Incredible Hulk, The (1968 series) #396

The Las Vegas arc reaches its explosive climax as the Hulk faces off against Doctor Octopus, who’s been meddling in the criminal underworld tied to Mike Berengetti’s murder. Despite Doc Ock’s mechanical prowess and strategic mind, the Hulk soundly defeats him, showcasing the raw power and tactical edge he’s honed since his Mr. Fixit days.

With the Punisher, the Pantheon, and local police joining forces, the coalition dismantles the syndicate responsible for Berengetti’s death. Each faction brings its own brand of justice—Punisher’s lethal precision, Pantheon’s coordinated strength, and Hulk’s unstoppable fury.

The final confrontation centers on Frost, a grotesque villain with cybernetic enhancements and a chilling demeanor. Hulk confronts him directly, and in the heat of battle, accidentally rips Frost’s head off. But the horror doesn’t end there—Frost’s severed head keeps talking, spewing threats and madness until it self-destructs in a blast, seemingly ending his reign of terror.

The moment is both grotesque and surreal, underscoring the bizarre consequences of tampering with life and technology. Hulk’s reaction—equal parts shock and grim resolve—cements his role not just as a brute force, but as a figure navigating the moral chaos of a world where villains don’t always die quietly.

This chapter blends superhero spectacle with noir brutality, closing the Vegas saga with a bang—literally.