Incredible Hulk annual #18

Title: “Mano a Mano”

Writer: Peter David

Penciller: Travis Charest

Inker: Dan Green

Colors: Christie Scheele

Editor: Bobbie Chase

Hulk cracks his knuckles

Thing cracks his knuckles

Hulk tells Thing that this is his last chance to back out. Thing says that he wouldn’t miss this for the world. Thing says that if you aren’t going to put some money down on this to move along.

A targeting site spots the “Last Chance Bar”. The villains say that this is their one chance to get rid of them, and that they will never be able to stand up to all of them.

Hulk asks Thing if he is sure he wants to go through with this. Thing asks if the Pope is Catholic, if a frog’s butt is water tight, if Lockjaw talks… he says that he is sure. Hulk and Thing start arm wrestling. Hulk tells Thing that he can start pushing now. Thing calls Hulk a wise guy. Hulk says that he will try not to embarrass Thing too quickly. Thing asks if that is why Hulk is sweating so much. Suddenly, Tyrannus, Absorbing Man, Quasimodo, Blastaar, Mole Man, and Rhino charge into the place. Blastaar bends a crowbar over Hulk’s head. Mole Man practices voodoo. Tyrannus tries to use a power saw on Thing . Thing and Hulk don’t even notice they are there. Hulk makes a power move and the back of Thing’s hand hits Rhino’s face. Thing makes a power move and Tyrannus and Mole Man get it. Crusher Creel tries using a drill on Thing’s back. A cannon shoots off Hulk’s back.

Fixer and Mentallo watch from an aircraft above. Fixer says that he has seen their kind defeated, vengeful, and frustrated, but never ignored. He says that this is embarrassing. Mentallo says that he is correct. He says that their concentration is so total that expending further energy is pointless. He orders the forces to pull out. Mentallo activates phase two and drops a bomb. The Last Chance Bar explodes. Thing and Hulk still sit at the table arm wrestling. The table collapses and they fall down. Hulk asks Thing if he wants to try again next week at the usual time. Thing says, “You betcha!” They walk away.

No Excuses rating: 4 out of 10

Well this might surprise some people out there considering how I usually praise Peter David, but he gets a 0 out of 5 for this effort. There are so many things wrong with this that I don’t even know where to begin with it. I might just be a raging fanboy on this one and I’m missing the joke, but this is awful. Hulk and Thing arm wrestling? Since when is Thing considered to be as strong as Hulk? If the merged Hulk is supposedly even stronger then there really should be no contest here at all. At the end Hulk says “usual time”… so Hulk has been having difficulty beating the weaker Thing for how long? I sided with Peter’s notion that the Acts of Vengeance theme didn’t make as much sense as a group of villains just going around and killing all the heroes one at a time, but this makes even less sense. Forget every other villain in the room if it makes you feel better… why wouldn’t Creel take Hulk’s, or Thing’s considering they seem to be of equal strength here, and just beat on them? Why is Fixer calling Mentallo sir? It was wrong from beginning to end and you can’t get more wrong than that. Travis Charest’s work is beautiful. Wish I could see him draw something that wasn’t horrible.

Title: “Four on the Floor”

Writer: Peter David

Penciller: Kevin Maguire

Inkers: Brad Vancata & Joe Rubenstein

Colors: Christie Scheele

Editor: Bobbie Chase

In a large building with a giant “666” on the top, A man sits at a desk covered in darkness. A demonic figure bows on the ground. The darkened figure asks what he means that “he” escaped. The demon says that he is sorry. He says that he was more powerful than they thought. He says that they thought the mystic wards they erected would restrain him, but the force of his will… The man asks if he has any idea where he can go. He says that with the traces of mystic power that he possesses in the body he currently inhabits that he could track down someone that could help him like Dr. Strange or the Hulk. He says that they may not be ready to deal with them. The demon swears that he will not fail him again in the future. The man points his finger at the demon and vaporizes him. He says that he had that right.

