When we think about iconic comic book characters, one that undoubtedly comes to mind is the Hulk. Born out of the creative genius of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Hulk first erupted onto the comic scene in 1962. The Green Goliath quickly became a fan favourite, known for his unimaginable strength and his internal struggle with his alter ego, the mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner.
But who is the Hulk? Well, he’s a comic character that’s seen many incarnations over the years, from his initial comic debut to animated series, blockbuster films, and even video games. The Hulk’s story is one of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, as he constantly battles against the destructive force within him.
Despite his form being that of a monster, Hulk is a layered character, filled with complexities that make him more than just a mindless beast. His story is one that explores themes of anger, control, and isolation, making him a compelling figure within the realm of comic books.
The Transformation of Hulk: A Comic Character Summary
The transformation of the Hulk is not just a physical one, but also a character evolution. Initially, Hulk was depicted as a savage and mindless brute, who transforms from the brilliant scientist, Dr. Bruce Banner, following a gamma radiation accident. However, over the years, the character has evolved beyond the simplistic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” model.
The Hulk began to show signs of intelligence and emotion, with writers exploring the psychology behind Bruce Banner’s transformation. This evolution allowed the character to grow, showing that even a beast could have a heart, and even a hero could struggle with his inner demons.
The Hulk’s transformation is not static. It fluctuates based on Banner’s emotional state, making it a potent symbol of his internal struggle. This ongoing transformation is a central theme in the Hulk’s story, making him a comic character with a depth and complexity that sets him apart from others.
The Differences in Sam Liu and Frank Paur’s (2009) Interpretation
In 2009, directors Sam Liu and Frank Paur brought us “Hulk Vs.”, a direct-to-video animated film that featured the Hulk battling against two of Marvel’s most prominent characters: Wolverine and Thor. This version of the Hulk stands as a unique interpretation of the character, and there are some noticeable differences from the original comic book portrayal.
One of the most apparent differences is in the character design. The Hulk in “Hulk Vs.” is considerably larger and more monstrous than his comic book counterpart, enhancing the sense of threat and danger he poses.
The film also departs from the comic books by depicting the Hulk as a more uncontrollable and volatile force. While the comics often show Banner having some level of control or influence over the Hulk, “Hulk Vs.” portrays the transformation as entirely involuntary, with the Hulk being a separate entity from Banner.
Lastly, the film gives the Hulk a greater level of intelligence than usually depicted in the comics. He is not just a mindless beast, but a creature capable of strategy and planning, adding a new layer to the character’s complexity.
When and Where: Hulk Vs. Takes Place and Film Locations
“Hulk Vs.” is actually a double feature, presenting two separate stories: “Hulk Vs. Wolverine” and “Hulk Vs. Thor”. Each story takes place in different locations and timelines, giving viewers a glimpse of the Hulk’s adventures across the Marvel Universe.
“Hulk Vs. Wolverine” takes place in the Canadian wilderness, where the Hulk’s rampage draws the attention of the Weapon X program. The story is set in the present day, playing into the established history between Wolverine and the Hulk in the comics.
“Hulk Vs. Thor” takes place in Asgard, the realm of the gods, during the Odinsleep – a period when Asgard is most vulnerable. It presents an alternate timeline, where Loki, the God of Mischief, uses the Hulk as a weapon to conquer Asgard.
These distinct settings play a significant role in the film, enhancing the storytelling and showcasing the Hulk’s destructive potential on a grand scale.
Who’s Who: The Cast and Characters of Hulk Vs.
“Hulk Vs.” boasts an impressive cast of characters from the Marvel Universe, brought to life by a talented voice cast. Fred Tatasciore provides the gruff and aggressive voice of the Hulk, while Bryce Johnson lends his voice to the more mild-mannered Bruce Banner.
“Hulk Vs. Wolverine” introduces us to Wolverine, voiced by Steve Blum, and features characters from the Weapon X program, including Deadpool (Nolan North), Sabretooth (Mark Acheson), and Lady Deathstrike (Janyse Jaud).
“Hulk Vs. Thor” brings in the gods of Asgard, with Matthew Wolf voicing Thor, Grey DeLisle as Sif, and Graham McTavish as Loki.
