The Hulk’s Desire for Fatherhood: Marvel Finally Grants the Green Guy His Chance to Be a Dad

Warning: SPOILERS for The Incredible Hulk #20

Deep within the formidable layers of gamma-infused muscle and tumultuous fury resides a heartfelt desire: the Hulk wishes to experience fatherhood, something he has never known. Created from Bruce Banner’s painful memories of his abusive father, the Hulk yearns for the chance to redefine what it means to be a parent. Although he has faced opportunities in the past, it seems that his dream may soon come to fruition.

In The Incredible Hulk #20, crafted by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Danny Earls, the Hulk reconnects with his adoptive daughter, Charlie Tidwell. In a dramatic turn of events, Charlie has recently become the host of Lycana, the God of the Skinwalkers.

Now, Charlie possesses incredible abilities, enabling her to jump great distances, unleash tremendous power, and tap into her inner monster—traits she shares with Bruce Banner. In a brief moment of tranquility, before the looming threats arise, the Hulk appears genuinely happy, highlighting his belief that family is paramount.

In the critically acclaimed Immortal Hulk series by Al Ewing and Joe Bennett, Bruce Banner’s struggles with dissociative identity disorder are portrayed with utmost authenticity. Banner’s father, Brian, subjected him to extreme violence, instilling deep-seated fears and generating the first manifestations of the Hulk. In this traumatic environment, the Hulk emerged as a physical embodiment of Banner’s childhood fears and the distorted view of fatherhood that his own father represented.

The “Devil Hulk,”as one of these incarnations is known, showcases a complex relationship with Bruce, characterized by love and an overwhelming sense of protection, albeit through destructive means. Despite the Hulk’s menacing demeanor, he longs to be the nurturing figure Bruce never had—a father who would embrace his brilliance instead of treating him as a monster. As Bruce matured, the call for paternal connection became more pronounced within his psyche.

A Past Marred by Loss

Skaar and Hiro-Kala: Tragic Offspring

The narrative of loss plays a significant role in Bruce’s and Hulk’s lives. During the Planet Hulk storyline, penned by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan, the Hulk, known as the Green Scar, achieves a sense of belonging and leadership among outcasts. After marrying Caiera, the Oldstrong, happiness seems within reach. Tragically, this joy is fleeting, as Caiera’s death leads to another layer of heartbreak for the Hulk.

Unbeknownst to the Hulk, Caiera was pregnant, and their children were born amidst the ruins of a devastated planet while he battled the World Breaker. Skaar and Hiro-Kala emerged from the ashes, marked by abandonment and the fury inherited from their father. Their upbringing was fraught with challenges, leaving Bruce and the Hulk once again yearning for the sense of family they have long sought.

A New Opportunity for Family

Charlie Tidwell: A Catalyst for Change

Comic book art: the Hulk looms over Charlie Tidwell

Time has allowed some wounds to heal, as evidenced by Skaar’s reconciliation with the Hulk and his new role in Gamma Flight, a fresh family of gamma-mutants. Hiro-Kala, on the other hand, has become a cosmic entity, symbolizing his redemption for past misdeeds. However, there remains a glaring absence of unity in the Hulk’s family, an issue that has persisted despite their mutual desire for connection.

Now, Johnson’s tenure on The Incredible Hulk provides the Hulk with a renewed chance for paternal fulfillment. Charlie, much like Bruce, is a survivor of abuse, her pain transforming into strength. Both characters embrace their monstrous natures, finding empowerment in their transformations. The Hulk’s affection for Charlie stems from their shared experiences, making this bond significant. As Bruce and his gamma-alters strive for redemption, they finally have the opportunity to foster a nurturing environment for the new generation—one where the Hulk can fulfill his long-held dream of fatherhood.

The Incredible Hulk #20 is currently available from Marvel Comics.

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