| Creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Incredible Hulk for the first time in May 1962. The alter ego of nuclear physicist Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, Hulk is supposedly the most cherished super-hero, with a negative trait, from Marvel Comics. The original Hulk was inked with a grey skin color, giving way to a green color from the second issue itself due to discolored printing of Hulk’s character in the first issue.
Working for the US government, Dr. Banner develops a new “Gamma Bomb” weapon, the root cause for a fatal accident and eventually his mutation. The testing day of the bomb saw its detonation, with Dr. Banner being exposed to a larger than lethal dose of Gamma radiation in his attempt to save teenager friend, Rick Jones. A certain assistant, believed to be a Soviet spy, triggered the activation of the bomb to deliberately kill Bruce. Upon his arrival at the hospital, Banner transforms into a ravaging monster, the grey-skinned Hulk. The series depicts Banner’s transformation into Hulk everyday at dusk, later adapted to be triggered by a violent emotion, anger. The original grey Hulk showcased normal human intelligence with utter arrogance and hatred towards tinier offending humans. Over the years the green Hulk is portrayed having the intellect and judgment of an angry young kid.
The story usually revolved around General Thunderbolt Ross devising plans, hell-bent upon capturing and destroying Hulk using his "Hulkbuster" U.S. Army battalion. With stark contrast or as a twist to the story, his daughter, Betty is the love interest of Dr. Banner, usually supporting the Hulk and his freedom. Complicating matters further is Ross’s right-hand man, Major Glenn Talbot, who is in love with Betty, torn between honesty towards his profession and a moral dilemma for pursuing Betty in a more honorable manner. The Hulk has spawned many a merchandise ranging from special Hulk action figures to Hulk comics based fashion clothing. Recent movie “The Hulk”, starring Eric Bana as the Hulk, was released in 2003, followed by plans to launch a sequel. Additional television series as well as video games have also been launched in the market, well received by the masses. |
