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Fantastic Four #25: The Hulk vs. The Thing (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #25, published in April 1964, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue is notable for the epic battle between the Thing and the Hulk, as Bruce Banner's alter ego goes on a rampage, forcing the Fantastic Four—and particularly Ben Grimm—to confront him head-on.
Plot Summary:
The story opens with Bruce Banner transforming into the Hulk after a series of events leave him deeply angered. Now in full Hulk mode, he storms through the city, causing widespread destruction. Meanwhile, at the Baxter Building, Reed Richards is studying the Hulk’s powers in hopes of finding a way to neutralize his threat. As reports of the Hulk's rampage come in, the Fantastic Four are called into action to stop him.
However, before the full team can respond, Reed collapses, having fallen ill due to the intense workload and stress of his recent experiments. This leaves the rest of the Fantastic Four unsure of how to deal with the Hulk without their leader's guidance. Despite Reed's condition, the team prepares to face the threat. The Thing, Ben Grimm, is particularly eager to confront the Hulk, seeing him as a rival and a challenge to his own strength.
As the Hulk’s rampage intensifies, the Thing engages him in a brutal one-on-one battle. The two titans clash in a destructive fight that spans the city, with both displaying incredible feats of strength. The Thing fights valiantly but quickly realizes that the Hulk’s raw power is even greater than he anticipated. Despite being overpowered, Ben’s determination keeps him in the fight, as he refuses to back down.
While the battle between the Hulk and the Thing rages on, Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) and Sue Storm (the Invisible Girl) try to help where they can. Johnny uses his flame powers to distract the Hulk, while Sue attempts to protect civilians caught in the crossfire with her force fields. Despite their efforts, it becomes clear that the fight between the Hulk and the Thing is too destructive for them to fully contain.
In the midst of the chaos, the Avengers learn of the Hulk’s rampage and prepare to intervene. However, before they can arrive, the Thing manages to hold his own long enough for Reed Richards to recover. With Reed's leadership back in play, he quickly devises a plan to contain the Hulk, using a special device to temporarily weaken him. The Fantastic Four, working together, are finally able to drive the Hulk away, though the battle ends without a clear victor.
The issue concludes with the Fantastic Four reflecting on the immense challenge of facing the Hulk and the toll it took on Ben Grimm. Though the Thing is frustrated by his inability to defeat the Hulk outright, Reed reassures him that his bravery and persistence were what saved the day. The team prepares for future challenges, knowing that even greater threats lie ahead.
Fantastic Four #26: The Avengers take over! (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #26, published in May 1964, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue is a continuation of the epic battle between the Thing and the Hulk, but this time, the Avengers join forces with the Fantastic Four to stop the Hulk’s rampage.
Plot Summary:
The story picks up immediately after the events of the previous issue. The Hulk, having retreated after his initial battle with the Thing, continues to wreak havoc across New York City. The Fantastic Four are recovering from their confrontation with the Hulk, but Reed Richards realizes that they are not enough to stop the Hulk alone. With the Hulk’s strength seemingly limitless, Reed contacts the Avengers for assistance.
The Avengers—led by Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Giant-Man—respond to Reed’s call and join the search for the Hulk. As the two teams track down the rampaging Hulk, tensions rise between them, particularly between the Thing and the Avengers. Ben Grimm feels a sense of pride and frustration from his earlier fight with the Hulk and doesn’t take kindly to the Avengers stepping in, especially as he views this as a matter of personal honor.
Eventually, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers locate the Hulk near the waterfront, where a massive battle breaks out. The combined might of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four isn’t enough to bring the Hulk down easily. The Hulk fends off each of his attackers, from Thor’s mighty hammer strikes to Iron Man’s repulsor blasts. The Thing engages him in combat once again, determined to prove himself, but even with the Avengers’ help, the Hulk’s sheer power overwhelms them.
During the battle, Reed devises another plan to subdue the Hulk. He attempts to use a special energy weapon he designed, but it malfunctions, leaving the team scrambling for a solution. Amid the chaos, the Hulk begins to calm down slightly, but his rage is reignited when the combined forces continue to attack, making him more destructive.
As the fight continues, both teams realize that brute force alone won’t defeat the Hulk. Captain America and Reed Richards devise a strategy to lead the Hulk away from the city to minimize damage. Working together, the heroes manage to lure the Hulk to a remote location, where they can safely engage him without endangering civilians. There, they use teamwork and Reed's inventions to finally subdue the Hulk, although they are unable to capture him permanently. The Hulk eventually escapes, leaving the heroes exhausted but relieved that the immediate threat has been neutralized.
The issue concludes with the Fantastic Four and the Avengers parting ways, but not without a sense of mutual respect for one another. The Thing is left to reflect on his rivalry with the Hulk, realizing that despite his incredible strength, there are some battles that can only be won by working as a team. Both groups vow to remain vigilant, knowing that the Hulk may return as a threat in the future.
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