article by J.W.Qiyamah
The Red Hulk is an overlooked fan favorite, but could actually defeat Banner if the face off made to the big or small screen?
The Red Hulk was first introduced to Marvel Comics in 2008. His introduction kept his true identity secret for quite a few publications. It was not until 2010’s “World War Hulks” that is shown that longtime adversary General Thunderbolt Ross was in reality The Red Hulk. Also in 2008 the now fully blossomed MCU introduced William Hurt in “Incredible Hulk” starring Edward Norton. Sadly we lost William Hurt March of this year (2022). This tragedy struck a major blow to many fans that would wish to see The Red Hulk on the big or small screen.
Taking to account that when Dr. Banner goes into “rage mode” his strength is for the most part limitless. However, his crimson counterpart does in fact have his limits. It is a fact that Red Hulk’s major flaw is that he can overheat. Taking this into account if the two goliaths were to go at it on the big screen it would make quite the spectacle. Although the two have fought it out on the pages of comics as well as the animated “Avengers Assemble” fans would have love to have seen the epic battle translate from comic to cinematic motion.
Another huge factor to consider is the identity of the Red Hulk. Thunderbolt Ross. The identity of the Red Hulk being Thunderbolt Ross is important because he has been a thorn in Banner’s side since he (Banner) became the original Hulk. If the two were to clash and the fact that Banner is anger driven (meaning he gets stronger with his anger), the Red Hulk could easily anger Banner to the point of no return. This would give Banner all the fuel he would need to push Red Hulk to the point of overheating, ultimately giving Banner the win. This does not neccesarily mean that Banner would slay the scarlet beast but is a huge factor consider if the two were to have a showdown in the MCU.
The Hulk has also beaten Red Hulk in the comics by forcing Red Hulk to overheat in combat. Once Banner even threatened Red Hulk by stating that if he ever reverted by to being General Ross he (Banner) would expose Ross as being Red Hulk. This cleaver event also brings another one up that Banner has over Red Hulk….intelligence.
The argument between fanboys over which hulk is stronger could go on for days, although it has been concluded that in short term Red Hulk but in the longer term The original Banner Hulk is stronger because unlike Red Hulk, Banner does not overheat and become vulnerable.