Marvel Comics has revealed Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire and Brimstone, a new series teaming up two of the company’s most iconic characters, written by Kevin Smith and Andy McElfresh (Maskerade), with art by R.B. Silva (One World Under Doom). Set during the characters’ earlier years, the five-issue book will see Peter Parker accompany Bruce Banner when the scientist decides on an unexpected solution to ridding himself of the Hulk: religion.
The official synopsis elaborates the book begins “when Easter Mass in Central Park is interrupted by Mole Man and a horde of Man-themed supervillains. Not one to let a pun go to waste (or a holiday be ruined) Peter Parker suits up and steps in to save the day… before the Incredible Hulk makes his presence felt as only the Jade Giant can. Together with Matt Murdock, Spidey learns that Bruce Banner is intent on solving his ‘Hulk’ problem once and for all with the help of the church. Namely, through an exorcism of his big green counterpart!”
Smith states, “I’ve played with Peter Parker and swung with Spider-Man before, but this is the first time I’m having Hulk issues. Andy and I are dropping two of Marvel’s most well-known scientists into a spiritual story of Biblical proportions as we exorcise the Incredible Hulk – and I’m not talking cross-fit!”
The writer, who was raised Catholic, previously explored religion and the supernatural in his seminal Marvel Knights: Daredevil run in 1998, as well as in films like Dogma and Red State. He and McElfresh have worked together on several prior projects, but this will mark the latter’s first for Marvel.
Issue #1 will be unleashed on August 19, shortly after Parker and Banner’s reunion on the big screen in July 31’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It’ll be released with variant covers by Marco Checchetto, Rose Besch, Ryan Stegman, and Skottie Young, which’ll be revealed at a later date. You can check out a three-page preview below in the meantime.
Smith will return to Marvel beforehand in the Jay and Silent Bob crossover special Jays of Future Past on June 10, and another series starring Spidey and the Hulk, Spider-Man: Long Way Home, will begin on June 17. Other books capitalizing on Brand New Day will include the new Spectacular Spider-Man series (launching Wednesday, May 13), and Punisher vs. Spider-Man (July 15).
