Hulk’s Microscopic Love: Why Jarella Deserves a Major Comeback!

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In contrast to how Planet Hulk debunked the idea that Bruce Banner’s anger-driven alter ego was devoid of patience, intelligence, or tactical acumen when it came to leading, this wasn’t the first time the “Green Goliath” found himself entrenched in political affairs. Previously, Hulk played a pivotal role in the politics of the microscopic realm known as K’ai. Similar to his engagement on Sakaar in Planet Hulk, his actions on K’ai resulted in a spell of political tranquility and led him to discover love, a companion who would remain by his side through trials and triumphs. However, unlike the connection he forged on Sakaar, the bond he formed on K’ai was more profound, making his experience there much richer.

In truth, his bond with the warrior-empress Jarella on K’ai wasn’t merely romantic; it was profoundly transformative, much like authentic love. It provided him with a feeling of tranquility and direction seldom encountered elsewhere.

Who is Princess Jarella of K’ai?

In much the same way as unexpected romance often unfolds, the Hulk encountered Jarella unintentionally. As chronicled in The Incredible Hulk (1968) #140, the villain Psyklop captured the Hulk to present him as a gift to his overlords. Before making this presentation, Psyklop wished to examine the “green titan” more carefully by reducing him to a manageable size for closer scrutiny. However, while in the process of shrinking him, the Avengers – who were hunting down Psyklop at the time – invaded his lab, disrupting his “shrinking and compression” procedure on the Hulk. This disruption resulted in the Hulk being reduced to microscopic dimensions and eventually landing on the subatomic planet of K’ai.

In the course of exploring planet K’ai, the Hulk chanced upon its capital city, then besieged by a horde of Warthos – monstrous creatures resembling pig-dogs that had given him trouble when he first arrived. Having repelled them, the locals hailed him as a hero. In this city, he encountered Empress Jarella, ruler of K’ai. Instantly smitten by each other, she selected the Hulk as her partner. However, there was an obstacle: he couldn’t communicate due to language differences.

To fix this issue, she brought together the realm’s most skilled magic-users to perform a spell that would enable the Hulk to speak. Remarkably, the enchantment worked and enabled Bruce Banner’s consciousness to blend with the Hulk’s physique. As their bond grew stronger, Banner shared his secret with Jarella, disclosing his real identity – a revelation that unveiled the two distinct personalities dwelling within him: the intellectual Bruce Banner and the powerful Hulk.

Princess Jarella – the Hulk’s Greatest Love of All

Historically, although Hulk and Bruce Banner inhabit the same physical form, they are two entirely separate characters. Bruce is a highly intelligent, logical, nerdy scientist, while the Hulk embodies an instinctual, impulsive force of nature. It’s natural that their distinct personalities appeal to different kinds of people. On Earth, Betty Ross was drawn to Banner’s intelligence and genius, his strong moral compass, kindness, and vulnerability. Betty endured the Hulk because she understood that he was linked to Banner.

On Sakaar, Caiera found herself drawn to the Hulk due to his formidable physical and mental prowess, his warrior spirit, his untamed nature, and his endearing kindness towards others. Since Caiera never had an encounter with Banner, she has no personal feelings about him. However, it was Jarella, the empress who fought alongside them, that knew both Hulk and Banner intimately. This unique connection makes her his most profound love.

Jarella embraced the Hulk without any conditions, seeing beyond his angry exterior to a sensitive soul with honorable intentions. Where others perceived only a rampaging monster, she recognized someone in need of empathy and acceptance rather than hostility and control. Through her affection and comprehension, Jarella provided the Hulk with a comforting feeling of safety and belonging, helping to tame his wild nature. As Banner, Jarella found a fellow sympathizer – someone who shared her kindness and sensitivity. To Banner, she was someone whose regard for him didn’t hinge on ridding him of the Hulk within, but rather someone who loved him equally as both Banner and the Hulk. In summary, Jarella filled a void in them both – Hulk and Banner. For all facets of the “Green Goliath,” she was the lifetime love they had been searching for.

Why Princess Jarella Deserves a Comeback?

Eventually, Psyklop locates the Hulk and unwittingly sends him back to Earth, thus disuniting them and concluding what Banner/Hulk perceived as the most blissful phase of his life. Yet, neither Jarella nor Banner/Hulk could shake off their memories of each other, and they managed to meet again on both Earth and K’ai in subsequent instances. Each encounter only served to strengthen their bond. This reached a peak when, in an attempt to save Glenn Talbot’s life, Doc Samson shrunk the Hulk, who then reappeared on K’ai – this time saving Jarella from a coup attempt. In the end, the Hulk escorted Jarella back to Earth, effectively severing any known ways for her to return.

Although Jarella could no longer go back to her native land, she found herself bonded with Banner/Hulk. Together, they started mapping out their life on Earth. Regrettably, as portrayed in “The Incredible Hulk” (1968) #205, a date between them was cut short due to an assault by the villain Crypto-Man. When Crypto-Man threatened Jarella, Banner transformed into the Hulk to halt him, even though Jarella herself wished to defend Banner. During the fierce fight, sadly, Jarella sacrificed herself to save a child from tumbling rubble. With Captain Marvel’s assistance, the Hulk eventually managed to send Jarella’s remains back to K’ai for an honorable burial, as shown in “The Incredible Hulk” (1968) #248.

Jarella’s unexpected and startling demise occurred prematurely. Besides playing a crucial role in both Banner’s and the Hulk’s lives, she appeared to be the solution they had both been searching for – the individual who could bring out their best qualities. In addition to her significance in their tale, Jarella had an interesting life of her own, one that the plot was only beginning to delve into. Removing her from the story so early took away a character with the potential to lead the narrative down fresh and thrilling paths. To put it simply, Jarella’s sudden return in The Incredible Hulks #619 served as reinforcements to help the Hulk fight Zom and Abomination. She arrived just in time to prevent defeat, creating a poignant and emotional moment – one that highlighted the positive impact her return could have on the Marvel Comics Universe.

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2025-05-30 05:12