Marvel Comics' new preview for Immortal Hulk #49 sees the green goliath about to square off with some of Earth's mightiest heroes - again.
Hulk is on a mission to save Bruce Banner, who is currently imprisoned in the Below-Place by the One Below All and the Leader. He has already fought other heroes recently, nearly killing Thor and giving a smackdown to other Avengers as well. The previous issue saw the heroes banding together to develop a plan to stop Hulk from carrying out his own.
If any hero is known for fighting other do-gooders, it's the Hulk. Marvel fans have already seen the gamma being face off against the likes of Thor and Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as in Marvel's animated films and television series. One of the more famous comic stories that saw the Hulk at odds with other heroes was the World War Hulk event from Marvel Comics.
This event saw the Hulk claim revenge against Marvel's Illuminati team, who had previously banished him from Earth in Planet Hulk. The series saw the Hulk betrayed by his friends and members of the group and hurled into space, having to fight in intergalactic gladiatorial games. When Hulk returned to Earth, he decimated those who treated him so harshly, subjecting them to the same ritual combat he was forced to partake in amongst the stars.
While the preview is not chock-full of action and sights of the Hulk fighting against his heroic friends and former teammates, it features a slow build to the faceoff to come. Narration provided by reporter Jackie McGee briefly retells the story of the Fantastic Four and while not explicitly stating it, juxtaposes the symbolism and meaning of the team's acceptance into society after developing powers with the lack of acceptance for the Hulk and his actions. We see a full page flashback of the team boarding the rocket that would change their lives forever.
The next page sees the Hulk, McGee and Jennifer Walter's She-Hulk walking through the city towards the Baxter Building, home base of the Fantastic Four. McGee then narrates current and recent events, questioning her place in everything that has happened and will soon happen. After the three enter the Baxter Building, Hulk opens a door to reveal the Avengers lying in wait for his arrival.
IMMORTAL HULK #49
- AL EWING (W) • JOE BENNETT (A) • Cover by ALEX ROSS
- Homage Variant Cover by JOE BENNETT
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage VARIANT COVER BY INHYUK LEE
- This is the gate into the city of suffering. To the hurt that never ends. This gate is for the lost.
- The gate is a thing of divine power - a thing of forever. But even for the strongest one there is, it bears the warning:
- ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE.
- 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Immortal Hulk #49 goes on sale Aug. 4 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Al Ewing, with pencils by Joe Bennett and the main cover by Alex Ross. Inks are provided by Belardino Brabo and Ruy José, letters by Cory Petit and variant covers from artists Joe Bennett and In-Hyuk Lee.
Source: Marvel