Marvel Prepares for a Planet Hulk Sequel: Key Details Revealed

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Ultimates #8! The Planet Hulk storyline stands out as one of the most transformative arcs in the history of the Hulk character within Marvel Comics. Unlike traditional narratives where the Hulk is depicted as a societal outcast overwhelmed by adversities, this saga positions him as a gladiator and a king. Now, this captivating story is set to receive an exciting sequel.

In The Ultimates #8, crafted by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, the Guardians of the Galaxy embark on a time-travel mission from the 61st Century back to the 21st Century. Their objective is to retrieve America Chavez, a key member from their future reality, only for her to opt for staying in modern times alongside the Ultimates. Amid her amnesia, the Guardians work tirelessly to revive her memories, ultimately revealing a striking truth: the existence of ‘Planet Hulk’.

A planet of Hulks getting obliterated by a collapsing universe.

The Guardians utilize a telepathic connection to enlighten America about her forgotten past, including glimpses of a planet densely populated by Hulks. These Hulks, numbering in the billions, all trace their lineage directly back to Bruce Banner. Unfortunately, due to the manipulative actions of the Maker, this future is in jeopardy as the residents strive to bear the weight of an impending cosmic collapse. This sheer determination to withstand a crumbling universe showcases their exceptional power, highlighting the need to explore their compelling narrative.

The Ultimate Universe’s Planet Hulk: A Potentially Superior Sequel to World War Hulk

World War Hulk: The Original Sequel to Planet Hulk

In the original Planet Hulk saga, the Hulk is forcibly exiled to the remote planet of Sakaar by a coalition of Earth’s foremost ‘heroes’ known as the Illuminati. They perceive him as a grave threat and banish him in a spacecraft aimed far from Earth. Arriving in Sakaar, the Hulk initially finds himself enslaved and pitted against other gladiators, yet he ultimately leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Red King, claiming victory, knighthood, and even establishing a family.

The narrative’s follow-up, World War Hulk, revolves around Hulk’s return to Earth, fueled by revenge against those who cast him away. While its plot is monumental and essential for Hulk’s character arc, it paradoxically undermines the very growth instigated by Planet Hulk. In contrast, the Ultimate Universe appears to depict Hulk being exiled similarly but instead results in a world teeming with his kind.

This Ultimate iteration of Planet Hulk offers an unprecedented exploration of a society comprised of ten billion Hulks, each possessing unparalleled strength. This prospect ignites curiosity: What structure governs this society? Are these Hulks destined for galaxy-wide conquests or bound to their home planet? What is the nature of leadership within their realm? The potential for divergent narratives is endless, limited only by the imaginations of storytellers.

The Possibility of an Ultimate Universe Planet Hulk Narrative Hangs by a Thread

The Maker’s Influence May Have Annihilated the Planet Hulk Concept

The Maker running away from the Avengers.

While the concept of a Planet Hulk saga centered on a populous planet of Hulks promises an enthralling tale, its realization appears bleak. The recent events unveiled in The Ultimates indicate that the Maker’s intervention has led to the collapse of this Hulk-filled universe, potentially erasing it from existence. The Maker has been known to reshape realities to suit his desires, which may have extinguished the hope of Planet Hulk’s emergence altogether.

Even as the Ultimate Universe progresses, it seems improbable that it will explore these lost narratives, especially given the extensive timeline implied. However, should there linger any chance of bringing this Planet Hulk to fruition, Marvel owes it to its audience to seize the narrative avenues ripe for exploration, as the groundwork for a stunning Hulk sequel is firmly laid.

The Ultimates #8 from Marvel Comics is available now.

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