Each cast member brings their character to life with a unique twist, adding depth and personality to the animated figures.
Other important characters include Deadpool, voiced by Nolan North, a mercenary with a twisted sense of humor and a healing factor that makes him nearly indestructible. Grey DeLisle voices Sif, a warrior goddess and one of Thor’s closest allies. Janyse Jaud lends her voice to Hela, the goddess of death, who seeks to claim Thor’s soul for her realm.
Hulk Vs. Quotes: Memorable Moments from the Film
“Hulk Vs.” is a film filled with memorable quotes that encapsulate the characters’ personalities and the film’s themes. One iconic line from Hulk is, “Hulk smash!” This simple yet powerful phrase demonstrates the Hulk’s raw power and his propensity for destruction.
Thor, in contrast, has a more poetic way of speaking. “For Asgard!” he often exclaims, showcasing his loyalty to his home and his determination to protect it at all costs. Deadpool, on the other hand, is known for his cheeky one-liners. “I’m not a hero. I’m a high-functioning sociopath,” he quips, hinting at his complex and somewhat chaotic nature.
The Soundtrack: Guy Michelmore’s Contribution to Hulk Vs.
Guy Michelmore’s soundtrack for “Hulk Vs.” is a significant aspect of the film’s success. His music complements the on-screen action, enhancing the audience’s emotional connection to the characters and the story.
The heroic themes associated with Hulk and Thor capture their strength and valor, while the darker pieces that accompany Deadpool and Hela reflect their more sinister aspects. Michelmore also uses quieter, more introspective tracks for moments focusing on Bruce Banner, underlining the human drama at the heart of the Hulk’s story.
Curiosities About Hulk Vs.
“Hulk Vs.” offers many curiosities for fans to delve into. For instance, the film features two separate stories: “Hulk Vs. Thor” and “Hulk Vs. Wolverine.” These two narratives showcase the Hulk’s differing interactions with other heroes, adding depth to his character.
Another curiosity is that the film is non-canonical, meaning it does not follow the established continuity of the Marvel Comics universe. This creative decision allowed the filmmakers to explore different aspects of the characters and their relationships without being bound by previous stories.
Dressing the Part: Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Like Hulk and Thor
Cosplaying as Hulk and Thor can be an exciting way to express your love for these characters. For Hulk, green body paint, a ripped shirt, and purple shorts can capture his iconic look. Remember, it’s not just about the clothes – portraying the Hulk’s strength and rage is crucial to a successful cosplay.
For Thor, a red cape, a winged helmet, and a replica of Mjí¶lnir are essential. Don’t forget the blonde wig or hair dye! As with the Hulk, embodying Thor’s character – his nobility, his bravery, and his dedication to Asgard – will make your cosplay truly memorable.
The Creators: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Biographies
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby are the legendary creators behind many of Marvel’s most beloved characters, including the Hulk and Thor. Stan Lee was born on December 28, 1922, in New York City. He began his career in comics in 1939 and went on to create or co-create a host of iconic characters, including the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and the X-Men.
Jack Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg on August 28, 1917, also in New York City, is renowned for his dynamic, action-packed art style. Together with Lee, Kirby co-created many of Marvel’s most popular characters and helped shape the company’s distinctive visual aesthetic.
Five Best Works of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s collaborations resulted in some of the most influential works in comics history. Their five best works include:
- The Fantastic Four: This series introduced the world to Marvel’s first superhero team and marked a departure from traditional superhero storytelling.
- The Incredible Hulk: This series gave us the Hulk, a tragic figure whose immense strength is both a blessing and a curse.
- Thor: In this series, Lee and Kirby brought Norse mythology into the Marvel universe, creating a unique blend of myth and superhero action.
- The X-Men: This series introduced a new kind of superhero team, one made up of outcasts and misfits who fight for a world that fears and hates them.
- The Avengers: This series brought together many of Marvel’s most popular heroes, setting the stage for epic battles and unforgettable team-ups.
