27 Unexpected Characters Who Have Defeated The Hulk in Marvel

Overview of Hulk’s Surprising Defeats

The Hulk has faced unexpected defeats at the hands of various heroes, including Squirrel Girl, leveraging her unique charm to subdue him.
Smart tactics employed by heroes like Dr. Voodoo and Storm have successfully overcome a psychic-controlled Hulk in different comic storylines.
Even Battling Batman and an ordinary soldier have surprisingly triumphed over the Hulk, highlighting his vulnerabilities.

As one of the strongest figures in the Marvel universe, the Incredible Hulk is renowned for his unparalleled power. Bruce Banner’s gamma-induced alter ego exhibits extraordinary strength, capable of lifting massive weights such as entire mountains. His might grows exponentially with each jolt of anger, making him seemingly invincible in physical confrontations.

Despite his incredible strength, the Hulk often struggles with strategic and intellectual challenges, leading to defeats by heroes who rely on brains over brawn. While stalwarts like Sentry, Galactus, and Superman can withstand Hulk’s assaults, there are several less formidable characters who have also managed to emerge victorious against the emerald giant.

Updated February 6, 2025 by David Heath: The upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World, will introduce Sam Wilson facing off against Hulk adversaries, including The Leader and General ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross (the Red Hulk).As the cinematic universe progresses, fans are left wondering how these characters will stand against the true Hulk.

Throughout comic history, the Hulk has demonstrated that he is not indestructible. Many characters, including the Leader and a non-irritable version of Thunderbolt Ross, have found ways to best him through clever tactics, advanced technology, or sheer luck. Here are some notable heroes who have achieved surprising victories against the Hulk.

1 Zeus

Incredible Hulks #622

Illustrated by Paul Pelletier.

Though the Hulk has fought—and sometimes bested—many divine entities, his clash with Zeus in Incredible Hulks #622 showcased his limits. This particular comic features Hulk teaming up with his family, including She-Hulk and Red She-Hulk, for a noteworthy adventure.

Seeking divine healing on Mount Olympus, Hulk instead faced Zeus’s wrath, who struck him down with a lightning bolt. Angered, Hulk confronted Zeus, but despite his formidable presence, he was decisively overpowered and defeated.

2 The Maestro

The Hulk: Future Imperfect #2

Illustrated by George Perez.

In the storyline featuring The Maestro, a morally compromised future version of the Hulk, he demonstrates a strategic edge over his younger self. After surviving a nuclear fallout and subsequent experimentation, he becomes a formidable foe shaping the world according to his vision.

Despite his strength, even Maestro is ultimately defeated by the Smart Hulk, illustrating the complex layers of Hulk’s character across different timelines and incarnations.

3 Namor

Incredible Hulk #118

Illustrated by Herb Trimpe.

Unlike Aquaman, Namor is widely respected and recognized as a powerful hero. In Incredible Hulk #118, he faces an enraged Hulk, who is provoked into battle due to a misunderstanding.

Ultimately, Namor, utilizing his aquatic powers, manages to subdue Hulk by unleashing a series of devastating tidal waves that render Hulk unconscious, showcasing strategic use of environment against brute strength.

4 Wolverine

What If #31 And Old Man Logan

Illustrated by Bob Budiansky (WI #31)/Steve McNiven (OML).

Wolverine, known for his indomitable spirit and survival instincts, has had several encounters with the Hulk throughout his career. In remarkable narratives like What If #31 and Old Man Logan, Wolverine showcases his cunning strategies and resilience.

In a chilling twist, Old Man Logan depicts a grim scenario where the Hulk, having turned feral, consumes his family. In a dramatic turn of events, Wolverine ultimately defeats the evil Bruce Banner version of the Hulk in a tale filled with vengeance.

5 Iron Man

Iron Man #132

Illustrated by Jerry Bingham.

Iron Man‘s extensive technological prowess has allowed him to stand toe-to-toe with the Hulk. In Iron Man #132, Tony Stark finds himself in a precarious situation against the Hulk emerging from Bruce Banner’s panicked escape.

