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Hulk
Real name: Bruce Banner
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962)

Created by:

Stan Lee (writer)
Jack Kirby (artist)

Team affiliations:

Avengers, Defenders, Warbound, Hulkbusters, S.M.A.S.H., Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, The Order, Pantheon, S.H.I.E.L.D., Secret Avengers

Abilities:

Unlimited Strength, Jumping/Pseudo Flight, Superhuman Lung Capacity,

Limitless Stamina, Thunderclap, Dynamic Durability, Regenerative Healing Factor, Immunity to Diseases & Viruses, Incredible Speed, Lightning-Fast Reflexes, Adaptation, Telepathic Resistance, Enhanced Senses & Extrasensory Perception via Mystic Senses, Gamma Radiation/Energy Manipulation and Emission, Optic Blast, Retroactive Immortality, Skilled Hand-to-Hand Fighter and Combatant, Anger Empowerment, Connection with Magic and The One Above All/The One Below All.

Portrayed by:

Lou Ferrigno
Mark Ruffalo
"Within each of us, ofttimes, there dwells a mighty and raging fury."
—Old Arabian Proverb (Incredible Hulk Vol. 1 #175)

The Incredible Hulk is a character created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby in 1962, in response from fans who indicated that their favorite character was the Thing (Lee also created the Fantastic Four). So he wanted to make a character similar to him.

The Hulk's first series was called The Incredible Hulk. The series was only six issues. After that, the Hulk guested on other characters' comics until he was in the anthology superhero series Tales to Astonish. It only had the Hulk for half of each issue, then featured another superhero. Then Tales to Astonish became The Incredible Hulk in 1968. The Hulk is the most powerful Marvel character.[1]

Background[]

Robert Bruce Banner was born to Dr. Brian Banner and his wife Rebecca. Although Rebecca deeply loved Bruce, who returned her affection, Brian hated their child and was driven by an insane jealousy of Bruce for being an object of Rebecca's love. Further, Brian believed that his radiation work had altered his DNA and given him a mutant son, when actually, Bruce was just a very gifted and intelligent child. Brian then abused Bruce and finally murdered Rebecca, then was placed in a mental hospital. After that, Bruce was raised by his aunt and father's sister, Susan Banner, who understood his great pain and rage over his childhood sufferings thanks to his crazed father, and raised him with love and care as if he were her own child.

Eventually when Bruce became an adult, he was an American theoretical physicist, famed for his work into the studies of nuclear physics and gamma radiation. He was recruited by General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross and the US Army to develop the first Gamma Bomb, which would use gamma radiation to target enemy weapons and buildings without endangering human lives. At least, that's what Bruce was told. During its first live test, Bruce noticed a teenager named Rick Jones driving into the testing grounds on a dare. Bruce went and got Jones out, but the bomb went off and Bruce absorbed a massive amounts of gamma radiation. Bruce died, but the Gamma Bomb had created a metaphysical barrier called the Green Door that brought Bruce back to life. The Gamma Bomb also caused Bruce to alter his body from the gamma radiation, and awakened something inside of him: a raging spirit that dwelled within him since he was a child. Now, whenever Bruce is under a lot of stress (usually anger) he transforms into a giant green-skinned, vastly powerful monster that threatens all around him, known to many as "The Incredible Hulk".

Because of the Hulk's destructive nature, he was seen as an “Omega-Class” threat to humanity and was hunted by the military for years, complicating Bruce's life. With his love interest and wife Betty Ross seemingly being the only person able to calm the Hulk back into Banner, and often being pursued by his nemesis Thunderbolt Ross who is also Betty's Father, Bruce is often on the run while trying to find a cure for his problem and keep calm as much as he can while at the same time battling super-villains.

The Hulk, however, managed to prove himself a hero when he became a part of the Avengers, the Defenders, S.M.A.S.H., S.H.I.E.L.D., and others. As a member of the Avengers, "Earth's Mightiest Heroes", Hulk helps smash the unimaginable threats that no hero could face alone, hoping to at least prove to the world that he is the strongest HERO there is. A founding Avenger, the afflicted Banner still suffers balancing the Hulk's existence as both hero and monster. The Hulk is the world's most tragic hero, and there's so much more to him than a "Hulk Smash".

