Bruce Banner May Not Be As Strong As The Hulk, But Marvel Doesn't Want You to Count the Hero Out

Marvel's Hulk is a Herculean hero whose inherent anger fuels his immense power to impossible heights, with Bruce Banner’s rage being the character’s greatest strength and, simultaneously, his biggest flaw. With a recent “No-Hulk” challenge from the popular Marvel Rivals game tasking players with trying to win a match without transforming into the Jade Giant, this particular trial has roots in the world of comics, where Banner is more than capable of holding his own on the field of battle.

Released late last year to critical acclaim from both fans and critics alike, Marvel Rivals is an Overwatch-esque online multiplayer game where gamers can select from over a dozen of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains, with characters like Hulk/Bruce Banner, Iron Man, Magneto, Spider-Man, and even Jeff the Shark making an appearance.

In 2011's Incredible Hulk #601-605, Banner is forced to rely on his smarts and scientific skills rather than his monstrous side, showing that Marvel Rivals’ “No-Hulk” challenge — where Banner must take down a fully-rostered superhero team by himself — is a feat he’s canonically capable of.

Incredible Hulk #601-605 - 2010 (Greg Pak and Ariel Olivetti)

Set during a time when Bruce rid himself of the Hulk’s influence, this story follows Banner and Skaar, the son of Hulk, as the former trains the latter to kill Hulk should he emerge again. Utilizing a slew of BannerTech items, like a satchel fitted with portal tech that gives Bruce access to his lab and weapons, a wristwatch teleportation device, an energy shield that can deflect the Juggernaut's punches, an “Old Power Taser” that emits bursts of force measured on the Richter scale, and even a suit of Hulk-proof armor, Bruce can deploy any as need when fighting solo.

Hulk yelling to the left and Doomsday yelling to the right

Hulk vs Doomsday: The Victor Is Clear And Marvel Already Knows It

Hulk and Doomsday are two of the most powerful beings in the comic industry, with Marvel setting the record straight about who would win in a fight.

Posts 36

Not usually one to throw fists when not seeing red and looking green, Banner still has a mean streak that he can’t always hide, with his reckless confidence while in human form often putting people in danger. This problematic flaw shows that if he really wanted to, Banner could take out heroes and villains alike in the blink of an eye using his proprietary inventions. Furthermore, Banner’s Marvel Rivals counterpart has a weapon similar to the taser seen here, with Bruce’s gamma gun and gamma grenade being natural extensions of Banner’s already versatile offensive and defensive tech from the comics.

Marvel Rivals’ “No-Hulk” Challenge Is a Plausible Feat According to Comic Book Lore

Marvel Rivals - Bruce Banner Hulk transformation

While this “No-Hulk” challenge is a tough ask even for the most talented Marvel Rivals players, the fact that Banner — for as comparably weak as he is to Hulk — can still use his intellectual acuity to create tech that evens the playing field is a testament to how brains can beat brawn any day. Hulk will always return to make Banner’s life a living hell, but as established in this story and more, Bruce Banner is just as resourceful and effective a hero as Hulk is, especially now that this specific Marvel Rivals challenge has precedent in the comic space!

Source: Games Radar

Incredible Hulk #601-605 is available from Marvel Comics.

Hulk

Created By: Jack Kirby
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk (1962)
Alias: Robert Bruce Banner
Alliance: Avengers, Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, Pantheon, Warbound, S.M.A.S.H., Secret Avengers
Franchise: Marvel