The Strongest Marvel Hero Needs a New TV Series (And There’s Decades of Stories)

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Over the years, the Hulk has been known as an unstoppable beast, provided comedic relief, and even transformed into a scholar among other famous heroes in Marvel. However, despite being one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel universe, he hasn’t received the main stage role that reflects his true worth within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, he’s often been relegated to supporting roles or given limited portrayals that only hint at his greatness. Even during significant events, his personal battles (such as his intelligence, rage, and self-identity crises) are seldom delved into. It’s surprising, considering the extensive history of superhero productions, that Marvel’s most powerful character continues to play a secondary role. In this discussion, we’re referring to none other than the Hulk.

It’s clear to see that the Hulk has been overlooked compared to lesser-known characters, who have had their own series and standalone films, while the Hulk has mainly appeared in cameos and supporting roles. Although he had a larger role in “Thor: Ragnarok,” he was essentially a sidekick in Thor’s movie. Ever since then, Marvel Studios seems to have moved away from making him a main character. Part of this is due to business reasons, as Universal retains distribution rights for solo films, but it’s also a creative choice that suggests the studio hasn’t quite figured out how best to utilize him. Given his status as part of the original Avengers team, where every other member has received their own projects, it seems unfair that he has been left out.

In the realm of comic books, there’s an abundance of captivating content that could sustain Hulk as a major protagonist for numerous years. The epic saga “Planet Hulk,” the spectacle-filled “World War Hulk,” and the character’s recent reinvention in “The Immortal Hulk” demonstrate this. Essentially, there’s no lack of compelling stories or possibilities-the only thing that seems to be missing is a strong desire or commitment. Any one of these storylines has the potential to drive an influential series comparable to Marvel’s most successful projects.

Regrettably, Universal failed to capitalize on the opportunity years ago when live-action might have been appropriate. However, in animation, the narrative could take a different turn.

A fresh cartoon would align perfectly given its fit with the character’s style. It doesn’t require Mark Ruffalo and sidesteps the rights complications, allowing for over-the-top battles and outlandish ideas without breaking the bank on special effects. In fact, animated series like the ’90s show The Incredible Hulk demonstrated this approach in the past, presenting various character iterations and delving into villains that live-action films have overlooked entirely. Granted, the series may not hold up perfectly today, but it remains a testament to the potential of the Hulk when he’s truly the centerpiece.

Not only would this provide an opportunity to change things up, but it could solely focus on a single character, without needing popular guest stars or shouldering the burden of major events. It would be just about him, his challenges, and his universe – as it ought to have been initially. If there’s one Marvel hero who doesn’t need support from others to shine, it’s this one, and that’s a fact.

Let’s not overlook the array of characters that have accompanied him – The Leader, Abomination, General Ross, Betty Ross, and even alternate Hulks; many of whom have been relegated to secondary roles or other stories (as seen in Captain America: Brave New World). An animated series could potentially highlight these characters, delve into their conflicts, and create a sense that the Hulk has his distinct realm within the Marvel universe. It’s surprising how none of this has been given the same attention as the comics consistently did.

Another perspective is considering the historical influence. Given the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s transformation of many original Avengers, this seems an opportune moment to finally give the Hulk the limelight he’s never had before. Why produce a Hawkeye series primarily for setting up Kate Bishop, when it could be more beneficial to present She-Hulk with her own show instead? This seems counterproductive, as it reduces Hulk to what feels like a minor role. However, Hulk is not just about destruction; he represents anger, self-identity, and the struggle between rationality and instinct. He’s rich in symbolism and moral quandaries that resonate with viewers. Therefore, it seems a waste not to explore these themes in a series. Such a show could prove both significant and memorable (considering there hasn’t been a series focusing on him since 2008).

It’s clear that there is a demand from audiences for mature animated superhero projects, as demonstrated by shows like Harley Quinn and Invincible. The Hulk fits perfectly into this trend, allowing for exploration of both his raw power and deep emotional complexity, aspects that set him apart from being just a comic relief character or supporting figure in someone else’s story. For quite some time now, it seems Marvel has overlooked the significance of the Hulk as a standalone character with his own unique narrative depth.

It’s time for Marvel to step up their game when it comes to the Hulk. If rights issues or low interest have made solo films impossible, then focusing on him in streaming content is a must. An animated TV series might not be a second-best option; rather, it presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate why he’s known as “the strongest there is.” After all, we’re dealing with a character who boasts decades of fascinating stories, and Marvel has been underutilizing him for far too long. The Hulk deserves his own show, and Marvel can no longer afford to overlook this need.

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2025-08-31 18:15