Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability
Anger empowerment
Regeneration
Shockwave generation
Gamma ray emission and manipulation
TheHulk is asuperhero appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. Created by writerStan Lee and artistJack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue ofThe Incredible Hulk (May 1962). In his comic book appearances, the character, who hasdissociative identity disorder (DID), is primarily represented by thealter ego Hulk, a immense, green-skinned, hulking brute, possessing a limitless degree of physical strength, and the alter egoDr. Robert Bruce Banner, a physically weak, socially withdrawn, and emotionally reserved physicist, both of whom typically resent each other.
Following his accidental exposure togamma rays while saving the life ofRick Jones during the detonation of an experimental bomb, Banner is physically transformed into the Hulk when subjected to emotional stress, at or against his will. This transformation often leads to destructive rampages and conflicts that complicate Banner's civilian life. The Hulk's level of strength is usually conveyed proportionate to his anger level. Commonly portrayed as a raging savage, the Hulk has been represented with other alter egos, from a mindless, destructive force (War) to a brilliant warrior (World-Breaker), aself-hating protector (theDevil Hulk), a genius scientist in his own right (Doc Green), and agangster (Joe Fixit).
Despite Hulk and Banner's desire for solitude, the character has a large supporting cast. This includes Banner's love interestBetty Ross, his best friend,Rick Jones, his cousinShe-Hulk, and therapist and allyDoc Samson. In addition, the Hulk alter ego has many key supporting characters, like his co-founders of the superhero team theAvengers, his queenCaiera, fellow warriorsKorg andMiek, and sonsSkaar andHiro-Kala. However, his uncontrollable power has brought him into conflict with his fellow heroes and others. Despite this, he tries his best to do what's right while battling villains such as theLeader, theAbomination, theAbsorbing Man, and more.
Lee stated that the Hulk's creation was inspired by a combination ofFrankenstein andDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.[4] Although the Hulk's coloration has varied throughout the character's publication history, the usual color is green.
It was patently apparent that [the monstrous character the]Thing was the most popular character in [Marvel's recently created superhero team the]Fantastic Four. ... For a long time, I'd been aware of the fact that people were more likely to favor someone who was less than perfect. ... It's a safe bet that you rememberQuasimodo, but how easily can you name any of the heroic, handsomer, more glamorous characters inThe Hunchback of Notre Dame? And then there's Frankenstein ... I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Frankenstein monster. No one could ever convince me that he was the bad guy. ... He never wanted to hurt anyone; he merely groped his torturous way through a second life trying to defend himself, trying to come to terms with those who sought to destroy him. ... I decided I might as well borrow from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as well—our protagonist would constantly change from his normal identity to his superhuman alter ego and back again.[10]
Kirby also stated the Frankenstein inspiration stating, "I did a story called "The Hulk"– a small feature, and it was quite different from the Hulk that we know. But I felt that the Hulk had possibilities, and I took this little character from the small feature and I transformed it into the Hulk that we know today.Of course, I was experimenting with it. I thought the Hulk might be a good-looking Frankenstein. I felt there's a Frankenstein in all of us; I’ve seen it demonstrated. And I felt that the Hulk had the element of truth in it, and anything to me with the element of truth is valid and the reader relates to that. And if you dramatize it, the reader will enjoy it."[11] Kirby also commented upon his influences in drawing the character, and recalled the inspiration of witnessing thehysterical strength of a mother lifting a car off her trapped child.[12][13][14]
Lee has also compared Hulk to theGolem of Jewish mythology.[9] InThe Science of Superheroes, Gresh and Weinberg see the Hulk as a reaction to the Cold War[15] and the threat of nuclear attack, an interpretation shared by Weinstein inUp, Up and Oy Vey.[9] This interpretation corresponds with other popularized fictional media created during this time period, which took advantage of the prevailing sense among Americans that nuclear power could produce monsters and mutants.[16]
In the debut, Lee chose grey for the Hulk because he wanted a color that did not suggest any particular ethnic group.[17] ColoristStan Goldberg, however, had problems with the grey coloring, resulting in different shades of grey, and even green, in the issue. After seeing the first published issue, Lee chose to change the skin color to green.[18] Green was used in retellings of the origin, with even reprints of the original story being recolored for the next two decades, untilThe Incredible Hulk vol. 2, #302 (December 1984) reintroduced the grey Hulk in flashbacks set close to the origin story. An exception is the early trade paperback,Origins of Marvel Comics, from 1974, which explains the difficulties in keeping the grey color consistent in a Stan Lee-written prologue, and reprints the origin story keeping the grey coloration. Since December 1984, reprints of the first issue have displayed the original grey coloring, with the fictional canon specifying that the Hulk's skin had initially been grey.
Lee gave the Hulk's alter ego the alliterative name "Bruce Banner" because he found he had less difficulty remembering alliterative names. Despite this, in later stories he misremembered the character's name and referred to him as "Bob Banner", an error which readers quickly picked up on.[19] The discrepancy was resolved by giving the character the official full name "Robert Bruce Banner."[1]
The Hulk got his name from a comic book character namedThe Heap who was a large green swamp monster.[20]
Series history
The Hulk's original series was canceled with issue #6 (March 1963). Lee had written each story, with Kirby penciling the first five issues andSteve Ditko penciling and inking the sixth. The character immediately guest-starred inThe Fantastic Four #12 (March 1963), and months later became a founding member of the superhero team theAvengers, appearing in the first two issues of the team's eponymous series (Sept. and Nov. 1963), and returning as an antagonist in issue #3 and as an ally in #5 (Jan.–May 1964). He then guest-starred inFantastic Four #25–26 (April–May 1964), which revealed Banner's full name as Robert Bruce Banner, andThe Amazing Spider-Man #14 (July 1964).[21]
Around this time, co-creator Kirby received a letter from a college dormitory stating the Hulk had been chosen as its official mascot.[9] Kirby and Lee realized their character had found an audience in college-age readers.
