Marvel Comics is kicking off a fresh wave of storytelling with a fascinating new concept—several Marvel characters are becoming Heralds of Galactus. Among the first batch of heroes to take on this cosmic role are Gambit, Rogue, Spider-Gwen, and Moon Knight. While this storyline is undoubtedly linked to the upcoming Fantastic Four film and Galactus’ anticipated appearance, the first installment focuses on an unexpected choice for a Herald: The Hulk. Written by Matt Groom, this issue serves as a proving ground for the relatively new writer in Marvel’s roster. Groom has contributed to Marvel before, but this story is a way for him to showcase his ability to handle major characters and significant narratives. Let’s break down what happens when the Hulk becomes Galactus’ latest Herald.
A Different Kind of Herald
The story opens on the planet Willine, where Banner arrives, warning the people of Galactus’ impending arrival. But he doesn’t just deliver a doomsday message—he provides evacuation plans, allowing civilizations to build ships to escape before Galactus consumes their worlds. This differs from the traditional role of Heralds like the Silver Surfer, who simply guided Galactus to uninhabited planets.
However, the leaders of Willine reject the idea of fleeing, believing that standing their ground is an honorable choice. Banner, fully aware of the devastation Galactus will bring, sees this as reckless and foolish. Predictably, the encounter escalates into conflict, and Banner transforms into his Herald-Hulk form—a stunning new design featuring a greenish-silver shell with cracks, giving him an ethereal, cosmic look.
Galactus’ Offer to the Hulk
Flashing back, the story reveals how Banner became Galactus’ Herald. One day, Galactus appeared before Bruce Banner with an offer: become his new Herald. Banner immediately recognized that this wasn’t about him—it was about the Hulk. Unlike previous Heralds, most of whom already had powers, Banner’s transformation would capitalize on the Hulk’s raw strength.
Initially resistant, Banner knew the Hulk was unpredictable and unreliable. But Galactus made an enticing deal: If Banner accepted, Earth would be forever spared from Galactus’ wrath. The Hulk would only be sent to planets already doomed for consumption, ensuring that his power wouldn’t cause unnecessary destruction elsewhere. With no better alternative, Banner accepted the role.
A Clash with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Back in the present, the story moves to the planet Alyson-3, where the Avengers—Iron Man, Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), and Vision—are helping evacuate civilians using colony ships built with Banner’s plans. But their arrival isn’t purely humanitarian; Alyson-3 is a strategic outpost in the Kree-Skrull war, making the Avengers’ intervention less about saving lives and more about protecting political interests.
When the Avengers confront Banner, questioning his actions as Galactus’ Herald, the conversation quickly turns hostile. Tony Stark accuses Banner of deciding who lives and who dies. Banner fires back, pointing out the Avengers’ hypocrisy—they only seem to care about planets when they serve their own interests.
The Battle: Hulk vs. The Avengers
Tensions boil over when Iron Man touches Banner, triggering the Hulk’s response. With brute force, Hulk hurls Stark away. Captain Marvel steps up, but the Hulk, now imbued with the Power Cosmic, siphons her cosmic energy—instantly killing her. Vision tries to intervene, making himself intangible to avoid physical attacks, but Hulk releases an energy blast that tears through Vision’s synthetic body, destroying him.
With his teammates down, Stark unveils an upgraded Hulkbuster suit, enhanced with Victor Von Doom’s technology. He claims it neutralizes energy-based attacks, forcing Hulk into a physical showdown. But this fight is over before it starts—Hulk easily overpowers Stark, sending him flying and causing massive collateral damage. Tragically, the battle results in the destruction of the colony ship, dooming thousands of civilians who had hoped to escape.
Furious, Banner blames Stark for meddling and causing unnecessary deaths. The argument takes a shocking turn when Stark makes a confession: the Avengers allowed Galactus to take Banner.
The Truth About Banner’s Fate
Stark reveals that when Galactus came to Earth, he offered a deal: spare the planet in exchange for its most powerful being. Rather than risking Galactus’ wrath, the Avengers agreed to give up Banner, seeing the Hulk as an uncontrollable force that could cause as much damage as Galactus himself. Their hope was that Galactus might find a way to control or contain him. But, as Banner realizes, even Galactus cannot fully tame the Hulk.
For the first time, Banner gains control over his Hulk form. No longer willing to be a pawn, he declares, “Tell Galactus that the Hulk is coming.” With that, he rockets into space, preparing to face Galactus head-on.
The Verdict: A Strong Start for Matt Groom
While this isn’t the most groundbreaking Hulk story ever written, it’s an exciting and well-executed tale that reimagines Banner’s role in the Marvel Universe. Groom successfully delivers a compelling narrative filled with action, character drama, and moral dilemmas. The concept of the Hulk as Galactus’ Herald is a fascinating twist, and the revelation that the Avengers sacrificed him adds an emotional weight to the story.
It remains to be seen whether this storyline will have lasting consequences or if it’s a standalone tale, but it certainly proves that Matt Groom has the potential to write bigger stories for Marvel. If you enjoyed this issue, consider tweeting at Marvel to let them know Groom deserves more work.
What do you think of the Hulk as a Herald of Galactus? Share your thoughts in the comments!
