Bruce Banner: The Misunderstood Marvel Character Not as Pacifist as You Think

While the Hulk often takes the blame for the violent outbursts associated with Bruce Banner, it’s important to recognize that Banner himself has a dark side. Although he tries to maintain control and seek tranquility, there lurks within him a persona that shares the same capacity for aggression as the Hulk. This isn’t merely a struggle for dominance; it also reveals a chilling facet of his character that goes beyond the brute force of the Hulk. While the Hulk embodies pure rage, Bruce Banner exhibits a colder, more calculating type of cruelty.

Understanding the complexities of Banner’s alternate personas, or “Hulks,”sheds light on why his character grapples with violence, much like his powerful alter egos. A significant factor in this conflict is Bruce’s traumatic childhood, marked by the abusive behavior of his father, Brian Banner. Brian’s violent disposition led him to view Bruce as a monstrous being, creating a cascade of psychological issues that manifest in Bruce’s alter egos.

Bruce Banner smashes his toys after his dad yells at him.

Brian’s hatred for Bruce’s intelligence and his overall behavior culminated in Bruce’s psychological fracturing, giving birth to two distinct Hulk personalities: the Devil Hulk, who serves as a protective figure infused with Brian’s malice, and the Savage Hulk, representing Bruce’s innocent, childlike rage. Nevertheless, Bruce himself embodies a third Hulk, characterized primarily by cruelty and vindictiveness, which stems from deep-seated fear and anger.

More than Just a Single Act of Cruelty

Marvel has consistently explored the darker aspects of Banner’s character, often overshadowed by the chaotic nature of the Hulk. A recent Reddit discussion by user Apprehensive_Mix4658 highlights a disturbing episode from *Incredible Hulk #25*, crafted by Paul Jenkins and John Romita, Jr. In this story, after Emil Blonsky’s catastrophic actions lead to the death of Betty Ross, both Banner and the Hulk converge together in a quest for retribution. Upon capturing Blonsky, Bruce confines him within a specially-designed cell, forcing him to relive the painful farewell with his wife on a perpetual loop.

This cold, methodical behavior starkly contrasts with Bruce’s outward calm. As Emil pleads for mercy, Bruce coldly walks away, showcasing an alarming lack of empathy. This is not an isolated incident; Bruce’s capacity for cruelty has appeared across various narratives, including Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley’s *Hulk* (2021), demonstrating his willingness to distort his relationship with the Hulk for his gain.

The Ingrained Legacy of Hatred and Cruelty

Bruce Banner pushes his father into his mother's grave.

Bruce Banner’s evolving character traits are deeply intertwined with the ongoing narrative crafted by numerous writers over the years. A pivotal moment in Bruce’s violent philosophy can be traced back to *Incredible Hulk #312* (1985), where he engages in a visceral conflict with his father, culminating in Brian’s blood being spilled on a grave—Bruce’s mother’s grave. While often labeled as an accident, the implications of Bruce’s actions hint at a purposeful intent, revealing a deeper internal struggle.

Through this confrontation, Bruce acknowledges a troubling reality: he is not inherently different from his Hulks. The anger that fuels the Hulk is not purely an external force; it reflects Bruce’s own simmering emotions of hatred and resentment. This ancestry of cruelty, rooted in Brian’s abuse, indelibly marks Bruce as he continues to grapple with his identity, oscillating between self-loathing and acceptance.

Resentment as the Fuel for Cold Rage

In many ways, Bruce Banner’s philosophy can be seen as an “eye for an eye.”His cruelty often emerges during moments of personal betrayal or emotional breakdowns. During the renowned World War Hulk storyline, Bruce aligned with the ferocious World Breaker Hulk on a path of vengeance against those who wronged him. Similarly, in events like Marvel’s Original Sin, Bruce’s misinterpretation of Iron Man’s role in his transformation incites a calculated vendetta, wherein he creates a more intelligent Hulk alter, known as Doc Green, to execute his plans.

This pattern of deliberate cruelty marks Bruce as a complex character who channels his pent-up rage in cunning, vindictive ways. After eliminating his father, every expression of Bruce’s wrath has been tinged with chilling malevolence. His schemes often delve into psychological manipulation, leading to victories that bring him twisted satisfaction. Beneath his facade of pacifism lies a wall of rage, affirming that Bruce Banner is, indubitably, a type of Hulk.

Source: Apprehensive_Mix4658

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