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{{Infobox comics character <!--Part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics--> {{Infobox comics character <!--Part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
|character_name = Red Hulk |character_name=Red Hulk
|image = Redhulk.png |image=Redhulk.png
|converted = y |converted=y
|caption = Cover to ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #1 (January 2008). Art by ]. |caption=Cover to ''Hulk'' #1 (Jan. 2008). Art by ].
|publisher = ] |publisher=]
|debut = ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #1 (January 2008) |debut=''Hulk'' #1 (Jan. 2008)
|creators = ]<br>] |creators=]<br>]
|real_name = Unknown |real_name= Unknown
|species = <!-- optional --> |species= <!-- optional -->
|homeworld = <!-- optional --> |homeworld= <!-- optional -->
|alliances = ] |alliances=]
|aliases = Rulk |aliases=Rulk
|supports = <!--optional--> |supports=<!--optional-->
|powers = <br> |powers=<br>
*Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability<br> *Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability<br>
*Regenerative healing factor<br> *Regenerative healing factor<br>
*Emits gamma radiation proportionate to anger level *Emits gamma radiation proportionate to anger level
|cat = super |cat=super
|subcat = Marvel Comics |subcat=Marvel Comics
|villain = y |villain=y
|sortkey = Red Hulk |sortkey={{PAGENAME}}
}} }}
'''Red Hulk''', referred to as '''Rulk''' in comic narration, is a ] that appears in ]s published by ]. The character first appeared in ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #1 (January 2008) and was created by writer ] and artist ]. The Red Hulk was created to generate buzz prior to the release of the 2008 film, '']''. Initially, Loeb and McGuinness created the story "The Strongest There Is", which featured the original Hulk besting various characters in the Marvel Universe. Editor Joe Quesada then informed them that he had an idea for a Red Hulk, and he wanted the story to be a mystery. In the resulting comic, the Red Hulk kills long time Hulk foe the ], and battles other Marvel characters. It is revealed that the Red Hulk was created by ] and ]. '''Red Hulk''', referred to as '''Rulk''' in comic narration, is a ] that appears in ]s published by ]. The character first appeared in ''Hulk'' #1 (Jan. 2008) and was created by writer ] and artist ].

The Red Hulk has been described as "absolutely uninhibited, tactically intelligent"<ref name="George"/> and "Everything the Green Hulk isn't, the Red Hulk is."<ref name="USA"/> The character's powers are similar to the original Hulk's, including superhuman strength, speed, and durability. In contrast to the original Hulk, instead of becoming stronger when angry, the Red Hulk emits increased levels of radiation. Comics featuring the Red Hulk have sold well, but received mixed reviews. Reviewers have described it as fun, but lacking in character development. The Red Hulk has been featured in a video game and a number of toys.


==Publication history== ==Publication history==
===Creation===
⚫ According to '']'', the Red Hulk was created to boost sales and create buzz in the lead up to the 2008 film '']''.<ref name="USA"/> Initially, Jeph Loeb and McGuinness were working on a miniseries for the regular Hulk comic book. According to Loeb, " came over from DC for one reason, and that's he wanted to draw the Hulk." They created "The Strongest There Is", a story where the Hulk would defeat "everybody in the Marvel universe" and return the character to his roots as the strongest Marvel character. The story contained a number of ideas, including the Hulk knocking out ], "because nobody had ever done that." At that point, editor ] called Loeb and told him that Marvel had an idea for a Red Hulk, and wanted it to be a mystery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2008/09/interview_with_the_cartoonist.html|title=The Interview: 'Hulk' Writer Jeph Loeb|last=Cavna|first=Michael|date=September 3, 2008|work=]|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>


According to '']'', the Red Hulk was created to boost sales and create buzz in the lead up to the 2008 film '']''. The initial story line is a murder mystery which centers on the identity of the Red Hulk.<ref name="USA"/>
Marvel's insert booklets in ] began referring to the Red Hulk character as "'''Rulk'''" (a ] of '''R'''ed H'''ulk'''), to distinguish from the original Hulk character. Creator Jeph Loeb began using the term as of issue #7.<ref name="CBR1"/>


