Warning! Spoilers ahead for Hulk vs Thor: Banner of War Alpha #1
While Marvel’s new Hulk vs. Thor event has only just begun, it’s already established itself as the most intense fight the God of Thunder and Jade Giant have ever had. Not only have the stakes never been higher, but the new power levels both heroes have respectively achieved in recent issues are far greater than anything they’ve displayed in the past. As such, the new Hulk vs Thor: Banner of War is already making good on its promise to be the biggest showdown the two Avengers have ever had.
In their respective series (both from writer Donny Cates), Thor and Hulk have had significant changes made to their status quos. As far as Bruce Banner is concerned, he’s finally found a means to control his other half, effectively turning the Hulk’s body into a starship while reforming his psyche to resemble that of a command bridge, one where he’s the captain and the caged Hulk’s rage is the fuel. Likewise, Thor has gained the full power of the Odin-Force with his father’s recent sacrifice, turning it into his own Thor-Force as he continues to rule Asgard with a reforged Mjolnir housing Odin’s spirit.
As a result, Thor and Hulk are each more powerful than normal at the start of Hulk vs Thor: Banner of War #1 from Donny Cates and Martin Coccolo. Not only does Thor have his new hammer and powers but he’s also determined to go further, looking to destroy the Hulk rather than just put him out of commission. This is because Thor believes Hulk recently killed 17 people in Texas (just as the rest of the Avengers do). Additionally, it’s pointed out that Thor has always fought the Hulk rather than Banner (who can fight smarter). Case in point, Banner pulls data from every fight Hulk has ever fought with Thor, compounding all of the Hulk’s past rage against the God of Thunder into a massive surge of power.
Amazingly, this is only the start of Hulk and Thor’s new showdown. Previous issues of Hulk debuted the first appearance of Titan, a more monstrous gamma monster best described as the Hulk’s Hulk who’s unleashed when Banner’s rage is pushed to its very limits. As such, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to suggest that Titan might take over to fight the God of Thunder, amping up the power levels of their brawl even higher than they already are. Likewise, this first issue ended with the spirit of Odin himself leaving Mjolnir and entering Banner’s mind palace to confront the gamma genius directly.
It’s already evident that Marvel’s new fight between Thor and Hulk is breaking records in terms of the impressive power levels being displayed by both heroes. They’re already stronger than ever before as seen in this first issue, and it certainly seems both of them will only get more powerful in the issues to come. It certainly makes it hard to tell who the ultimate victor will be, though fans will no doubt find out as Hulk vs Thor: Banner of War continues.
Hulk vs Thor: Banner of War #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