Beyond Hulk Vs.: Five Other Media by Sam Liu and Frank Paur
Sam Liu and Frank Paur have collaborated on several other animated projects beyond “Hulk Vs.” Their combined filmography includes:
- Planet Hulk: A film adaptation of the popular comic book storyline, featuring the Hulk in a gladiatorial combat on a distant planet.
- Iron Man: Rise of Technovore: A feature that pits Iron Man against the technologically enhanced villain, Ezekiel Stane.
- Marvel’s Avengers Assemble: An animated series that brings together many of Marvel’s greatest heroes.
- The Invincible Iron Man: A film that explores the origins of Iron Man and his first encounters with the Mandarins.
- Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme: A film that delves into the mystical side of the Marvel universe, featuring the master of the mystic arts, Doctor Strange.
Similar Media: 10 Shows and Movies Like Hulk Vs.
“Hulk Vs.” is a distinctive entry in the realm of superhero media, but it shares similarities with other works. Here are ten shows and movies like “Hulk Vs.”:
- The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
- Justice League: The Animated Series
- The Spectacular Spider-Man
- X-Men: The Animated Series
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Teen Titans
- Justice League: Doom
- Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
- Wolverine and the X-Men
- Young Justice
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Legacy: Five Other Works
In addition to their collaborations, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby each have impressive bodies of work. Here are five other key works from these comic book legends:
- Silver Surfer (Stan Lee): This series follows the cosmic wanderings of the Silver Surfer, a character Lee used to explore deep philosophical and social issues.
- Spider-Man (Stan Lee): Lee’s most famous creation, Spider-Man, is a relatable hero whose personal struggles are as compelling as his superheroic adventures.
- The New Gods (Jack Kirby): After leaving Marvel, Kirby created this series for DC Comics, introducing a host of new characters and concepts.
- Captain America (Jack Kirby): While the character was co-created with Joe Simon, Kirby’s dynamic art brought Captain America to life.
- The Fourth World (Jack Kirby): This series is a sprawling epic that showcases Kirby’s boundless imagination.
Hulk Vs. Book Club: Discussion Questions
Here are some discussion questions for a book club focused on “Hulk Vs.”:
- How does the film explore the duality of Bruce Banner and the Hulk?
- How are Thor and Hulk portrayed differently in this film compared to other media?
- What themes and ideas does “Hulk Vs.” explore through its use of Norse mythology?
- How does the film balance action with character development?
- How does “Hulk Vs.” compare to other works by Sam Liu and Frank Paur?
Hulk in Other Media: 10 Shows and Movies with Similar Plots
“Hulk Vs.” is not the only media that features the Hulk in a prominent role. Here are ten shows and movies with similar plots:
- The Incredible Hulk (TV series)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008 film)
- Hulk (2003 film)
- The Avengers (2012 film)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015 film)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017 film)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018 film)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019 film)
- The Incredible Hulk: Animated Series
- Planet Hulk (2010 film)
The End Explained: Decoding the Finale of Hulk Vs.
The finale of “Hulk Vs.” is a thrilling climax that leaves a deep impact. In both “Hulk Vs. Thor” and “Hulk Vs. Wolverine,” the Hulk’s raw power and rage are the deciding factors. Despite their best efforts, neither Thor nor Wolverine can match the Hulk’s strength, leading to victories for the green goliath.
However, these victories are not without cost. The Hulk’s uncontrollable anger wreaks havoc and causes significant collateral damage. Moreover, Bruce Banner is left with the burden of his alter ego’s actions, reinforcing the tragic nature of his character.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Hulk Vs. on Comic Culture
“Hulk Vs.” is a notable entry in the pantheon of superhero media. Its focus on the Hulk’s interactions with other heroes, its exploration of Norse mythology, and its non-canonical status make it a unique viewing experience. It has left a lasting impact on comic culture, influencing how we perceive the Hulk and his place in the Marvel universe.
For fans of the Hulk, Thor, or Marvel in general, “Hulk Vs.” is a must-watch. Its blend of action, drama, and character exploration offers a fresh take on these beloved characters. Whether you’re a long-time follower of these heroes or new to the Marvel universe, “Hulk Vs.” has something for everyone.
