There have been many different iterations of the Hulk over the years, with the debut of the crimson-tinged Red Hulk being a similar yet completely separate take on the character that fans hadn’t seen before. Commanding a unique power set with a secret identity who is decidedly not Bruce Banner, how exactly did Red Hulk get his signature scarlet hue, and what makes this colored version of the Jade Giant stand out from his predecessor?
Crashing onto the scene in 1962 thanks to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Bruce Banner, aka the original green Hulk, is a ferocious monster who famously becomes stronger the angrier he gets — a staple power detail that’s been riffed on or repurposed each time a new Hulk makes their debut.
Currently, having multiple colored Hulks in continuity — like Joe Fixit’s Grey Hulk, the Uni-Power-imbued Blue Hulk, the solar-powered Orange Hulk, and more — Marvel introduced Red Hulk as a mysterious threat in 2008’s Hulk #1, with their explanation for his color change and identity not coming until much later on.
Red Hulk’s Different Colored Skin Partially Came From Siphoning off the Original Hulk’s Radiation
Hulk (Vol. 2) – 2008 (Jeff Loeb and Ed McGuinness)
Teased as a character in the first issue of this relaunched Hulk series when Iron Man, She-Hulk, Maria Hill, Doc Samson, and a then as-of-yet-revealed LMD version of General Ross take it upon themselves to find out who murdered the Abomination, Red Hulk is finally shown in all of his ruby-colored glory in issue two. But it wasn’t until Hulk #23 that it’s revealed General Ross was the one sporting the Hulk’s new scarlet skin, with the reason behind this change being the result of the transformation process he underwent at the hands of a pair of iconic Marvel villains.
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Uncharacteristically joining forces with the villainous think tank named the Intelligencia, General Ross, after the devastating events of World War Hulk, agreed to terms with staple Hulk foe, The Leader, and the similarly evil M.O.D.O.K. to turn him into what he hates most — a Hulk — all so he can be prepared for when the Green Goliath inevitably returned. Doused with gamma radiation siphoned straight from the Hulk himself, cosmic rays were also utilized in Ross’ monstrous transformation, with these slightly differing techniques, along with Ross’ unique genetics, resulting in a totally different color for the character.
Red Hulk’s Powers Are Based Around Heat and Incredible Strength That Matches the Original Hulk’s Power
General Ross Has Super Powers That Bruce Banner Doesn’t
Possessing the required superhuman strength, stamina, durability, and healing factor to officially call himself a Hulk, General Ross’ version of the character sets himself apart not just because of his obvious color swap. When Red Hulk gets angry, his crimson skin generates incredibly intense heat, which can then be released via his eyes and is even strong enough to turn sand into glass on contact. Additionally, and unlike most of Banner’s transformations, Ross maintains total control and intelligence levels while in his Red Hulk form, and can also absorb different energies like gamma radiation and even Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic!
Beating the likes of the original Hulk, She-Hulk, Thor, Colossus’ version of Juggernaut, and more, Red Hulk’s strength isn’t something to be taken lightly, especially with a military general guiding a rampaging brute who usually only has one thing on his mind: smashing things! With General Ross able to keep his wits about him after turning red, he can effectively continue to use his strategic mind as needed and, like the soldier he is, even utilize a high-tech S.H.I.E.L.D. pistol that can pierce Hulk-tough skin — a weapon he murdered Abomination with during his initial appearance.
There Have Been Multiple Red Hulk Characters Other Than General Ross
Betty Ross Is Another Version of Red Hulk in Marvel Comics
Though General Ross originated the character, there have been others who have transformed into this alternate Hulk as well. Brainwashed into following in her father’s footsteps, the Intelligencia turned Betty Ross into Red She-Hulk via a similar process as General Ross’ Red Hulk, with her heat powers allowing her to spit piping hot, metal-destroying saliva. Stepping into the role for a short while (as well as quite literally thanks to the “hour of power” restrictions put in place by Project: Troubleshooter), Robert Maverick’s Red Hulk didn’t have power absorption or heat-based abilities, but still made his mark on the page.
Luckily, fans won’t have to wait long to see General Ross return to the role he created, as next February, Marvel is releasing a Red Hulk solo series starring Ross that will tie into the universe-shattering “One World Under Doom” event coming in 2025 — a book that will see Doom imprison Ross to exploit his tactical military mind. Red Hulk’s crimson skin sets him apart from the original Hulk in more ways than a simple visual change, with the way General “Thunderbolt” Ross acquired his ruby hue and unique powers being perfect for his unique take on an iconic Avenger.
Red Hulk
Created as part of a Super Soldier program by Doc Samson and criminal think tank the Intelligencia, Red Hulk was imagined as an antiheroic and more volatile adversary for the Hulk. Boasting greater strategic intelligence, his true identity was revealed to be General Thunderbolt Ross in World War Hulks. After years of speculation, Red Hulk debuts in Captain America: Brave New World, played by Harrison Ford.
- First Appearance
- Hulk #2
- Alias
- Thaddeus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross
- RELATIONSHIPS
- Betty Ross (Daughter)
- Alliance
- US Government
- Race
- Human
- POWERS
- Superhuman strength, durability, and endurance,radiation absorption, healing factor, Gamma radiation emissions. Skilled tactician.
- Age
- 80
- Status
- Alive
Summary
Created as part of a Super Soldier program by Doc Samson and criminal think tank the Intelligencia, Red Hulk was imagined as an antiheroic and more volatile adversary for the Hulk. Boasting greater strategic intelligence, his true identity was revealed to be General Thunderbolt Ross in World War Hulks. After years of speculation, Red Hulk debuts in Captain America: Brave New World, played by Harrison Ford.
