Marvel Comics provided CBR with an exclusive preview of Thor #26, by writer Donny Cates, artist Martin Coccolo, colorist Matt Wilson and letterer VC's Joe Sabino. The issue, which is the fourth part of "Hulk vs. Thor: Banner of War," sees Thor-Hulk destroying the Incredible Hulk.
At the beginning of Hulk, Bruce Banner divided himself into several parts to create Starship Hulk after seemingly murdering people at a bar in El Paso. The Avengers wanted to bring Banner to justice for his crimes, but the hero fled. Banner transported himself to an alternate world that he had to flee from. Thor soon faced off with Banner directly. During their battle, Odin -- who died in the pages of Thor's solo book -- returned as a spirit. However, in Hulk #7, Thor was caught in a powerful gamma explosion, which turned him into a version of the Green Goliath.
In the preview, Hulk and Thor face off. While the Green Goliath lands a good first blow, Thor soon returns fire and absolutely wrecks his Avengers ally. Inside Hulk's head, Odin talks to Banner, saying that he's going to have to get control to help stop Thor. Banner says he'll be able to successfully wrest control back of the ship from Hulk, but he'll need "a big favor" from Odin. Just what he needs isn't totally clear by the end of the preview.
You can read CBR's exclusive preview of Thor #26 below alongside the solicitation information for the issue.
THOR #26
- DONNY CATES (W) • MARTIN COCCOLO (A) • Cover by GARY FRANK
- Connecting Variant Cover by GEOFF SHAW
- Variant Cover by BETSY COLA • Variant Cover by TAURIN CLARKE
- “BANNER OF WAR” PART 4
- Thor and Hulk’s epic rivalry continues in the fourth installment of the characters’ 60th Anniversary crossover celebration! Thanks to Odin, Thor now realizes the gravity of Banner’s situation — and its connection to that mysterious, violent incident in El Paso. But when Iron Man’s interference causes more harm than good, our two rivals face shocking changes that change the stakes of the battle…for good.
- 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
The plot synopsis for Hulk #8 teases an end to the brawl between Hulk and Thor. However, the solicitation information doesn't give any clear indication of just who will come out on top or how they'll win.
Releasing June 8 from Marvel Comics, Thor #26 features a main cover from Gary Frank and Brad Anderson, with variants from Taurin Clarke; Betsy Cola; and Geoff Shaw and Federico Blee. The next issue in "Banner War" will be Hulk #8, which hits shelves on July 27.