Ever wonder if the Hulk could be even more powerful? Well, Marvel Comics just dropped a bomb about a Hulk from way back when that makes Bruce Banner seem, well, kinda weak!
The Incredible Hulk #15
In The Incredible Hulk #15 (released in 2024), written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and illustrated by Danny Earls, we meet Tammuz, aka Enkidu, a total beast who was the first Hulk in the whole Marvel Universe!
This dude was around thousands of years ago! A meteorite hit near his village and the village did something wild! This gamma-radiated meteor was found to contain cosmic energies!
- Tammuz was sacrificed to a cosmic gate of gamma radiation and entered into it. This transformed Tammuz into the original hulk!
- Tammuz went on many solo adventures with little explanation and did some wild and deadly things during this time.
Tammuz vs. Bruce Banner
Let's face it, Bruce Banner and Hulk are constantly fighting! But the "fractured son" aspect in Tammuz's case has one giant difference that could bring even more strength!
Tammuz didn't battle himself; his rage was directed outward at enemies! That is one key aspect that made the first hulk more compelling, and ultimately gave Tammuz strength to deal with his dark rage!
- Unlike Bruce Banner and Hulk, Tammuz doesn't battle internally; the internal struggle didn't consume his energy
- This internal conflict ultimately makes the modern-day Hulk a lot weaker!
This aspect of the latest story reveals that it might help Hulk and Banner develop in a unique and compelling manner as fans continue to wonder just how strong this character truly could be!
The Original Hulk
Tammuz's origin and powers really redefine what it meant to become the Hulk!
The cosmic event around him was the birth of the most ancient hulk! But we also learn of the brutal mannerisms that give Tammuz his powers!
- A cosmic meteor gave Tammuz gamma radiation superpowers, becoming "Enkidu."
- He became stronger and larger
- While there wasn't any true internal struggle, Tammuz exhibited more control over his Hulk powers.
- He completely obliterates enemies without that major battle we usually see.
What Does This Mean For The Hulk?
This whole arc gave a fantastic look into how the Hulk should be written. Many will see it and agree that he might not have an inner battle as much!
Tammuz was far more in control of the Hulk's raw power and rage!
This has a direct correlation to how Bruce Banner's issues affect him as Hulk's current storyline may indicate that this approach will create something quite remarkable for this popular character!
