Warning: contains spoilers for The Incredible Hulk #4!
Summary
- The Hulk's transformations in the new Incredible Hulk series are more gruesome than ever, with intense body-horror sequences that turn readers' stomachs.
- Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson confirms that the Hulk actively seeks to hurt Bruce Banner during these transformations, delighting in the brutal changes.
- The relationship between Banner and the Hulk is explored as the transformations become even more brutal, giving Banner another reason to dread becoming the Hulk.
The Hulk has been experiencing a series of gruesome, R-rated transformations, and not only do they serve a sinister purpose, but they are also getting worse. The Jade Giant recently returned with a new, horror-themed ongoing series that pits him against some of Marvel’s biggest monsters. The Hulk’s transformations are now the most brutal they have ever been–and Incredible Hulk writer Philip Kennedy Johnson has explained why.
In a letter appearing in the back of The Incredible Hulk #4 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Travel Foreman, Matt Wilson, and Cory Petit, a fan points out the brutal transformations Banner has been experiencing since the book’s beginning, suggesting that the Hulk is actually enjoying these transformations, even as they are extremely agonizing to Banner. The Hulk hates his “puny” alter-ego and actively seeks to hurt him. In response to the letter, Johnson calls the fan’s thoughts on the transformations “spot-on.” Johnson also says that the transformations will get even more gruesome.
Johnson praises the book's regular artist, Nic Klein, who has drawn these intense sequences, saying Klein was “born” to draw the character, as shown in these images from The Incredible Hulk #1.
The Hulk's Transformations Have Always Been Brutal
Bruce Banner’s transformations into the Hulk have been depicted in a wide variety of ways over the decades, but, regardless of the specifics, it's a painful experience for Banner. Since taking over the reins of The Incredible Hulk, Johnson and Klein have set the bar high for these transformation sequences. Johnson and Klein lean into the body-horror aspects of the Hulk. Johnson also comments that these new, more brutal scenes arose from questions he had about the characters when he was younger; Johnson states that people always asked about the Hulk’s clothes when he changed, but never asked about parts of his body: "Do his TEETH physically grow when he changes, or do Hulk’s teeth push them out of his skull every time, like an instantaneous explosion of baby teeth? What about his EYES? Is his SKIN stretched all to hell all the time?”
Now, with Klein, Johnson is finally showing readers exactly what these more bodily-oriented transformations look like. The results have been some of the most brutal transformation scenes in the Hulk’s 60-plus year history. These sequences have been intense and extreme, turning readers' stomachs. In the past, Banner’s muscles would grow large, and his clothing would bust open. Now, the process is much more painful, as bones break (and heal), and other parts, such as teeth and hair, are discarded almost like a snake shedding its skin.
Johnson and Klein Have Upped the Ante for the Hulk's Transformations
These details are what make the new and extreme transformation scenes so horrible. In their letter, the fan points out that the Hulk was seemingly “delighted” to impose such a brutal change on Banner; Johnson confirms this, saying they would get even worse. This ties into another theme Johnson and Klein have been exploring: the nature of the relationship between Banner and the Hulk. Here, the Hulk is almost actively sabotaging Banner for some reason, so it makes sense that he would find other ways to make Banner’s life miserable. As these transformations grow worse and more brutal, it will give Bruce Banner another reason to dread turning into the Hulk.
The Incredible Hulk #4 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