In Reno, Nevada, a large horned green demon smashes through the glass into the mall. Rick asks Marlo if she heard a crash. Marlo apologizes and says that she was watching Lucian Aster on the television. On the set, Lucian Aster says that he is proud of his book “Spelling Made Easy”. He says that it is the first book on necromancy aimed at the layman. He say that five minutes with his book and you will know enough basic charm magic to improve your life a hundred percent. Marlo tells Rick that she wants to head over the Waldenbooks. Rick says that he will catch up with her there. Marlo says that this Aster guy is gorgeous.

In New York, Dr. Strange asks Wong if he has heard of the book “Spelling Made Easy”. Wong says that he hasn’t and asks if it is a language manual. Strange says that if the author is to be believed that it is a language that the untrained shouldn’t be speaking. He asks Wong to go down to Greenwich Books and buy him a copy.

Back in Reno, Rick finds the demon smashing up the mall. The people are running from it, but Rick leaps into the air and kicks it in the face.

Hulk says that when he heard screaming that he just figured that something was on sale, but that the roaring and Rick’s shouting indicate otherwise. He comes out of the changing room and says that he hadn’t really planned on buying this, but that there is no time to change.

The demon is immersed in water. He says, “Water! Water yes! I was… I was forgetting why I came here!” He sees Rick Jones and says, “You! I know you! You would know where the Hulk is! Bring him at once, before it’s too late!” Rick throws a guitar at the demon and says that he doesn’t know who died and made him king, but that it is too late for him. The demon says, “Not “king” you young fool! Prince! Prince…” The guitar hits the water and electrifies the demon. The demon’s tail hits Rick and electrifies him. Marlo shouts for Rick. She reaches out for him, but Bruce pulls her back. He is wearing some kind of safari outfit. He says that she would only hurt herself. He says to let him do it. Hulk steps on the demon’s tail and pulls Rick off. Hulk says that Rick is still breathing, but that they better get him to the hospital anyway. Marlo says to look at the demon thing and that it is changing. Bruce says that is something you don’t see everyday. The demon has turned into an attractive young blonde woman floating in the fountain nude and unconscious. Hulk says that he will cover her up. Rick starts to move and Hulk tells Rick to lie still. Rick says, “That voice… the Hulk? Yes so it is. And apparently totally bereft of fashion sense.” Hulk asks Rick what he is talking about. Rick asks Hulk if his latest color change has affected his senses. He asks if he does not recognize Namor… the one, true Sub-Mariner. Marlo and Hulk look at each other.

In Los Angeles, Ulysses and Delphi are waiting in line to have their “Spelling Made Easy” signed by Lucian Aster. Lucian sees Ulysses and asks if they have met. Ulysses says that he doesn’t think so. He says that he thinks magic is “hooey”. Delphi says that he is embarrassing her. She asks him to make it out “To Del”. As she hands the book to Aster, both their eyes fire. Lucian shoves them over and says that he has to be going. Ulysses asks Del if she is okay. She says that she is fine. Ulysses runs out, but Aster’s car has already taken off. Ulysses says that he took off like a bat out of hell.

In the car, Aster’s bat headed driver asks what that was about. Lucian says that he thinks they may have a problem, and that “he” is not going to be happy when he finds out.

Back at his apartment, Rick tells Bruce that he doesn’t get the punch line. He says that they told him he was Prince Namor, but that he doesn’t get the gag. Hulk says that Rick stood there, snotty as Sub-mariner ever was, and spoke to him. Rick says, “Snotty’ am I, Banner? I cannot say I appreciate your attitude. Especially when I come seeking the help of a fellow Defender!” Hulk says that now Rick is screwing with him. He asks if this is a joke. Rick says that he hardly considers the fate of the world a joke. He says, “Why is my hair so scraggly? My memory is vague even now, but I know… there is some sort of great mystic force at work… and the world, perhaps the universe, is in deadly danger!” Hulk asks if there is another kind of danger. Hulk says that this is getting weird. He says that he knows who to call, and that he just hopes he hasn’t changed his unlisted number.

