Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #440

Title: “The Big Bang- Ghosts of the Future part 5”

Writer: Peter David

Penciller: Angel Medina

Inker: Robin Riggs

Colors: Glynis Oliver

Editor: Bobbie Chase

Thor and “Maestro” lunge at one another. They fight without words, threats, or demands. Thor hits Maestro with his hammer and sends him flying into the air and crashing into the ice. Thor hurls his hammer. The hammer passes under Maestro as he leaps out of the ice and into Thor.

In the air, Watchdog One watches the eighteenth minute of the fight.

At Avengers headquarters, Black Widow, Hercules, Giant-Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, Whizzer, and Vision watch Thor fighting Maestro. Widow says that this is insane and that they are thousands of miles from the battle site. She says that she thought Thor was almost powerless and asks Hercules how he could have let him run off. Hercules says that stopping him was not an option.

A short time ago, Hercules says that they were watching the recorded threats of the Maestro. Giant-Man says that he sure looks like the Hulk to him. Hercules asks why the alias and why the terrorism. Giant-Man says that Hulk has been anything but stable lately, but that this is intense even for him. Giant-Man asks Thor what he thinks. Thor says, “yes”. Giant-Man says, “Yes? Just… yes?” Hercules tells Thor that they need him as part of this planning session. Thor says that if he were not a mere shadow of his former self that there would be no need for planning. He says that for the Hulk brute force is the only plan possible. He says that Frost Giant used to tremble before him, but to look at him now helpless and pitiable. Giant-Man says that they all know that he is upset about his power loss, but that he has to calm down. Thor asks what other option he has besides calming down now that he is no longer of any use. He says that once the Hulk would have been a true challenge to his warrior mettle. Thor starts to describe what he would do with his hammer. He smacks it against the ground and lightning strikes. Thor stands powered. Hercules asks what happened. Thor says that it seems that even a god may believe in miracles.

Maestro and Thor stands toe to toe in a test of strength. The ice cracks beneath their feet. Silent still the Maestro and Thor fall into the water as the ice gives way.

At Army headquarters, Matt Talbot says that he is Doghouse. He tells Watchdog One not to drop his bone. He says to wait and watch. Talbot remembers watching Hulk yesterday soaring across Manhattan.

Hulk smashes into a building and demolished the top of it. Tablot stood before the President’s advisory telling them that he told them so. He says that he told them this would happen, but that he was ignored. He says that the Hulk has gone berserk, but that he takes no joy in the moment. Dum Dum asks if the “mystery terrorist” is the Hulk in a not so mysterious disguise. Talbot says that is right. Dum Dum says that he is no fan of the Hulk’s, but that the attacks began while they had him in custody. Talbot says that Hulk has an organization. He says that it must be the Pantheon. He says that he is the head, but that without the head that the body will wither and die. Dum Dum says that it is a nice theory, but that there is a problem. Gyrich and Thor enter the room. Gyrich says that the President has declared the Maestro and clear and present danger and that an any-means-necessary attack has been authorized. He adds that Thor wishes to address the advisory council first. Thor says that he will stop him. He says that none may aid him because none, but he, knows what is required. He says that the Avengers past attempts to neutralize Hulk have come to naught, but that this time he will end the menace by any means necessary. Talbot asks if Thor can do that. Thor says that he can, but that the price may be terrible. He says that in the past he has restrained himself against the Hulk for fear of losing control. He says that a dark berserker rage may be unleashed from him during the heat of battle with one such as the Hulk. He says that he may become as dangerous as the Hulk. Thor says that none can be in range of the battle… because it shall be the last.

Maestro hits Thor and sends him flying out the water, into the air, and landing on the ice. The ice breaks open and Thor summons Mjolnir. Thor catches his hammer and the force with which it returns sends him flying into the air. Maestro breaks out of the ice. Thor and Maestro stand glaring at one another.

Betty and the Head Shop watch the fight. Betty says that this is insane and that they have been fighting for an hour. Largo says that he knew this would be hard for her, but that he wanted her to be able to see what was happening. Headgear says that he tapped into the Air Force observer plane’s feed. Largo says that it is the fragments that have caused him to go insane. Betty thinks to herself that it is easy to judge from a distance, but that she has seen it up close and that there is much more to it than that.

