ll take you seriously…” He says that he understands that Supreme Hydra is planning an attack on the Leader. He advises him to desist and that he is putting together an organization that will deal with disputes among their brethren. Supreme Hydra says that when an organization is in place that he will listen, but that he isn’t giving Leader any more time to hatch new schemes. The voice on the other end asks how dare he, but Supreme Hydra cuts off the communiqué.
In New Mexico, Betty calls out to Bruce. She
says that she needs him. Hulk storms out of the building and says
that is just rich. He says that she needs him, the Pantheon needs
him, the Avengers need him. Bruce says that everyone just takes.
He asks when he gets something back. He says that he has been
patient and understanding with her. He asks where she was when he
needed her. He says that she shut him out, but that now she is
there with a Pantheon goon by her side saying that she needs him.
Hulk says that it is never a two way street, He says that she
doesn’t care, Marlo doesn’t care, and Rick doesn’t
care. Betty slaps Hulk. Betty holds her hand and Hulk says that
here comes the crying. Betty says, “Marlo’s dead, you
jackass!” Hulk kneels down beside Betty and asks what she
said. Betty explains that there was a woman that claimed she was
Rick’s mother, and that she killed Marlo. Betty is crying.
She hugs Bruce and says that she is sorry to come to him after
putting him off, but that she has lost Marlo, Rick is
disappearing, bearded men are appearing in her mirror, and that
he hates her. Tears roll down Bruce’s face. He says that he
could never hate her. He says that he loves her. Betty wipes the
tear from Bruce’s face. 
Betty and Bruce
kiss.
Prometheus contacts the Mount and says that they have found Hulk. They ask what the chances are of him listening and cooperating. Prometheus sees Hulk leaping toward him with Betty in his arms. Prometheus says that the chances are getting higher by the moment.
Betty tells Bruce that this whole thing has made her realize how transient life can be, and that you should appreciate the ones you love now because you never know when you might never see them again. Bruce says that he has no argument with that. Betty says that she doesn’t want any regrets between them. She says that it is bad enough that there were things left unsaid when her father died. Bruce asks if she wants to visit his grave. Betty says that she would like to, but that she doesn’t know where he is. She says that he isn’t at the family plot, and that no one seems to know what happened to him. She says that it is like he slipped through the cracks.
Rick snaps his fingers in front of Ross’ face. Leader tells Rick to have a seat. Rick sits down. He says that he thought that Ross was dead. Leader says that he was. He asks if Rick remembers an ambulance outside the gamma cave. Leader says that he drove away in it after Leader’s rebirth. Rick says that there was a dead body inside. Leader says that originally there was two. Leader says that the ambulance was to take Ross back to the morgue, but that he never got there. Rick asks why Leader would take Ross’ body. Leader says that he did it out of a sense of history. He says that even then he was developing the revivification machinery that will hopefully save Marlo. Rick says that he doesn’t want Marlo back if she is going to be a zombie like Ross. Leader asks Rick what death is. He says that once bring back the dead was fantasy, but that now it happens on operating tables and on “Rescue 911”. He says that the grim reaper doesn’t come nearly as close as it used to. Leader says to observe a lighting demonstration. Leader hits the light and Rick sees a green glow around him. Leader says that normally this is only viewable in photographs. He says that it is an electromagnetic field called the Kirlian aura. Leader says that some say that it is just a discharge of electrons and ions, but that others say that it is the physical manifestation of the soul. Leader says that he chooses to believe the latter. Leader says that in some the aura disappears quickly, but that in others it never fades and they become ghosts. Leader says that the aura can be salvaged. Leader points out the irony of him being a “soul saver”. Rick says that there is nothing coming from Ross. Leader says that when he experimented on Ross that he had the technology, but not the means to revitalize the spirit. Leader says that the technology slows the process, as it hopefully did with Marlo, but that Ross is gone. Leader says that now he has a means of reviving the soul and body. Rick says that it is Soul Man. Leader tells Rick that the changes brought on by gamma radiation are more than just coincidence. He says that in the case of Father Jason McCall that it seems to have given him a direct link to God. Leader says that to save Marlo they are going to place a call. He says that they share an emphatic bond, and asks if they should take the chance. Leader extends his hand. Rick says that Leader wants him to shake the hand that killed 5000 people. Leader says that it is Rick’s choice and hands him back the picture of Marlo. Rick asks if Leader can bring the dead back to life then why didn’t he bring back Saunders. Leader says that Saunders was annoying, and that Rick should hope he doesn’t become annoying as well.