⚫ According to Loeb, he and McGuinness were working on a miniseries for the regular Hulk comic book, and that " came over from DC for one reason, and that's he wanted to draw the Hulk." Initially, the ideas was for a story entitled "The Strongest There Is" where the Hulk would, according to Loeb, defeat "everybody in the Marvel universe" and return the character to his roots as the strongest Marvel character. They came up with a number of ideas, including the Hulk knocking out ], "because nobody had ever done that." At that point, editor Joe Quesada called Loeb and told him they had an idea for a Red Hulk, and they wanted it to be a mystery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2008/09/interview_with_the_cartoonist.html|title=The Interview: 'Hulk' Writer Jeph Loeb|last=Cavna|first=Michael|date=September 3, 2008|work=]|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>
===First story arc===


The character was introduced in ''Hulk'' #1 (Jan. 2008), a monthly title written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Ed McGuiness. <ref>. Marvel.com. 2007-12-03</ref> A ] publication titled ''King-Size Hulk'' (June 2008) also featured the Red Hulk, and was written by Loeb with artwork by ], ], and ].
The first six issues of ''Hulk'' consist of one story arc. In the first issue it is revealed that the Red Hulk has killed the ], and is not ].<ref name="H1">{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = Who is the Hulk? | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | date = 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> Next he attacks ] and ], destroying a ] ] in the battle. Meanwhile, it is revealed that ] has become the new Abomination, and cannot be the Red Hulk.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = The Smoking Gun | volume = 2 | issue = 2 | date = April 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> In a battle with the new Abomination, Bruce Banner is released from a cell that ] had him contained in, and he becomes the green Hulk.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = Creatures on the Loose | volume = 2 | issue = 3 | date = 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> The fourth issue begins with the Red Hulk punching out the Watcher. He then vanquishes the green Hulk in physical combat after first trying to shoot him, sending the green Hulk plummeting into the San Francisco Bay.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = Red Light, Green Light | volume = 2 | issue = 4 | date = August 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> Then, while the Red Hulk bests ], the new Abomination rescues the green Hulk from the bottom of the Bay.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = Rolling Thunder | volume = 2 | issue = 5 | date = October 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> In the conclusion of the first story arc, the Red Hulk is defeated by the green Hulk, with help from Thor. In the battle, it is revealed that the Red Hulk becomes more radioactive as his anger increases. As the green Hulk walks away from the battle, Rick Jones attempts to tell him the identity of the Red Hulk. Doc Sampson incapacitates him before he can finish his sentence, and it is revealed that Thunderbolt Ross and Doc Sampson created the Red Hulk to destroy the green Hulk.<ref name="H6">{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = Blood Red | volume = 2 | issue = 6 | date = November 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref>


The first twelve issues (Jan. - Dec. 2008) assert that the character is very aggressive, as the Red Hulk murders the ] and Hulk foe the ]; destroys the ] of spy organization ]; defeats several Marvel heroes, and after causing an ] in ] is finally defeated by the combined efforts of the Hulk and the thunder god ]. While in custody, the character is revealed to have been created by General ] and psychiatrist turned hero ]. Neither the General nor Doc Samson identify him by any other name. He later battles the ], and after tricking them kidnaps member ], who becomes his ally.
===Recent===


