The Hulk: Galactus’ Strongest Herald and His Unexpected Gentle Side

Warning: contains spoilers for What If…Galactus Transformed Hulk!

In the latest comic, What If…Galactus Transformed Hulk?, the iconic Hulk takes on a remarkable new role as the herald of Galactus. This intriguing storyline reveals not only his newfound powers, bestowed through the Power Cosmic, but also his unexpected gentleness—a stark contrast to his typical rage. In a surprising twist, the Hulk emerges as one of Galactus’ most noble heralds, potentially surpassing even the famous Silver Surfer.

The Fearsome Reputation of Galactus’ Heralds

The History of Galactus’ Heralds

The heralds of Galactus stand among the most formidable and feared beings in the Marvel Universe. Tasked with finding planets to satiate Galactus’ relentless appetite for energy, these powerful entities wield a fraction of the Power Cosmic, granting them extraordinary abilities and the means to survive in the vacuum of space. Many heralds have made pacts with Galactus, often sacrificing their homes to save their worlds.

The Silver Surfer, one of the most renowned of these heralds, originated as Norrin Radd from Zenn-La. When Galactus threatened to consume his home world, Norrin struck a deal, pledging to serve him in exchange for the planet’s survival. However, his journey led him to Earth, where his growing conscience and sense of morality ultimately resulted in him defying Galactus.

While the role of a herald confers immense power, it exacts a significant psychological toll due to the devastation they enable. This complex relationship recurs among many heralds, with figures like Terrax, Firelord, and Nova (Frankie Raye) each exhibiting similar paths, often leading to rebellion against Galactus as they grapple with the deaths they inadvertently cause.

Marvel’s Exploration of the Power Cosmic

Hulk’s Unique Approach as a Herald

Marvel’s intriguing What If series has begun to explore scenarios where various heroes, including the Hulk and Gambit, wield the Power Cosmic as Galactus’ heralds. This transformation endows the Hulk with not only tremendous strength and resilience but also an enhanced ability to control his anger while maintaining his human side.

What truly sets the Hulk apart from previous heralds is his compassionate approach: he actively warns the inhabitants of planets in Galactus’ pathway, providing them with ample time to evacuate. This approach is met with mixed reactions; despite his best intentions, many ignore his warnings or respond with hostility.

The Inevitable Conflict with Galactus

Lessons for Future Heralds of Galactus

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 Cover Image

Although Galactus initially accommodates the Hulk’s unconventional methods, the mounting tensions eventually mirror the downfalls of many heralds who came before him. The Hulk, while embodying a herald’s strength and capability, grapples with the emotional strain of his role, leading to an inevitable confrontation with his master. The Hulk’s advance warnings, while noble, underscore the fundamental disconnect between what it means to be a herald and the inherent disregard many previous heralds have shown for the lives of those they encounter.

For those intrigued by this unique narrative twist, What If…Galactus Transformed Hulk? is now available from Marvel Comics.

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