Defenders Epic Collection #2
In "The Titan Strikes Back!", the Defenders Epic Collection #2 delivers a high-stakes sci-fi twist on the Hulk’s origin, with Stan Lee’s sharp scripting and Jack Kirby’s dynamic art bringing the clash of science and superhuman force to life. When military forces trap Rick Jones and manipulate Bruce Banner into a test rocket, the journey to space unleashes a new, irreversible transformation—one that binds the Hulk’s power to Rick’s waking mind. The cover by Sal Buscema and John Romita, inked by Mike Esposito and John Romita, captures the moment with dramatic flair, while Petra Goldberg’s colors and Artie Simek’s lettering elevate the tension. A 44.99 USD (56.25 CAD) collector’s gem from 2024.
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The military captures Rick and Ross convinces him that they need the Hulk to test a new experimental rocket for national security. Rick tricks the jade giant into the capsule but once it is shot into space, he realizes that Ross deceived him to get rid of his foe. Rick overrides the programming and returns the rocket to earth but not before Banner (he transformed back to his human form when the rocket came into view of the sun) is doused with further radiation. The Hulk is now unable to revert to his human form and is under Rick's control but only while Rick remains awake.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).