Not every Marvel hero enjoys a resolution filled with joy, and sadly, the Hulk is a prime example of this somber truth. In numerous futures depicted across various storylines, Bruce Banner’s legacy appears irrevocably tied to his alter ego. Instead of making a significant impact on the world, it seems the Hulk primarily leaves behind an inheritance of rage. This is perhaps one of the most tragic outcomes imaginable.
In a recent comic issue, time-displaced members of the Guardians of the Galaxy from the 61st century share harrowing tales of their ravaged future, revealing a planet inhabited by ten billion descendants of the Hulk.
Despite their efforts to avert the destruction of the universe, these Hulks face failure, exemplifying a recurring trend of grim resolutions associated with the character.
The Ultimate Universe Highlights Hulk’s Ominous Fate
As a reader, the destruction of Planet Hulk resonates deeply, extending Bruce Banner’s history of tragic outcomes. In a brief mention in The Ultimates #8, the demise of this planet and its billion Hulk descendants presents a bleak perspective on legacy—one that is deeply unsettling.
This narrative evokes memories of other foreboding futures, including one of the most harrowing tales: Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s iconic Old Man Logan. Set in a twisted reality where villains unite to thwart their heroic counterparts, the Hulk had allied himself with these threats. With the heroes annihilated and nothing but desolation to occupy him, the Hulk forms a disturbing relationship with She-Hulk, spawning a group known as the Hulk Gang. This group, marked by inbreeding, perpetrates chaos across the land and leaves a trail of destruction in their wake. It culminates in a tragic end when Wolverine, driven by vengeance for his fallen family, kills the Hulk.
The One Below All Represents Hulk’s Darkest Timeline
It is truly disheartening to witness such a beloved character ensnared in a relentless cycle of unfortunate endings throughout the Multiverse.
In his ultimate fate, the Hulk roams the cosmos, wreaking havoc on any planet he encounters. Bruce Banner, who initially sought to harness gamma radiation to aid humanity, finds that his actions have led only to destruction. His legacy now comprises not only the Hulk Gang and Planet Hulk, but also a future devoid of hope, leaving him as perhaps the last living entity in the universe. It evokes sorrow that the Hulk is destined to perpetually embody darkness in these narratives.
The Hulk’s Pathway Leads to Destruction
Regrettably, it seems that a truly happy ending for the Hulk is forever beyond reach in Marvel’s storytelling sphere. Bruce Banner’s aspirations to rise above his traumatic upbringing and use his intellect for the greater good have ultimately been usurped by a legacy defined by chaos and ruin. His identity will forever be intertwined with the Hulk—a symbol of destruction that overshadows his contributions and aspirations.
The Ultimates #8 is now available from Marvel Comics!
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