Powers & Abilities[]

The Hulk is one most powerful beings in the entire Marvel Universe since his powers increase with his rage, because of that he is capable of matching the power of beings like Thor and severely overpowering beings such as Silver Surfer, the Hulk is able to go far beyond universal levels of power, perhaps at his best, Multiversal feats.

  • Gamma Mutate Physiology: Due to Bruce Banner being exposed to the Gamma Bomb's radiation, culminating in his transformation into a powerful monster, the gamma radiation mutated the Hulk's body and fortified his cellular structure, adding over 800 lbs of bone marrow and muscle tissues to his body. In addition, during times of stress the Incredible Hulk's adrenaline level escalates, causing a corresponding escalation of brute strength. Thus, the madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets.[2] The Hulk is multiple times described as one of the physically most powerful beings in the entire Marvel Universe,[3][4], with the potential for limitless levels of strength[5] and durability (which scales directly with his strength).[6] The Hulk, in the full exercise of his potential, was described as the most powerful regular humanoid in existence, as the strongest creature on Earth, as one of the strongest beings in the Universe, and his maximum known strength level ranges beyond the limits of virtually any other known humanoid being.[7]. The Hulk's vast physical might has even been described as powerful enough to ravage entire worlds[8]. Moreover, the Hulk was also stated to be an Omega Level Threat by both the Initiative and Mister Fantastic,[9] and even "the Original Omega Level Threat" by Gyrich.[10] At one point, the Hulk was stated to be the strongest hero in the world.[11] Additionally, Hulk was referred as the strongest member of an Avengers team featuring Hercules.[12] Doctor Strange has even referenced the Hulk as one of the most powerful beings in the whole existence.[13] Apocalypse even declared the energy provided by the Hulk could be employed to prevail over the Celestials themselves.[14] This is likely an overestimation, but indicates the Hulk's infinite potential.[15] Upon performing experiments and measuring the power level of numerous individuals, They Who Wield Power concluded that the Hulk is more powerful than Thor and Hercules. According to Kang the Conqueror, the Hulk is the strongest Avenger, and the gamma irradiated heart of an alternate Hulk endows a robot based on the Hulk with enough power to defeat the classic formation of the Avengers.[16] In a canonical scaling, the Hulk's potential was established as superior to the collective power of four of the most powerful Avengers.[17] Furthermore, Umar the Unrelenting has insinuated that the rampaging Worldbreaker Hulk was a potential threat to the Earth-616's plane of existence, presumably referring to galaxies being gradually destroyed. Nick Fury's intel also classified Hulk as Power Level 10+,[18] the highest level in their scale of measurement, and as the Merged Hulk he was described as part of the Omega-class entities by Doctor Octopus.[19]

Worldbreaker mode[]

When the Hulk enters extreme fits of rage, he enters Worldbreaker mode. In this state, the Hulk emits mass amounts of gamma radiation from within his body and becomes "stronger than any mortal and most immortals" in the Marvel Universe. At this new level of anger, the Hulk becomes a cosmic being that Marvel gods have feared. He became superior to the Sentry, and stronger than even an extra-dimensional monster Zom. Both faced the Hulk and ultimately failed to conquer a victory. The Worldbreaker Hulk's power was deployed during his war against the Earth, he became so mad that he caused earthquakes across North America and almost completely destroyed the eastern seaboard along with the Earth with a single footstep. If he had not let himself be stopped, then he definitely would have lived up to his "Worldbreaker" title and would have completely destroyed the Earth. Amadeus Cho admits that the Hulk could have killed them all during his war against the planet Earth. We saw the return of the Worldbreaker Hulk in Vegas, when he was fighting against Armageddon, destroying the East side of Las Vegas, becoming so terrifying and so dangerous, but fortunately the Hulk was able to hold back his power. Within the Dark Dimension, the Hulk kills all the Mindless Ones (Not even Dormammu nor Umar could accomplish). Hulk can match Umar, Dormammu’s sister, bent reality across the multiverse. Without holding back, the Hulk lived up to his "Worldbreaker" title by devastating the entire realm of the Dark Dimension and absorb gamma radiation to the point where he became 300 meters tall for a short period of time. Worldbreaker Hulk is the unstoppable force everyone's always feared.

