The following contains spoilers for Hulk #8, on sale Aug. 17 from Marvel Comics.
As Marvel's Banner of War event comes to a close, the Hulk is about to face an ultra-powerful opponent that, according to Beta Ray Bill, he's never had to face before.
Hulk #8 comes from writers Donny Cates and Daniel Warren Johnson, artist Martin Coccolo, color artist Matt Wilson and letterer VC's Cory Petit. In a preview for the issue provided by Marvel, Hulk and Thor-Hulk -- who was created after Thor became trapped in a massive gamma explosion in Hulk #7 -- are getting ready to face one another for their final battle while Uatu watches from above. "And here, I present to you...the question...answered at last...who...in a battle to the death...would win?" Uatu narrates. "Thor. The God of Thunder. The All-Father...Or Hulk? The strongest one there is. The World Breaker." Today, that question will be answered."
While Odin is working with Bruce Banner to get to Asgard -- a task made difficult after Thor-Hulk destroyed the Rainbow Bridge in Thor #26 -- Beta Ray Bill watches the mayhem from Asgard with Tony Stark/Iron Man and Sif. Tony questions how Thor-Hulk even has a chance in the battle given Hulk is now wielding Mjolnir thanks to Odin's assistance; however, Beta Ray Bill indicates Hulk is now fighting an opponent he's never truly faced before. "That...is untrue," he comments. "The Hulk has never fought Thor. Not the real Thor..."
Marvel's Banner of War Concludes
The nature of Beta Ray Bill's insight and whether or not his comments mean Thor is about to evolve into an even more powerful being remain to be seen in the full issue. The synopsis for Hulk #8 reads, "'BANNER OF WAR' FINALE The time for victory has come! In the final installment of the epic crossover between the HULK and THOR series, Marvel's two heaviest hitters expend their rage on one final, brutal brawl that will answer once and for all which of these heroes is the strongest. But in a fight between gods, monsters and men, what becomes of the victor? The loser? And who really has the authority to decide? Revelations about Hulk's past and choices Thor makes about the future will shake the Marvel Universe to its very core!"
Hulk #8 features cover art by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson and variant cover art by Taurin Clarke, Russell Dauterman, Matt Wilson, Geoff Shaw and Federico Blee. The issue releases Aug. 17 from Marvel Comics.
Source: Marvel