Synopsis / Summary / Plot
The Hulk refuses to join the rebels (Sakaar Democratic Insurgency group), and they are defeated by Imperial Death's Heads. Elloe was a Rebel herself and is also sent away. Jade Jaws and his team don't interfere. That night, the Hulk finds Caiera in his room. She considers the Hulk a menace to the Emperor the Red King and offers to buy his freedom in exchange for the Hulk's living in a peaceful area called the Steppes. But the Hulk refuses and goes to meet some prostitutes.
The next day is the final fight: any slave gladiator who survives tree rounds becomes a citizen of the Empire (and may receive royalties). Not according to plan (specifically, a gross violation of the game rules), the Imperial Dreadnought cruiser shows up above the arena and drops a deathfire bomb. The Hulk leaps to embrace it, and contains the blast. Skee is the only one hurt. But it doesn't stop there: Death's Head Warguards armed with laser cannons are sent to destroy the slaves. The team charges bravely, but it is the Hulk who, "returned from death", destroys the Warguards with his fists and using their own cannons. The Hulk's victorious GRRRRAAAAA!!! brings the crowd to their feet while the Emperor's guards watch in awe.
The Hulk sustained heavy wounds in this fight, first from the blast, but then from the Warguard spears, seemingly made of wood (?!). But Skee finally died in the battle. Hiroim, the Shadow Warrior (a Saka Priest) prays for Skee's soul. Then Brood, Korg and the Hulk relate their fight and origin tales. Finally, the remaining team members swear to be warbound (thus the "Green Scar and his Mighty Gladiators" team is now called simply "Warbound"). Epilogue: The Shadow Lieutenant brings the Silver Savage (the Silver Surfer) to end the Hulk's days.