Ranking the 25 Strongest Hulks in Marvel Comics

Overview of Hulk Variants in the Marvel Universe

Hulk is recognized as the strongest character in the Marvel universe, showcasing unparalleled strength and power.
Various iterations of Hulk, including Blue Hulk and Immortal Hulk, exhibit distinct abilities and exceptional strength.
Transformations like Worldbreaker Hulk and Breaker of Worlds highlight the character’s vast potential and might.

Debuting in the May 1962 issue of The Incredible Hulk, created by Marvel legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Hulk is celebrated as one of the most powerful superheroes in comic book history. The character’s alter ego, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner, is a scientist whose exposure to gamma rays transforms him into the iconic green (or gray) monster.

Over the years, the Marvel universe has introduced numerous Hulk variants and other gamma-powered characters, with some exhibiting extraordinary levels of power and strength. Despite these various incarnations, it remains evident that Hulk stands out as the strongest among all.

Updated January 11th, 2024, by C.M Edwards: As the founder of the “Strongest There Is Club,”Hulk continues to dominate Marvel Comics. Not only does he possess the ability to knock down any adversary with a singular punch, but he also remains a formidable figure on Earth. Hulk’s legacy is marked by numerous transformations and iterations, with colorful changes in his appearance and personality. Moreover, a plethora of gamma-powered entities has emerged in his wake, each boasting their unique powers. From being a significant threat to cities to cosmic-level dangers, Hulk’s legacy remains undeniably feared across the Marvel multiverse.

25 Spider-Hulk

The Unfriendly Neighborhood Spider Giant

Peter Parker
First Appearance: Hulk Vol. 5 #4

In an alternate universe, Peter Parker’s origin diverges significantly from that of his primary continuity. On Earth 122, he becomes a protégé of Bruce Banner, leading to his exposure to a radioactive spider. This spider, altered by gamma radiation, transforms Peter into the massive and powerful Spider-Hulk. Like many gamma beings, Spider-Hulk possesses vast strength fueled by rage, albeit with diminished intelligence.

24 A-Bomb

Faced Abomination and the Hulk

Rick Jones
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #1

Rick Jones, initially a teenager who inadvertently triggered Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, later becomes an integral ally. Eventually, he himself transforms into the gamma-powered hero known as A-Bomb. This powerful iteration grants him extraordinary strength, gamma sense detection, and formidable durability due to his plate-like armor.

23 square

Can Throw Punches With the Force of a Planet Behind Them

Santos
First Appearance: What If?…Planet Hulk #1

Following Hulk’s exile to outer space by the Illuminati, he finds refuge on a distant planet where he establishes a family. The resulting destruction compels Hulk to leave, but he leaves behind a son: Skaar. Seeking vengeance for his mother’s death, Skaar embodies immense power and displays remarkable ability to tap into geological forces, making him a formidable successor to the Hulk legacy.

22 Zombie Hulk

A Mindless and Unstoppable Devourer of Humans

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Ultimate Fantastic Four #22

In a haunting narrative arc that spans six issues, this zombified version of Hulk becomes an unstoppable monster in a world ravaged by the undead. Unlike other incarnations, Zombie Hulk is devoid of any humanity, driven solely by an insatiable hunger for human flesh, wreaking havoc across cities in search of his next meal.

21 Hulk 2099

The Only Hope of the 30th Century

John Eisenhart
First Appearance: 2099 Unlimited #1

Set in a dystopian future dominated by corporate power, John Eisenhart was a journalist who delved into stories about a cult that revered Hulk. His investigative efforts inadvertently lead to tragedy, culminating in him being imbued with Hulk-like powers through a gamma incident. Now, burdened by guilt, he takes on the role of protector for the oppressed against the corrupt forces of his time.

20 The End Hulk

Can Regenerate From Next to Nothing

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk Vol 1 #1

In a bleak future where humanity has vanished, Hulk is the last surviving hero. Over centuries, Bruce Banner succumbs to loneliness while combating monstrous insect threats. The The End Hulk boasts remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing him to recover from devastating encounters, all while embodying sheer survival instincts.

19 Joe Fixed

Can Rip a Train Car in Half

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Hulk #324

Joe Fixit marks a distinctive persona of Hulk, showcasing a more cunning and street-smart character. Unlike the usual Hulks known for their raw power and rage, Joe retains a level of intelligence and moral ambiguity, living a life straddling both heroism and anti-heroism. Although formidable, he lacks the destructive potential of the base Hulk.

18 Doc Green

Equal Strength to Base Form Hulk

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Hulk Vol 3 #9

Doc Green is a byproduct of Bruce Banner’s multifaceted psyche, shaped by the Extremis virus. This incarnation retains the brain of Banner while possessing the brute strength of the Hulk. However, unlike the more affable versions, Doc Green’s moral compass is less stable, often leading him into conflicts even with former allies.

