The Incredible Hulk #248
In "How Green My Garden Grows!", the Hulk journeys to the sub-atomic world of K’ai to lay to rest the body of Jarella, finding the once-lush planet reduced to a barren wasteland. There, he confronts the enigmatic Gardener, a cosmic steward who guards the last fertile valley—and the Soul Gem that holds the world’s life force. Written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Sal Buscema with inks by Sal Buscema, color by Ben Sean, and lettering by Jim Novak, this 1980 Marvel classic features a cover by Michael Golden that captures the moment of revelation. The story unfolds with quiet intensity, as the Hulk’s grief and determination spark a transformation that echoes beyond the planet’s surface.
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Hulk brings Jarella's body back to her sub-atomic home world of K'ai to be buried. With most of the planet barren, he takes her to the only fertile valley left but finds it is tended by the cosmic being known as the Gardener who tells him to leave. After a lot of talking and a few fights, Hulk hits the Gardener so hard it knocks the Soul Gem off of his head. Hulk throws the gem into the center of the planet, miraculously restoring the entire world back to vibrant health. After Jarella is buried and Hulk has been returned to Earth, a beautiful green flower grows upon her grave.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).