A year and a half afterThe Incredible Hulk was canceled, the Hulk became one of two features inTales to Astonish, beginning in issue #60 (Oct. 1964).[22]
This new Hulk feature was initially scripted by Lee, with pencils bySteve Ditko and inks byGeorge Roussos. Other artists later in this run includedJack Kirby (#68–87, June 1965 – Oct. 1966);Gil Kane (credited as "Scott Edwards", #76, (Feb. 1966));Bill Everett (#78–84, April–Oct. 1966);John Buscema (#85–87); andMarie Severin. TheTales to Astonish run introduced the super-villains theLeader,[4] who would become the Hulk's nemesis, and theAbomination, another gamma-irradiated being.[4]Marie Severin finished out the Hulk's run inTales to Astonish. Beginning with issue #102 (April 1968) the book was retitledThe Incredible Hulk vol. 2,[23] and ran until 1999, when Marvel canceled the series and launchedHulk #1. Marvel filed for atrademark for "The Incredible Hulk" in 1967, and theUnited States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration in 1970.[24]
Len Wein wrote the series from 1974 through 1978, working first withHerb Trimpe, then, as of issue #194 (December 1975), withSal Buscema, who was the regular artist for ten years.[25] Issues #180–181 (Oct.–Nov. 1974) introducedWolverine as an antagonist,[26] who would go on to become one of Marvel Comics' most popular characters. In 1977, Marvel launched a second title,The Rampaging Hulk, a black-and-white comics magazine.[4] This was originally conceived as a flashback series, set between the end of his original, short-lived solo title and the beginning of his feature inTales to Astonish.[27] After nine issues, the magazine was retitledThe Hulk! and printed in color.[28]
In 1977, two Hulktelevision films were aired to strong ratings, leading to anIncredible Hulk TV series that aired from 1978 to 1982. A huge ratings success, the series introduced the popular Hulkcatchphrase "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry", and broadened the character's popularity from a niche comic book readership into the mainstream consciousness.[29]
Bill Mantlo became the series' writer for five years beginning with issue #245 (March 1980). Mantlo's "Crossroads of Eternity" stories (#300–313 (Oct. 1984 – Nov. 1985)) explored the idea that Banner had sufferedchild abuse. Later Hulk writersPeter David andGreg Pak have called these stories an influence on their approaches to the character.[30][31] Mantlo left the series forAlpha Flight and that series' writerJohn Byrne took overThe Incredible Hulk.[32] The final issue of Byrne's six issue run featured the wedding of Bruce Banner andBetty Ross.[33] Writer Peter David began a 12-year run with issue #331 (May 1987). He returned to theRoger Stern and Mantlo abuse storylines, expanding the damage caused, and depicting Banner as sufferingdissociative identity disorder (DID).[4]
In 1998, David killed off Banner's long-time love Betty Ross. Marvel executives used Ross' death as an opportunity to pursue the return of the Savage Hulk. David disagreed, leading to his parting ways with Marvel.[34] Also in 1998, Marvel relaunchedThe Rampaging Hulk as a standard comic book rather than as a comics magazine.[4]The Incredible Hulk was again cancelled with issue #474 of its second volume in March 1999 and was replaced with a new series,Hulk the following month, with returning writer Byrne and art byRon Garney.[35][36] New series writerPaul Jenkins developed the Hulk's multiple dissociative identities,[37] and his run was followed byBruce Jones[38] with his run featuring Banner being pursued by a secret conspiracy and aided by the mysterious Mr. Blue. Jones appended his 43-issueIncredible Hulk run with thelimited seriesHulk/Thing: Hard Knocks #1–4 (Nov. 2004 – Feb. 2005), which Marvel published after putting the ongoing series on hiatus. Peter David, who had initially signed a contract for the six-issueTempest Fugit limited series, returned as writer when it was decided to make that story the first five parts of the revived (vol. 3).[39] After a four-part tie-in to the "House of M" storyline and a one-issueepilogue, David left the series once more, citing the need to do non-Hulk work for the sake of his career.[40]
WriterGreg Pak took over the series in 2006, leading the Hulk through several crossover storylines including "Planet Hulk" and "World War Hulk", which left the Hulk temporarily incapacitated and replaced as the series' title character by the demigodHercules in the retitledThe Incredible Hercules (Feb. 2008). The Hulk returned periodically inHulk, which then starred the newRed Hulk.[41] In September 2009,The Incredible Hulk was relaunched asThe Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #600.[41] The series was retitledThe Incredible Hulks with issue #612 (Nov. 2010) to encompass the Hulk's expanded family, and ran until issue #635 (Oct. 2011) when it was replaced withThe Incredible Hulk (vol. 3) (15 issues, Dec. 2011 – Dec. 2012) written byJason Aaron with art byMarc Silvestri.[42] As part of Marvel's 2012Marvel NOW! relaunch, a series calledIndestructible Hulk (Nov. 2012) debuted under the creative team ofMark Waid andLeinil Yu.[43] This series was replaced in 2014 withThe Hulk by Waid and artistMark Bagley.[44]
A new series titledThe Immortal Hulk, written byAl Ewing and drawn byJoe Bennett, was launched in 2018 and ran for 50 issues. The series had a spin-off one-shotImmortal She-Hulk[45] and a spin-off series aboutGamma Flight in June 2021.[46]
In November 2021,Donny Cates became the new writer ofHulk, withRyan Ottley joining as artist. In May 2022, the series did a crossover with theThor series, also written by Cates, entitledHulk vs Thor: Banner of War. The series ran for 14 issues, with Ottley taking over as writer for the last 4 issues afters Cates left the book.[47][48]
In March 2023, it was announced that a new volume ofThe Incredible Hulk would launch in June 2023, written byPhillip Kennedy Johnson and drawn by Nic Klein.[49]
Characterization
Fictional character biography
Hulk, as he appeared on a pin-up from the comic book issueFantastic Four Annual #1 (July 1963). Art by the character's co-creator Jack Kirby.
Robert Bruce Banner's psyche was profoundly affected by his troubled childhood, in which his father,Brian Banner, regarded him as a monster due to his seemingly unnatural intellect from a young age.[50] These experiences caused Bruce to develop adissociative identity disorder and repress his negative emotions as a coping mechanism. After Brian killed Bruce's mother in a fit of rage,[51] Bruce lived with several relatives up until his high school years, when his intelligence caught the attention of theUnited States Army.[52] Banner was recruited to develop nuclear weapons under the authority ofGeneral Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, and soon developed a relationship with the General's daughterBetty Ross.[53]
During the experimental detonation of a gamma bomb, Banner saves teenagerRick Jones, who was dared onto the testing field; Banner pushes Jones into a trench to save him, but is hit with the blast, absorbing massive amounts of gamma radiation. He awakens later seemingly unscathed, but he begins transforming into a powerful and destructive creature upon nightfall, which a pursuing soldier describes as a "hulk".[53] Banner's attempts to cure himself of these transformations alter their conditions, causing Banner to transform as a response to rage or fear.[54] The Hulk is a founding member of theAvengers,[55] but quickly leaves the group due to their distrust of him.[56] Banner maintains the secret of his dual identity with Rick's aid, but Rick reveals his secret following his assumed death to MajorGlenn Talbot who subsequently informed his superiors, forcing Banner to become a fugitive upon returning from the future where he was actually thrown to.[57]
PsychiatristDoc Samson captures the Hulk and manages to physically separate Banner and the Hulk,[58] allowing Banner to marry Betty.[59] However, Banner and the Hulk's molecular structure destabilized and threatened to kill them, requiring Samson to reunite them with the aid ofVision.[60] Samson is later able to merge elements of Banner's fractured psyche to create Professor Hulk, an intelligent but egocentric variation of the Hulk.[51] Professor Hulk soon becomes a key member of thePantheon, a secretive organization of superpowered individuals.[61][62] His tenure with the organization brings him into conflict with a tyrannical alternate future version of himself called theMaestro, who rules over a world where many heroes are dead.[63] The Professor Hulk construct ultimately proves unstable, and Banner's psyche eventually splinters once more.