17 Savage Hulk

Lifted an Entire Mountain Above His Head

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Savage Hulk #1 (2014)

The Savage Hulk is feared even among the Avengers due to his unpredictable and primal nature. Resembling a pure embodiment of rage and instinct, this version of Hulk exhibits less humanity, often leading to catastrophic consequences and unprecedented collateral damage during his rage-fueled rampages.

16 Totally Awesome Hulk

Ripped a Wakandan Hulkbuster Apart

Amadeus Cho
First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (2016)

The Totally Awesome Hulk represents a significant shift in Hulk’s legacy, with Amadeus Cho stepping into Bruce Banner’s role. After Banner’s supposed demise, Cho harnessed gamma radiation to empower himself as a new Hulk. With a focus on emotional control over fury, Cho’s tenure as Hulk explores new dimensions of strength and responsibility.

15 She-Hulk

Defeated the Wrecking Crew by Herself

Jennifer Walters
First Appearance: The Savage She-Hulk #1

She-Hulk, or Jennifer Walters, is Bruce Banner’s cousin who acquires her powers after a dire injury necessitates a blood transfusion from Banner. This transformation grants her great strength comparable to the Hulk, yet unlike her cousin, she retains her intellect and composure in both her normal and transformed states.

14 Red She-Hulk

Able to Use Brute Strength to Escape an Alternate Dimension

Elizabeth Ross
First Appearance: Hulk #15 (2009)

Elizabeth Ross’s tragic journey leads her to become Red She-Hulk, following her transformation into a gamma-powered being through the machinations of MODOK. As a member of Thunderbolt Ross’s Code Red team, she showcases tenacity and strength rivaling that of Banner’s Hulk.

13 Devil Hulk

Overwhelmed a Prime Hulk

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #13 (2000)

Devil Hulk emerges as a mental defense mechanism devised by Bruce Banner, formed during his childhood abuse. This entity provides protection, exhibiting unique abilities that transcend typical Hulk powers, including telekinesis and enhanced intelligence, addressing threats to Bruce directly.

12 Weapon H

Fought Sabertooth, X-23, and Old Man Logan at the Same Time

Clayton Cortez
First Appearance: Totally Awesome Hulk #21 (2017)

Weapon H represents a unique fusion of Hulk’s attributes and Wolverine’s powers, including superhuman strength and healing capabilities, along with his iconic claws. Originating from the Weapon X Project, this formidable character exemplifies the fusion of monstrous strength and tactile efficiency.

11 Green Scar

Crushed Half a City With a Single Step

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #104 (2007)

The harsh environment of Planet Skaar gave rise to Green Scar, an iteration possessing a blend of Bruce’s intelligence, Savage Hulk’s raw strength, and Gray Hulk’s cunning. This powerful personality demonstrated his might by triumphing in gladiatorial contests, showcasing his formidable capabilities during the World War Hulk storyline.

10 Old Man Hulk

Created an Entire Army

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Giant-Sized Old Man Logan #1

In the dystopian landscape of Old Man Logan, Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Old Man Hulk leads to a sinister evolution of his character. Adopting cannibalistic traits and wielding power over a gang of gamma-affected individuals, this dark version of Hulk reflects the dire consequences of unchecked power and isolation.

9 Maestro

Killed All the Avengers

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: Hulk: Future Imperfect #1

Maestro, a future version of Hulk, embodies the concept of power run amok. Born from a catastrophic future and demonstrating unchecked strength, Maestro stands apart as a chilling representation of what Hulk could become if consumed by madness. His debut in Future Imperfect has since made him a notorious figure in Marvel lore.

8 Red Hulk

Defeated the Watcher with One Punch

Thunderbolt Ross
First Appearance: Hulk #1 (2008)

General Thunderbolt Ross’s rivalry with Bruce Banner culminates in his own transformation into Red Hulk. Possessing physical prowess, energy absorption, and unique abilities, he quickly becomes a fierce foe, capable of haunting the Avengers. His upcoming debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe promises to reveal even more about this powerful figure.

7 Kluh

Punched Nova into Another Country

Club
First Appearance: Red Hulk: Scorched Earth #1

In the 2014 crossover event Avengers & X-Men: Axis, readers are introduced to Kluh, a variant driven by sadness rather than rage. This new Hulk towers above other heroes, showcasing unparalleled violence as he confronts his realization that former allies are not true friends, leading to chaotic confrontations.

6 Hulk – Herald of Galactus

A Hulk with the Power of Cosmic

Bruce Banner
First Appearance: What If? World War Hulk #1

This remarkable variant, ensuing from the events of World War Hulk, emerges as Hulk assumes a unique role as a herald for Galactus. Instead of facing defeat, Hulk wins against his foes and is then tasked with searching for new worlds for Galactus to consume, in a compelling twist that redefines his powers and purpose.

Source & Images