At Rick’s apartment, Hulk looks at a picture of Rick and Marlo. Betty checks his messages. Captain America is telling him to call if he needs a friend. Betty asks why Rick would have gone to the Fantastic Four and Hank Pym. Hulk says that he thinks Rick is trying to save Marlo. Betty says that Marlo is dead, and that bringing her back is crazy. Hulk asks if it is as crazy as a scrawny scientist turning into a half ton of hostility. Betty says that the point is taken. She asks Bruce if he is hungry. Hulk says that he is starved, but that this is Rick’s place and not to expect much. Betty opens the freezer to find Agamemnon’s head. Betty asks Bruce to make him stop doing that. Hulk asks Aggy what he wants. He says that with the way he rolled over on them with the Leader. Agamemnon says that he wanted to avoid more destruction. He asks what the harm is in making promises that he doesn’t intend to keep. Hulk asks if he was lying and recalls that Aggy said that Leader had people that were depending on him. Aggy says that they can survive without him. Agamemnon says that there is a long rivalry between Hulk and Leader and that it is time it ended. Hulk says that finally he can take the fight to Leader. Betty says that Bruce doesn’t have to do this. She says that he can call the Avengers or SHIELD. She says that they can bring him in. Hulk says that Betty saw what Leader did to Middletown, and what he tried to do to him. He says that he has to be the one to end it. He asks if she understands. Betty says that she doesn’t, but guesses that it is a guy thing. She says that it is enough that he understands. Betty kisses Bruce and tells him to do what he has to, and that then they can figure out what to do about Rick.
Leader looks at Marlo in the crystal chamber. He puts his hand up to her face. Rick walks in. He looks at Marlo. He shakes Leader’s hand. He says to do it, and that whatever it takes to do it.
No Excuses rating: 7.5 out of 10
There’s great writing in this issue. Leader explains his theory on restoring Marlo’s life. His plan goes all the way back to Peter David’s first issue where Samuel Sterns was sent to retrieve the body of General Ross. The emphatic bond between the Leader and Rick Jones is revisited, and Bruce and Betty’s problems, dating all the way back to the Merged Hulk’s creation, are resolved. A great milestone issue. 4.5 out of 5 for the writing. Duursema does a better job this issue. Nothing looks blatantly out of place or bad.
Title: “Deus Ex Machina, Part 2”
Writer: Peter David
Penciller: Chris Bachalo
Inker: Mark Farmer
Colors: Glynis Oliver
Editor: Bobbie Chase
Father Jason
McCall, once a priest in Middletown, had strayed from the path of
righteousness. He had asked for a sign and was given a searing
flash from a gamma bomb. Soul Man, along with the other
followers, do not know that the Leader is responsible for the
gamma bomb’s explosion. They wouldn’t even believe you
if you told them. To them the Leader is a savior. Soul Man is
praying when Rick asks him if he really believes that he can do
it. Soul Man says that he can if it is His will. Soul Man asks
Rick to kneel beside him. He asks Rick if he believes in Him.
Rick says that he doesn’t know. Soul Man says that He
believes in Rick. Soul Man says that he thinks that deep down
that Rick must believe or he wouldn’t have allied himself
with his longtime animosity with the Leader. Rick says that he
calls it grasping at straws. Soul Man says that he calls it hope,
and that hope springs eternal, hope fulfilled becomes faith, and
that faith becomes everything. Soul Man holds Rick’s hand
and says that it is time.
Outside Freehold, Hydra is preparing to attack.
In the lab, Leader is telling Rick that in the ancient Greek plays that there was a special machine that would descend during the climax of the drama. He says that the machine was portraying the gods, and that they would fix everything that the mortals had caused. He says that they were called “God from a Machine”. Leader says that he has named his machine, “Deus ex Machina”. Omnibus tells Leader that everything is ready. Leader introduces Rick to Omnibus. He says that he used to sell encyclopedias, and that now he is a fountain of information. Leader says that they had to name him Omnibus or Britannica. Rick says that Omnibus is easier to spell. A scientist, that looks like Albert Einstein, informs the Leader that they are under attack by the Hydra. He says that the humanoids are fighting them, but that Hydra’s weaponry is cutting through them. Leader says that he was afraid Hydra would develop weaponry that could deal with them. Leader summons Agamemnon. Agamemnon says that takes it that Leader is in trouble. Leader says that they had an agreement. He asks if he is a ghost of his word. Agamemnon says that help is on the way. Rick says that it had better be fast.
