Hulk's Hate of Bruce Banner: The Unforgivable Reality
Marvel Comics now shows Bruce Banner and the Hulk in an all-time low in their relationship. Fans have speculated about the reason of their hostility, but the latest issue of The Incredible Hulk #14 finally reveals the shocking reality behind Hulk's extreme hate of Bruce Banner.
The Hulkscape: Bruce Banner's Death
Bruce Banner dies horribly in The Incredible Hulk #14 when a semi-truck strikes him. Then his soul moves to the Hulkscape, a nightmarish world apparently existing inside Banner's shared psyche with the Hulk. In this world Bruce finds himself imprisoned while Hulk holds power. The actual reason Hulk's wrath is revealed within this hellscape.
Unforgivable Act: Bruce's Treatment of Betty Ross
Bruce tells his subconscious, manifested as a skeletal Rick Jones, that his actions toward Betty Ross lead to his damaged relationship with Hulk. Like Bruce, Betty created a gammon-powered alter-ego called Harp. But unlike Bruce, Betty welcomed her change and even came to love this side of her. But Bruce's attempt to heal Betty of her Harpy "curse" without her permission infuriated Hulk.
Hulk's acceptance of harp and love for Betty
Deeply in love with Betty Ross, Hulk has always had only one person able to cool him off. Unlike Bruce, Hulk welcomes Betty for exactly who she is—including her Harpist side. Bruce's attempt to wipe Harp from existence was seen by Hulk as a direct threat to his darling Betty, so confirming Bruce's status as the most despised enemy.
Bruce's Past Behaves Against Betty's Involvement
Fans used to think that Bruce's psychological torture of Hulk in Hulk Vol. 5 explained Hulk's hate. Bruce imprisoned Hulk's mind in a hellscape in this plot, then underused his body for his own benefit. This most recent problem, though, makes clear that Hulk's frustration stems mostly from Betty's circumstances.
Hulk's rapport with Harp
The love of Hulk for Betty transcends her human shape. Finding a closer relationship with Betty's gamma-mutated form, Hulk developed both physically and emotionally with Harp throughout The Immortal Hulk. Bruce's attempt to "kill" Harp marks a direct attack on Hulk's relationship with his beloved, so aggravating his animosity of Bruce.
Bruce's accountability and Betty's current circumstances
Bruce's behavior clearly has consequences shown in Betty's present situation. She is now employed by the Eldest, Hulk's present enemy, who is using Betty for personal evil intent. Bruce's meddling drove Betty into the Eldest's arms, adding still another layer of unforgivable deeds to Bruce's record.
In summary, Hulk's relentless hate
Bruce Banner's acts against Betty Ross have driven Hulk nearly insane. Unquestionably driven by the perceived threat to his love for Betty and the consequent suffering Bruce's actions caused, Hulk's hate of Bruce is Marvel Comics readers are well aware that Hulk will never pardon Bruce's transgressions, so casting doubt and conflict over the future of their relationship.
