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The Hulk is more than just a big, dumb brute who smashes bad guys. He’s a deeply complex character with many equally nuanced tales. These stories are centered on the classic green Savage Hulk, Bruce Banner, or the numerous other personalities that make up the character’s psyche. The best Hulk stories involve the Jolly Green Giant fighting his inner demons, the society that scorns him, or horrifying monsters who test his might.
10) “Return of the Monster”
After the Hulk is wrongfully blamed for the death of a child, Bruce goes on the run and starts hitchhiking across America. Hiding from the military and a pair of deadly assassins, Bruce must wrestle with the overbearing guilt he feels for the devastation the Hulk causes every time he emerges. Additionally, he keeps getting help from a mysterious ally known only as Mr. Blue. Throughout the story, Bruce often finds himself in perilous situations where he must question whether releasing the Hulk is worth evading capture. A tragic tale that analyzes Bruce’s psyche, “Return of the Monster” does a great job summarizing how the Hulk is a curse that has ruined Bruce’s life.
9) “Days of Rage”
Bruce is constantly terrified of losing complete control of the Hulk, and “Days of Rage” sees his worst fears realized. In this story, Bruce had taken full control of the Hulk’s body but was scared that his split personality would resurface. The demon Nightmare would use these fears to possess the hero, turning him into a mindless monster. In this state, the Hulk fights everyone, including the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Spider-Man, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. All these heroes fall to the corrupted Hulk’s limitless power and savagery. The Hulk battling other heroes has always been one of his most fun storylines, and “Days of Rage” delivers spectacularly.
8) “Always on My Mind”
Even though Abomination has been a rival to the Hulk for decades, his status as the hero’s archenemy wasn’t truly cemented until the “Always on My Mind” storyline. Abomination viewed himself and the Hulk as inhuman monsters, so he was furious when his rival managed to settle down and marry Betty Ross. In an act of unbelievable cruelty, Abomination murdered Betty by poisoning her. Eventually, Betty’s father, General Ross, manipulates Bruce into retaking his Hulk form to get revenge on Abomination. What follows is a gripping, heartbreaking, and action-packed tale of an emotional showdown between the Hulk and Abomination. It’s a tragic tale of a hero losing his one chance at finding happiness.
7) Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk
The Ultimate Universe allowed writers to tell grittier, more violent stories about their favorite characters, so naturally, they reimagined one of Marvel’s most intense rivalries and made it even more epic. Wolverine and the Hulk have been fighting since the X-Man’s first appearance, and the miniseries Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk was a compelling reimagining of their initial encounter. In this universe, the Hulk is an evil cannibal, and Wolverine is tasked with killing him. The fight starts with the Hulk ripping Wolverine in half, only for the feral mutant to regenerate and get up for round two. Ultimate Wolverine vs Hulk is pure over-the-top violence in the best way and offers some of the best action in the Ultimate Universe lineup.
6) Hulk: The End
In one of the most depressing Hulk stories, Hulk: The End imagines a distant, bleak future in which only the green goliath remains. After an apocalyptic nuclear holocaust, the Hulk is left as the last human on Earth. However, even in this barren wasteland, the Jolly Green Giant isn’t alone. Still in their endless argument, Bruce has completely given up and wants to die, while the Hulk stubbornly wants to live and be left alone. Throughout the grim tale, the characters give their respective thoughts and perspectives on the state of the world and their relationship with one another. It’s an incredibly sad story with an even sadder ending that masterfully plays with what Bruce and the Hulk desire most, and whether it was worth it in the end.
