Incredible Hulk #402
“The Forest for the Trees”
Cover Date: February 1993
Sale Date: December 15th, 1992
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Jan Duursema
Inker: Mark Farmer
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: Steve Buccelato
Editor: Bobbie Chase
Guest Stars/Supporting Cast: The Pantheon, Doc Samson, Betty Banner, Rick Jones, Marlo Chandler,
Villain: Juggernaut, Red Skull.
Synopsis: Open to the Hulk getting pummeled into a row of trees in the Amazon forest by an unknown muscle man. The scene then cuts to a flashback at the Mount, where we see that Agamemnon had called a meeting of the core group to announce his leave of absence and that the Hulk will be taking his place. Achilles threw a fit and storms off and we fast-forward back to the present and back to the Amazon and the Hulk getting worked over by this mysterious individual. In Reno, Betty has called Doc Samson over to help diagnose Marlo’s condition. Rick passes out from exhaustion, and the discussion shifts from Marlo to Bruce. Another flashback is presented, as we see the Hulk visiting the apartment and then suggesting that Betty move into the Mount. As before, Betty rejects the idea as she refuses to cut herself off from the real world. She suggests that he commute, and that he start seeing Samson again. He relents and then we’re back in the present in the Amazon. The remainder of the issue sees the Hulk and the mystery man continue to duke it out. The Hulk is holding back, as he isn’t clear on who he truly is and it backfires on him. He’s pounded into oblivion and we see that it’s really the Juggernaut (sans armor) and working for the Red Skull.
Commentary: Yup, this issue cemented my dislike for Duursema until she was working on the Star Wars books years later. That panel with Juggernaut ready to wallop the Hulk again…blargh. It was a long 30 days, as I wasn’t sure if Gary Frank was coming on next issue or afterwards. All I knew is that Keown was sorely missed and knowing what I know now…Bobbie Chase should have taken him on his off to stay until Frank was caught up.