Bruce Banner has always suppressed the Hulk and his power. In fact, Worldbreaker Hulk is the result of Bruce relinquishing that control entirely to truly let the Hulk fight to the best of his power and ability. Amadeus Cho stated if the Hulk loses control, nothing can stop him, including Hercules. As the Worldbreaker, the Hulk, however, is far more powerful than Arm'Cheddon, who is comparable or more powerful than Silver Surfer, Hulk didn't struggle to defeat him. Worldbreaker Hulk is a cunning and an expert strategist that can easily come up with the most elaborate strategies. Worldbreaker Hulk is more powerful version than the previous incarnations. The Worldbreaker is not a separate form or personality, but the full power of Green Scar Hulk, and was able to lay waste to legions of heroes all at once.

Feats & Stats[]

Strength[]

Speed[]

Durability[]

Skill[]

Weaknesses[]

  • Gamma Radiation Draining:
    • The Hulk is sometimes portrayed as vulnerable to gamma radiation draining by sufficiently powerful energy manipulators.[30] [31] Reverting to human form may be necessary for the Hulk to recharge his gamma energy. However, the Hulk is eventually characterized as possessing high degree of immunity to this weakness. For example, the mutant Darwin was unable to drain his gamma radiation, and Hulk deliberately transferred his energy into an entire race of absorbing entities without collapsing. Even previous to these events the Hulk has displayed this potential. For example, the hero Rom was unable to cure Banner from his condition, and the Hulk intentionally overloaded the Armageddon absorption mechanism.
  • Cosmic radiation:
    • Cosmic radiation is the "opposite" of gamma radiation. X-Ray used this fact to weaken Hulk or even transform him back into Banner.[32] The U-Foes once even killed the Hulk with these "anti-gamma" rays and sent him to the Below-Place, but they made the mistake of constantly feeding him cosmic rays.[33] The cosmic rays seeped into the Below-Place, got absorbed by Joe Fixit, and turned him into a Red Hulk. The Red Hulk then smashed through the Red Door that was keeping him in the Below-Place and Hulk came back to life, empowered by cosmic rays.[34]
  • Gas Inhalation:
    • Great doses of gas can temporarily neutralize the Hulk.[35][36][37] However, it is not an insurmountable obstacle, since the Hulk can dissipate the gas with a powerful thunderclap, destabilizing the opponent with the resulting shockwaves. The Hulk has also occasionally resisted that.[38]
  • Adamantium and Vibranium Blades:
    • They have been shown capable of piercing the Hulk's skin; Wolverine, X-23, and the Black Panther's claws can pierce it.[39][40][41] However, as the Hulk's rage increases they become progressively less effective, reaching a stage where they are completely unable to harm him.[42][43]
  • Adrenaline Suppression:
    • Adrenaline inhibitors can be administered via syringes of Adamantium and Vibranium, aiming to revert the transformation. Amplified quantities can accomplish this purpose. However, the Hulk has also withstood substances intended to sedate him by tactile contact.
  • Toxic Substances:
    • Once, Scorpion (Carmilla Black) injected him with a toxin especially designed to counteract the efficiency of the Hulk's healing factor. However, if the Hulk gets angry enough, he can nullify this effect, as he quickly demonstrated.
  • Rage Nullification:
    • The Hulk's rage also can be neutralized; certain individuals can calm the Hulk down.[44] Betty Ross and Sentry successfully calmed the Hulk down in several instances.[45] Telepaths with vast empathy potential can theoretically emulate this effect. The Inhuman Randall Jessup's ability to siphon away negative emotions makes him a particularly effective deterrent to the Hulk's rage factor.[46]
  • Magic:
    • Since the Hulk is empowered by dark magic, it is not properly a weakness. However, depending upon the Hulk's emotional state, his incarnation, and the power magnitude of the magic manipulator, this could be a potential threat.[47] [48] However, the Hulk has also been shown to be injured more easily by enchanted weapons than regular weapons.[49]

Relationships[]

  • Betty Ross a.k.a. Red She-Hulk
  • Bereet
  • Glazier
  • Monica Rappaccini
  • Jarella
  • Thundra
  • Caiera Oldstrong
  • Umar, Dormammu’s sister
  • Zarda the Power Princess
  • Nadia Blonsky

Hulks And Banners Relationship[]

