Imagine a world where the Incredible Hulk, Marvel's iconic green powerhouse, is no more. It’s not just a hypothetical scenario—it’s actually happening. In a shocking twist, the Hulk’s immortality, a status he’s held since a 2018 retcon, has been stripped away, leaving him vulnerable and ultimately leading to his demise. But here’s where it gets even more jaw-dropping: his death has unleashed a villain so powerful, so terrifying, that even the Hulk’s legacy pales in comparison. Meet the Infernal Hulk, a being born from the fusion of cosmic horrors and gamma-powered rage.
The story unfolds in the latest volume of The Incredible Hulk, where the focus shifts to a creature known as the Mother of Horrors. This entity, uniquely born without the involvement of the One Above All (the creator of the Marvel multiverse), gave birth to two children and plotted to conquer all reality. Only one, a skin-walker named The Eldest, escaped punishment. The Mother of Horrors was imprisoned in the Below-Place, the lowest level of reality, her freedom contingent on the power of the One Below All—a cosmic avatar of rage and hate, and the spiritual father of the Hulk. This connection to the One Below All was what granted the Hulk and other gamma-mutates their immortality. But it also made him a target for The Eldest, who believed possessing Hulk’s body would free her mother.
And this is the part most people miss: The Eldest’s plan wasn’t just about liberation; it was about ascension. In The Incredible Hulk #30 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein, The Eldest, possessing The Abomination’s body, confronts the Hulk in the Below-Place. Instead of a physical battle, she magically rips Bruce Banner’s essence from the Hulk’s body, seemingly killing his spirit while leaving his body intact. This act paves the way for The Eldest to merge with the Hulk’s body, devour her deceased mother’s power, and emerge as the Infernal Hulk—a being of unparalleled strength and malevolence.
But here’s the controversial part: Is the Infernal Hulk a villain or a victim? While her actions are undeniably destructive, her motivations stem from a desire to free her mother and reclaim her legacy. Does this make her a tragic figure, or is she simply a monster in a new form? The closing narration hints at the disappearance of the One Below All and the Mother of Horrors, leaving only the Hulk’s essence. But with Bruce Banner still alive and determined to stop this new threat, the stage is set for a clash of wills and ideologies.
The new Infernal Hulk series, launching in November, promises to explore this dark new world as The Eldest uses her power to revive ancient nightmares, turning heroes into beasts. Yet, Banner’s genius and resilience offer a glimmer of hope. Will he succeed in stopping her, or will the Infernal Hulk reshape reality in her image? One thing’s for sure: the Marvel Universe will never be the same.
The Incredible Hulk #30 is available now at comic shops everywhere, and it’s a must-read for anyone craving a bold, thought-provoking twist on a classic hero. What do you think? Is the Infernal Hulk a villain worth fearing, or is there a redeeming arc waiting to unfold? Let us know in the comments!