In "Planet Hulk", theIlluminati decide the Hulk is too dangerous to remain on Earth and send him away by rocket ship which crashes on Planet Sakaar. The Hulk finds allies in theWarbound and marries alien queenCaiera, a relationship that bears him two sons:Skaar andHiro-Kala.[64] After the Illuminati's ship explodes and kills Caiera, the Hulk returns to Earth with his superhero group Warbound and declares war on the planet in "World War Hulk".[65] However, after learning thatMiek, one of the Warbound, had actually been responsible for the destruction, the Hulk allows himself to be defeated, with Banner subsequently redeeming himself as a hero as he works with and against the new Red Hulk to defeat the new supervillain team the Intelligencia.[66]
Later, the Hulk turns toDoctor Doom to separate himself and Banner, with Doom surgically extracting the elements of the Hulk's brain uniquely belonging to Banner and inserting them into a clone body.[67] Banner eventually re-combines with the Hulk when his cloned body is destroyed in an attempt to recreate his original transformation.[68] Following this, Bruce willingly joins the spy organizationS.H.I.E.L.D., allowing them to use the Hulk as a weapon in exchange for providing him with the means and funding to create a lasting legacy for himself.[69] When Banner is shot in the head by an assassin, Tony Stark saves him with a variant of theExtremis virus.[70] This procedure creates a new intelligent persona named Doc Green, who concludes that the world is in danger by Gamma Mutates[a] and thus need to be depowered. He creates a cure and depowers A-Bomb (Rick Jones), Skaar, and Red Hulk. Eventually, Doc Green's intellect fades and his normal Hulk form is restored.[71]
When the vision of the InhumanUlysses shows a rampaging Hulk standing over the corpses of many superheroes,[72] Banner givesHawkeye special arrows capable of killing him during a transformation, which Hawkeye accomplishes.[73] The Hulk was first revived by theHand,[74] then by Hydra,[75] and finally by theChallenger for a contest against theGrandmaster.[76]
Personality
Like other long-lived characters, the Hulk's character and cultural interpretations have changed with time, adding or modifying character traits. The Hulk is typically seen as a immense, hulking brute with larger Jaws, exaggerated brows, green skin, have a black hair as Bruce's, but wilder and messy, and intense eyes, wearing only a pair of torn pants that survive his physical transformation as the character progressed and hisvoice changer is lower and monsterous. As Bruce Banner, the character is about 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) tall and weighs 128 lbs (58.05 kg), but when transformed into the Hulk, the character stands between 7 and 8 ft (2.13 - 2.43 m) tall and weighs between 1,040 and 1,400 lbs (471.73 - 635.02 kg). The Gray Hulk stands 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall and weighs 900 lbs (408.23 kg); the Merged Hulk stands 7 ft 6 in (2.28 m) tall and weighs 1,150 lbs (521.63 kg); the Green Scar stands 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) tall and weighs 2,400 lbs (1.08 ton).[77] The Devil Hulk is roughly the same size as Sasquatch, standing around 9 or 10 ft (2.74 / 3.04 m) tall and weighing roughly 2,000 lbs (907.18 kg). Following his debut, Banner's transformations were triggered at nightfall, turning him into a grey-skinned Hulk. InIncredible Hulk #2, the Hulk started to appear with green skin,[78] and inAvengers #3 (1963) Banner realized that his transformations were now triggered by surges of adrenaline in response to feelings of fear, pain or anger.[79]Incredible Hulk #227 (1978) established that the Hulk's separate identity was not due to the mutation affecting his brain, but because Banner was suffering fromdissociative identity disorder, with the savage Green Hulk representing Banner's repressed childhood rage and aggression,[80] and the Grey Hulk representing Banner's repressed selfish desires and urges.[81]
Identities
Bruce Banner
During his decades of publication, Banner has been portrayed differently, but common themes persist. Banner, aphysicist who earned his Ph.D. in nuclear physics from theCalifornia Institute of Technology (Caltech), is sarcastic and seemingly very self-assured when he first appears inIncredible Hulk #1, but is also emotionally withdrawn.[4] Banner designed the gamma bomb that caused his affliction, and the ironic twist of his self-inflicted fate has been one of the most persistent common themes.[9] Arie Kaplan describes the character thus: "Robert Bruce Banner lives in a constant state of panic, always wary that the monster inside him will erupt, and therefore he cannot form meaningful bonds with anyone."[82] As a child, Banner's fatherBrian often got mad and physically abused both Banner and his mother, creating thepsychological complex of fear, anger, and the fear of anger and the destruction it can cause that underlies the character. Banner has been shown to be emotionally repressed, but capable of deep love for Betty Ross, and for solving problems posed to him. Under the writing of Paul Jenkins, Banner was shown to be a capable fugitive, applying deductive reasoning and observation to figure out the events transpiring around him. On the occasions that Banner controlled the Hulk's body, he applied principles of physics to problems and challenges and used deductive reasoning. It was shown after his ability to turn into the Hulk was taken away by the red Hulk that Banner has been extremely versatile as well as cunning when dealing with the many situations that followed. When he was briefly separated from the Hulk by Doom, Banner became criminally insane, driven by his desire to regain the power of the Hulk, but once the two recombined he came to accept that he was a better person with the Hulk to provide something for him to focus on controlling rather than allowing his intellect to run without restraint against the world.[83]
Hulk
The traditional Hulk, often called "Savage Hulk", was originally shown as grey and average in intelligence. He roamed aimlessly and became annoyed at "puny" humans who took him for a dangerous monster. Shortly after becoming the Hulk, his transformation continued turning him green, coinciding with him beginning to display primitive speech.[78] ByIncredible Hulk #4, radiation treatments gave Banner's mind complete control of the Hulk's body. While Banner relished his indestructibility and power, he was quick to anger and more aggressive in his Hulk form. He became known as a hero alongside the Avengers, but his increasing paranoia caused him to leave the group. He was convinced that he would never be trusted.[79]
Originally, the Hulk was shown as simple-minded and quick to anger.[84] The Hulk generally divorces his identity from Banner's, decrying Banner as "puny Banner."[85] From his earliest stories, the Hulk has been concerned with finding sanctuary and quiet.[9] He is often shown to quickly react emotionally to situations. Grest and Weinberg call Hulk the "dark, primordial side of Banner's psyche."[15] Even in the earliest appearances, Hulk spoke in the third person. Hulk retains a modest intelligence, thinking and talking in full sentences. Lee even gives the Hulk expository dialogue in issue #6, allowing readers to learn just what capabilities Hulk has, when the Hulk says, "But these muscles ain't just for show! All I gotta do is spring up and just keep goin'!" In the 1970s, Hulk was shown as more prone to anger and rage, and less talkative. Writers played with the nature of his transformations,[86] briefly giving Banner control over the change, and the ability to maintain control of his Hulk form. Artistically and conceptually, the character has become progressively more muscular and powerful in the years since his debut.[87]
Joe Fixit
Originally, Stan Lee wanted the Hulk to be grey. Due to ink problems, Hulk's color was changed to green. This was later changed in the story to indicate that theGrey Hulk and the Savage Hulk are separatedissociative identities or entities fighting for control in Bruce's subconscious. The Grey Hulk incarnation can do the more unscrupulous things that Banner could not bring himself to do, with many sources comparing the Grey Hulk to the moody teenager that Banner never allowed himself to be. While the grey Hulk still had the-madder-he-gets, the-stronger-he-gets part that is similar to the Savage Hulk, it is on a much slower rate. It is said by the Leader that the Grey Hulk is stronger on nights of the new moon and weaker on nights of the full moon. Originally, the night is when Bruce Banner became the Grey Hulk and changed back by dawn. In later comics, willpower or stress would have Banner turn into the Grey Hulk.[88] During one storyline where he was placed under a spell to prevent him turning back into Bruce Banner and publicly presumed dead when he was teleported away from a gamma bomb explosion that destroyed an entire town, the grey Hulk adopted a specific name asJoe Fixit, a security expert for Las Vegas casino owner Michael Berengetti, with the grey Hulk often being referred to as Joe after these events.[89] Joe Fixit later gained the ability to transform into a version ofRed Hulk in the Below-Place.[90]
Merged Hulk
Convinced that unaided, the Banner, Green Hulk, and Grey Hulk identities would eventually destroy each other, Doc Samson uses hypnosis to merge the three to create a new single identity combining Banner's intelligence with the Grey Hulk's and Banner's attitudes and the Green Hulk's body. This newMerged Hulk,Professor Hulk, or simplySmart Hulk, considered himself cured and began a new life, but the merger was not perfect, and the Hulk sometimes still considered Banner a separate person, and when overcome with rage the Merged Hulk would transform back into Banner's human body while still thinking himself the Hulk.[81] The Merged Hulk is the largest of the three primary Hulk incarnations. While in a calm emotional state, the Merged Hulk is stronger than Savage Hulk when he is calm. Unlike the Savage Hulk and the Grey Hulk, Banner subconsciously installed a type of safeguard within this incarnation. The safeguard is that when the Merged Hulk gets angry, he regresses back to Banner with the mind of the Savage Hulk.[91]
Doc Green
A variation of the Merged Hulk identity takes on the nameDoc Green as the result ofExtremis fixing Hulk's brain, becoming powerful enough to destroy Tony Stark's mansion with one thunderclap. This form was also known asOmega Hulk.[92] It was theorized by Doc Green that this form was an earlier incarnation of his possible future form Maestro.[93]
The Devil Hulk
TheDevil Hulk, or simply theDevil, is the result of the Hulk needing a father figure. While the character's physical appearance varies, he is always depicted as having glowing red eyes and reptilian traits.[94] The new form of the Devil Hulk is the result of Banner and Hulk having been through different deaths and rebirths. This incarnation is articulate, smart, and cunning, and does merciless attacks on those who do harm. Unlike the other Hulk incarnations, the Devil Hulk is content with waiting inside Bruce. If Bruce is injured by sunset, the Devil Hulk will emerge with his transformation being limited to night-time.[95] Thanks to the Devil Hulk side and Banner working together, the Devil Hulk can maintain his form in sunlight.[96]
Other identities
TheGravage Hulk is the result of Banner using the Gamma Projector on himself which merged his Savage Hulk and Grey Hulk identities. This form possesses the raw power of the Savage Hulk and the cunning intellect of the Grey Hulk. While he does not draw on anger to empower him, the Gravage Hulk identity draws on dimensional nexus energies to increase his strength.[97]
TheDark Hulk identity is the result of Hulk being possessed byShanzar. This form has black skin and is viciously strong.[98]
TheGuilt Hulk is a malevolent representation of Banner's abusive father, Brian Banner, that manifests itself in Banner's childhood memories.[99]
TheGreen Scar identity is unleashed on Sakaar and is an enraged version of the Gravage Hulk. In addition, he is an expert in armed combat like the use of swords and shields. Green Scar is also a capable leader and an expert strategist.[100]
Kluh is a personality of Hulk who is described as the "Hulk's Hulk". This form sports a white mohawk, black skin, and red lines on him.[101]
Titan is a more monstrous and malicious form of Hulk who stands at 30 ft., has black skin, rock-like spikes on his shoulders, and possesses the ability to shoot lasers from his eyes.[102] This personality was born when it was planted in Hulk byD'Spayre.[103]
Powers and abilities
Bruce Banner
Considered to be one of the greatest scientific minds on Earth, Banner possesses "a mind so brilliant it cannot be measured on any known intelligence test."[104]Norman Osborn estimates that he is the fourth most-intelligent person on Earth.[105] Banner holds expertise in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, physiology, and nuclear physics. Using this knowledge, he creates advanced technology dubbed "Bannertech", which is on par with technological development from Tony Stark or Doctor Doom. These technologies include ateleporter and aforce field that can protect him from the attacks of Hulk-level entities.
