Bruce Banner just underwent a shocking rebirth, as Marvel turns the mainstream version of the character into a very different kind of Hulk. Here’s everything you need to know about Bruce’s new Hulk form, which is set to be his last.
While Hulk is known for his classic ‘Savage’ depiction, Bruce Banner has actually taken multiple forms as new ‘Hulks’ assert themselves – the grey-skinned Joe Fixit, monstrous Devil Hulk and demonic Guilt Hulk among them.
Now, after losing his gamma powers, Bruce is manifesting one more Hulk persona – a transformation that Marvel promises is his last.
Bruce Banner Unlocks New Hulk Form
In the recent Infernal Hulk #10 – from Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham, Matt Wilson and Cory Petit – Bruce Banner unlocks a new Hulk form. The design has the traditional muscle of the Savage Hulk, but with the grey skin of Joe Fixit. It also has green eyes and black word balloons, which haven’t been seen with previous grey Hulks.
This Hulk also retains Bruce Banner’s personality and intellect, which is surprisingly rare in the comics. Even the ‘Smart Hulk’ Doc Green – originally believed to be Banner in a Hulk body – was eventually revealed to be a new persona, not actually Bruce.
How Did Bruce Banner Become the New Grey Hulk?
In recent comics, Bruce’s gamma energy was stolen from him by the demon known as the Eldest, who used it to become the Infernal Hulk. Bruce was damaged in the process, making it impossible for him to absorb gamma energy ever again. As a result, Bruce declared, “I will never be the Hulk again.”
Thankfully, he was proved wrong. In recent comics, Hulk’s blood was stolen by the shapeshifter Sumanguru (shown below) – a monster who used the blood to create its own ‘Hulk’ body. This issue, Doctor Voodoo and Bruce trick Sumanguru into handing back its power, turning Bruce into a mystically enhanced Hulk.
However, due to Bruce being unable to absorb gamma and the spell not being completed, the new form is temporary. Bruce has a short amount of time as this new Hulk, and then he’ll never be able to achieve any Hulk form again. As Marvel’s Hulk War event approaches, Bruce plans to use this temporary upgrade to take down the Infernal Hulk.
Hulk’s Sidekick Just Became Marvel’s Most Important Hero
While Bruce has a new Hulk form, his former sidekick Charlie Tidwell may be the one to actually defeat the Infernal Hulk. In this week’s issue, it’s revealed that Charlie (in her shapeshifting wolf form) can break the Infernal Hulk’s control over the world’s monsters.
In his attempt to bring about a new Age of Monsters, the Infernal Hulk has been possessing innocent people with the spirits of ancient monstrosities, turning them into his soldiers. As revealed by Marvel, he will soon do the same to the Avengers and Fantastic Four.
However, Charlie wears the skin of the ancient monster-god Lycana, and can break Infernal Hulk’s link to his creations. With Charlie’s new power and Bruce rocking the (temporary) strength of a resurrected Hulk, this is the first hint that the Infernal Hulk could be stopped.
The Final Chapter of ‘Infernal Hulk’ Begins
Infernal Hulk #10 concludes the series, with a number of one-shots to follow, beginning with Infernal Hulk vs Wolverine. These will lead into the Hulk War event in early 2027. It’s likely this is where Bruce’s new Hulk and Charlie Tidwell will return – finally getting their shot at Eldest at the darkest hour.
And while few Marvel fans believe Bruce Banner will NEVER become the Hulk again, the setup of his condition does suggest that Marvel will crown another character the official ‘Hulk’ before returning the gamma power to its classic wielder.
Until then, Hulk fans can enjoy a few months of the Infernal Hulk destroying a succession of iconic heroes, plunging the planet into an Age of Monsters before Bruce and Charlie ride to the rescue.
Infernal Hulk #10 is available now from Marvel Comics.
- First Appearance
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The Incredible Hulk (1962)
- Alias
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Robert Bruce Banner
- Alliance
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Avengers, Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, Pantheon, Warbound, S.M.A.S.H., Secret Avengers
- Franchise
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Marvel