Despite the fact that there have been many incarnations of the hulk, the one thing that almost never changes is the hatred Hulk and Banner have for each other. The Banner/Hulk relationship is a lot like Dr. Jekyll's/Mr. Hyde's. it revolves around The good vs bad, Order vs Chaos concept, however, Banner and The Hulk has a far more intriguing connection in comparison to Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. The main difference is that Hulk is not a bad guy, he is not the villain, he is misunderstood, and in fact, when given the chance, he has done the right thing many numerous occasions. Hulk's hatred for Banner was manifested when Banner's mother died at the hand of their father, Brain Banner. Hulk acknowledges the fact that he and Banner are one and the same, hence he blames Banner for being weak and not being able to defend their dear "Mommy", and as any kid would traditionally do, Hulk blames a part of the incident on himself, and so he takes his anger out on Bruce, same way his father did to him out of fear. Their relationship can also be considered ironic, seeing as how a small frail intelligent man gets turned into a green behemoth who is potentially one of the strongest beings on earth. But there are more to Banner that meets the eye, Banner represents will, because he is in charge of controlling a very powerful being. despite no being physically weak, Banner the strongest when it comes to inner strength of the mind, because even though Banner had taken hell as a child and still managed to turn out relatively normal. Hulk on the other hand is not Banner's dark side (that would be Devil Hulk), he represents many aspects of Bruce, the traditional Savage Hulk represents Banner's angry child self who was abused by his father, he is very strong due to the fact that most kids view themselves sometimes as an unstoppable force, while the Grey Hulk represents the wild teenager Banner never got to be. Banner and Hulk have cooperated before, but no matter how hard they try they still seem to hate each other. Over the years Banner has learned to use Hulk sometimes as a weapon, in fact, most recently, Banner has joined shield because he has some unknown plans of his own, so instead of a gamma bomb, Hulk will be more like a targeted UMD.

They seemed to learn to accept each other in a series that's not too old, after they had been separated completely. Banner turned insane without the Hulk, and they both later learned that they both need each other.

Children[]

See also[]

Other media[]

Gallery[]

See Hulk/gallery.

Facts[]

  • The Hulk got his name from a comic book character named The Heap who was a large green swamp monster.
  • Stan Lee stated that the Hulk's creation was inspired by a combination of Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
  • Originally, the Hulk was grey. However, the printers were unable to keep the color a consistent shade so Stan Lee changed the color to a much easier-to-print green.
  • Stan 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. The discrepancy was resolved by giving the character the official full name "Robert Bruce Banner."
  • Years before Hulk became a part of the Defenders with Namor, Stan Lee considered merging their solo features in Tales to Astonish by making them form a team called "the Invaders." The idea was dropped, and years later, the name of the Invaders was used by Roy Thomas when he pitched the idea of a team of superheroes set during WWII.
  • Hulk was ranked as 9th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes in 2011.
  • Hulk was also ranked as 4th in "The Top 50 Avengers."
  • In DC Comics' Doomsday Clock #12, when Doctor Manhattan looks forward into the history of Superman, he refers to Hulk (as a green behemoth) alongside Thor as part of an alleged event bound to happen in the year 2030 named the "Secret Crisis". In this story, Superman would be thrown into a brawl with Hulk and Thor, with Doomsday dying to protect him against them.
  • Because of his troubled childhood and his identity disorder, Bruce is the only Hulk that does not fully control both of his forms, unlike the Red Hulk, the She-Hulk, and other Hulk entities.
  • In an interview, Jack Kirby revealed that since the conception of the character he intended the Hulk to have unlimited strength.
  • Peter David and his collaborators added a layer of their own—that the Hulk was actually Bruce’s childhood imaginary friend.
  • Hulk writer Jeff Parker offered his own explanation in a tweet, stating, “during transformation he pulls in ambient gamma energy and converts it to mass.”
  • Writer Greg Pak described the Worldbreaker Hulk shown during World War Hulk as having a level of physical power where "Hulk was stronger than any mortal—and most immortals—who ever walked the Earth".
  • He is shown to have a separate memory to Bruce Banner - when Spider-Man has the knowledge of his secret identity erased during Spider-Man: One More Day, the Hulk later asks how Peter is doing, not Spider-Man; upon questioning, he enigmatically states "Banner forgot. But I don't forget."
  • The Savage green hulk's favorite food is beans.

Links and References[]

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