After becoming a fugitive from the law, Banner is forced to go on the run and over the years learns various skills in order to both survive and remain under radar of those who are hunting him. Banner's most frequent method of travel includes hitchhiking, train hopping or simply just walking as he is unable to travel legally via planes, passenger ships or buses due to being in several travel watchlists. Banner is generally on the move and rarely ever stays in one place for very long and only does so if there's a possibility of curing himself. He will only ever stay in one place for an extended period of time if it provides him with complete solitude and privacy where the Hulk can do little to no harm.
To avoid being tracked, Banner does not use cell phones, debit or credit cards and will only use payphones or cash. He will often use fake identities when staying at motels or working jobs that require identification. Having been on the run for years, Banner can normally tell when he is being followed and will generally make a run for it when he is discovered. Having traveled across the globe, Banner is able to sneak over borders without being detected and can get by, by either knowing or learning the local language. Often traveling light, Banner has little to no possessions that he carries in either a satchel or backpack. Often losing everything he owns after transforming into the Hulk, Banner avoids keeping anything of personal value to him so that he can easily replace the items and clothes that were lost or destroyed.
To support himself financially, Banner will work quick part-time jobs and will only accept payments in cash. These jobs have varied from simply working in low pay diners to working as local doctor. Banner's work ethic as well as his vast knowledge and skillset in science, medicine and engineering often help him get hired rather quickly. Unless desperate, Banner will generally avoid jobs that are high stress due to the potential danger of transforming into the Hulk.
Banner has little to no memories of the Hulk's actions aside from his initial transformation which he described as being extremely painful. Banner's lack of memories often terrifies him as he has often transformed back to witness the devastating aftermath of the Hulk's battles which both saddens and encourages him to find a way to understand his condition so that he won't cause anymore destruction or harm. During his travels, Banner has developed several different techniques to help suppress or control his transformations when he becomes a little angry or upset. Among the techniques he has learned over the years include meditation and hypnotherapy. While they have helped him to better understand and suppress his transformations, none of techniques Banner has learned have helped him to gain full control over the Hulk.
The Hulk
The Hulk possesses the potential for seemingly limitless physical strength that is influenced by his emotional state, particularly his anger.[106] This has been reflected in the repeated comment "The madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets."[107] The cosmically powerful entity known as theBeyonder once analyzed the Hulk's physiology, and claimed that the Hulk's potential strength had "no finite element inside."[108] Hulk's strength has been depicted as sometimes limited by Banner's subconscious influence; whenJean Grey psionically "shut Banner off", Hulk became strong enough to overpower and destroy the physical form of the villainOnslaught.[109] Writer Greg Pak described the Worldbreaker Hulk shown duringWorld War Hulk as having a level of physical power where "Hulk was stronger than any mortal—and most immortals—who ever walked the Earth"[110] and depicted the character as powerful enough to completely destroy entire planets.[111][112] His strength allows him to leap into lower Earth orbit or across continents,[113][114] and he has displayed superhuman speed.[115][116] Exposure to radiation has also been shown to make the Hulk stronger.[108] It is unknown how he gains biomass during transformation but it may be linked to the One-Below-All.
His durability, regeneration, and endurance also increase in proportion to his temper.[117] Hulk is resistant to injury or damage, though the degree to which varies between interpretations, but he has withstood the equivalent of solar temperatures,[118][119] nuclear explosions,[115][120][121][122] and planet-shattering impacts.[111][112][123][124][125] Despite his remarkable resiliency, continuous barrages of high-caliber gunfire can hinder his movement to some degree while he can be temporarily subdued by intense attacks with chemical weapons such as anesthetic gases, although any interruption of such dosages will allow him to quickly recover.[126] He has been shown to have both regenerative and adaptive healing abilities, including growing tissues to allow him to breathe underwater,[127] surviving unprotected in space for extended periods,[128] and when injured, healing from most wounds within seconds, including, on one occasion, the complete destruction of most of his body mass.[129] His future self, the "Maestro", was even eventually able to recover from being blown to pieces.[130] As an effect, he has an extremely prolonged lifespan.[131][132]
He also possesses less commonly described powers, including abilities allowing him to "home in" to his place of origin in New Mexico;[133] resistpsychic control,[134][135][136][137] orunwilling transformation;[138][139][140] grow stronger from radiation[111][121][122][141][142] or dark magic;[143][144] punch his way between separate temporal[145][146] or spatial[147] dimensions; and to see and interact with astral forms.[144][148] Some of these abilities were in later years explained as being related; his ability to home in on the New Mexico bomb site was due to his latent ability to sense astral forms and spirits, since the bomb site was also the place where the Maestro's skeleton was and the Maestro's spirit was calling out to him in order to absorb his radiation.[130] He is also shown to have a separate memory to Bruce Banner - when Spider-Man has the knowledge of his secret identity erased duringSpider-Man: One More Day, the Hulk later asks howPeter is doing, not Spider-Man; upon questioning, he enigmatically states "Banner forgot. ButI don't forget."
In the firstHulk comic series, "massive" doses of gamma rays would cause the Hulk to transform back to Banner, although this ability was written out of the character by the 1970s.[citation needed]
Over the long publication history of the Hulk's adventures, many recurring characters have featured prominently, including his best friend and sidekickRick Jones, love interest and wifeBetty Ross and her father, the often adversarialGeneral "Thunderbolt" Ross. Both Banner and Hulk have families created in their respective personas. Banner is son to Brian, an abusive father who killed Banner's mother while she tried to protect her son from his father's delusional attacks, and cousin toJennifer Walters, theShe-Hulk, who serves as his frequent ally.[149] Banner had a stillborn child with Betty, while the Hulk has two sons with his deceased second wifeCaiera Oldstrong,Skaar andHiro-Kala, and his DNA was used to create a daughter namedLyra withThundra the warrior woman.[150]
The Fantastic Four #12 (March 1963), featured the Hulk's first battle with theThing. Although many early Hulk stories involve Ross trying to capture or destroy the Hulk, the main villain is often a radiation-based character, like theGargoyle or the Leader, along with other foes such as theToad Men, or Asian warlord General Fang. Ross' daughter Betty loves Banner and criticizes her father for pursuing the Hulk. General Ross' right-hand man,Major Glenn Talbot, also loves Betty and is torn between pursuing Hulk and trying to gain Betty's love more honorably. Rick Jones serves as the Hulk's friend and sidekick in these early tales. The Hulk's archenemies are theAbomination and theLeader. The Abomination is more monstrous-looking, twice as strong as the Hulk at normal levels (however, the Abomination's strength levels do not increase whenhe gets angry) and wreaks havoc for fun and pleasure. The Leader is a gamma-irradiated super-genius who has tried plan after plan to take over the world.
