BANNER OF WAR crossover reunites friends from work Thor and Hulk in April

Writer Donny Cates has taken over the relaunched Hulk title with artist Ryan Ottley. It was a little over two years ago that Cates also took the reins of the Thor book. With next year marking the 60th anniversary of both characters, it probably won’t come as a total surprise that Marvel has announced that these “friends from work” will clash in an epic 5-part “Hulk Vs. Thor: Banner of War” crossover event this April.

Joining Cates is rising artist Martin Coccolo, whose recent Marvel credits include the current X-Force book. Each issue will sport a cover drawn by  legendary artist Gary Frank as well as a variant by Coccolo.

Here’s how Marvel described the “Banner of War” crossover

In the aftermath of the opening arc of HULK and the “God of Hammers” arc currently unfolding in THOR, both Bruce Banner and Thor Odinson have both undergone massive changes, but one thing remains constant — their heated rivalry! When mysterious circumstances bring them into conflict once more, will the God of Thunder be able to triumph against a Bruce Banner who can now control his rage?

Cates expressed his excitement about penning such an epic clash.

“Well, I was a little surprised that Marvel approached me to write this, if I’m being honest. I’m mostly known for writing very small, very quiet, intimate comics, so I had to—ha!! Sorry. Couldn’t keep that up. Yeah, this is gonna be bonkers as hell, guys. “We’re going to break EVERYTHING! Happy birthday, Hulk and Thor! Hope you enjoy MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF VIOLENCE!”

Coccolo echoed the same sentiment as Cates:

“Where do I even start? I get to celebrate Hulk and Thor’s 60th anniversaries, which is already amazing and a dream come true, but I get to do it with an insane script by the great Donny Cates AND the support of an incredible group of editors? That’s just ridiculous! I’m absolutely honored by this opportunity and I’ve been giving it my 100%. Hopefully readers will agree. I can only say to all the fans out there to strap yourselves ’cause this is going to be a wild ride!”

Hulk and Thor have clashed a number of times not only in comics but in various other media as well, perhaps most memorably in the brilliant Thor: Ragnarok film.

“Hulk Vs. Thor: Banner War” begins this April and runs through June. Check out a breakdown of the release schedule for the epic crossover event below.

On Sale 4/27/22
HULK VS. THOR: BANNER OF WAR ALPHA #1
Written by DONNY CATES
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by GARY FRANK
Variant Cover by MARTIN COCCOLO

On Sale May 2022
THOR #25 – “Banner of War” Part Two
Written by DONNY CATES
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by GARY FRANK

HULK #7 – “Banner of War” Part Three
Written by DONNY CATES
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by GARY FRANK

On Sale June 2022
THOR #26 – “Banner of War” Part Four
Written by DONNY CATES
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by GARY FRANK

HULK #8 – “Banner of War” Part Five
Written by DONNY CATES
Art by MARTIN COCCOLO
Cover by GARY FRANK