Hulk vs. Hercules #1

Mar 14

Mar 14 Hulk vs. Hercules #1

Smash of the Titans

Amadeus Cho, Hercules, and Athena are taking time away from their quest for some downtime at a bar in New York City. After trouncing Hercules in an arcade game, Amadeus sits down with Athena. While discussing their recent ordeals, Cho admits that the Hulk could have killed them all during his war against the planet Earth. Cho realizes that he idolized the wrong hero. When Athena notes that Amadeus shouldn't necessarily idolize Hercules in the place of the Hulk as she has a story to tell him that involves both Hercules and the Hulk.

She starts by telling of how Gaea was the mother of all of the gods of Earth. Among her children was the Demogorge a powerful being that almost destroyed the Earth three times over. When Uranus persecuted the Cyclopes, she sent the Titans to banish him. When the Titans later enslaved the Cyclopes she sent the Olympian pantheon of gods to deal with them as well, banishing them to the realm of Tartarus. She then goes on to say how Gaea stayed out of the affairs of mortals or gods until the age of heroes. A number of years ago, the Hulk was reduced to a brainless creature and went on a rampage through New York. With no other choice, Doctor Strange was forced to banish the Hulk to the Crossroads dimension. The intended goal was to give the Hulk to the opportunity to find a world that suits his needs. However, with each world he visited, the Hulk became more and more unhappy. This misery attracted the attention of Gaea who took pity on the gamma-spawned monster. The Hulk soon finds himself transported to Olympus. Confused and disorientated, the Hulk begins to go on a rampage, attracting the attention of the gods.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Hercules is participating in a charity match with the wrestlers of the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation at Madison Square Garden. Hercules manages to best all the combatants in the ring, including the Thing. With the match over, Hercules is contacted by Hermes who tells him that he must return to Olympus immediately. Back on Olympus, the Hulk happens upon Zeno and Callias, two battle-ravaged remains of the once-proud Titans who are seeking to free their brothers from Tartarus. Sensing that the Hulk is a creature of noble spirit, the two Titans invite him to their side and earns the mindless brute's friendship by giving him some of their ale. The Hulk and his new friends are soon spotted by Ares and Athena. When Ares goes down to face the trio, he is shocked when his spear breaks against the Hulk's impervious form. This angers the Hulk and he knocks out Ares with a single blow. Impressed by the Hulk's strength, the two Titans convince the Hulk that the Olympians are his enemies and point out the palace of the gods.

The Hulk leaps to the palace where he startles Zeus and the other gods. However, before he can attack them, Hermes arrives with Hercules. The demigod then engages the Hulk in battle. The two battle it out but are evenly matched. Ares soon arrives and tries to attack the Hulk himself, but Hercules wants no interference. Hercules then convinces the Hulk to cease fighting. Just then the Titans manage to break the seal that keeps their brothers trapped in Tantarus. Cronus then leads his armies against the Olympians. The liberation of the Titans summons Demogorge who has come to consume them all. With their lives on the line, Hercules and the others leap into battle. Not fully understanding what is going on, the Hulk joins the Gods in their battle. However, the brute becomes mortified when Hercules slays Zeno and Callias. The Olympians then force the Titans back into Tantarus and repair the seal. With the status quo restored, the Demogorge departs, warning the gods that their day will come soon. Although Hercules rejoices in their victory, the Hulk is unhappy that his new friends were murdered. His unhappiness then triggers the spell that sends him back to the Crossroads.

Athena concludes her tale, the goddess warns Amadeus that Hercules is loyal to his father and will follow his orders without question. She explains that sometimes even the Gods must become monsters.

Recurring Characters

Hulk, Hercules, Athena, Ares, Zeus, Cronus, Kyknos, Demogorge, Amadeus Cho, Kirby, UCWF (Thing, Demolition Dunphy, Screaming Mini, Titania, Mangler), Hermes, Hephaestus, Hebe, Gaea

Continuity Notes

Mention is made of the then-recent developments in the lives of Amadeus Cho and Hercules. They were fugitives from the law after helping the Hulk during World War Hulk as seen in Incredible Hulk Vol 2 #105-111 and that they were getting revenge against SHIELD circa Incredible Hercules #112-115.

This story recaps the events of Incredible Hulk #299-300 when the Hulk rampaged through New York City and was banished to the Crossroads by Dr. Starnge.

The flashbacks of the Hulk at the Crossroads include his battle with the Iron Knights and the death of Zgorian which occurred in Incredible Hulk #302-304.