The Hulk character and the concepts behind it have been raised to the level oficonic status by many within and outside the comic book industry. In 2003,Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine claimed the character had "stood the test of time as a genuine icon of Americanpop culture."[151] In 2008, the Hulk was listed as the 19th greatest comic book character byWizard magazine.[152]Empire magazine named him as the 14th-greatest comic-book character and the fifth-greatest Marvel character.[153] In 2011, the Hulk placed No. 9 onIGN's list of "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes",[154] and fourth on their list of "The Top 50 Avengers" in 2012.[155]
Analysis
The Hulk is often viewed as a reaction to war. As well as being a reaction to theCold War, the character has been a cipher for the frustrations theVietnam War raised, and Ang Lee said that theIraq War influenced his direction.[15][156][157] In theMichael Nyman edited edition ofThe Guardian, Stefanie Diekmann explored Marvel Comics' reaction to theSeptember 11 attacks. Diekmann discussed The Hulk's appearance in the 9/11 tribute comicHeroes, claiming that his greater prominence, alongsideCaptain America, aided in "stressing the connection between anger and justified violence without having to depict anything more than a well-known and well-respected protagonist."[158] InMarvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics,Les Daniels addresses the Hulk as an embodiment of cultural fears of radiation and nuclear science. He quotes Jack Kirby thus: "As long as we're experimenting with radioactivity, there's no telling what may happen, or how much our advancements in science may cost us." Daniels continues, "The Hulk became Marvel's most disturbing embodiment of the perils inherent in theatomic age."[159]
The 2003Ang Lee-directedHulk film saw discussion of the character's appeal toAsian Americans.[168] The Taiwanese-born Ang Lee commented on the "subcurrent of repression" that underscored the character of The Hulk, and how that mirrored his own experience: "Growing up, my artistic leanings were always repressed—there was always pressure to do something 'useful,' like being a doctor." Jeff Yang, writing for theSan Francisco Chronicle, extended this self-identification to Asian American culture, arguing that "the passive-aggressive streak runs deep among Asian Americans—especially those who have entered creative careers, often against their parents' wishes."[169]
There have been explorations about the real-world possibility of Hulk's gamma-radiation-based origin. InThe Science of Superheroes, Lois Grest and Robert Weinberg examined Hulk's powers, explaining the scientific flaws in them. Most notably, they point out that the level ofgamma radiation Banner is exposed to at the initial blast would induce radiation sickness and kill him, or if not, create significant cancer risks for Banner, because hard radiation strips cells of their ability to function. They go on to offer up an alternate origin, in which a Hulk might be created by biological experimentation withadrenal glands andGFP. Charles Q. Choi from LiveScience.com further explains that, unlike the Hulk, gamma rays are not green; existing as they do beyond the visible spectrum, gamma rays have no color at all that we can describe. He also explains that gamma rays are so powerful (the most powerful form of electromagnetic radiation and 10,000 times more powerful than visible light) that they can even convert energy into matter – a possible explanation for the increased mass that Bruce Banner takes on during transformations. "Just as the Incredible Hulk 'is the strongest one there is,' as he says himself, so too are gamma-ray bursts the most powerful explosions known."[170]
Other Marvel Comics characters called the Hulk
Prior to the debut of the Hulk in May 1962, Marvel had earlier monster characters that used the name the "Hulk", but had no direct relation.
InStrange Tales #75 (June 1960), Albert Poole built an armor he called the Hulk. In modern-day reprints, the character's name was changed toGrutan.[171]
InJourney into Mystery #62 (Nov. 1960) wasXemnu the Living Hulk, a huge, furry alien monster who went by the name of the Hulk.[172] Coincidentally, the character's debut story was also illustrated by Jack Kirby. The character reappeared in issue #66 (March 1961). Since then the character has been a mainstay in the Marvel Universe, and was renamedXemnu the Living Titan.[173]
A huge, orange, slimy monster called the Hulk was featured in a movie titledThe Hulk inTales to Astonish #21 (July 1961). In modern-day reprints, the character's name was changed to theGlop.[174]
Other versions
A number ofalternate universes and alternate timelines in Marvel Comics publications allow writers to introduce variations on the Hulk, in which the character's origins, behavior, and morality differ from the mainstream setting.[175][176] In some stories, someone other than Bruce Banner is the Hulk.
In some versions, the Hulk succumbs to the darker side of his nature: in "Future Imperfect" (December 1992), a future version of the Hulk has become theMaestro, the tyrannical and ruthless ruler of a nuclear war-irradiated Earth,[177] and in "Old Man Logan" (2008), an insane Hulk rules over a post-apocalyptic California and leads a gang of his inbred Hulk children created with his first cousin She-Hulk.[178][179]
Age of Apocalypse
In theAge of Apocalypse alternative setting, Bruce Banner was never exposed to gamma radiation. Therefore, he did not become the Hulk. Instead he became a member of the Human High Council, where he was a scientist and became a weapons designer. However he also yearns to gain knowledge and power, something Apocalypse was willing to help with, and so Bruce sold himself toMikhail Rasputin, one of theHorsemen of Apocalypse, to give him mutants as test subjects. He succeeds in his experiments and can now transform into a creature resembling the Grey Hulk. He was used as a mole in the council, but was discovered bySusan Storm andBen Grimm because the patterns of Bruce's injuries were identical to those sustained by the Hulk.[180]
Later, Banner attempted to redeem himself by jumping out of the Human High Council ship in an effort to prevent it from getting struck by a gamma missile of his own creation. The missile detonated, allowing the Human High Council to escapeEarth. He fell back to Earth, landed in the Colosseum, and emerged as the Green Hulk. There were no further mentions of the Hulk in the Age of Apocalypse material.[181]
Age of X
In the "Age of X" reality, Bruce Banner was a scientist who was under contract from the United States government to build a device that would depower any mutant. However, during the testing phase one of the mutant volunteers began to panic. Her powers caused the machine to go off prematurely while still in the gamma spectrum. The mutants were killed and Banner was bombarded by gamma radiation. The combination of the radiation and the fact that some of the mutants' genes were imprinted on him as well, caused Banner to transform into the Hulk. Because of his exposure to mutant genes, Banner holds a deep murderous resentment for all mutants to the point that he volunteered for a suicide mission to detonate a chemical bomb that would destroy the entire mutant stronghold, forcing his former teammates to sacrifice their lives to detonate the bomb early. He was incinerated by his own bomb when one of his former teammates named Redback (this reality'sSpider-Woman) uses Steel Corpse's (this reality'sIron Man) severed glove to destroy the bomb.[182]
Bruce Banner was a scientist working with gamma rays. He was testing his gamma bomb out in the desert, but a tall figure walked out into the testing area. When Banner went out to see who it was, the man turned out to be Solomon Grundy. The bomb went off fusing Grundy and Banner together. When Banner gets angry he becomes Grundy, but the creature made a name for itself, calling itself Skulk.[183]
Breaker-Apart
In a potential future, the One Below All is able to destroy Bruce Banner's soul and possesses the body of the Hulk. After which, it went on to kill Franklin Richards, Galactus, Mister Immortal, and many others until it was the only being left in the universe. Taking on Bruce's appearance, the One Below All encounters the Sentience of the Eighth Cosmos/Metatron and is able to trick and devour him, absorbing his powers. In the newly formed Ninth Cosmos, the One Below All used its newly acquired powers to transform Hulk into a Galactus-like being named the 'Breaker-Apart'. 10 billion years later, the Breaker-Apart has destroyed all light, all life, and all planets in the Multiverse. When Par%l tried to make contact and reason with it, the alien instead meets the abstract form of the One Below All which told hir it wanted to "Make all hollow as I, dark and dead as I" and killed Par%l and hir's planet, O%los.[184]
Bullet Points
In theBullet Pointsmini-series,Peter Parker finds himself on the test site for a Gamma bomb and absorbs a large dose of gamma radiation, becoming the Hulk. In a further twist, later in the series, in an attempt to find a cure for Peter, Dr. Bruce Banner examines specimens taken from the test site and is bitten by a radioactive spider, becoming Spider-Man.[185] Parker is killed byGalactus and Banner is killed by an Inheritor during theSpider-Verse event.
