Iron Man #132
The Man Who Would be Hulk
After creating a device to try and cure Bruce Banner of being the Hulk, Tony Stark finds himself trying to solve a new problem. While they have stopped Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, they failed to prevent the Hulk’s personality from taking over Banner’s body. He calls in the assistance of Doctor Edwin Maxwell, who tells him that the problem is that the Hulk is a distinct personality from the Banner, but can’t offer any more assistance.[1] When Erica Sondheim gets the Hulk to calm down enough for Banner to reassert control, Tony assures him that they will solve this latest problem. However, Sondheim believes that this will be easier said than done.
As news spreads about Banner’s confinement is picked up by the news, the mystery man who has been targeting Stark Industries recently decides that it is now time to strike.[2]
Back at Stark International, Erica informs Tony that Banner’s abnormally muscular heart is beating faster than their device can compensate for. As this revelation is being made, the alarms in the lab begin going off as Banner begins to slowly transform into the Hulk once more. Changing into Iron Man, Tony heads down to confront the gamma spawned monster. After ordering Vic Martinelli — the head of security — to get all the civilians to safety, he tries to restrain the Hulk. Unfortunately, the monster is too powerful and as the fight drags on, Iron Man orders Jim Rhodes to evacuate all staff. Able to stagger the Hulk with an explosion, Iron Man realizes he has just one chance to stop the monster’s rampage. Channeling all his suit’s power into a single punch that hammers the Hulk into the ground, knocking him out.
When Jim arrives to congratulate Iron Man for the victory, the motionless hero topples over, revealing that something is seriously wrong.
Recurring Characters
Iron Man, Hulk, Erica Sondheim, Scott Lang, Jim Rhodes, Vic Martinelli, Titanium Man, Edwin Maxwell
Continuity Notes
The discover that Banner and the Hulk are separate parts of Banner’s personality was first diagnosed in Incredible Hulk #227. However, it’s interesting to note that Maxwell wasn’t involved in this discovery as it predated his examination of the jade giant from Incredible Hulk #239.
This mastermind has been plotting against Stark International since Iron Man #113. He is revealed to be the Titanium Man in issue #134.
Topical References
Tony’s private jet is identified as a Lear. This should be considered a topical reference as LearJet was acquired by Bombardier who retired the line.
