Warning: SPOILERS for recent issues of The Incredible HulkThe Incredible Hulk has always been one of Marvel Comics’ most popular characters and his signature look has played a huge role in his iconic status. With his emerald skin and massive frame, the Jade Giant’s appearance has varied over the years, but almost always comes back to his default setting. But the Hulk’s latest makeover reflects how the Green Goliath thinks these days, and it just might have the staying power to become permanent.
The latest volume of the ongoing The Incredible Hulk series by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Nic Klein, and more has pitted the titular behemoth against his human alter ego Bruce Banner like never before. Following Banner’s co-opting and weaponizing Hulk’s body in the previous Hulk ongoing series, Bruce’s alter ego hates him more than ever – giving the good doctor less and less control over his condition.
As such, Banner has been living in fear, on the run, not just from the authorities, but from the Hulk himself, with the founding Avenger’s long disheveled hair reflecting his ungovernable and unruly new status quo.
When introduced, the Hulk’s flowing locks initially appeared to be little more than a simple cosmetic change to his otherwise iconic design. But the more fans get a glimpse at Bruce Banners’ tortured new dynamic with his Gamma-powered alter ego, the more fitting the unruly new hairdo becomes. And while Hulk and Banner have been at odds with one another countless times in the past thanks to the very nature of their being, their current enmity is something different altogether.
For years, Bruce was defined by his victimhood as an unwilling host for the Hulk persona, constantly seeking a cure for his condition and eventually finding some manner of peace with his all-powerful alter ego. But by weaponizing Hulk’s body in the “Starship Hulk” storyline, Banner effectively victimized the Hulk, and the Strongest One There Is isn’t too happy about it. Now that the Hulk is back in control of his form, and gaining control over Banner’s the moment his guard is down, Bruce knows his alter ego’s uncontrollable rage better than ever – and it’s reflected by his disheveled look.
The Incredible Hulk will likely always have one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic designs, but a slight variation here and there can in many ways help convey the mindset of the character far better than words can. Bruce Banner’s living curse has always been hard to control, and seeing how it’s practically impossible these days, it’s no wonder that both of their outward appearances reflect that. And considering everything he put his counterpart through while he was piloting his body, Bruce Banner has a lot of apologizing to do before the IncredibleHulk can get a haircut.