Deadpool: Samurai (Earth-346)
In theDeadpool: Samurai manga series, which takes place on Earth-346,[186] Bruce Banner removes a control collar from the singer Neiro Aratabi, who had been saved from a deranged fan by Deadpool. Banner then attempts to transform into the Hulk to help Deadpool stop HYDRA agents from retrieving the Gateway Controller, which had been hidden under the Tokyo Dome, but he was knocked unconscious by a piece of falling debris before he could finish his transformation.[187] Banner did gradually regain consciousness and he then completed transforming into the Hulk, but he was quickly defeated by Thanos, who had been summoned by the Hydra agents.[188]
Earth X
TheEarth X series featured a vastly different take on the character, one in which the Hulk and Bruce Banner have finally achieved separation. However, they still rely on each other with Banner becoming a blind child who sees through the Hulk's eyes. In an interview inComicology Volume I: The Kingdom Come Companion,Alex Ross said that the design of Earth-X Banner and Hulk was based on the appearance ofMoon-Boy andDevil Dinosaur.[volume & issue needed]
Exiles
Numerous alternate versions of the Hulk have been present in theExiles series.
A crazy version of the Hulk was seen attacking Canada. He was stopped by the Exiles and Alpha Flight. This battle featured the first appearance of the rogue reality jumpers known as Weapon X. The crazy Hulk was presumed dead after this encounter.[189]
Another visually different Hulk appeared in this universe. This version had a long ponytail and wore a "Peace Out" costume, but he still retained his gamma-irradiated appearance, strength and his famous smashing abilities. He teamed up with an evil Firestar and was recruited by the Timebroker to stop an evil Hyperion.[190] The plan succeeded and they both joined Weapon X. When Hyperion had gone even crazier than before, Hulk attacked and Weapon X began to fight with each other. This version of The Hulk was killed when Hyperion brutally fought him until he was in a weakened state, Hyperion then used his heat vision on The Hulk, melting and destroying him.[191] His body is sent back to his reality, where his funeral is held. Some time after Hulk's death, Firestar committed suicide when she incinerates herself and a teammate.
A conqueror version of the Hulk, in his gladiator outfit, killed Annihilus, most of the superhumans, took full control of the Annihilation Wave, and decimated Earth. He has been apparently knocked unconscious by the Exiles. It is unknown if he survived this incident. This version is even more insane than the other alternate versions of the Hulk. While the Exiles had been dealing with Proteus, Hulk's Annihilation Wave killed many of the superhumans which should not have happened if not for Proteus. A new version of the Exiles have been present showing the surviving superhumans and they all have one goal: to stop Hulk and his Annihilation Wave, in which they apparently succeeded.
Hulk: Chapter One
In theHulk 1999 Annual, writerJohn Byrne revised the Hulk's origin, much like hisSpider-Man: Chapter One. In the revised origin, the Gamma Bomb that was being tested is now a gamma laser, and aSkrull was responsible forRick Jones' presence on the base during the gamma test. The Skrull also disguised himself as Igor Rasminsky (Drenkov in the original stories), a fellow scientist working on the project. The contemporary setting removes theCold War context of the original story, and serves as a tie-in to theMarvel: The Lost Generation maxi-series created byRoger Stern and Byrne, which also brought the origins of many Marvel characters out of the 1960s and into contemporary times.[192][193] The storyline is currently designated as set on Earth-9992, and is not part of mainstream Marvel continuity (Earth-616).
The Last Avengers Story
In the 1995 miniseriesThe Last Avengers Story, Hulk was amongst those who joinedThor,The Thing andHercules in a mysterious conflict known as the "Great Cataclysm" which threatenedOlympus andAsgard. The event ended with Hulk holding Hercules's golden mace and his skin temporarily turned grey, suggesting that the Hulk was the only survivor of this conflict. After the Event Hulk was recruited alongsideMockingbird,Tigra,Wonder Man andHawkeye to fightUltron. However Hulk had been seemingly corrupted by the events of the Great Cataclysm and turned on his allies, ripping Tigra in half and puncturing Wonder Man, Wonder Man unleashed his energy against the Hulk, seemingly killing them both and accidentally blinding Hawkeye. Hulk is finally defeated by Thor, which ends the chaos.
In one alternative reality, Bruce Banner and the Hulk were magically separated. Bruce became the newSorcerer Supreme, and the Hulk was cast into hell. However, while in hell, the Hulk became corrupted by the demonic beings he encountered, transforming him into a demon himself. Now completely evil, he escaped from hell and attempted to kill Banner. With help from the mainstream Hulk, Banner tricked the "infernal" Hulk into shattering the Eye of Agamotto, causing him to be thrown back into hell.[194]
Set in a post apocalyptic future, the Hulk has mutated into the dictator Maestro ruling the remains of humanity with an iron fist. Ruthless, sadistic, violent, and tyrannical, the Maestro was shown to be an example of what would happen if the Hulk ever embraced his darker roots. Maestro was known to be an enemy of the Hulk, as the two alternate versions fought each other on Maestro's world.[63]
Marvel 2099
For theMarvel 2099 imprint,Gerard Jones andDwayne Turner created a new version of the character. First appearing in2099 Unlimited #1, John Eisenhart, a selfish film producer in "LotusLand" (futureHollywood) is inadvertently exposed to gamma radiation by the Knights of the Banner (a cult worshipping the original Hulk) who intend to create a Hulk of their own. As the Hulk, Eisenhart finds himself representing freedom to a closed-off society. AHulk 2099 series was published for 10 issues.[volume & issue needed]
The unified Marvel Noir reality of Earth-2099 featured a version of Hulk 2009. In addition, there was a 2099 version of Grey Hulk who was a member of the2099 version of the Avengers until he was among those who were killed by the2099 version of the Masters of Evil. The 2099 version of Moon Knight survived the massacre and formed the2099 version of the New Avengers with Hulk 2099 as one of its members as they avenged Grey Hulk 2099 and the fallen Avengers by defeating the Masters of Evil and having them remanded to a prison on the planet Wakanda.[195]
Marvel Comics 2
In another take, The Hulk is shown to still be active in the alternative future of theMC2 universe. There, he is shown as an amalgamation of his three main transformations; He has the strength of the Savage Hulk, the attitude of the Grey Hulk, and the intelligence of the Professor Hulk.[volume & issue needed]
He's also shown to have fathered a son named David by an unknown spouse.[volume & issue needed]
He was later seen within the pages ofLast Hero Standing, whereLoki manipulated him into attacking the heroes. When he was freed of his manipulation he was critical in punishing Loki by forcing him into the voided dimension thatThor had opened a rift into, Hulk informing Loki that he was ruined on Earth because of Loki's actions and he therefore had nothing to lose by ensuring that Loki would be punished for eternity.[volume & issue needed]
Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies: Dead Days
In the seriesMarvel Zombies, the Hulk has been infected with a virus which makes him into an undead zombie (he is actually infected by the zombie Fantastic Four). Although he still retains his strength and invulnerability, he no longer heals, is losing weight because of his now-deteriorating tissue, does not feel pain and now craves human flesh. The zombie Hulk's transformations are physically controlled purely by his appetite — after feeding, he transforms back into Banner, who is also a zombie, until the hunger returns. When Hulk first transforms back into Banner,his stomach starts to burst. He is directly responsible for killing the Silver Surfer bybiting off his head. Later he joins Spider-Man, Iron-Man, Giant-Man, Wolverine and Luke Cage as the Galacti after killing and consuming Galactus.