While facing an uncertain battle, Stark manages to leverage the capabilities of his suit, eventually delivering a decisive blow that knocks Hulk into submission, proving his ability to outsmart brute force with innovation.

6 Hank Pym

What If the Avengers Had Never Been?

Illustrated by Gil Kane.

The original Ant-Man, Hank Pym, has provided unique perspectives through various storylines, including the alternate scenario depicted in What If the Avengers Had Never Been?

In this storyline, Pym gains the upper hand when he harnesses Iron Man’s energy. By augmenting his suit’s capabilities, he successfully manages to subdue the Hulk, emphasizing that intellect and emotion can sometimes outmaneuver raw strength.

7 Puck

Immortal Hulk #37

Illustrated by Joe Bennett.

Puck, a member of Canada’s Alpha Flight, is often underestimated due to his stature. However, in Immortal Hulk #37, he employs his agility and unique abilities to achieve a crushing defeat against the Hulk.

Utilizing a gamma-powered laser, Puck delivers a critical blow that seemingly defeats the Hulk, showcasing that even the most unlikely heroes can achieve impressive feats against such formidable foes.

8 The Punisher

The Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe

Illustrated by Doug Braithwaite.

In a world where The Punisher embarks on a mission to eradicate all superheroes, his encounter with the Hulk results in a swift and shocking victory. For those unaware of his methods, his story arc involves unforeseen implications for lovers of traditional superhero ethics.

By simply tracking and executing a plan against a raging Hulk, Punisher demonstrates that tactical planning can efficiently eclipse brute force, leaving an unforgettable mark on the Marvel universe.

9 Deadpool

Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe

Illustrated by Dalabor Talajic.

In a similarly dark narrative, Deadpool navigates a landscape where he bests some of Marvel’s greatest heroes. His encounter with the Hulk provides an intriguing twist, as the relentless healing powers enable Deadpool to rise again after being ripped apart by the Hulk.

Through a series of events characterized by humor and relentless action, Deadpool ultimately finds Banner, delivering a final, shocking blow as he claims victory over the Hulk, showcasing quirky tactics in face of overwhelming odds.

10 Spider-Man

Amazing Spider-Man #328

Illustrated by Todd McFarlane.

In a remarkable showcase of brains meeting brawn, Spider-Man secures a surprising victory over the Hulk during Loki’s ‘Acts of Vengeance.’ Utilizing temporary powers from the Enigma Force, Spider-Man’s strength amplifies significantly, culminating in a thrilling confrontation.

As Marvel’s smartest hero, Spider-Man deftly navigates the challenge, ultimately overpowering the Hulk and even showcasing intriguing methods of restraint that save both himself and the Hulk.

11 The Venom Symbiote

What If the Alien Costume Had Possessed Spider-Man?

Surprising Hulk Defeats- The Venom Symbiote

Illustrated by Mark Bagley.

Exploring alternative universes, the scenario in What If the Alien Costume Had Possessed Spider-Man? reveals a captivating twist where the Venom Symbiote bonds with the Hulk. In this unexpected twist of fate, the symbiote takes control, allowing it to leverage Hulk’s power and inadvertently showcasing vulnerabilities of the green giant.

This fascinating encounter emphasizes the dynamic nature of hero identities within the comic realm and how unexpected alliances can shift the balance of power.

12 Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four #166

Characters Who Beat the Hulk- Fantastic Four

Illustrated by George Perez.

The collaborative strengths of the Fantastic Four come into play in their effort to subdue the Hulk in Fantastic Four #166. Upon encountering Hulk in an unexpected showdown, the team learns that combining their powers can lead to surprising outcomes.

Through a series of coordinated attacks, they manage to incapacitate Hulk, illustrating how teamwork and strategy can yield victories over individuals who may otherwise be perceived as invincible.

13 The Thing

Fantastic Four #320

Illustrated by Keith Pollard.

