Startling Stories: Banner (2001 series) #3

Doc Samson is summoned to meet with General Thunderbolt Ross. Ross has just received the report that the squadron of helicopters has been destroyed by Hulk, leaving no survivors. Samson spars verbally with Ross, about how it looks like things are out of control—and how it looks like the army is involved in a relief effort and not an undeclared war against one man….

Bruce Banner knocks at the door of a gas station convenience store, asking for water. The two men inside are robbers holding the clerk prisoner. They give him his water for free and send him away. Right outside Banner is attacked by a chained-up watchdog. He gets away and is relieved he has not transformed into the Hulk. Police arrive and order him to lie down. Banner steps on a scorpion which stings him, triggering a transformation….

Ross informs Samson they are not satisfied with his results. Samson reminds Ross he promised to deliver Bruce Banner in 24 hours. Then word comes of the gas station incident and Samson decides to do things Ross’ way for now…..

Hulk has leveled the gas station and is drinking all the water he can find. Doc Samson walks in and discovers Hulk is looking for Banner. Samson muses on how they are alike, their mothers being the gamma bomb but Hulk was an accident, Samson was planned. He then tells Hulk that Banner will come out once he calms down. Hulk throws him through the window. Samson returns and there is a fight, Samson’s blows being ineffectual but Hulk’s punch sending Samson into the sky. When Samson lands, Hulk is on him, punching away. Eventually, Samson catches Hulk’s fist and tells him Banner is out there. Hulk smashes Samson one last time and leaps away after Banner….