Marvel Zombies 2
Forty years later, the zombie Hulk, along with the other zombies, had eaten or converted most of the universe, prompting them to return to Earth to try to recover the dimensional transporter. Although the other zombies managed to beat their hunger by going without food for a time, the Hulk's raw hunger was too great for him to be convinced to stop, resulting in him killing the zombified but "cured"Iron Man,Jean Grey,Hawkeye, andFirelord. Once he feeds and returns to Bruce Banner, he is finally killed by Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Giant-Man, recognizing that there is no other way to stop the Hulk from feeding again.[196]
Marvel Zombies 3
Hulk makes a cameo appearance inMarvel Zombies 3 when Machine Man, Ultron, and Jocasta travel to Earth 2149, killing winged zombies (zombie Beak, Angel, Vulture, and Falcon altogether). He also makes another cameo appearance whenVanessa Fisk explains to the 3 androids how the Silver Surfer died, and how the zombieKingpin, who is, surprisingly, her husband, created a zombie empire forming a huge alliance.
Marvel Zombies Return
A second Hulk appears in the reality the Marvel Zombies of the original series are teleported to, known as Earth-Z. This version's life appears identical to his core counterpart up until the events of World War Hulk. When he reaches the Moon to attack the Inhumans, he is infected by the zombieGiant-Man, and his allies killed. Oddly hungry, he heads back to Earth and begins eating people, and ultimately infecting theSentry, who sets about forming a team of Zombie Avengers to eat humanity and wipe out any competition or resistance from other heroes, infected or otherwise dead. After the Sentry tries to kill Hulk to eliminate the competition as the two are the only creatures capable of challenging each other, Hulk is later cured of his hunger by the ZombieSpider-Man and joins his New Avengers. The team succeeds in killing the Zombie Avengers and ending their plan to eat the multiverse, sacrificing themselves in the process. Ultimately, the nanite infused Sandman killed Hulk.[197]
Old Man Logan
Old Man Logan is set 50 years into an apocalyptic future. The world is in ruin and shadow following a massive conflict. A large coordinated force of super villains has killed a majority of the heroes and seized control of theUnited States splitting it into sections. Bruce Banner is said to have gone mad from radiation sickness, possibly fromnuclear weapons that may have been used during the conflict or this and other changes may be the long-term result of his famous gamma radiation accident. Bruce's personality and powers seem altered, in human form he now has little empathy and possesses superhuman strength. Banner and his cousinJennifer Walters have mated and produced offspring that possess their green skin and a little of their strength. They form thehillbilly-like "Hulk Gang" that rule the entire west coast of the country dubbed "Hulkland", a domain formerly held by the Abomination until Banner killed him. Banner, along with his children and grandchildren, live in a collection of caves and trailers, forcing those that live on the west coast to pay them rent in order to be allowed to live.
There were two versions of the Hulk that appear:
Earth-807128
"Pappy" Bruce Banner's family threaten Logan's family over rent due to the Banners. Logan accompaniesClint Barton on a cross country delivery to source the rent money. When Logan returns and finds the bodies of his family, killed by the Banners, he kills the Hulk Gang and attacks Pappy Banner who admits that he set all of this into motion because he missed their old brawls. Banner gets angry when Wolverine calls him a redneck SOB and drives his claws through his chest. He transforms into The Hulk. Hulk overpowers Logan and eats him. Logan's mutant healing factor then allows him to recover and slash his way out of Hulk's stomach, killing him. Logan spots Banner's son,Bruce, Jr. and spares him. Logan takes the boy to raise in an effort to someday help combat the various villains that still rule the country.[198]
Old Man Logan found that Pappy Banner's head was placed on a gamma-powered robot made from Adamantium byTinkerer. He used it in his revenge on Old Man Logan. Before Old Man Logan can be finished off by Pappy Banner, he is suddenly attacked by Bruce Banner Jr. who separated Pappy Banner's head from the Adamantium armor. Rather than kill his head, Old Man Logan buried it and planted a tree over him so that its roots can slowly dig into his skull.[199]
Earth-21923
Pappy Banner's history on Earth-21923's history was still intact up to his death at the hands of Old Man Logan. When Old Man Logan usesAsmodeus' help to return to this future to rescue Bruce Banner Jr., he finds that the time has been altered in which Maestro appears in the place of Pappy Banner.[200] This unidentified version of Maestro has rounded up the remaining members of the Hulk Gang as he makes plans to help them build a paradise for all Hulks on Earth-616. With help from the Cambria Banner, Logan and Hawkeye of Earth-616 were able to defeat Maestro and the surviving members of the Hulk Gang went their separate ways.[201]
Otto Banner
During the "Devil's Reign" storyline, Doctor Octopus started forming his Superior Four that includes a Hulk that has four extra arms growing from his back.[202] His real name is Otto Banner of Earth-8816 and he was also abused by his Earth's version ofBrian Banner.[203]
Ruins
In theWarren Ellis seriesRuins, a dark flip to theKurt Busiek taleMarvels, the accidents, experiments and mutations that led to the creation of Super Heroes and super humans, instead led to terrible deformations and painful deaths. Here, Bruce Banner's story goes exactly the same as his 616 counterpart, but when he is caught in the middle of the gamma bomb explosion, instead of transforming into the Incredible Hulk, his whole body opens up from the gigantic tumors that appear inside it, pushing most of his organs and skull outside his body and giving Rick Jones cancer. He did not die, and was put in an underground vault by the CIA, codenamed "the Hulk".[204]
Secret Wars (2015)
During theSecret Wars storyline, different versions of Hulk reside in eachBattleworld domain.