Before, Betty sleeps and “Maestro” tells her to wake up. Betty tells Bruce to tell her that this is some insane misunderstanding and that he isn’t some terrorist. Bruce says that he isn’t, but that the world needs a scapegoat…someone they can pull together against. He says that has always been him in the past and that he may as well put that to good use. Betty tells Bruce that he isn’t thinking straight. She says that this won’t solve anything. She asks him to remember the grenade and the damage to his thinking. Bruce says that he remembers that they used to call him the atomic age Frankenstein. He says that they are going to hunt him down sooner or later, and that it might as well be sooner. Betty says, “Bruce, it’s insane! It’s…” Hulk shouts in her face, “Will you stop saying that!” He stops stunned. He walks to the window and looks out. He says, “I loved you before we even met.” And then he’s gone.

Betty asks Largo if he has ever read Frankenstein. Largo says that he saw the movie. Betty says that in the book that the monster and the creator headed north for their final confrontation. She says that she thinks that is why Bruce headed up there. She says that she thinks he has a plan, but that she just wishes she knew if it were a sane plan or not.

Maestro is hit with electricity. Thor flies at Maestro as Maestro smoulders. Maestro charges up to meet Thor’ swooping attack. Maestro says, “Kill you! I’ll…” “…Kill you!” Thor finishes.

Talbot thanks Samson for coming. Samson says that Talbot didn’t leave him much choice having sent an armed escort. Talbot says that he needs Samson’s opinion. He asks him if, in Samson’s opinion, the Hulk is as mad as he has ever seen him. Samson says that it is a snap judgement, but that he would say so. He says that the psychic failsafe that transforms him into Banner hasn’t kicked in. He says that worries him. Samson says to look at Thor and that he has never seen him like that. Talbot asks Samson if he thinks Thor might be out of control as well. Samson says that it is possible and asks what is happening. Talbot says that Hulk went up north and then just sat there like he was waiting. Talbot says that they won’t have to wait much longer.

In Freehold, Omnibus watches the fight and says that this is all falling together more perfectly than he has dared hope. Sudddenly, Hotshot and the citizens of Freehold burst into Omnibus’ lab. Omnibus says that they seem in a lather about something. Hotshot asks if it is true that Omnibus is responsible for all the attacks. That there is no Alliance.. there is only him. Omnibus says that he doesn’t have to answer to them. The people advance on him. Omnibus tells them to stay back. He says that he is in charge there. Omnibus backs up and accidentally knocks over his mouse tank. The mice run away. One says, “narf”. Hotshot tells the people, “Take him down!”

Talbot orders Watchdog to take Hulk down. The pilot says that Thor is still on site. Talbot says that the orders come straight from the President and to do it. Samson says that he isn’t thinking of the bomb. Talbot says to look at Thor. He says that he is as dangerous as the Hulk. He says that he is friend today and enemy tomorrow. He says that he says they are taking them both down in one shot. Samson tells him not to do it, but Talbot says that it is done.

Maestro has Thor’s face palmed. He looks up and says, “Oh no… not yet…” He tries to tell Thor that they have to get out of there, but Thor just takes another swing at him. Hulk recognizes the berserker rage on Thor’s face… though he doesn’t realize it is called Warrior’s Madness. He knows that in the end words don’t matter… only power does… only strength. Hulk hits Thor as hard as he can. Thor doesn’t even feel the pain, but it sends him flying far enough to save him as the dropped bomb explodes.

Talbot says that he did it. Samson says that Talbot is a madman.

Largo looks on stunned.

Thor hovers there for a moment denied his prey. He is hit with the aftershock.

Talbot says that even the Hulk can’t withstand a ground-zero atomic blast. Samson tells Talbot to shut up and tosses him to the ground.

Largo tells Betty that he is so sorry, but Betty just starts laughing. Headgear says that she is taking it better than he thought she would.

No Excuses rating: 7 out of 10

Review by The Leader

Picture by Captain Nate

RETURN TO ISSUES PAGE

RETURN TO NO EXCUSES

RETURN TO LEADER'S LAIR