Two giant glowing eyes burn in space. A giant green hand holds Surfer. A booming voice tells Surfer that his sacrifice, his blood, will be what ultimately releases the power of The Wild One. The voice tells him that he is doomed and that his destiny is to be consigned to the pit for all eternity. Surfer awakens on an asteroid. At first he tells himself that it is just a dream, but then he realizes that it is something more. He says that somehow he knows that there is trouble on planet Earth. He says that it will require the power cosmic of the Silver Surfer. Surfer takes off. A demon hides on the other side of the small asteroid. He remarks how incredible it is that you induce a dream within him warning him of doom awaiting him on Earth and then he rushes to Earth. Two giant eyes in the sky say that the Wild One was correct and that the Surfer will make the ideal final victim for the summoning. The eyes tell his demon servant that he has done well.

At Reno General Hospital, the woman from the water fountain awakens. She asks where she is. Dr. Strange says that she is in a hospital in Reno. She asks if he is a doctor. Strange says that he is. He says that a friend summoned him… asked him to look in on her after some unpleasantness at a local mall. The woman asks how she wound up in a mall in Reno. Strange says that they would all like to know that. He asks if she remembers her name. The woman says that she is Jill Walker. Strange asks her what the last thing she remembers is. Jill says that she was on her lunch break in Burbank. She says that she was in a bookstore looking at a book. She says that for some reason she read a part of it out loud. She says that she doesn’t usually do that sort of thing, and that the words didn’t even make sense. She says that after that she doesn’t remember anything. Strange asks what book she was reading. Jill says that she doesn’t remember. Strange asks if this was the book and holds up a copy of “Spelling Made Easy”.

Back at the Mount, Ulysses asks Delphi what the deal is. Delphi says that the last time she was at her casting pool that she saw something incredibly evil. She says that it was connected to that book. She says that she wanted to touch the author’s hand to get more of a feeling for it. Ulysses asks what she got from it. Delphi says that that it was cold and dark as the oceans’ depths. She says that sometimes she hates her powers and wishes it would go away. Ulysses and Delphi are about to kiss. Paris appears and asks if he is going to have to hose the two of them down.

In Reno, Hulk looks at the cloud and says that it looks like they are in for a spell of bad weather. Strange says that they are in for worse spells than that. He says that the woman at the hospital had no recollection of what happened to her while she was in that inhuman form. He says that she may be lucky. Strange says, “Namor represents an entirely different…” Hulk asks, “Kettle of fish?” Strange says that he was going to say “problem”. He says that Namor may start to experience difficulties from the mingling of his mind with Rick Jones’s. Namor says that no matter what transformations he has undergone that his personality is quite intact. He looks down and realizes that he has eaten half a bag of potato chips without thinking about it. He asks what is happening to him. Strange says that this is what he was warning him about. He says that Jones’ mind is quite strong even with Namor’s mind in control. He says that Jones’ memories and habits will exert influence on him. Namor tells Strange to get him out of this body. Hulk says that he doesn’t know and that it looks good on him. Namor tells him to be quiet. Strange says that the first thing they have to do is find his own body. Strange says that Jill’s mind was a blank slate, but that maybe Namor’s mind was what wiped it clean. He says that now they will hope Namor’s strength will work for them. Strange uses the Eye of Agamotto and peers into his mind. Strange says that Namor was wandering in an amnesiac state through the streets of Los Angeles. Namor says that he doesn’t remember having amnesia. He says that he was attacked by several monsters and that his mind was placed in a demonic form that had once been the body of Jill walker. They thought that they could hold him, but that his mind reasserted itself and that he broke free. He says that the mystic power of his new form guided him to one that he knew and trusted. Hulk says that he is flattered. He asks who is behind it all. Strange says that he doesn’t know and that they are limited to what Namor remembers. Strange says that they can’t determine the mastermind, but that they do know that the shock in the mall transferred Namor’s mind to the closest body. Hulk asks why, once they yanked Namor’s mind out of his body, did they kept Namor’s mind around at all. He asks why they didn’t wipe him out completely. He asks what they would want with Namor’s body anyway. Strange says that they must have had plans for both body and mind, and that they have something to do with “Spelling Made Easy”. Strange says that he was hoping that it was tripe, but that when the reader reads certain passages aloud that things happen. Namor says, “Wait! That book… the woman named Marlo… Jones’s woman! She was carrying a copy!”

