Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

As a long-time Marvel fan, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some truly iconic characters grace the pages of comic books, but none have captured my imagination quite like Thaddeus Ross, better known as the Red Hulk. With his unique blend of military strategy, gamma radiation powers, and a complex backstory, he offers a captivating take on the Hulk mythos.


The Red Hulk is poised to make his entrance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time in “Captain America: Brave New World,” which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2025. Excitement has been building among fans for years as they’ve wondered if and when this iconic character would appear on the big screen. In the film’s initial trailer, we got a sneak peek of the red-skinned Hulk variant.

In various Marvel Comics stories, the Red Hulk moniker has been assumed by multiple characters, with Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross being the initial and most renowned one. There’s a strong belief that Ross will assume this role once again in “Captain America: Brave New World,” but Marvel might surprise us and assign it to another character instead. Red Hulk shares many powers with Bruce Banner’s Hulk, but there are some significant variations in their power sets.

Some variations of the Hulk, specifically Bruce Banner’s version, have certain capabilities similar to Red Hulk.

6 Conscious Transformation

Thunderbolt Ross Can Transform Into Red Hulk At Will

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

Instead of turning into the Hulk uncontrollably when enraged like Bruce Banner, Ross has the ability to voluntarily transform into the Red Hulk and revert back at will. Even if he is unconscious, his Red Hulk form persists until he regains consciousness and intentionally relinquishes this power.

As someone who has followed the Marvel Comics universe for years, I can tell you that Red Hulk, aka General Thaddeus Ross, holds a significant strategic edge over his foes due to his ability to harness the Hulk’s power. Drawing from my extensive knowledge of these characters, I believe this could be a game-changer in the MCU if introduced. However, it is uncertain if Red Hulk will make an appearance in the upcoming films, given the unpredictable nature of Marvel Studios.

5 Retain Intelligence

Red Hulk Is Just As Smart As Ross

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

In many portrayals of the Green Hulk, unlike Bruce Banner who’s renowned for his intellectual prowess, the Hulk displays the behavior of a young child, albeit one possessing extraordinary speed, power, and resilience.

The Red Hulk stands out in contrast, with General Ross’ intelligence still present within him. This intellectual edge proves beneficial in battles, allowing him to employ his powers in cunning ways. Moreover, his capacity to change forms at will sets Red Hulk’s abilities apart from the burden Banner bears.

4 Energy Absorption

Red Hulk Can Take In Mass Amounts Of Energy

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

The primary difference between Red Hulk and the traditional Hulk lies in his ability to absorb vast quantities of energy, a power not typically found in other manifestations of Bruce Banner’s alter ego.

As a longtime fan of comic books and the Marvel universe, I’ve been fascinated by the complex character development of Red Hulk, also known as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. His transformation into this formidable monster is deeply connected to his past, specifically the gamma radiation experiment that went horribly wrong.

3 Heat Increase

The Angrier He Gets, The Hotter He Gets

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

As Hulk grows more enraged, his strength and wildness intensify with seemingly no bounds to his increased power during bouts of anger. (Or) The angrier Hulk gets, the greater his strength and unruly behavior become, with no apparent ceiling to his enhanced might while in a rage.

In the comics, when the Red Hulk becomes enraged, his body temperature rises significantly, leading to potential health problems for him. If his anger reaches boiling point, he may even lose consciousness due to his system’s inability to cope with extreme heat. The Red Hulk has been known to generate enough heat to instantly turn sand into glass.

2 Explosion

Red Hulk Can Project The Energy He Has Absorbed

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

Red Hulk is unique in his ability to absorb vast quantities of gamma radiation and then unleash it in an explosive blast. This leaves him with minimal mass if he’s hit by the same destructive energy. In contrast, Bruce Banner’s Hulk emits gamma radiation instead of absorbing it like Red Hulk does. Their power functions differ significantly.

As someone who has studied nuclear physics and witnessed the devastating aftermath of a nuclear explosion, I can tell you that Thaddeus Ross’ encounter with this immense force is not to be taken lightly. The blast, much like that of a nuclear bomb, leaves behind an eerie landscape, with destruction as far as the eye can see. The similarities don’t end there; no doubt, traces of gamma radiation will linger in the aftermath, posing a grave danger to those who dare to venture into the affected area.

1 Command A Military

Being A General Has Its Perks

Marvel: 6 Things Red Hulk Can Do That Bruce Banner Cannot

Thaddeus Ross first appeared in Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), holding the rank of Lieutenant General in the US Air Force and harboring a deep hatred towards the Hulk, determined to eliminate him at any cost. Later on in 2008, driven by desperation, Ross transformed into the Red Hulk as part of an ambitious plan to confront Bruce Banner head-on.

As a gamer, I’d say this: Instead of being a humble scientist, Ross transforms into a powerful military commander, boasting an overwhelming army at my disposal. With numbers far surpassing the Hulk’s might, Ross stands as an unyielding adversary even without his powers. Armed with soldiers, guns, tanks, jets, and more, Ross is ready to deploy his formidable arsenal against the Incredible Hulk – or any other obstacle that dares cross my path.

Read More

2024-07-24 18:34