Incredible Hulk, The (1968 series) #367

In the conclusion of the Countdown story, we witness a very weak Hulk searching deep inside himself for help from Bruce Banner. The Hulk is attempting to access the Leader's files on Madman when it dawns on him that the Leader (Samuel Sterns) is, in fact, the brother of Phil Sterns—and that Phil is responsible for poisoning Banner. The Leader explains that his brother is a slave to Madman's will and could not reject his orders. Hulk agrees to help the Leader with Phil and is transported to Phil's apartment.

Frustrated in his search to locate Phil Sterns, the Hulk uncovers a secret lair. Within the lair, the Hulk is confronted by the shapeshifter Madman, who quickly grows to a greater stature than that of the Hulk. Madman savagely beats on the Hulk, who, in his diminished form, tries to hold off the onslaught. In the midst of the battle, it is revealed that Phil Sterns is actually Madman. Phil tries to help the Hulk but is overpowered by Madman—not before telling the Hulk the location of the poison, so that an antidote may be made to save Banner.

As Phil battles his inner demons, the Hulk, in a surprising move, poisons him with the same virus that infects Banner. Madman once again gains control over his human persona and knocks out the Hulk. During the Hulk's unconsciousness, Madman creates an antidote to save himself. Just before he can inject himself, the Hulk rushes him and the two struggle for the antidote. The Hulk manages to grasp it and inject himself as he is turning back into Banner. Now cured, Bruce departs from Madman's lair—but not before leaving the antidote for Phil, although just out of his reach.