Betty knocks on the bathroom door. She says that she knows Marlo likes long baths, but that enough is enough. Marlo says that it will be just another couple minutes. Betty says that she has heard it before. Marlo sits reading Spelling Made Easy in the bathtub. She reads a passage aloud. A brown wing sprouts up over the shower curtain.

Paris looks at Spelling Made Easy and says that Ulysses has really lost it. He asks if he really thinks that this is some sort of Eldritch threat. Ulysses says that if Delphi is concerned that is enough for him. Paris says that Ulysses isn’t exactly dispassionate when it comes to Delphi. Paris starts to read some “nonsense”. Before he finishes, Agamemnon appears and tells Paris to stop and that he senses great evil. Paris asks him what he is talking about, but then Paris transforms into a yellow demon with wings and a talk. He this Ulysses.

Betty tries to bang her way into the bathroom when she hears Marlo’s scream, but suddenly the brown demon’s hand smashes through the bathroom door. She knocks the door off its hinges. Betty backs away and says that Marlo doesn’t want to hurt her. She says that she knows what she is going through and that she used to have claws and wings. She reminds Marlo of the time they laughed about it when they got drunk. Hulk smashes through the door. He asks if she knows that their phone is off the hook. He says that they couldn’t just make life simple. The demon flies at Hulk. Betty tells him not to hurt it and that it is Marlo. Strange says that no one will get hurt. He places Marlo in a mystic bubble. Suddenly the bubble goes black. The bubble falls over and hits Strange. Marlo flies out. She hits a table and it flies up and hits Betty in the head. Namor leaps onto the brown demon’s leg. Hulk tells Namor to let go and that he can’t stop her. Namor says that he knows that. He says to tell that to Jones and that he is the one making him do this.

The demon flies out into the rain. Namor calls Jones an idiot. He says that she is getting too slippery to hold and that is a final irony… water as his enemy. Hulk leaps up and grabs Namor. He says that he has him. Namor says that it took him long enough. Hulk says that he likes to hear gratitude. Strange erects a shield, but the demon’s claws go though it. He says that it is as if their universe’s laws of magic don’t apply to her. Strange leaps out of the way. Hulk leaps onto Marlo. She keeps scratching him. He tells her that if it is a choice between her slitting his throat and his breaking her neck that the choice will be a lot easier than she thinks.

Two lovers are approaching one another in the boyfriend’s car. He tells her that the earth will move. Suddenly they start shaking as the demon pushes their car off a cliff. Strange catches them with a spell. Hulk grabs the demon’s foot. He says that he hates to do this, but that he has to end this before someone gets hurt. Hulk slams the demon against the ground. Hulk tells Marlo to stop squirming. He says that he isn’t sure how hard to hit her so that he stops her without killing her. Marlo starts biting him. Hulk says to say goodnight. The yellow demon hits Hulk from behind. The yellow and brown demon fly off together. Hulk says that this is getting better an better. He says that he has had it. He says that he doesn’t care if she is his ex-girlfriend, Rick’s current girlfriend, Betty’s roomie, or Mother Theresa. He says that the next time he sees her is the last time he sees her. He starts to say what he will do to her friend, but Ulysses arrives and says that her friend is Paris. He says that he turned into a demon and smashed out of the Mount. He says that he hates when that happens. Strange asks who the Swordsman is. Hulk says that he is sort of a friend. Namor says that if only he were in his own body. He says that electricity seems to be a deterrent to them, and that he would have the power of electric eels at his hands. Hulk says that he is way ahead of Namor and to remember that he knows more than him. He says to call him Dr. Science. Hulk orders the two lovers out of their car. They say that it is raining, but Hulk tells them to deal with it. Hulk twists the body of the Toyota into a pole. Hulk says that if he survives this that he will have Strange repair it for him. Hulk leaps off after the demons.

