Hulk (2021) #7-14

 

Issue #9: Welcome to Hulk Planet

Bruce Banner arrives on a distant planet under a gamma sun, discovering a society of Hulk-like beings who revere him as their savior. This "Hulk Planet" is led by Monolith, a powerful and commanding figure who welcomes Banner but quickly challenges his intentions. As Bruce explores this seemingly idyllic world, he learns of the planet's dark history and how it was shaped by gamma radiation. Meanwhile, the Titan—an uncontrollable, destructive persona within Banner—looms, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace.

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Issue #10: A New Gamma Order

Monolith takes Bruce on a tour of Hulk Planet, revealing the society’s advanced infrastructure and how gamma radiation fuels their lives. While the inhabitants thrive in their Hulk-like forms, Bruce struggles to reconcile his role as both their inspiration and a potential threat. Monolith reveals that her people have developed ways to control their rage, but Bruce’s arrival, and the Titan within him, begin to disrupt their equilibrium. The issue ends with a tense confrontation between Banner and Monolith, as trust begins to fracture.

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Issue #11: Seeds of Doubt

Bruce’s presence on Hulk Planet causes division among its inhabitants. Some see him as a messiah, while others fear the destructive potential of his Titan persona. Monolith, skeptical of Bruce’s ability to control himself, challenges him to undergo their society’s rigorous gamma therapy to suppress his inner demons. Bruce reluctantly agrees, but the therapy unlocks unsettling visions of his past and Titan’s growing influence. Meanwhile, back on Earth, those tracking Bruce begin to sense the ripple effects of Hulk Planet's gamma energy, setting up a larger cosmic conflict.

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Issue #12: The Titan Emerges

The gamma therapy backfires spectacularly, triggering the Titan’s emergence. Monolith and the Hulk-like inhabitants band together to subdue the monstrous form, but Titan proves nearly unstoppable, fueled by unrelenting rage and destruction. Bruce’s consciousness is trapped inside Titan, where he struggles to regain control. Monolith sacrifices a significant portion of the planet’s gamma reserves to neutralize Titan, forcing Bruce to face the consequences of his inability to control his darker self. The issue ends on a somber note as the once-idyllic Hulk Planet lies in ruins.

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Issue #13: A Fractured Paradise

With Titan temporarily subdued, Hulk Planet is left in chaos. Monolith confronts Bruce, blaming him for bringing destruction to their sanctuary. Bruce, wracked with guilt, offers to leave the planet, but Monolith demands that he stay and help rebuild what was lost. Meanwhile, the remnants of Titan’s destructive influence linger, threatening to re-emerge at any moment. The issue delves into Bruce’s internal conflict as he grapples with his identity and the recurring cycle of destruction that follows him.

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Issue #14: The Hulk’s Redemption

Bruce and Monolith work together to stabilize Hulk Planet, using their combined knowledge of gamma energy to restore some semblance of order. Bruce makes a breakthrough in understanding Titan’s origins, realizing it represents not just rage but his deepest fears and failures. The issue culminates in a final confrontation with Titan, where Bruce confronts his inner darkness and temporarily suppresses the persona. With the planet on the path to recovery, Bruce bids farewell to Monolith and the Hulk-like inhabitants, vowing to better understand his fractured psyche before causing more harm. The issue ends with Bruce setting off into the cosmos, leaving the future of Hulk Planet in Monolith’s hands.

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Thematic Exploration

This arc delves into Bruce Banner’s eternal struggle with his dual identity, exploring the consequences of his inner turmoil on those around him. Hulk Planet serves as both a mirror and a contrast to Bruce’s experiences on Earth, highlighting the potential for Hulk’s power to be both a blessing and a curse. The emergence of Titan adds a layer of horror and introspection, symbolizing Bruce’s ultimate fear: that his destructive tendencies will always outweigh his desire for peace. The arc ends on a note of cautious optimism, with Bruce taking steps toward understanding and controlling his darker impulses.

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