The Best Hulk Story? A DC/Marvel Crossover You Must Read!

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The face-off between Batman and The Incredible Hulk in the 1982 comic book battle, titled “Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk,” offers not only a thrilling Batman storyline but also one of the finest Hulk narratives ever penned. The longstanding friendly competition between DC and Marvel has always hinted at a crossover tale, and while this was later materialized on a grand scale in 1996’s “DC vs. Marvel” saga, comic enthusiasts were treated to previews of superheroes from both universes meeting. The initial push came with 1976’s “Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man,” followed by the entertaining sequel in 1982, “Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk.

In a world where Superman and Spider-Man aren’t just comic book heroes but neighbors, Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk unfolds. This isn’t your typical DC or Marvel universe, no, it’s more like a parallel reality where these iconic characters have been living side by side for ages. While the story might seem to disregard continuity, it cleverly delves into the tragic history of The Incredible Hulk, casting Batman as an unexpected beacon of hope in this tale that isn’t dark in a conventional sense, but rather powerfully reflects the sorrow hidden within the Hulk’s past.

Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk‘s Story Explained

Intriguingly enough, I find myself drawn to the thrilling clash between two titans: Batman and The Incredible Hulk. The narrative commences by shedding light on Dr. Robert Bruce Banner’s familiar predicament – a life marked by secrecy and perpetual flight as he tirelessly seeks a remedy for the Gamma radiation transformation that unleashes the Hulk within him whenever his emotions escalate. In pursuit of a solution, Banner takes up employment at Wayne Enterprises, captivated by their groundbreaking work on a Gamma weapon, which holds the promise of curing him. However, misfortune strikes when the Joker and his minions make an appearance, instigated by a malevolent figure known as The Shaper of Worlds, who wields the power to transform dreams into reality. Stricken with a fatal illness that could potentially be alleviated by the Gamma weapon, The Shaper proposes a chilling bargain: he will fulfill the Joker’s desires in exchange for retrieving the Gamma gun.

In this revised version: The Joker’s assault on Wayne Enterprises encounters a hitch when Bruce is sandwiched between safeguarding the Gamma weapon and defending against the Joker’s goons, resulting in his metamorphosis into the Hulk. As Batman arrives to thwart the Joker’s scheme, the Joker successfully convinces the Hulk that Batman is his arch-nemesis, causing the Hulk to assault the Caped Crusader instead. With the Gamma gun now in the Joker’s possession, Batman uses a knockout gas and a powerful kick to subdue the Hulk, restoring him to Bruce Banner. Later, as Bruce Wayne, the CEO of Wayne Enterprises extends a job offer to Bruce Banner for designing a new Gamma weapon. The chapter concludes with the two Bruces shaking hands, mirroring their superhero alter egos in silhouette.

Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk Nailed The Tragedy Of Bruce Banner

Released in the early 1980s, “Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk” isn’t the grittiest comic book story featuring either hero, as we were four years away from Frank Miller’s reinvention of Batman in “The Dark Knight Returns.” However, despite its vibrant tone and playful atmosphere, the narrative of “Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk” is deeply rooted in the tragic essence of Bruce Banner as a character. From his initial appearance, the Bruce Banner in this comic aligns perfectly with the tormented character portrayed in the TV series “The Incredible Hulk,” struggling with the power he bears and longing to be free from it.

The Hulk, too, emerges as a sorrowful figure in the narrative, as demonstrated in “Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk.” The story emphasizes that the Hulk’s existence is largely contingent upon Bruce Banner becoming enraged. A striking instance of this dynamic unfolds when the Hulk is imprisoned by the Joker’s gang, where he expresses his deepest resentment towards Banner, stating, “I hate Banner most of all.” This animosity stems from the fact that whenever Banner regains control, he inadvertently confines the Hulk back into the depths of darkness. Although these words are brief, they offer a profound insight into the Hulk’s anger towards being trapped within Banner’s body, only to be released during moments of Banner’s suppressed rage.

In the final panel of the book, Batman shows understanding when he advises Commissioner Gordon not to detain Banner. This action demonstrates Batman’s empathy for Banner, who is constantly at the mercy of his own anger, and the Hulk, who is unleashed by it. As Banner walks solemnly away, his shadow looming behind him on a building, this poignant scene underscores the complex relationship between the two personas.

Batman Was The Perfect DC Hero To Empathize With The Hulk

The intense hardship and turmoil that Bruce Wayne has faced throughout his life and in his role as Batman is widely recognized – the killing of his parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce transforming himself into Batman to safeguard Gotham City amidst continual disasters and new villains. Given that Batman symbolizes darkness as a key aspect of his persona, this background makes him an excellent DC Comics character to relate to Bruce Banner’s struggles.

Viewing matters from Batman’s standpoint, despite the immense hardships he has faced throughout his life, he possesses significant advantages such as years of detective and martial arts expertise, an array of gadgets and technology, the backing of butler Alfred Pennyworth and his fellow Bat-family members, and a substantial fortune. This is evident in numerous comic book stories, including Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk, where Bruce Banner lacks these advantages (except for his membership with the Avengers), and his powers exact a heavy toll on any semblance of a normal life. Batman empathizes deeply with tragedy and pain, and recognizes how they have shaped both him and Bruce Banner. Although it might not be an outright dark comic book narrative, Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk delves into the core of darkness that underlies the stories of these two heroes: Batman, a man who transformed his suffering into heroism as Batman and sought to aid Bruce Banner in doing the same with the Hulk.

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2025-05-04 23:14