Marvel is nearing the end of an era, as Immortal Hulk #50 approaches, completing the critically acclaimed series with an epic 80-page finale that will depict the Hulk's efforts to save Bruce Banner from the monstrous One-Below-All and its servant Samuel Sterns, aka the Leader.
The series, from writer Al Ewing and former Marvel artist Joe Bennett, has redefined the Hulk's lore and Bruce Banner's relationship with his various personas, from the terrifying Devil Hulk to the slick wannabe-mobster Sunshine Joe. While the series has masterfully drawn on old stories to root its new narrative in the Hulk's fictional history, perhaps the most significant new addition is the One-Below-All, a multiversal force of destruction that intends to use Hulk to end the cycle of creation, snuffing out all life in every possible reality. In Immortal Hulk #24, fans saw what it will look like if this plan comes to fruition, as a being known as the Breaker of Worlds strides across the galaxy, pummeling entire planets into dust.
The Breaker of Worlds is Hulk's ultimate form - powered by a cold rage at all creation and steered by the eldritch purpose of the One-Below-All - but it's also the worst case scenario for every other living being. As Joe Fixit, the Savage Hulk, and Jackie McGee plunge into the Below-Place in an attempt to rescue Banner from the grips of the Leader (recently possessed by the One-Below-All as part of its plans), their larger quest is to interrupt the chain of events that will create the Breaker of Worlds. It's therefore fitting that the Hulk's ultimate form adorns one of several 'Immortal Moments' variant covers for the issue, in a piece recently shared by artist Sanford Greene on Twitter.
It's impossible to know how this series will end, but the One-Below-All is a multiversal threat which exists "below" all realities, and is even implied to pre-date the current iteration of Marvel's cosmos. It may be that Hulk will have to settle for severing its connection to the nefarious Leader and rescuing Banner rather than defeating the monster for good. Immortal Hulk #50 may conclude by leaving the Breaker of Worlds as a perennial possibility, always lurking in the future should Hulk surrender to his more destruction impulses.
Equally, it's possible the epic series will conclude with an event of cosmic relevance, and the One-Below-All will be defeated for good. If so, this will only be possible because an advanced race sent a messenger back in time to warn of Hulk's apocalyptic destiny. Whatever happens, the Breaker of Worlds is one of the most significant additions to Hulk's lore ever made, imagining the terrible final consequences of unchecked rage. Fans can find out how this ambitious saga ends when Immortal Hulk #50 hits retailers October 13, complete with this variant cover from Sanford Greene.
Source: Sanford Greene