In numerous encounters, The Thing has faced off against the Hulk with a rich history of rivalry. In Fantastic Four #320, the dynamic shifts as a mutated Thing meets the Gray Hulk.

Employing a strategic and robust approach to their one-on-one clash, The Thing nearly gains the upper hand, illustrating that strength can sometimes meet its match through resilience and evolving tactics.

14 Storm & Cable

The Incredible Hulk #444

Illustrated by Angel Medina.

In a crucial moment, Storm and Cable unite to combat a Hulk possessed by the villain Onslaught in The Incredible Hulk #444. Their combined efforts show the power of strategic collaboration, merging psychic and elemental forces to neutralize Hulk’s threat.

Through their exceptional teamwork, they manage to purify Hulk from Onslaught’s control and bring him back from the brink—momentarily illustrating Hulk’s vulnerabilities to intelligently executed plans.

15 Havok

Incredible Hulk #150

Illustrated by Herb Trimpe.

In a unique storyline from Incredible Hulk #150, Havok proves that strategic energy manipulation can triumph over raw strength. After a case of mistaken identity, Havok confronts Hulk in a bid to liberate Polaris from Hulk’s grasp.

Utilizing his energy waves to exert pressure on Hulk, Havok ultimately brings the giant down, demonstrating that sometimes even the seemingly outmatched can overcome great odds through clever strategy.

16 Hoarfen

Incredible Hulk #422

Illustrated by Gary Frank.

In a mythical convergence of magic and heroism, Hoarfen, a creature born of Loki’s lineage, emerges as a formidable opponent to the Hulk in Incredible Hulk #422. Remarkably, he manages to consume Hulk whole, briefly eliminating the green giant from the equation.

This encounter illustrates the theme of power and the unpredictable nature of mythical beings within the comic book realm, as Hulk and Vali are later resurrected from within Hoarfen’s belly.

17 Dr. Octopus

Spider-Man #19

Written and Illustrated by Erik Larsen.

In a thrilling encounter, Dr. Octopus manages to subdue the Hulk using his technologically advanced arms in Spider-Man #19. While Hulk rampages through opponents, Octopus leverages his own strength and timing to capture Hulk, demonstrating that tactics can often surpass even the mightiest strength.

The aftermath highlighted the duality present in comic confrontations: strength versus strategy, and how sometimes the most unassuming factors can lead to notable victories.

18 The Leader

Incredible Hulk #224

Characters Who Beat the Hulk- The Leader

Illustrated by Sal Buscema and Joe Rubinstein.

Samuel Sterns, known as The Leader, represents a unique foe for the Hulk, as his intellect rivals the Hulk’s brute force. In Incredible Hulk #224, he successfully orchestrates a plan to imprison both Hulk and his allies, showcasing the potency of intelligence and deceptive strategies.

Through clever manipulation, he nearly brings Hulk to his knees, revealing how villains’ cunning can equalize the playing field in their battles against physical titans.

19 The Madman

Incredible Hulk #364-367

Characters Who Beat the Hulk- The Madman

Illustrated by Jeff Purves, Dale Keown, and Marie Severin.

The Madman represents a darker aspect of the gamma narrative. In the sequence from Incredible Hulk #364-367, he manages to exploit Hulk’s weaknesses by introducing a toxic element that degrades Hulk’s capabilities. His calculated approach and psychological manipulation nearly eradicate Hulk, emphasizing the impactful potential of cunning adversaries.

By exploiting Hulk’s vulnerabilities, he sheds light on the fragile balance of power in the comic universe.

20 Hawkeye

Civil War II

Illustrated by David Marquez.

In a shocking twist during Marvel’s 2016 event, Hawkeye is given a heartbreaking mission leading to the demise of Bruce Banner. Utilizing a gamma arrow, Hawkeye carries out a fatal order to end the Hulk’s potential threat once and for all—at Banner’s own request.

This tragic resolution serves as a reminder of the complexities and moral dilemmas present in superhero narratives, pinpointing how even the most tragic outcomes can arise in the heat of conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the lives of these characters.

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