Outside in Freehold, Leader’s followers are fighting Hydra. Rock says to keep the citizenry back and tells Redeemer to lay down a suppressing fire. Hydra orders to get clear of the “ugly one” Ogress and to let long range tactical take her out. Ogress is hit from afar and buried under rubble. Hotshot says that Ogress is down, but he too is shot. Jailbait rushes to his side. One of the Hydra asks if the girl can be useful. The other says that she can be used as target practice. Just then, Hulk breaks through the fake sky. The Hydra agents are blown off their feet. Hulk says that he remembers this place from when he was poisoned by Madman. He says that Hydra wasn’t there then, but that he loves the color of their outfits. Hulk turns to Jailbait. He says that he saved their miserable hides and asks where the Leader is. Jailbait says that she thinks he is in the lab. She sys that Lou has been shot, and to help him. Hulk says that God helps those that help themselves.
Hulk plows right through the Hydra agents as he looks for Leader. He says that he has come to deal with him once and for all. The Hydra say that he doesn’t even notice them. Hulk says that he notices them plenty. He says that nothing escapes him, especially the Leader. Hulk says that whatever demented experiment he is running that he will bring it down around his ears. Hulk turns and sees Rick there. Rick tells Hulk that he has to stop Hydra before they get to the power sources or find the Leader and stop him. Hulk says that Betty told him about Marlo, but that Rick has gone nuts. Rick hangs onto Hulk’s arm as he walks. He says that Leader is trying to bring Marlo back, and that he has to buy the time for him to do that. Hulk says that Leader is using Rick just like he used him and Betty. He says that he uses everyone, and that five thousand people are dead because of him. Rick says that one person might live because of him. Rick says that he has devoted his whole life to helping Hulk, and that only Hulk can help him and stop Hydra. Hydra’s Supreme One says that he wouldn’t bet on that. He says that they aren’t there to fight Hulk, and that since Leader is his enemy that he figures Hulk won’t cross them on this. Rick tells Hulk that he has one chance to help him save Marlo. Hulk shouts, “Awww sh--!”
Soul Man asks
the Lord to bless their enterprises. Light and power swirl around
Soul Man. Omnibus says that they are thoroughly analyzing Soul
Man’s latest and most powerful manifestation of power.
Leader smiles. He tells Omnibus to look at Soul Man. He says that
he has might bordering on omnipotence, and that he still believes
that it comes from some source other than himself. Leader says
that Soul Man’s faith is irrelevant as long as the job gets
done. He says that if he can only find a way to siphon off his
power that he will become immortal and invincible.
Hulk is fighting off Hydra. He says that Leader is doing it again. He says that he is using him while he comes out on top. Hulk says that when he was mindless, or could barely speak at least he had an excuse. He says that when it was Banner’s mind trying to control the Hulk’s body, a square peg in a round hole, that he had an excuse. Hulk says that Leader is still playing him like a fiddle. Hulk says that Leader still had him running through mazes. He says that he is turning his oldest allies against him. He says that Leader thinks that he is stupid, but that he isn’t going to let it happen anymore. Hulk raises his fists in front of the Supreme Hydra. Supreme Hydra tries to order Hulk back, but Hulk just hits the ground and says that he isn’t going to let Leader get away with it. Hulk walks off towards the lab. Supreme One is about to bark out more orders, but Redeemer shoots him.
Rick runs down the hall towards the blinding
colors and sounds. Rick sees Soul Man with the crystallized
Marlo. Power is swirling all around them. Leader stands there
smiling. A tear rolls down his eye. He says, “My God…
how could I not have realized…” Marlo’s eyes open.