] the ] teams the character with other villains in a bid to crush superhero team the ]. The Red Hulk dubs the villainous team "The Offenders".<ref>''Hulk'' #10 (Feb. 2009)</ref>
Beginning with ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #7, and concluding in ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #9, the series contains two seperate stories. The first is written by Loeb and illustrated by ], and details the green Hulk battling a group of Wendigos and the Avengers in Las Vegas.<ref name="H7"/><ref name="H8"/><ref name="H9"/> The second is written by Loeb and illustrated by McGuinness and features the Red Hulk. In the first installment, She-Hulk teams up with ] and ] and they attack the Red Hulk, battling him to a stand still.<ref name="H7">{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Arthur Adams and Frank Cho | title=Hulk |story = What Happens in Vegas | volume = 2 | issue = 7 | date = December 2008 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> Next, the ], ], ], ], ], and ] join the battle.<ref name="H8">{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Arthur Adams and Frank Cho | title=Hulk |story = | volume = 2 | issue = 8 | date = January 2009 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref> On the cover of issue #9, this all female team is dubbed the ] by She-Hulk. They seemingly best the Red Hulk, but he's actually feigning unconsciousness and hears Thundra recommend to the others that they kill him. He then escapes, taking Thundra with him, and offers her employment, based on her willingness to kill him.<ref name="H9">{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Arthur Adams and Frank Cho | title=Hulk |story = Blood Red | volume = 2 | issue = 9 | date = February 2009 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref>

Starting with ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #10, the title returns to a single story format. It begins in the past with an intelligent Hulk announcing that he has asked his love ] (who died in the issue of ''The Incredible Hulk'' #240, October 1979) to marry him. Suddenly, the ] whisks Jarella away. In the present, the Grandmaster proposes a deal to the green Hulk. If he can pick three allies for a contest and win, Jarella will be returned to the Hulk alive. The Hulk chooses the ], the ], and ] (one of the lineups of the ]). Meanwhile, the ] has chosen the Red Hulk as the leader of a team. The Red Hulk chooses ], ], and ], who he dubs the Offenders.<ref>{{Cite comic | writer = Jeph Loeb | penciller = Ed McGuiness | title=Hulk |story = | volume = 2 | issue = 10 | date = April 2009 | publisher = Marvel Comics }}</ref>


==Powers and abilities== ==Powers and abilities==


Marvel editor Mark Paniccia has described the Red Hulk as "absolutely uninhibited, tactically intelligent",<ref name="George">{{cite web |last=George |first=Richard |coauthors=Schedeen, Jesse |title=The Future of the Hulk: Marvel reveals new details about the current and future status of the Hulk line |url=http://comics.ign.com/articles/877/877905p1.html |publisher=] |date=May 30, 2008 |accessdate= }}</ref> while writer Jeph Loeb states "The Red Hulk is the kind of ] we haven't seen before — a thinking, calculating, brutal weapon-toting kind of Hulk."<ref name="USA"/> To further distance the character away from the original: "Everything the Green Hulk isn't, the Red Hulk is."<ref name="USA">{{cite news |last=Colton |first=David | title = The reliably green Incredible Hulk gets pulled into a crimson tide for '#2' | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-02-17-incredible-hulk_N.htm | work = ] | date = February 17, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-06-12}}</ref> The character has abilities almost identical to those of the ], including superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability and advanced ]. As he becomes increasingly angry, the Red Hulk instead emits increasing levels of ].<ref name="H6"/> In the first nine issues, the character shows proficiency in weapon use,<ref name="H1"/> strategy and hand-to-hand combat. Marvel editor Mark Paniccia has described Red Hulk as "absolutely uninhibited, tactically intelligent",<ref>{{cite web |last=George |first=Richard |coauthors=Schedeen, Jesse |title=The Future of the Hulk: Marvel reveals new details about the current and future status of the Hulk line |url=http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/877/877905p1.html |date=2008-05-30 |accessdate= }}</ref> while writer Jeph Loeb states "The Red Hulk is the kind of ] we haven't seen before — a thinking, calculating, brutal weapon-toting kind of Hulk." To further distance the character away from the original: "Everything the Green Hulk isn't, the Red Hulk is."<ref name="USA">{{cite news |last=Colton |first=David | title = The reliably green Incredible Hulk gets pulled into a crimson tide for '#2' | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-02-17-incredible-hulk_N.htm | publisher = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-06-12}}</ref>


The character has abilities almost identical to those of the ], including superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability and advanced ]. The Red Hulk deviates from the Hulk mythos in that the character's strength does not grow in direct proportion to his anger - the Red Hulk instead emits increasing levels of ], hence the statement, "the madder this Hulk gets, the hotter he gets". In ''Hulk'' #1 - 9 (Jan. 2008 - Jan. 2009), the character shows proficiency in strategy, hand-to-hand combat, and weapons use.
==Collected editions==
The series is being collected into ]:

*''Hulk'':
**''Red Hulk'' (collects ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #1-6, 176 pages, hardcover, December 2008, ISBN 0-7851-2881-6, softcover, March 2009, ISBN 0-7851-2882-4)
**''Red & Green'' (collects ''Hulk'' vol. 2 #7-9 and ''King-Size Hulk'' #1, 112 pages, hardcover, August 2009, ISBN 0-7851-2883-2, softcover, March 2009, ISBN 0-7851-2884-0)


==Reception== ==Reception==
⚫ The first five issues of the ''Hulk'' title sold out and had second printings with covers featuring interior art from Ed McGuiness.<ref name="CBR1">{{cite news |last=CBR News Team |first= | title = "Hulk" #5 is red hot - second printing announced | url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17678 | publisher = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-28}}</ref> Issue #6 was the second best-selling title of September 2008.<ref></ref> An IGN review of the series, however, was critical of the lack of character development, citing the emphasis on continuous action sequences over the ongoing question of Red Hulk's identity.<ref name="IGNR4">{{cite news |last= Schedeen |first= Jesse| title = Hulk #4 Review, Who is the hulkiest Hulk of them all? | url = http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/884/884159p1.html | publisher = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-28 | quote =Each issue provides about 30 seconds of plot development, which usually centers around heaping more layers of mystery atop the Red Hulk's identity. The rest involves smashing, being smashed, or a bit of both.}}</ref> The review later also derided the treatment of other mainstream Marvel characters within the pages of ''Hulk'': "The series has already treated She-Hulk and Iron Man like ragdolls who crumple under the awesome might of Red Hulk. Now it's Thor's turn."<ref name="IGNR5">{{cite news |last= Schedeen |first= Jesse| title = Hulk #5 Review, It's hammer time for Red Hulk. | url = http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/896/896771p1.html | publisher = ] | date = ] | accessdate = 2008-08-28}}</ref> Claiming bad dialogue, poor pacing and maltreated characters, the review claims Ed McGuiness' artwork has been the only saving grace for the title.<ref name="IGNR4"/><ref name="IGNR5"/> Marvel's insert booklets in ] began referring to the Red Hulk character as "'''Rulk'''" (a ] of '''R'''ed H'''ulk'''), to distinguish from the original Hulk character. Creator Jeph Loeb began using the term as of issue #7.<ref name="CBR1"/>
Comics featuring the Red Hulk have sold well, but received mixed reviews.


⚫ Augie De Blieck Jr. of Comic Book Resources gave the first six issues a positive review, describing it as a "silly fun action romp" and a "popcorn comic". Blieck Jr. liked Loeb's lack of subtlety when giving out clues, saying "this is a book where anytime someone is about reveal the solution to the big mystery, they get knocked out by a slap in the face from the Red Hulk or a machine gun to the gut." His one criticism was that, although he liked the artwork, he would have preferred ] as the arist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19411|title=Pipeline|last=De Blieck Jr.|first=Augie |date=January 6th, 2009|publisher=Comic Book Resources|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>
The first five issues of the ''Hulk'' title sold out, and second printings featured new covers.<ref name="CBR1">{{cite news |last=CBR News Team |first= | title = "Hulk" #5 is red hot - second printing announced | url = http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17678 | publisher = ] | date = August 12, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-28}}</ref> Issue #6 was the second best-selling title of September 2008,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/13519.html |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--September 2008 |publisher=ICv2.com}}</ref> and issue #10 was sixth in February 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14518.html|title=Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2009|date=March 17, 2009|publisher=ICv2|accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref>