The demons are kissing. Hulk grabs both of them and holds onto the pole. The two demons start scratching him to pieces. Hulk holds the metal rod in the air and lightning strikes it. Hulk looks at his new flat top and says that he should change his name to “Super-Conductor”.

Hulk returns with Marlo and Paris. Strange tells Hulk “good job”. Hulk asks who is a slob. Strange says to nevermind. Ulysses loads Paris into the transport. He says that he will go back to the Mount and look up all the background he can on “Spelling Made Easy”. Strange says that they will visit the publisher. Strange says that they have to stop this before it spreads. He says that for good or ill that it seems a reunion is in the cards for… the Defenders. Namor agrees. Hulk says, “Absolutely. What did you say?”

Lucian Aster says that they may have a problem. He says that he has received several reports, and has personal experience, regarding super powered individuals getting involved in the plan. Shanzar, in Namor’s body, says that he knows. He says that at first he was worried about the time table, but that matters are going better than he expected. Behind them hundreds of demons are flying toward them. He says that the converts are flocking and that by the time the Defenders arrive that they will be too late to avert the coming of the Wild One.

No Excuses rating: 8.5 out of 10

The writing is all at once funny and interesting. Finally a crossover that doesn’t feel forced. The Defenders re-united. I’d love to see a Defenders series written by Peter David. I’m also kinda stoked for the return of Shanzar. The only “as if” portion of the story is that the two demons they fight just happen to be acquaintances. There are people all over the place buying the book and the two demons are Marlo and Paris. I also really enjoy the penciling. Some really nice facial expressions and storytelling. 4 out of 5 for the art.

Title: “Things to Come”

Writer: Evan Skolnick

Penciller: Gary Barker

Inker: James Palmiotti

Editor: Bobbie Chase

Agamemnon visits Delphi by her casting pool. He tells her that he had a vision last night. He says that it was a vision of himself. Delphi says that Visions are her department. She says that maybe it was merely a dream. Agamemnon says that it was a future version of himself using a device to warn him of a great threat to the planet. He says that a despotic tyrant known as Dracchiss will wreak havoc 500 years from now. Agamemnon says that they have sworn to protect the world… including the world of the future. He says that they have been warned, and that they must use the time to their advantage. He tells Delphi to use her abilities to observe Dracchiss, and that then they will know what to do. She says that then they will know what can stop him. She says that she will contact him if she is able to locate him in time. Delphi starts her spell. Suddenly Dracchiss crawls out of Delphi’s pool. Dracchiss says that he is free and asks where he is. He sees Delphi and says that she showed him the path from his extra-dimensional prison. He says that perhaps she has the answers he seeks. The two tentacles from Dracchiss’ side grabs Delphi’s head. Delphi enters some kind of trance. He says that he has been drawn into the past and remarks what a bother that is. Achilles walks in. He sees Dracchiss and punches him. Dracchiss says that he would read Achilles’ mind, but that it would be a waste of time.

Hector and Ulysses are training against holograms of X-Factor. Suddenly, Achilles comes flying through the floor. Ulysses says that Achilles isn’t supposed to be in this simulation unless there is some kind of glitch. Achilles says that he isn’t a glitch. He says that Delphi is in trouble and to come with him. Achilles tells Paris to send down Ajax. They all dive down through the hole.

