World War Hulk: Aftersmash! Warbound #2

Mar 13

Mar 13 World War Hulk: Aftersmash! Warbound #2

Warbound, Part 2

In the town of Stoneridge, New Mexico, some locals are protesting an eviction notice that will have them removed from the apartment building they live in because it has been condemned. As they argue with the local sheriff, the Leader's Gammaworld dome suddenly erupts from the ground cutting off part of the town. When someone tries to cross through the gamma field, they are instantly incinerated. As the sheriff tries to call for help, he is suddenly crushed to death by a group of locals who have been merged together into a gamma-spawned creature.

Not far away, the Warbound recover from the activation of the dome. When Kate explains that the Leader is one of the Hulk's oldest enemies and that he is responsible for using Hiroim's Old Power to activate Gammaworld's generators, the Shadow Priest uses them to destroy the turbines. However, the Leader explains that they are no longer necessary and tells them the more Hiroim uses his powers, the stronger the dome will become and teleports away. They are then ambushed by United States soldiers. The Warbound's attempts to convince them that they mean no harm fall on deaf ears and they are forced to defend themselves. However, the battle takes a turn when both sides are attacked by giant insects mutated by the gamma radiation flooding the area. Working together, the Warbound and the soldiers manage to kill the insect swarm. However, Captain Katapang still wants to take the Warbound prisoner. Elloe Kaifi points out that this is a wasted effort when they could be working together to liberate a nearby town that is also being attacked by giant insects.

The Warbound and the soldiers rush to Stoneridge where they easily slay the creatures attacking the locals. In the aftermath of the battle, Elloe discovers that not only is she completely healed from her injuries, but she also has enhanced strength. Kate points out that this sudden change is no because of her medical treatment, but because of the gamma radiation in the area. Kate explains to the soldiers that while the radiation may enhance some, it will cause the majority of the people trapped under the gamma dome to contract cancer and die. Going to the edge of the dome, Kate has Hiroim use his Old Power to create an opening in the portal so they can get the innocent people out before they are mutated or killed. At first, Hiroim has a hard time focusing his energies, but Kate coaches him through the process, leading to success. As the locals make their way out of the portal, another horde of insects attacks prompting the Warbound to fight them off. Things are going smoothly until they are suddenly attacked by the massive gamma-spawned amalgamation of locals who easily knocks aside the Warbound and demands that every human stay so that they can "stick together".

Recurring Characters

Warbound (Korg, Elloe Kaifi, No-Name of Brood, Hiroim), Kate Waynesboro, Leader, Horde

Continuity Notes

The people of Stoneridge mention the time the Hulk rampaged through their town. This happened in Incredible Hulk #316.

Tales of the Warbound, Part 2

Kate Waynesboro continues her interrogation of Miek in the Negative Zone prison so she can learn what she can about his former comrades, the Warbound. After hearing about Elloe Kaifi, she then asks the Sakaaran Native to tell her what he knows about Hiroim the Shamed, hoping his spirituality is a weakness they can exploit. Miek decides to tell her about how Hiroim became shamed among his people.

Years ago on the planet Sakaar, Hiroim was a reluctant warrior fighting in the Spike Wars. He did not like how King Angmo I was waging war against his people prior. However, a treaty is being worked out to make peace with the Sakaaran Imperials in exchange for the Shadow People's servitude to the king. Hiroim does not like this arrangement, but when Angmo arrives at their camp he is asked to accompany him. As they ride around the ruins of the village they are suddenly confronted by the Imperial soldiers who were responsible for destroying the village of Vandro. As they have come to assassinate the King, Hiroim is forced to fight by his side to prevent this from coming to pass. Soon, Hiroim grew to enjoy fighting for the King and ultimately, with the help of the Death's Head Guard, managed to end the Spike invasion.

With the war now over, Angmo has one last task for Hiroim, who had since become his most loyal soldier. Hiroim is sent to the city of Saka, where he is tasked with killing the king's own son Angmo-Asan because his father believes that he will be a threat to enduring peace on the planet. However, Hiroim could not bring himself to murder a child and was shamed by his people for breaking an oath and sent into exile. Over the twenty years that Hiroim spent in exile, Angmo I died and rule of the planet was turned over to his son who quickly became a tyrant.

Finishing his story, Miek tells Kate that if she puts him in the right set of circumstances, Hiroim will break his oath again.