Comics

Everything You Need to Know About The Hulk in Marvel Rivals

Dive into the massive comic book history of The Hulk, the big green giant that's rampaging through Marvel Rivals.

The Hulk looking scary in the The Immortal Hulk
Image: Marvel Comics
0
By: William AndersonFeb 12, 2025, 10:17 AM

Marvel Rivals brings together some of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, and few are as unstoppable and feared as The Hulk. Known as the strongest one there is, Bruce Banner’s monstrous alter ego is a force of pure rage and destruction, capable of leveling cities, overpowering gods, and shrugging off the most devastating attacks.

With his limitless strength, near-invulnerability, and unmatched resilience, The Hulk is a juggernaut on the battlefield. His presence in Marvel Rivals makes him a perfect choice for players who love high-damage brawlers and unrelenting close-range combat.

This article explores The Hulk’s origins, powers, and role in Marvel Rivals, giving fans a complete breakdown of Marvel’s most powerful gamma-fueled hero.

World War Hulk #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

Who is The Hulk?

The Hulk first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. His story follows Dr. Bruce Banner, a brilliant but reclusive scientist who was exposed to massive amounts of gamma radiation during an experiment gone wrong. Instead of killing him, the radiation transformed him into the Hulk, a towering, unstoppable force of rage.

Whenever Bruce experiences anger, stress, or extreme pain, he loses control and transforms into the Hulk, a being of limitless strength and raw fury. Over the years, Hulk has been both a hero and a danger to the world, constantly battling against those who seek to control or destroy him.

While many fear him as a rampaging monster, those who truly understand Hulk know that his heart is just as strong as his fists.

Character Lore

The Birth of the Hulk

Dr. Bruce Banner was a genius scientist working on gamma radiation research when he was caught in the blast of an experimental gamma bomb. The radiation should have killed him, but instead, it awakened the Hulk within him.

Since that day, Banner has been locked in a battle with himself, struggling to control the beast inside. Though he seeks peace, the world often forces him into conflict, unleashing the full fury of the Hulk.

Fighting Against the World

Hulk’s immense power has made him both a target and a hero, leading to conflicts with:

  • The Avengers – Despite being a founding member, Hulk has often fought against the team due to his uncontrollable rage.
  • Thunderbolt Ross & The Military – General Ross has spent decades hunting Hulk, believing him to be a threat to humanity.
  • The Leader – One of Hulk’s greatest enemies, a gamma-enhanced genius who seeks to control or destroy him.
  • The Illuminati – A secret group of heroes (Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and others) banished Hulk into space, believing him too dangerous for Earth.

Despite this, Hulk has proven time and time again that, while his rage is unstoppable, his desire to protect the innocent is just as strong.

The Hulk rampaging through the cityImage: Marvel Comics

The Hulk’s Powers and Abilities

Limitless Strength

  • Hulk’s strength has no upper limit—the angrier he gets, the stronger he becomes.
  • He has been able to lift mountains, break planets, and even overpower cosmic beings.

Near-Invulnerability

  • His dense skin and muscle structure make him almost indestructible.
  • He can survive nuclear explosions, space travel, and energy blasts from gods.

Healing Factor & Immortality

  • Hulk’s healing factor is among the strongest in Marvel, allowing him to regenerate from fatal injuries within minutes.
  • Some versions of Hulk, like The Immortal Hulk, suggest that he can never truly die.

Thunderclap Attack

  • By slamming his hands together, Hulk can create a devastating shockwave, sending enemies flying.

Leaping Across Battlefields

  • Hulk’s immense leg muscles allow him to jump miles in a single bound, giving him insane mobility despite his size.

Multiple Hulk Forms

Over the years, different versions of Hulk have emerged, including:

  • Savage Hulk – The classic, childlike Hulk who just wants to be left alone.
  • World Breaker Hulk – The most powerful version, capable of cracking entire planets with his footsteps.
  • Maestro – A dark, future version of Hulk who conquered the world as a tyrant.
Planet Hulk #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

The Hulk’s Story in Marvel Rivals

Bruce Banner developed the Gamma Belt to control his transformations, hoping to regulate the Hulk’s power and emotional volatility. When he tested the device in his desert lab, it initially seemed to work, allowing him to trigger and sustain his Hulk form while absorbing and rechanneling gamma energy. However, as Hulk continued to exert himself, the belt created a feedback loop, amplifying his strength and fueling an uncontrollable surge of gamma radiation. With each test—clapping, jumping, and smashing—Hulk grew even stronger, reveling in his power while suppressing Banner’s cautious warnings. As his rage peaked, Hulk unleashed a catastrophic shockwave, destroying the lab and leaving Banner helpless among the wreckage when stray debris damaged the belt, forcing a sudden reversion.

Shaken but fascinated, Banner realized his invention had pushed the boundaries of Hulk’s power in ways he hadn’t anticipated, proving both its potential and its danger. As he examined the ruined lab and the shattered Gamma Belt, he knew he had unleashed something new within himself—and that he wasn’t done experimenting yet.

The Immortal Hulk #1 coverImage: Marvel Comics

Essential The Hulk Comics

For those wanting to explore Hulk’s best stories, here are some must-read comics:

The Incredible Hulk (1962) by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

  • The original Hulk series that started it all, establishing his tragic origin and early struggles.

Planet Hulk (2006) by Greg Pak & Carlo Pagulayan

  • This iconic series had The Hulk exiled to a distant planet because he was deemed too dangerous for Earth. There, he becomes a gladiator and a king, setting up the events of World War Hulk.

World War Hulk (2007) by Greg Pak & John Romita Jr.

  • Hulk returns to Earth seeking revenge against the heroes who exiled him, leading to one of the biggest rampages in Marvel history.

Hulk: Gray (2003) by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale

  • This is a deep, emotional look at Hulk’s early days, exploring his loneliness and relationship with Betty Ross.

The Immortal Hulk (2018) by Al Ewing & Joe Bennett

  • This series is a modern classic that puts a horror spin on The Hulk, exploring the more terrifying side of his character. Not only is The Hulk an unstoppable force, but his newfound immortality and supernatural powers unlock a darker side of seen unlike anything ever seen before.

Hulk is not just a hero—he is a force of nature, representing raw power, uncontrollable rage, and tragic isolation. His presence in Marvel Rivals brings overwhelming strength, near-invincibility, and devastating area attacks, making him one of the most dangerous brawlers in the game.

Whether he’s smashing through enemies, tanking damage for his team, or unleashing his full rage in battle, Hulk proves that sometimes, brute strength is all you need to win.

TAGGED: Marvel Comics, Marvel Rivals
© 2022 MASTERFILE CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GONKBONK AND ALL RELATED TITLES, LOGOS AND CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF MASTERFILE CO.