Atalanta demands to know what Dracchiss did with Delphi as she fires arrow after arrow. Dracchiss says to watch while he turns her energy against her. Dracchiss fires her energy at Atalanta. Agamemnon appears before Dracchiss and says that none of this is necessary. Dracchiss recognizes Agamemnon and asks what trickery this is. He says that he knows better than to trust Agamemnon and says that he is leaving. He says that he is going to build a time machine and return to the future to conquer it, and that if he is unable that he will just take over this time. Hector is in the doorway. Dracchiss tells him to move it. Hector is told to jump out of the way. Ajax plows through and tackles Dracchiss. Ajax fights him, but Dracchiss just puts his tentacles on Ajax and then punches him off. He grabs Ajax’s leg and swings him around to knock everyone down.

Atalanta holds Delphi. She asks if nothing can stop him. Agamemnon tells Atalanta that Delphi is their only hope. He says that the only chance is to send him back through the pool. He says that they will use his own teleporting ability to send him into space. Suddenly, Delphi’s eyes are black with stars. The pool is likewise black with stars. Dracchiss looks in the pool and wonders what is happening now. Achilles tries to sneak up behind Dracchiss. Dracchiss attaches his tentacles to Achilles’ head. He gets no reading. Achilles tells Dracchiss that he is invulnerable to this. He knocks Dracchiss into the pool. Dracchiss falls into space. Delphi says that he is gone for good. She asks Agamemnon if he knew that this would happen. Agamemnon says that Dracchiss was destined to escape his extra-dimensional prison and cause the death of millions in the future. He says that they have made that escape impossible. He says that he knew what would happen, what had to happen, and that now it has.

No Excuses rating: 2 out of 10

I don’t care for this filler story at all. It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen so it gets a 1 out of 5 for both writing and art. Eliminate these ten pages and knock the price down a quarter.

Title: “Nobody Loves the Hulk take one”

Writers: Tom Brevoort & Mike Kanterovich

Penciller: Karl Alstaetter

Inker: Fred Fredericks

Colors: Christie Scheele

Rick tells everyone that they are going to get this in one take. Rick starts to sing:

 There’s a jade-jawed giant stompin’ through town
Shunned by every human around.
When you see him comin’, you’ll hear this sound:
“Run away quick, it’s the Hulk!” 

A constant threat the Hulk must face
Is the fear and loathing of the human race.
They’d like him to vanish without a trace
‘Cuz nobody loves the Hulk!

 The Ringmaster runs his Circus of Crime
Pullin’ robberies most sublime.
But the rampaging Hulk puts ‘im down every time:
He doesn’t much care for the Hulk.

Ol’ Doc Samson, the gamma-powered shrink,
Doesn’t understand how the Hulk can think!
If you ask me he’s nothing but a green-haired fink,
Cause he’d like to exploit the Hulk!

Deep within the bowels of the Earth,
Tyrannus the conqueror ponders its worth.
But he should give greenskin a much wider berth.
For he’s often been foiled by the Hulk!

The fiercest fighter the Hulk has seen
Is the Canadian mutant Wolverine.
His unbreakable claws are razor keen,
And he’s got no liking for the Hulk!

The Rhino’s a dude with a horn on his head.
When the Hulk’s around he sees nothing but red.
If he’s not careful, he’ll wind up dead.
He ought to watch out for the Hulk.

The Hulk sure likes to clean the clock.
Of the Thing, that pile of orange rock
When they meet, it’s nothin’ but biff! And sock!
Ben Grimm don’t appreciate the Hulk!

The Abomination is emerald green,
Biggest mass of muscle you’ve ever seen
He’s very ugly, and twice as mean,
And he don’t get along with the Hulk!

The Leader is a criminal mastermind
Of the gamma irradiated kind.
A crueler man you’ll never find.
He truly despises the Hulk. 

