Issue - 349
Writer - Peter David
Art - Jeff Purves
Summary:
Following a confrontation with Spider-Man, Doctor Doom shows up in Mr. Fixit's room.
Notes:
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Last page cameo only.
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Continued in Fantastic Four #320
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Collected in Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David - Vol. 3
Title - Pride Goeth
Issue - 320
Writer - Steve Englehart
Art - Keith Pollard
Summary:
Doom asks Hulk for his aid in overthrowing Kristoff. In exchange for his help, Doom promises Hulk the protection of living in Latveria and a post as one of his minister in the government. When he refuses, Doom goads him by saying that he will seek help from the Thing instead. The Hulk becomes angry and claims that he can beat the Thing anytime. He charges off to pick a fight and prove it. Unfortunately for Hulk, the Thing's latest transformation has made him stronger. Thing is now strong enough to defeat Hulk and he does. Thing however is unaware that the gray skinned behemoth he fights is the true Hulk. Therefore both he and the Hulk are surprised when a green skinned Hulk arrives claiming to be to the real Hulk.
Notes:
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Continued in Hulk #350
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Collected in Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David - Vol. 3
Title - Before the Fall
Issue - 350
Writer - Peter David
Art - Jeff Purves
Summary:
While the green Hulk battles the Thing, Doom picks up the gray Hulk and informs him that the green Hulk is in fact a cosmically charged robot created by the Eternals. Doom concludes from Hulk's battle that he is not strong enough to defeat Thing. Hulk insists otherwise. This time however he adopts a different tactic. Instead of fighting Thing head on, he lures him to Central Park and tricks Thing into running after him all across the park When the Thing becomes tired, Hulk attacks and defeats him. Doom appears and congratulates him, and also reminds him that when the time comes he will call upon him to serve.
Notes:
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The cosmic powered Hulk robot and Doom cross paths again years later in Incredible Hulk #606.
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Collected in Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David - Vol. 3
Comments:
A straight up slug fest. Nevertheless I like it. Its nice to see Doom manipulating the Hulk as he does so here rather than stooping to blackmail or force as he is often seen to do. The Thing's characterization at this point is more the way I like it. He is intelligent, takes his role as leader of the FF seriously and does it well. The FF issue by Englehart is surprisingly good. Jeff Purves provides us with an interesting rendering of Doom that I enjoyed. Pollard's art in the FF is excellent as usual. Both artists give us some great actions scenes. I was able to find the FF issue rather easily however those Hulk issues can be pricey. Bottom Line: * * * out of 5