Incredible Hulk #307
“…the Hunt Across Worlds!”
Cover Date: May 1985
Sale Date: February 5th, 1985
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Artist: Sal Buscema
Inker: Gerry Talaoc
Letterer: Jim Novak
Colorist: Bob Sharen
Editor: Carl Potts
Guest Stars/Supporting Cast: Puffball Collective
Antagonists: Xeron, Captain Cybor, Klatuu
Synopsis: Continued minutes after the last page of the previous issue, the Hulk flies into a rage as the Puffball is left behind at the Crossroads. Xeron orders the crew to subdue the brute to no avail. The Hulk’s fit spoils Xeron’s crucial aim at Klaatu and it gives the space giant a chance to escape to another dimension. An enraged Cybor orders the ship back to the Crossroads in order to secure the Puffball Collective once more. This time, it’s encased in a force field that will allow it to pass thru the portals and the effort proves successful…as does the hunt for Klaatu. With the Hulk subdued, Xeron is able to strike multiple energy harpoons on the energy beast. Despite dragging the Andromeda across numerous dimensions, Klaatu begins to succumb but not before striking the ship down. The Hulk leaps to safety with the Puffball Collective, while the crew die on impact, and Xeron and Cybor critically wounded. The Hulk takes pity on Klaatu and removes the harpoons, who then restores his life force as thanks. Xeron and Cybor die as Klaatu disappears, and the Hulk and Puffball return to the Crossroads via the Fail-Safe Spell.
Commentary: Fat-head alert on this cover. I love mid-80’s Mignola, and for me, his covers are synonymous with the Crossroads stories. Next issue starts to deviate from the last seven months of stories.