Hulk’s fist plunges through the wall. Hulk shouts for
Leader. Rick tells Bruce not to. Leader orders Omnibus to
activate defense systems. Hulk is shocked. Rick says that he is
begging Bruce. Leader reroutes some power. He says that they will
lose Marlo. Hulk growls and smashes the ground. Rick begs Hulk to
stop. A giant Leader face appears. He warns Hulk to heed Rick. He
says that he doesn’t know what he is tampering with. Hulk
leaps into “Leader’s” mouth and says that he is
tampering with the latest plan of a madman. Hulk hits Leader and
says that there will be no more of his evil and no more of him.
Redeemer shoots Hulk from behind. 
Leader mumbles
to Hulk, “Kill you… I swear… I’ll kill you
for this…” Redeemer shoots again, but Hulk picks Leader
up and Redeemer’s shots hit him. Hulk drops Leader’s
body and looks down at Leader’s blood on his hands. He says,
“You’ll… kill me?” Hulk starts laughing
reminiscent of Delphi’s vision from long ago. Redeemer
shoots again and hits Hulk’s shoulder. Hulk says that
Redeemer is going to die too, and that everybody is dying.
Rick is trying to get Marlo out of the crystal, but can’t find the way to let her go. Leader struggles and pushes a button and the crystal opens. Rick catches Marlo and says that he has her.
Hulk smashes Redeemer’s helmet. He sees Ross looking back at him. Ross/Redeemer shoots Hulk in the face.
Rick carries Marlo off.
Outside, Ogress is getting back up. Jailbait tells Rock that Hotshot has been hurt, and that he has to help. Rock asks where Redeemer is.
Leader crawls to the crystal chamber. Hulk
says that this is another of Leader’s tricks. Hulk punches
Ross and says that there will be no more of Leader’s tricks
and that it ends there. 
Leader thinks to
himself that his wounds are mortal. He says that his only chance
is the crystal chamber. As Leader approaches, Hulk says,
“Didn’t you hear, stupid Leader? It ends here!”
Hulk throws Ross/Redeemer into the crystal chamber and it
explodes. The entire floor of the lab explodes.
Rick waves his hand in front of Marlo’s catatonic face. Rick says that she is just like Ross.
Hulk climbs out of the wreckage of the explosion. He suddenly realizes that was Ross. Hulk realizes that Leader really could bring the dead back to life. Hulk calls out to Marlo and Ross. Hulk sees Ross dead, and that there is nothing left of the case that Leader was going to. Hulk sees a bloody hand sticking up. Hulk goes over and sees Soul Man lying there dying. Soul Man says, “I understand… everything now… I’m going… to be with him… I can see it… it’s so beautiful. Pax vobiscum.” Soul Man kisses Hulk’s forehead and dies. Hulk says, “Dear god… what have I done?”
Rick sits outside with the catatonic Marlo and says, “Dear god… what have I done?”
No Excuses rating: 8 out of 10
Well this is it folks, the last great Leader
story ever (with the understanding that Peter David’s Ghosts
of the Future storyline was about a crazed Omnibus and not the
Leader. And Paul Jenkins lousy story with the Leader bears that
out). It’s been nearly 11 years (on 8/2003) and there
hasn’t been anything resembling a decent story with Leader.
Hulk has only been around for 41 years and for the last 11 his
main rival is nowhere to be found. Over a quarter of his
existence. When Bruce Jones’ replacement arrives, God
willing sooner than later, I hope they can use the Leader in some
intelligent manner. Bachalo has some great visuals in his half of
the story, but there are also some downright dorky looking parts
that brings the art down to a 3.5. I have to admit that I was a
little down about Leader “finding religion”, but in the
end he was the same old evil Leader that just wanted to slice off
a portion of omnipotence for himself. Lastly, I would like to
know what Glynis Oliver’s problem is. Why is Ogress not
colored green? Omnibus is green in the next issue and ever since
which leads me to believe that he was supposed to be green. Was
Soul Man supposed to be green as well? Guess we’ll never
know. This is the reason that I dislike Bruce Jones’ run.
People told me that Bruce shouldn’t have to explain that
Home Base’s agents used a special dart to pierce Hulk’s
skin, but lack of information leads to ignorance. Ogress was
colored incorrectly in this issue and she was never seen green
again. Details matter people. Do you want your Hulk hurt by
bullets? So in closing please join with me…
Review and pictures by The Leader