The Hulk stands unrivaled as Marvel’s mightiest hero, ascending through the ranks with each ferocious clash against a plethora of formidable foes. This colossal figure, a relentless force of destruction, is not a contender anyone dares to challenge. The ten epic battles that follow vividly illustrate this assertion.
First introduced as a gray-skinned creature of rage in Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), crafted by the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk’s extraordinary strength was an immediate source of fear. Over the years, fueled by his growing anger towards the world, his power has only intensified. Recent developments reveal that the Hulk possesses a form of immortality, leading him to confront ancient evils and cosmic deities, further solidifying his position as Marvel’s most formidable hero. The following encounters not only showcase the Hulk’s terrifying strength but also highlight his prowess as a fighter.
10. Hulk vs. Wolverine
Incredible Hulk #340 (1988) by Peter David and Todd McFarlane
In a gripping clash, Wolverine attempts to exercise restraint, acknowledging his growth as a hero. Yet the Hulk, with blood still shining green, enters into a fierce assault against the X-Men’s finest. The brawl escalates as the two engage in strikes that would obliterate an average opponent multiple times. Witnesses Rick Jones and Clay Quartermain try to intercede, but the Hulk’s rage culminates in a powerful slam of Logan into the ground before he leaps away with his allies.
9. Hulk vs. Thor
Incredible Hulk 2001 #1 (2001) by Erik Larsen and Jorge Lucas
Amidst a confrontation with the military, the Hulk attracts Thor’s attention, who mistakenly assumes the gamma giant is at fault. What ensues is a remarkable battle. Thor launches a barrage of attacks, summoning lightning strikes to subdue the Hulk, who counters impressively by deflecting Mjölnir. Yet, the fight is far from concluded as Thor teleports them to a desolate land, sparking further chaos. Ultimately, despite Thor’s relentless onslaught, the Hulk breaks free, tired of the melee.
8. Hulk vs. Abomination
Incredible Hulk #25 (2001) by Paul Jenkins and John Romita Jr.
Stricken by grief over Betty Banner’s apparent demise at the hands of Abomination, the Hulk emerges in a rage-fueled frenzy. He lunges at Blonsky with relentless fury, who struggles to defend himself against the Green Goliath’s numerous lethal blows. The battle escalates dramatically, with external forces causing a dam burst, resulting in chaos. Ultimately, the Hulk’s primal rage culminates in a series of devastating strikes that leave Abomination battered and near-death, but Bruce Banner manages to intervene just in time, preventing the Hulk from becoming a true killer.
7. Hulk vs. Absorbing Man
Immortal Hulk #9-10 (2019) by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, & Martin Simmonds
In these thrilling issues, the US Hulk Operations release Carl Creel, the Absorbing Man, from incarceration with the intent of defeating the Hulk once and for all. Armed with a revolutionary red gamma serum intended to siphon the Hulk’s power, Creel encounters a surprise twist. Upon activation, the serum links him to the One Below All, transforming him into a grotesque entity. Even in a weakened state, the Hulk exhibits his raw strength, managing to devastate Creel. Ultimately, while this clash doesn’t conclude neatly, the Hulk manages to dispatch his adversary despite diminishing power.
6. Hulk vs. Red Hulk
Hulk #4 (2008) by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness
After Thunderbolt Ross transforms into the Red Hulk and embarks on a destructive spree, the Hulk assumes the role of protector to stop his former father figure. The battle progresses with both gamma-infused titans trading heavy exchanges, reaching such a critical point that both heroes and villains find themselves compelled to unite against the tumult. However, with the support of allies, the Hulk eventually regains control of the fight, demonstrating strategic fighting. He cleverly endures Ross’s attacks, revealing that he was deliberately allowing the battle to escalate to amplify his strength while the Red Hulk deteriorates.
5. Hulk vs. The Red King
Incredible Hulk #102 (2006) by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan
During Hulk’s reign as the Green Scar on the planet Sakaar, he leads an uprising against the oppressive Red King. With alien parasites swarming Crown City, a climactic showdown arises when the Red King, equipped with menacing weaponry and technology, challenges the Hulk to a definitive battle. One fiery assault is unleashed against the Hulk, yet his primal fury ignites a return assault that incapacitates the Red King, showcasing that no weapon can rupture the Hulk’s resilience. Ultimately, he rises triumphant, claims dominion over Sakaar, and solidifies his legacy amid chaos.
4. Hulk vs. The Avengers
Immortal Hulk #7 (2018) by Al Ewing and Joe Bennett
In a recent storyline where Captain Marvel leads the Avengers, a decision is reached: the Hulk poses an immense threat that cannot be ignored. In response, the Devil Hulk awakens, launching devastation as he tosses vehicles like toys. The Hulk, now at his peak strength, confronts Thor directly, eliciting an admission from the God of Thunder: “He is stronger than he was. Vastly so.”
Iron Man’s Hulkbuster armor proves ineffective as it crumples under the Hulk’s might. As more Avengers attempt to restrain him, they resort to a catastrophic strategy: the Helios Laser. Although this spectacular attack manages to subdue the Hulk temporarily, it demands a coordinated effort from the team and nearly obliterates a town in the process.
3. Hulk vs. The Silver Surfer
Incredible Hulk #250 (1980) by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema
Here, the Hulk and the Silver Surfer are embroiled in a tumultuous confrontation, each seeking relief from their struggles. The Surfer, imprisoned on Earth, believes the Hulk’s gamma energy may hold the key to his freedom. Encountering opposition, the Hulk perceives the Surfer’s intentions as malevolent.
Despite an initial onslaught from the Surfer, the Hulk quickly retaliates and propels their skirmish into space, revealing his ability to withstand the profound limitations of the cosmos. Though the Hulk’s stamina wanes, forcing a return to Bruce Banner, the fight serves as a testament to his indomitable spirit.
2. Hulk vs. Sentry
World War Hulk #5 (2008) by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr.
This extraordinary showdown features the Hulk at the height of his rage, embracing his World Breaker persona. Having returned to Earth to confront his pain, he faces Sentry, summoned as the last hope to halt the rampaging Hulk. Their battle escalates into cosmic chaos, driven by the unleashed fury of the Sentry.
Their confrontation devastates blocks of the city as the Hulk endures the Sentry’s catastrophic assaults with apparent ease. In a moment of shared intensity, both warriors unleash their ultimate powers, momentarily equalizing the battle. As the smoke clears, the Hulk returns, vowing vengeance for the deaths of his loved ones.
1. Hulk vs. Superman
Incredible Hulk vs. Superman #1 (1999) by Roger Stern and Steve Rude
As a pinnacle battle, the Hulk versus Superman transcends traditional Marvel conflicts, presenting a true gauge of the Hulk’s strength against the invincible Man of Steel. Concurrently, while Superman contemplates Bruce Banner’s tormented existence, he responds to the Hulk’s awakening.
Infuriated by Superman’s presence, the Hulk retaliates with tremendous force, hurling the hero into the cosmos. The ensuing chaos attracts the attention of military forces, unleashing devastation upon both Marvel icons. Their rivalry soon transforms into a partnership as they confront a mutual enemy, culminating in a display of raw power where Superman is left astonished by the Hulk’s devastating impact, claiming he has never endured such agony.