Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Steve Ditko
"The Incredible Hulk vs. the Metal Master"
With this final issue of the original Hulk series, the artistic chores switch over to Steve Ditko. He's no slouch, but if I'm honest, I preferred Kirby. We also have a feature-length story this issue.
As the title of the story might suggest, the villain of our tale is a man who controls metal (no not that guy, a different one). Our story begins with the testing of a new weapon by the US government; unfortunately, Dr. Bruce Banner is missing. General Ross stomps about in anger, while Betty worries and Rick wonders what the Hulk is up to. Meanwhile, the Hulk finally returns to his cave, wherein he uses his awesome ray machine to change back into Banner.
However, the changing process has become more problematic of late. This time, upon changing, Banner retains the strength of the Hulk (but only briefly, after which it fades). Bruce looks upon a monitor and sees that the testing of the new weapon has gone awry; the mysterious Metal Master has melted the whole thing. Metal Master declares that he is an alien and can control all forms of metal. He also declares that the planet Earth is now his.
The alien shows off his mastery, while back in his cave, Banner again steps in front of his ray. In another bizarre turn, Banner changes into the Hulk yet retains the face of Banner. Thinking quickly, he dons a Hulk mask that was laying about and springs into action.
Hulk confronts the Metal Master! And is soundly defeated. The alien flies off. Seeing a grand opportunity, a couple US troops sneak up on the unconscious Hulk and rip off his mask... only to find the Hulk's face. The Hulk is then captured and imprisoned.
Rick is troubled by his inability to help the Hulk this time. In an effort to accomplish something, he forms the Teen Brigade! - a group of teenagers across the country who communicate by way of ham radios. At about the same time, the Hulk manages to bust free of his prison and return to his cave, where he changes back to Banner (feeling weaker all the time).
Rick finds our hero and tells him of his Teen Brigade. They hatch a plan and the teenage army begins to gather supplies. Once everything is in place, the Hulk confronts the Metal Master, wielding a massive gun. Undaunted, the alien attacks, attempting to destroy the weapon. But it's not working! He tries harder and harder, with no success! The Hulk manages to grab a hold of the would-be despot and bring him to justice. Turns out the weapon was plastic!
In our story (and series) epilogue, the Hulk tries to change back to Banner without success. He is stuck once again as a monster.
Wait. What's this? Oh, he does change back to Banner. It was nothing more than a delayed reaction. Bruce and Betty re-unite and all appears well - excepting the general, who still doesn't trust the scientist. The final moments of the issue center around the uncertainty of the ray machine (yet with still the understanding that Banner will use it again).
And that's that for this short-lived series. Some good stuff, some slogs. Great art.
Next up for the Hulk, Rick Jones, and the Teen Brigade? Avenger #1, of course!
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