World War Hulks # 1 is a giant-sized anthology special published by Marvel Comics on April 7, 2010. It serves as a bridge between the "Fall of the Hulks" and "World War Hulks" storylines, revealing critical backstories and secrets.
The issue features several interconnected stories that set the stage for the gamma-powered conflict:
- A-Bomb (Rick Jones): Chronicles Rick Jones' struggle with his new gamma identity and a difficult decision regarding his future with Marlo Chandler.
- Doc Samson's Descent: Explores the mental deterioration of Leonard Samson and his betrayal as he aligns with the Intelligencia.
- Red She-Hulk: Reveals the shock she faces upon discovering she did not actually kill the original She-Hulk, Jennifer Walters, but a Life Model Decoy (LMD).
- Hulkpool Debut: Features Deadpool becoming gamma-irradiated and transforming into Hulkpool. This story continues in the Hulked-Out Heroes miniseries.
- Cosmic Hulk: Introduces an ancient alien technology—a robotic Hulk—that poses a new apocalyptic threat.
As an anthology, this issue features multiple writers and artists:
- Writers: Jeff Parker, Scott Reed, Paul Tobin, and Harrison Wilcox.
- Artists: Zach Howard, Aluir Amancio, Ryan Stegman, Ig Guara, and Ramón Rosanas.
- Cover Art: John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson, and Dean White.