The Battleworld domain of Greenland is filled with an assortment of Hulks ranging fromTribal Hulks (a group of Hulks that live like a tribe),Bull Hulks (a group of gamma-irradiated cattle),Sand Hulks (who evoke the traits of Hulk andSandman), and aSea Hulk. This land is a recreation of Earth-71612 where it was rendered into a Hulk-filled land by a gamma bomb strike by A.I.M. It was stated that Bruce Banner had started Bannertech Industries and his fate has not been mentioned since A.I.M.'s gamma bomb strike. In addition to the various type of Hulks and a variation of aRed Hulk that rules Greenland as theRed King", a variation of Steve Rogers that was sent into Greenland by God Emperor Doom and Sheriff Strange encountered another variation of Steve Rogers that operated as Doc Green.[205]
The Battleworld domain of Spider-Island that was based from the remnants of Earth-19919 told an alternate version of theSpider-Island storyline where Hulk was mutated intoSpider-Hulk and served as one ofSpider-Queen's minions. However,Agent Venom usesCurt Connors' Lizard Formula to mutate Hulk into a giant lizard monster, which broke him free from the Spider Queen's control.[206]
The Battleworld domain of Marville that was based from the remnants of Earth-71912 featured a child version of Hulk that is a member of the Avengers.[207]
The Battleworld domain of the Kingdom of Manhattan is based from the remnants of Earth-61610 where variations of characters from Earth-616 and Earth-1610 co-exist on the combined version of both reality's Manhattan. In this case, a variation of Hulk's Doc Green form co-exists with a variation of Earth-1610's Hulk.[208]
The Battleworld domain of Bug World that was based from the remnants of Earth-22312 features an anthropomorphic insect version of Hulk calledRoly-Poly Hulk.[209]
The Battleworld domain of the Walled City of New York that was based from the remnants of Earth-21722 features a version of Hulk that is a member of the Avengers where they are allied with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s side of the Walled City of New York.[210]
Spider-Geddon
During the "Spider-Geddon" storyline, a sequel to "Spider-Verse",Robbie Banner is a punk on Earth-138 who is allied withSpider-Punk and can turn into the Hulk while listening to "Atomic Bomb" music. He helped Spider-Punk andCaptain Anarchy fight theU-Foes at the Hellfire Club, assisted Spider-Punk and M.C. Strange push theUniversal Church of Truth out of Queens, and fought Hydra on the streets. After obtaining the "Atomic Bomb" tape from Captain Anarchy, Spider-Punk visited Robbie to get his help, but the latter was reluctant to listen to the tape. WhenKang the Conglomerator went on the attack, Robbie reluctantly listened to the tape and transformed into the Hulk to help Spider-Punk fight Kang.[211]
The End
In other tales, possible futures for the character have been shown. Using a post apocalyptic wasteland as a backdrop, the Peter David writtenHulk: The Endone-shot features an elderly Bruce Banner as the last surviving inhabitant of Earth, the Hulk having hidden in a cave during a nuclear war until he was released by the Recorder sent to confirm humanity's demise. After Bruce has spent time traveling Earth, transforming into the Hulk at night and when attacked by the mutatedcockroaches that are the only other surviving lifeforms on Earth, the story concludes with Banner dying of a heart attack, thus leaving the Hulk as the last living being on the planet. Acknowledging that he would also die if he changes back into Banner, the Hulk reflects on the fact that he has finally achieved his wish to be alone.[212]
Ultimate Marvel
An alternate universe variant of Bruce Banner / Hulk from Earth-1610 appears in theUltimate Marvel imprint. This version is a scientist working forS.H.I.E.L.D. who gained his powers from an attempt to recreate the Super-Soldier Formula that createdCaptain America.[213] Additionally, Hulk is depicted as more malicious, representing Banner's hidden emotions andid.
Ultimate Universe
During the "Ultimate Invasion" storyline,Maker visitsEarth-6160 and remakes it into his own image. One of the things he could not succeed in was preventing the origin of Hulk, who would later find personal "enlightenment". He and his fellow monks of the Children of the Eternal Light would later attend an international event held by the Maker at the City inLatveria as part of hisCouncil.[214] Hulk and the Children of the Eternal Light are revealed to rule India and parts of Asia.
The Hulk was ranked #1 on a listing of Marvel Comics' monster characters in 2015.[215]
In 2018,CBR.com ranked The Thing (Bruce Banner) 2nd in their "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World" list.[216]
In 2022,Screen Rant included Hulk in their "10 Most Powerful Hercules Villains In Marvel Comics" list.[217]
^abIn Marvel comics, the term "mutate" is used as a noun to designate characters that received superpowers from an external source, as opposed to Marvel'smutants.
References
^abCronin, Brian (November 3, 2005)."Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #23".Comic Book Resources. Archived fromthe original on April 27, 2015.[Stan] Lee began referring (for more than a couple of months) to the Incredible Hulk'sAlter ego as 'Bob Banner' rather than the 'Bruce Banner' that he was originally named. Responding to criticism of the goof, Stan Lee, in issue #28 of theFantastic Four, laid out how he was going to handle the situation, 'There's only one thing to do-we're not going to take the cowardly way out. From now on his name is Robert Bruce Banner-so we can't go wrong no matter WHAT we call him!'
^DeFalco, Tom (2008). "1960s". In Gilbert, Laura (ed.).Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History. London, United Kingdom:Dorling Kindersley. p. 85.ISBN978-0756641238.Based on their collaboration onThe Fantastic Four, [Stan] Lee worked with Jack Kirby. Instead of a team that fought traditional Marvel monsters, however, Lee decided that this time he wanted to feature a monster as the hero.
^Hill, Dave (July 17, 2003)."Green with anger".The Guardian. London, United Kingdom. Archived fromthe original on May 5, 2013.one of the Hulk comic books' artists, Jack Kirby, has said he was inspired by seeing a woman rescue her child from beneath a trapped car.
^Groth, Gary (May 23, 2011)."Jack Kirby Interview - Part 6".The Comics Journal.KIRBY: The Hulk I created when I saw a woman lift a car. Her baby was caught under the running board of this car. The little child was playing in the gutter and he was crawling from the gutter onto the sidewalk under the running board of this car — he was playing in the gutter. His mother was horrified. She looked from the rear window of the car, and this woman in desperation lifted the rear end of the car. From The Comics Journal #134 (February 1990)
^Lipstak, Andrew (August 30, 2015)."The Incredible Hulk Was Inspired By A Woman Saving Her Baby".Gizmodo.Jack Kirby witnessed a woman lift a car to get her child out from under it. The moment helped inspire one of his most famous creations: the Incredible Hulk.
^Poole, W. Scott.Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting. Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 2011.ISBN978-1-60258-314-6.
^Manning, Matthew K. (2012). "1960s". In Gilbert, Laura (ed.).Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging. London, United Kingdom:Dorling Kindersley. p. 26.ISBN978-0756692360.Another important character entered Spider-Man's life inAmazing Spider-Man #14. Hiding in the same cavern that Spider-Man entered during his fight with the Enforcers and the [Green] Goblin, Totally paranoic now, the Hulk attacked the web-slinger.
^DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 102: "Tales to Astonish #60 ... introduced a new series – The Incredible Hulk – starring the famous character."
^DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 128: "Hailing 1968 as the beginning of the 'Second Age of Marvel Comics,' and with more titles to play with, editor Stan Lee discarded his split books and gave more characters their own titles ...Tales to Astonish #101 [was followed] byThe Incredible Hulk #102."
^Sanderson, Peter "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 167: "Len Wein wrote and Herb Trimpe drew Wolverine's cameo appearance inThe Incredible Hulk #180 and his premiere in issue #181."
^Sanderson, "1970s", in Gilbert (2008), p. 178: "This black-and-white magazine starred the Hulk in adventures set in Europe shortly after his original six-issue series."
^Sanderson, "1970s", in Gilbert (2008), p. 186: "To appeal to the audience of the popular newIncredible Hulk TV series, Marvel revampedThe Rampaging Hulk magazine, calling itThe Hulk!."
^DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 227: "Dr. Bruce Banner first met Betty Ross inThe Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) and finally married her in issue #319 by John Byrne."
^Radford, Bill (February 21, 1999). "Marvel's not-so-jolly green giant gets a fresh start and a new team".The Gazette. Colorado Springs, Colorado. p. L4.
^Manning, Matthew K. "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 294: "Bruce Banner took to the road in an attempt to escape his past in this new series by writer John Byrne and artist Ron Garney."
^Manning "2000s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 310: "Creating a lengthy run to rival J. Michael Straczynski over onThe Amazing Spider-Man and Brian Michael Bendis onDaredevil, writer Bruce Jones reinvented the green goliath with a modern, cinematic approach."
^David, Peter (July 18, 2005)."My leavingHulk". The Incredible Hulk Message Board. Archived fromthe original on March 7, 2006. RetrievedAugust 28, 2005.
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^Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 253: "The Hulk first met Agamemnon, the leader of the Pantheon team, in a story written by Peter David with art by Dale Keown."
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^"The 200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time".Wizard. May 23, 2008. Archived fromthe original on May 26, 2008.The one constant for this 'atomic Jekyll-and-Hyde,' as they used to say, remains Bruce Banner's eternal struggle to control the gamma-spawned half of his psyche. The green goliath never goes out of style: The Hulk is, undeniably, all the rage.
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^Christiansen, Jeff (March 15, 2012)."Xemnu the Titan". The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe.Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. RetrievedJanuary 23, 2013.
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^Buxton, Marc (October 30, 2015)."Marvel's 31 Best Monsters".Den of Geek.Archived from the original on March 12, 2017.The Hulk is way more superhero than horror icon, but in the character's year history, there were plenty of times that this titanic creature was cast in the role of classic monster.
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