Marvel Comics provided CBR with an exclusive preview of Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1, by writer Donny Cates, artist Martin Coccolo, colorist Matt Wilson and letterer VC's Joe Sabino. The preview sees the two moving their battle to the deadliest arena in the universe: The Black Hand of God.

The previous arc of Hulk, "Smashtronaut," saw Bruce Banner dividing himself into several parts to create Starship Hulk after seemingly murdering the patrons of a bar in El Paso. While the Avengers wanted to bring him to justice, Banner instead transported himself to an alternate world in which he never became the Hulk and that was governed by President Thaddeus Ross. After taking on some deadly foes, Hulk fled through a portal only to find Mjolnir flying right at him.

RELATED: Mephisto's Multiversal Army Includes a Hidden David Bowie NodIn the preview for Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1, which sets up a crossover in the solo books of the two characters, the titular two Avengers start by fighting in a world that, aesthetically, resembles that of the animated series Adventure Time. As their battle escalates, Sif teleports the two of them to The Black Hand of God, an arena described as the "home to the greatest and most gruesome fighting tournaments any universe has ever known. [...] It is known by all who quest across the stars as the most violent, vicious and gore-soaked corner of Hell to ever exist in the multiverse."

You can read CBR's exclusive preview of Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1 below alongside the solicitation information for the book.

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HULK VS. THOR: BANNER OF WAR ALPHA #1

  • DONNY CATES (W) • MARTIN COCCOLO (A) • Cover by GARY FRANK
  • Variant Cover by MARTIN COCCOLO
  • Variant Cover by RON LIM
  • Hulk Smash variant by Trevor Von Eeden
  • Mjolnir Crash variant by Trevor Von Eeden
  • Variant Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
  • Wraparound Connecting Variant Cover by GEOFF SHAW
  • Hulk and Thor have both undergone massive changes recently, but one thing remains constant — their heated rivalry! When mysterious circumstances bring them into conflict once more, will the God of Thunder be able to triumph against a Bruce Banner who can now control his rage?
  • Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of both characters, this epic five-part crossover between the THOR and HULK series starts here in this oversized Alpha issue, brought to you by creators Donny Cates and Martin Coccolo! Key mysteries from both series will be revealed, as well as shocking consequences for the future of both characters! (Continued in May’s THOR #25 and HULK #7!)
  • 40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99

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Releasing May 11, Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1 features a main cover from Gary Frank and Brad Anderson. The title also features variant covers from Coccolo and Wilson; Ron Lim and Israel Silva; Geoff Shaw and Federico Blee; Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer and Romulo Fajardo Jr.; Trevor Von Eeden and Blee. The next installment in the "Banner of War" crossover will take place in Thor #25, which releases on May 18.