Since the apparent merging of his split personalities, Bruce Banner is now in full control of the Hulk and is smarter and stronger than ever. He’s also found himself allied with the half-gods known as the Pantheon who work rescue and relief missions around the world. When rebel factions in the war-torn Middle Eastern country Trans-Sabal attempt to overthrow their tyrant ruler Farnoq Dahn, the Hulk and the Pantheon step in to help.
Unfortunately, Farnoq Dahn was granted the position of power by the US Government who send in their specialist superhuman unit in the form of the all-new all-different X-Factor. The team consists of mutant misfits Havok, Multiple Man, Polaris, Strong Guy, Wolfsbane and their newest and most-reluctant recruit Quicksilver). They might not be A-listers, but they just might be enough to take down the Green Goliath.
‘War & Pieces’ was writer Peter David’s chance to bring the characters from the two biggest Marvel Comics titles he was writing at the time in one story and it paid off big-time for readers…
Crossover: The main storyline takes place in the Incredible Hulk title, with the X-Factor issue acting as an expansion to the story.
Must-Reads: In the Fallout section, issues/story arcs marked with a ✔ are essential reading.
Spoilers: The issue descriptions and fallout section contain spoilers, so be warned!
Previous events that directly impact this story:
- MUTANT GENESIS (1991-1992) – Introducing the all-new X-Factor
Want to keep it simple? Here’s the chronological reading order without story descriptions, or spoilers:
- Incredible Hulk #390-391
- X-Factor #76 (tie-in)
- Incredible Hulk #392
| Must Read | Title, Issue & Synopsis |
| ✔ | Incredible Hulk #390 On a mission with the Pantheon, the Hulk heads to Trans-Sabal where rebel factions are attempting to overthrow the country’s ruler, Farnoq Dahn. As the battle rages, the Hulk and Rick Jones learn SHIELD are providing old suits of Mandroid armour as extra firepower for Farnoq Dahn’s troops to help him keep the rebels in line. Hearing about the Hulk’s involvement, the US Government send the special mutant task force X-Factor to deal with him and protect their interests. Back in America, Betty Banner receives a phone call from someone claiming to be Rick Jones’ mother, despite him being an orphan. 1st appearance: Farnoq Sawalha Dahn, Zack Galvin, Trans-Sabal |
| ✔ | Incredible Hulk #391 X-Factor arrive in Trans-Sabal, though they’re immediately sceptical about Farnoq Dahn and their mission. Rick Jones gets to know Shurk – one of the Pantheon’s soldiers – only to watch him die in battle. The Hulk tears through SHIELD’s forces until he’s opposed by X-Factor. Havok unleashes the full force of his powers in a desperate bid to bring the Hulk down. In America, Rick Jones’ girlfriend, Marlo Chandler, agrees to accompany Betty to meet with Jackie Shorr who assures them both she truly is Rick’s mother. |
| Must Read | Title, Issue & Synopsis |
| X-Factor #76 (tie-in) Wolfsbane is separated from X-Factor and taken captive by religious zealot Jolel who believes she’s working with the Pantheon. Jolel’s sister Sandah frees Wolfsbane, so he murders Sandah for disobeying him. Out of her mind with rage, Wolfsbane kills Jolel in retaliation and is found by Quicksilver in a state of distress. | |
| ✔ | Incredible Hulk #392 Having realised Havok’s true power, Farnoq Dahn attaches him to a missile he plans to launch at his enemies. While X-Factor and take on the Pantheon, the Hulk frees Havok before snatching Dahn and taking him before his people for trial. Dahn’s loyal citizens forgive him, but a Mandroid shoots the Trans-Sabal ruler, killing him. The Hulk locates the Mandroid and finds it’s been operated by Rick Jones, distraught over the death of Shurk. Rick is comforted by Wolfsbane with the two of them sharing an unexpected bond now that they’re both killers. |
See how this event fits into the wider Marvel Universe with these reading orders:
- HULK, 1987-1992 – The Peter David Era I: Gray vs Green
| Collected Edition Title | Collects… |
| Incredible Hulk by Peter David Omnibus vol.2 | Incredible Hulk #369-400 Incredible Hulk Annual #16-18 X-Factor #76 Marvel Holiday Special #2 |
| X-Factor Epic Collection: All-New, All-Different X-Factor (vol.7) | Incredible Hulk #390-392 X-Factor #71-83 X-Factor Annual #7 |
| X-Factor by Peter David Omnibus vol.1 | Incredible Hulk #390-392 New Mutants Annual #6 [part] X-Factor #55, 71-92 X-Factor Annual #5-6 [part], 7-8 |
| Collected Edition Title | Includes… |
| Hulk Visionaries: Peter David vol.8 X-Factor Visionaries: Peter David vol.2 | Incredible Hulk #390-392 X-Factor #76 |
Reading Order © Omniverse Comics Guide 2026
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