Incredible Hulk (2023) #20-25

In The Incredible Hulk (2023) #20–25, the story continues the dark horror tone of the run, focusing on Bruce Banner, the Hulk, Charlie Tidwell, and the looming threat of ancient monsters tied to the villain known as the Eldest. These issues move from a supernatural wolf-demon storyline into a plot centered on Charlie’s unstable skinwalker powers and eventually lead Banner into the magical side of the Marvel Universe.

In issues #20–21 (“Wolves of the Old World”), Hulk’s destruction of the skinwalker cult draws the attention of ancient supernatural predators. Hulk and Werewolf by Night confront the immortal wolf-demon Varcolac, one of the oldest monsters on Earth, whose hunt is triggered by Hulk’s recent actions. Meanwhile, Charlie Tidwell—who was resurrected earlier with skinwalker powers—begins reveling in her newfound strength but also fears she may be losing control of herself. The battles with Varcolac reinforce the series’ horror theme, showing that Hulk’s presence is awakening primal forces tied to the monstrous mythology surrounding the Eldest and the coming “Age of Monsters.”

In issues #22–23 (“The Skin of Charlie Tidwell”), the focus shifts to Charlie. Bruce Banner becomes increasingly suppressed inside Hulk’s mind, effectively trapped as Hulk’s personality dominates. As Charlie’s transformation into the skinwalker entity Lycana grows more violent, she tries to reach Banner within the Hulkscape—the mental world shared by Hulk and Banner—to seek guidance and retain her humanity. At the same time, mysterious forces connected to the Eldest begin abducting gamma-mutated individuals around the world, suggesting a larger supernatural plan unfolding behind the scenes. In a key turning point, Charlie briefly loses control when one of Eldest’s servants steals her supernatural “skin,” forcing her to confront both the power and danger of the monster she has become.

By issues #24–25, Bruce and Charlie pursue magical help to deal with the escalating supernatural threats and Charlie’s unstable condition. They travel to the Sanctum Sanctorum, where Clea recognizes Banner’s battle against the Eldest and begins assisting them with mystical knowledge. Charlie admits she does not want to lose her power—she simply wants to control it. Their search for Doctor Strange ultimately points them toward Asgard, where the storyline culminates in a confrontation with Thor. The arc ends with Hulk entering the realm of gods and magic, expanding the series from monster-horror territory into a larger mythic conflict tied to the fate of Charlie, the Eldest, and the cosmic forces gathering around Hulk.