Entertainment • Comics

Hulk (Marvel)

The Hulk is a Marvel Comics superhero and antihero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in *The Incredible Hulk* #1 in 1962.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Hulk is a Marvel Comics superhero and antihero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in *The Incredible Hulk* #1 in 1962. He is the alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner, who transforms into a giant, green, super-strong being when exposed to intense stress or anger. The character is known for enormous strength that increases with rage and for his conflicted dual identity.

Publication history

The Hulk debuted in 1962 in *The Incredible Hulk* #1, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. He quickly became a major Marvel character with a long-running comic-book presence.

Origin and identity

Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk after exposure to gamma radiation during an accident involving an experimental bomb. The character is defined by the tension between Banner’s intellect and the Hulk’s rage-driven personality.

Powers and abilities

The Hulk is portrayed as one of the strongest beings in Marvel Comics, with strength that increases exponentially with anger. He also has exceptional durability and can leap great distances.

Visual design

Although the Hulk is now strongly associated with green skin, early creative and printing choices led to gray versions in the character’s first appearances. The green color later became the standard depiction.

Key facts

The Hulk is a Marvel Comics character and one of the company’s best-known superheroes.
He is the transformed form of Bruce Banner, a scientist exposed to gamma radiation.
The Hulk’s strength increases as his anger grows.
He is commonly portrayed as green-skinned, though early versions of the character were gray.
The character often functions as both a superhero and an antihero.

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Canadian context

The Hulk is widely known in Canada through Marvel Comics, films, television, and merchandise, and is part of the broader North American superhero pop-culture canon.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Hulk?

The Hulk is a Marvel Comics character and the enraged alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner.

Who plays the Hulk in movies?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bruce Banner/Hulk was first played by Edward Norton and later by Mark Ruffalo.

What is the Hulk's real name?

The Hulk’s real name is Dr. Bruce Banner.

How strong is the Hulk?

Marvel describes the Hulk’s strength as among the highest of any superhuman on Earth, and it increases as his anger grows.

Why does the Hulk turn green?

The Hulk is portrayed as green-skinned in his standard comic-book form; early depictions were gray, and printing and design choices helped establish green as the lasting color.

References

Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/hulk-bruce-banner
Supports: Character overview; Bruce Banner transforms into the Hulk after exposure to gamma radiation.
Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/hulk-bruce-banner/in-comics
Supports: Comic-book origin, strength increasing with anger, and physical abilities.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk
Supports: First appearance, creators, alter ego Bruce Banner, and origin summary.
Fandom — https://hulk.fandom.com/wiki/The_Incredible_Hulk_(Comics)
Supports: General characterization as green-skinned, rage-driven, and often an antihero.
Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Banner_(Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)
Supports: MCU film portrayals by Edward Norton and Mark Ruffalo.
Giant Bomb — https://www.giantbomb.com/the-hulk/3005-859/
Supports: Gamma bomb origin and transformation triggered by stress or anger.
Vocal Media — https://vocal.media/geeks/10-facts-about-the-hulk
Supports: Early gray depiction and later green coloration; secondary source.