Tougher than bad guys six through three
The Hulk was his own worst enemy!
But now he’s all one,
Like he’s supposed to be!
He can deal with being the Hulk!

Nobody loves the Hulk! (don’t know why)
Nobody loves the Hulk! (won’t even try)
Nobody loves the Hulk! (he’s a happenin’ guy)
Nobody loves the Hulk!

Rick asks Hulk what he thinks. Hulk says that it will never play in Peoria. He says that in fact it had better not play in Peoria.

No Excuses rating: 5 out of 10

The art isn’t much to look at, but I have to admit that I enjoy these little villain countdowns they always seem to put in annuals. This is even better though. Writing gets a 4 out of 5

Title: “The Running Man”

Writer: James Robinson

Penciller: Joe Phillips

Inker: Tony Harris

Colors: Christie Scheele

Editor: Bobbie Chase

 A man in a trench coat and a hat that hides his face walks through a dream of mist and rocks. Sometimes he wanders for hours with nothing happening, but that sometimes the bad things start immediately. The savage Hulk presses a boulder over his head. He growls. The man is trying to escape from the man and what he did. This version of the Hulk decimated towns and killed thousands, and he killed them along with him. He says that’s when the running starts. The savage Hulk throws the rock at him.

What’s worse is when he encounters some of the dead that he and the Hulk killed. They are all asking the same question. The people swarm around the man. One says that he was fifty and had taken early retirement. He says that he had a life of leisure planned, but that “you” killed him. Why? A bride says that her wedding was a week away and that she was being fitted for her gown. She says that he and the Hulk killed her. Why? Men, women, and children from all walks of life want to know why. A fireman says that he was trying to save a family when the Hulk threw a car at him. He can’t answer them so he keeps running.

The gray Hulk shouts that “he” is a killer. He say that “he” turned the Hulk into a killer. All those dead, thanks to him, and that the blood is on their hands. Gray Hulk calls him “smart boy”. He tries to hit the man and says that is the last smart thing he will do. The man keeps running. The gray Hulk says that he will get him one time.

The man comes to a dead end. The wall collapses and the savage Hulk and all the Hulk’s victims are waiting for him. They swarm around him and the man leaps off a cliff.

A tape recorder plays back the session describing the dream. It says that the dream goes on for hours sometimes…hours of guilt. Hours of recrimination from the dead. It says that sometimes when it is too much that he can force himself to wake up, but that other times he can’t. Doctor Palmer sits in Samson’s office listening to the tape fascinated.  He says that Banner’s psyche is so tortured and guilty. Samson arrives at his office and asks Palmer what he is doing there. Palmer awkwardly says that he came for his analysis reports and he saw the tape recorder and the tape marked “Hulk”. He says that Samson’s exploits are so renowned that he couldn’t resist. He says that the dream that Banner relates is filled with such pain, such guilt, and imagery. He says that he hopes he doesn’t mind and that he knows its not quite ethical. Samson says that it is unethical and rude, and that he does mind. He says that he knows that he is new to the facility, and that Palmer has more standing than him, but that he will have his work respected. Samson grabs Palmer’s cigarette and puts it out on his hand. Samson says that Palmer will be amazed at the physical lengths that he will go to ensure that. Palmer asks if that is a threat. Samson lifts Palmer by the throat and asks if he has not been clear enough. He says that he wants him out of his office and that he never wants him in it again unless he is present. Samson tells Palmer to vanish before he prescribes him some medication. Palmer runs out. Samson hangs his head and says that it was him. He altered his voice on the tape to protect himself. Palmer assumed that it was Banner because he didn’t recognize his voice. He says that in his efforts to cure the Hulk that he was the one that created the totally mindless, totally savage incarnation of the Hulk. He thinks that it isn’t Banner’s voice on the tape, it’s his. The dream is his. The guilt is his.

No Excuses rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review and picture by The Leader

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