CBR recently released sneak peaks of 3 pages of Indestructible Hulk issue 7 drawn by Walt Simonson. Since the news of Walt’s story arc with Thor in Indestructible Hulk broke months ago, there has been a lot of speculation on whether or not Hulk will finally be able to lift Thor’s hammer mjolnir. Thor fans maintain that Hulk will not lift the magically powered hammer while Hulk fans call for Hulk to finally lift it. The images below (click to open a large view) seem to indicate that Hulk will lift the hammer in the story but many are speculating that it merely depicts Hulk being hurled along with the hammer as Thor summons it back to his hand. Personally, I tend to think the latter and that Hulk will not lift Mjolnir. Don’t get me wrong, I would not be against it but only if the story had a fitting scenario for Hulk to lift the hammer. An example of a story that was not fitting was Loeb’s story where the Red Hulk lifted it in space due to the absence of gravity. I guess we will have to wait a few more months to find out. I know I can’t wait!
an INCREDIBLE HULK fan web site 
Woah… can’t wait to see how they explain this one!
Same here Ryan – really hoping for a very well written story! I know I am anxious for both the story and the art.
I’m leaning towards agreeing with you: it looks like he ‘s just hanging on to Mjolnir rather than lifting it.
Hi Jeff, the more I think about it, the more I think the imagery is a tease. They are great images but I can’t see past the mythos around the hammer and Hulk’s longstanding inability to lift it. I think the tease is working as I am really anticipating this story arc. I expect it will be good reading and viewing.
We’ll see. If Hulk lifts Mjolnir through power or being worthy, I’ll accept it. If Hulk doesn’t lift the hammer, I’ll accept it. All in all, what I really want is a fun, epic, and utterly awesome story. That’s what matters most. But I’d like to see an intelligent, Green Scar persona Hulk lifting and wielding Mjolnir in battle. It’d be welcome after having a mostly silent, roaring, raging nuclear arsenal beast that Mark Waid has given us so far. It’s one of the few flaws that the series has (including no internal monologue between Hulk and Banner, Hulk not really cutting loose ala World-Breaker, no cool Bannertech features to the armor like teleportation, shields, booster jets, etc.).
What do you think?
I completely agree – I will be satisfied with any story that is well written when it comes to the hammer. I think Waid’s run is at a bit of a tipping point at the moment and it could really take off with a great Thor story arc. Conversely, if the story lays an egg it could be downhill really fast. I think some interesting groundwork has been laid with the story to date and while it has been a bit slow developing, it has kept my interest enough to be optimistic about the future issues. I am very intrigued by the Simonson drawn Thor issues. You make some good points about Waid’s run so far – lots of opportunity to build on the early story line.
Actually it never made sense he could not lift it.. Not because of his strength. The hulk has never Killed a Innocent, He has sacrificed his happiness time and again more often than Thor. He risked his life time and again for the innocent and would give his life with out a though to protect those he loves. Or even a stranger. Has shown Mercy to those that want to kill him. That pretty much the Definition of worthy. But 10 to 1 marvel will have a stupid explanation ie its not really Thor.
WE will see very soon. I hope the story is well written so we can discuss a great story arc in the near future.