Warning! Spoilers for Maestro: World War M #1 by Marvel Comics below
The deadliest Hulk of Marvel's apocalypse future just met his match as a surprise hero who just unleashed a surprisingly powerful attack against the Maestro. In Maestro: World War M #1 by Marvel Comics, the future Hulk comes face-to-face with the Human Torch. However, this version of the Human Torch isn't Johnny Storm, but instead is the classic hero with the same name - and he's not holding back against the villain, making him look weak with a fiery attack.
The Human Torch is one of the most instantly recognizable superhero monikers in comics, as Johnny Storm from the Fantastic Four is one of Marvel Comics' first heroes. However, long before that version of the Human Torch appeared, Jim Hammond was the original version of the hero appearing in Timely Comics' Marvel Comics #1 in 1939 by Carl Burgos. The original Human Torch is an android capable of turning its body into pure fire. Hammond was among Timely Comics' first heroes, including Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Captain America. Now, Marvel's first Human Torch is coming back in a big way.
In Maestro: World War M #1 by Peter David, German Peralta, Jesus Aburtov, Pasqual Ferry, Matt Hollingsworth, and Ariana Maher, the Abomination is awoken from stasis after Maestro levels A.I.M. in an attempt to kill Doctor Doom. The future version of the Hulk, who's become even stronger thanks to absorbing radiation from a near world-ending nuclear attack, rules the future and kills anyone who challenges him. So, when the Abomination encounters Namor the Sub-Mariner, he's introduced to the underwater antihero's plan to stop the Hulk: The Human Torch.
Namor unleashes the Human Torch at Maestro, who mistakenly believes he's Johnny Storm. However, after introducing himself as Jim, the Human Torch exploits the Hulk and hurts him a fiery blast, showing that Maestro is somewhat weak against the android's attack. Next, the Human Torch unleashes a Nova Flame attack at the Hulk, which sends Maestro flying across the city, as it does serious damage against the dictator. After unleashing his Nova Flame, Maestro sees the Human Torch heading towards the ocean, so a rematch between the Hulk and android hero seems inevitable.
The Human Torch might not be the only solution needed to stop the Hulk, but he showed how to make the villain seem weak with his fire powers - which is no small feat. Considering the Human Torch did real damage against Maestro like few before him, he will surely be key in stopping the deadliest Hulk ever. Maestro: World War M #1 is in comic book stores now.