Just as the Hulk stands over the defeated Illuminati, ready to deliver the killing blow... , his insectoid Warbound ally, reveals the truth. Miek knew the shuttle would explode. He let it happen. He let Caiera die. He wanted the Hulk to become the destroyer.
No one said it. So he made them say it with their broken bodies and burning buildings. And in the end, he was still alone—still betrayed, still grieving.
World War Hulk is a seminal 2007 Marvel Comics crossover event written by and illustrated by John Romita Jr. WORLD WAR HULK
The Illuminati, fearing the Hulk's immense power and potential threat to humanity, had banished him to the planet Sakaar, where he was enslaved and forced to participate in gladiatorial combat. However, after escaping from Sakaar, the Hulk returned to Earth with a burning desire for vengeance against those who wronged him.
Meanwhile, Iron Man deploys his armor (Mk. II). The fight is brutal, destructive, and ends with Iron Man pinned under the rubble of his own Stark Tower, his armor sparking and lifeless. Just as the Hulk stands over the defeated
The Hulk is not the victim. He is the weapon—manipulated again.
, the destructive nature of unchecked power, and the consequences of "the ends justifying the means". Reading Order: For those looking to dive in, the official Reading Order Guide recommends starting with Incredible Hulk #106 followed by the World War Hulk Prologue: World Breaker #1 MCU Adaptation News World War Hulk - UWAC He let it happen
Fearing that the Hulk was too dangerous for Earth, a secret cabal of superheroes—Illuminati members —decided to jettison him into space. They tricked the Hulk into a space shuttle, launched him toward a peaceful, uninhabited planet, hoping to give him a place where he could hurt no one.
With all other heroes defeated, Earth’s last hope is , a hero with the power of a million exploding suns. The Sentry and the Hulk meet in the ruins of Manhattan. For two pages, they simply stare at each other.
But the Hulk’s victory is hollow.
| Character | Role in the Story | |-----------|-------------------| | | The protagonist/antagonist. A grieving king seeking bloody justice. | | The Warbound | Alien allies who amplify Hulk’s tactical power. Korg becomes a fan favorite. | | Iron Man | The primary architect of the betrayal. His pride leads to disaster. | | Mr. Fantastic | The planner. His cold logic fails to account for human emotion. | | Doctor Strange | The reluctant warlock. His guilt leads to his hands being broken. | | The Sentry | The only equal to the Hulk. Their fight is the emotional climax. | | Miek | The traitor. His secret turns Hulk’s rage into tragedy. |
