Dragon-Night!

In Mexico City, the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime perform under the big tent. The Ringmaster is frustrated that he is now forced to perform legitimate shows and that he can no longer enter the United States for fear of arrest. His star attraction is the monstrous android known as the Dragon Man. The Dragon Man is released from his cage, and breathes a trail of fire across the air. Fortunately for all concerned, the Dragon Man is completely under the Ringmaster’s control.

Meanwhile, Bruce Banner and Kate Waynesboro travel to Mexico to visit a scientist named Professor Hernandez. Hernandez is financing Banner’s work with Gammascope technology. Hernandez feels that the Gammascope, when used to revitalize withered crops and vegetables, will help to end hunger in impoverished neighborhoods.

After visiting the professor, Banner and Waynesboro spend the night at the Circus. Bruce doesn't immediately realize that the performers in the center ring are his old adversaries, the Circus of Crime. The Clown spots him and informs the Ringmaster that Bruce Banner is in the audience. The Ringmaster turns the hypnotic powers of his mind-control hat on Banner, forcing him to transform into the Hulk.

The Hulk, rendered temporarily savage once again, engages in a fight with the Dragon Man. As dozens of people race about in stark terror, the Human Cannonball prepares to lend the Dragon Man some assistance. Kate Waynesboro spoils the Cannonball's aim, forcing him to plunge directly into the back of the Ringmaster. The Ringmaster's hat falls to the ground, and the Hulk stomps on it, destroying it's ability to control his mind.

The Circus of Crime race to escape, and Waynesboro consoles the Hulk over the fact that the Ringmaster converted him into a mindless brute once again.

Recurring Characters

Hulk, Kate Waynesboro, Dragon Man, Circus of Crime (Ringmaster, Clown, Fire-Eater, Great Gambonnos, Human Cannonball, Live Wire, Rajah, Teena the Fat Lady, Bruto the Strongman, Princess Python)

Continuity Notes

• Dragon Man was last seen in Fantastic Four Annual #16 where he was left in the dimension called Rammatpolen. How he got back to Earth and put in captivity by the Circus of Crime is unexplained.

• The nightmare that Bruce Banner experiences in this story is the work of the demon Nightmare as revealed in Incredible Hulk #297.

• Kate quit SHIELD prior to this story, her affiliation with that group was first revealed in Incredible Hulk #288.

• Kate was briefly transformed into Ms. MODOK in Incredible Hulk #290.