Sleep, My Child...

The Hulk has completely reverted to his previous savage state. He rampages through a small mountain community and is barely even aware of the destruction he is causing. News of the Hulk's condition has reached S.H.I.E.L.D. and agent Gabe Jones contacts Banner's assistant, former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Kate Waynesboro. Waynesboro wants to stop the Hulk, but not at the expense of Bruce's life. Jones is willing to do anything necessary to minimize the Hulk’s destructive tendencies. They reach the ruins of the small town and a throng of people beg Jones for help.

Meanwhile, the Hulk wanders deeper into the forest until he comes to a stream. He sees his reflection in the water and a part of him realizes that he is no longer the hero that the world had come to forgive and admire. The Hulk howls in rage and begins pummeling at the mountainsides. Weary, he collapses to the ground and falls asleep.

The Hulk has a dream wherein he sees Bruce Banner admonishing him for his brutal savagery. Other images appear including the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Betty Ross, Rick Jones and Kate Waynesboro. Each one takes their turn at calling him a monster. The final vision is that of Doctor Strange, who calmly addresses the Hulk and tells him that he can help.

The Hulk awakens, and realizes that he must now seek out Doctor Strange. Strange will either help him, or else the Hulk will destroy him.

From his netherworld dimension, Nightmare watches the Hulk's progress. He is the one responsible for plaguing the Hulk with the dark dreams that have resulted in his recent loss of control.

Recurring Characters

Hulk, SHIELD (Gabe Jones, Kate Waynsboro), Nightmare

Continuity Notes

• This issue contains a flashback to the Hulk's battle with Max Hammer in Incredible Hulk #296.

• Gabe Jones states that Nick Fury has been removed as the director of SHIELD. This story takes place at the time that the Deltite had infiltrated SHIELD as seen in Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. #1-6.

• The narrative references Gabriel Jone's activity during World War II which was chronicled in Sgt Fury and his Howling Commandos (vol. 1). His activity during World War II is a factual reference. The only part of portion of his life that is subject to the Sliding Timescale is his activities in the Modern Age. Although the reason for his slowed aging is not specified, it is likely due exposure to the Infinity Formula.

• The narrative also references SHIELD's involvement with the war against the Dire Wraiths which was chronicled in Rom #52-66.

• In Hulk's dream he witnesses the Presidential Pardon (issued in Incredible Hulk #278) get torn up. The Adamantium statue of the Hulk that appears in this dream was first erected in Incredible Hulk #279.