Dark Reign: The List - Hulk #1
At a HAMMER facility in New Mexico, Kate Waynesboro has been put under quarantine by HAMMER who begins to draw out the Old Power from her body. The process is observed by Norman Osborn's right hand, Victoria Hand. Kate tries to use her SHIELD credentials to intimidate them, however, HAMMER supplanted SHIELD and they have every right to quarantine her. Even though the HAMMER scientists caution that drawing the Old Power from Kate Waynesboro will ultimately kill her. Regardless, Victoria tells them to push forward. Kate warns her that the Warbound will come for her, but Victoria points out that they think she is on vacation with her family. Suddenly, the alarms begin going off and they quickly recognize the intruder approaching the facility is Bruce Banner. They activate the security defenses, but Banner's personal forcefield protects him from the barrage.
Despite their efforts, they cannot keep Banner out of the facility as he easily manages to disarm the security through his devices. This also frees Kate Waynesboro, who tries to escape. Soon the HAMMER staff gets control of the security in the building and Banner is surrounded by guards. However, Bruce did not come alone as his son, Skaar comes crashing through the facility to free his father.
Some hours later, Victoria Hand is back in New York City, reporting the incident to Norman Osborn. While going through the footage, Osborn points out that the real threat has never been from the Hulk, who he views as a stupid brute that is primarily reactive. The real threat is and always has been Bruce Banner. This puts Bruce Banner on his list of threats to neutralize. He organizes for Victoria and Ms. Marvel to deal with the situation. Hours later the two women are flying back to New Mexico. The two women squabble with each other.
Suddenly, Banner manages to hack into their ship and cause it to fall apart. However, Victoria had prepared for this. This gave up Banner's location, and Victoria sends a swarm of missiles at Bruce and Skaar. However, this does nothing since Bruce is protected by his energy field, and Skaar is invulnerable. He redirects the second wave of missiles at the HAMMER facility they believe is drawing Old Power. As Skaar goes to the facility, Victoria confronts Banner, disabling his shield and trapping him in a bubble of slowed time.
While at the facility, Skaar is confronted by Ms. Marvel who tries to use her psychological skills to manipulate Skaar into helping them kill Banner. However, she quickly learns that Skaar wants to kill the Hulk not Bruce Banner. Back on the ridge, Banner continues to outsmart Victoria, who is still trying to kill him. The battle is interrupted as Skaar pushes his father out of the rift. When Ms. Marvel arrives and grabs Bruce, Skaar grabs Victoria. There is a stand-off until Victoria points out that she tricked Bruce. Skaar sniffs the air and realizes what she means. Suddenly, Skaar and Ms. Marvel let go of their respective hostages and Skaar grabs Bruce and leaps away. Later, Bruce demands to know what is going on, and Skaar explains that Osborn tricked them into attacking a gamma lab. He brushes off small particles of gamma particles from Banner's face. Fearing the worst, Bruce examines himself and learns that he has been contaminated with gamma radiation again, accelerating the process that will eventually lead to the return of the Hulk.
Back at his office, Norman Osborn congratulates Ms. Marvel and Victoria Hand for the good work, crossing Bruce Banner off his list.
Recurring Characters
Bruce Banner, Skaar, Kate Waynesboro, HAMMER (Norman Osborn, Victoria Hand, Ms. Marvel)
Continuity Notes
Norman Osborn mentions how he once made the mistake of going into the Hulk's cave. That happened in Amazing Spider-Man #14.
Victoria recounts how Ms. Marvel has had a history of losing fights against the Hulk. Victoria is referring to when she was a member of the Corporation and their failed attempt to destroy the Hulk as chronicled in Incredible Hulk #228-232.
