The Heartbreaking Conclusion of the Hulk’s Story: What We Already Know About the Hero’s Fate

Not every Marvel superhero is destined for a joyous conclusion, and unfortunately, Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, embodies this notion profoundly. Each glimpse into the future reveals a stark reality: Bruce Banner’s legacy appears irreversibly entwined with the chaos and fury of the Hulk. Instead of contributing to a better world, all he seems to create is a continuation of rage—a truly tragic fate that lingers heavily in the Marvel landscape.

In a recent issue, the time-displaced Guardians of the Galaxy from the 61st century share their harrowing experience of a universe devastated by the Hulk’s descendants. This portrayal unveils a bleak glimpse into a world inhabited by ten billion beings, all shaped by the Hulk’s legacy.

Despite the Guardians’ efforts to thwart the impending doom, their attempts culminate in failure. This narrative serves as a poignant illustration of the Hulk’s ongoing trend of sad endings.

Marvel’s Ultimate Universe: A New Low for the Hulk

Old Man Logan's gigantic Hulk standing over his Bruce Banner form

As a reader, the devastating events on Planet Hulk resonate as a continuation of Bruce Banner’s perpetual tragic narrative. His descendants are tragically annihilated in a futile act of heroism. Although briefly touched upon in The Ultimates #8, the implications are profoundly haunting. This doomed population, over a billion strong, consists entirely of Hulk versions—a chilling inheritance that paints a grim picture of Bruce Banner’s legacy.

This line of thought brings to mind other dismal futures explored in various Hulk tales, particularly Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s iconic Old Man Logan. Set in a devastated future where villains unite to conquer heroes, the tragic twist is that the Hulk allies with these antagonists.

With all heroes fallen and nothing left but barren land, the Hulk forms a disturbing relationship with She-Hulk, eventually creating a grotesque brood known as the Hulk Gang. This inbred group wreaks havoc across desolate landscapes, leaving destruction in their wake. The narrative culminates in a harrowing turn of events when Wolverine, avenging his slaughtered family, is forced to kill the Hulk, marking yet another dark twist in the character’s tale.

The One Below All: The Ultimate Doom of the Hulk

The One Below All manifests through the Hulk's husk of a body.

It’s disheartening to witness such an iconic character ensnared in a cycle of dismal fates throughout the Marvel Multiverse. In the grim narrative of the One Below All, the Hulk faces a fate where he traverses the cosmos, annihilating any planet in his path. Bruce Banner, who once aimed to harness gamma radiation for the betterment of humanity, now appears doomed to leave behind a future where nothing but the Hulk remains. Whether through Hulk Gang, Planet Hulk, or facing utter loneliness as the last living entity, none of these outcomes offer a flicker of hope.

The Hulk’s Ominous Destiny

Ultimately, it appears that the Hulk is fated to perpetual despair within Marvel’s narratives, a notion that feels incredibly unjust. Bruce Banner’s journey reflects not just his quest for redemption from an abusive past but also his profound desire to contribute positively to society. Regrettably, he is shackled to a legacy of devastation. His identity goes beyond that of a hero; he is eternally branded as the progenitor of some of the universe’s most destructive forces. No matter how far time progresses, Bruce Banner cannot escape the ominous shadow of the Hulk.

The Ultimates #8 is now available through Marvel Comics!

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