In an interview with Loeb, Z. Julian Cenac of ComixFan.com noted that some readers were upset that the Red Hulk was able to casually defeat other powerful Marvel characters, and were concerned that such a high power-level wouldn't be sustainable. Loeb replied "I tell the best stories I can." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=46252|title=An Ultimatum of an Interview with Jeph Loeb|last=Cenac|first=Z. Julian |date=2009|publisher=ComixFan.com|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>
⚫ Augie De Blieck Jr. of ] gave the first six issues a positive review, describing it as a "silly fun action romp" and a "popcorn comic". Blieck Jr. liked Loeb's lack of subtlety when giving out clues, saying "this is a book where anytime someone is about reveal the solution to the big mystery, they get knocked out by a slap in the face from the Red Hulk or a machine gun to the gut." His one criticism was that, although he liked the artwork, he would have preferred ] as the artist.<ref name="Augie">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19411|title=Pipeline|last=De Blieck Jr.|first=Augie |date=January 6, 2009|publisher=Comic Book Resources|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>

⚫ ] reviewer Jesse Schedeen was generally critical of the series, citing a lack of character development and the emphasis on continuous action sequences over the ongoing question of Red Hulk's identity.<ref name="IGNR4">{{cite news |last= Schedeen |first= Jesse| title = Hulk #4 Review, Who is the hulkiest Hulk of them all? | url = http://comics.ign.com/articles/884/884159p1.html | publisher = ] | date = May 25, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-28 | quote =Each issue provides about 30 seconds of plot development, which usually centers around heaping more layers of mystery atop the Red Hulk's identity. The rest involves smashing, being smashed, or a bit of both.}}</ref> Schedeen also derided the treatment of other mainstream Marvel characters within the pages of ''Hulk'', saying about issue #5, "The series has already treated She-Hulk and Iron Man like ragdolls who crumple under the awesome might of Red Hulk. Now it's Thor's turn."<ref name="IGNR5">{{cite news |last= Schedeen |first= Jesse| title = Hulk #5 Review, It's hammer time for Red Hulk. | url = http://comics.ign.com/articles/896/896771p1.html | publisher = ] | date = August 6, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-08-28}}</ref> Claiming bad dialogue, poor pacing and maltreated characters, the review claims Ed McGuiness' artwork has been the only saving grace for the title.<ref name="IGNR4"/><ref name="IGNR5"/> In an interview with Loeb, Z. Julian Cenac of ComixFan.com noted that some readers were upset that the Red Hulk was able to thrash other powerful Marvel characters, and were concerned that such a high power-level wouldn't be sustainable. Loeb replied "I tell the best stories I can." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?t=46252|title=An Ultimatum of an Interview with Jeph Loeb|last=Cenac|first=Z. Julian |date=2009|publisher=ComixFan.com|accessdate=2009-03-04}}</ref>


==Other media== ==Other media==


Red Hulk has appeared in a video game and as an action figure. He is a playable character in ]'s ] exclusive version of ] to 2008's '']'' movie.<ref>{{cite news | title = The Red Hulk Comes To GameStop | publisher = Game News International | date = May 8, 2008 | url = http://gamenewsi.com/index.php?itemid=19866&catid=1 | accessdate = 2008-05-08}}</ref> Red Hulk is featured in the Target exclusive ] series from ]<ref> - cmdstore.com</ref> and has a Big Bad Toy Store exclusive 10" ] action figure which features a new head sculpt based on Ed McGuinness' art.<ref> - marvelousnews.com</ref> There is also a upcoming Series 25 Red Hulk '']'' figure. <ref>http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/store/item.asp?ItemNo=79956&CategoryID=381</ref> Red Hulk has appeared in a video game as an action figure. He is a playable character in ]'s ] exclusive version of ] to 2008's '']'' movie.<ref>{{cite news | title = The Red Hulk Comes To GameStop | publisher = Game News International | date = ] | url = http://gamenewsi.com/index.php?itemid=19866&catid=1 | accessdate = 2008-05-08}}</ref> Red Hulk is featured in the Target exclusive ] series from ]<ref> - cmdstore.com</ref> and has a Big Bad Toy Store exclusive 10" ] action figure which features a new head sculpt based on Ed McGuinness' art.<ref> - marvelousnews.com</ref> There is also a upcoming Series 25 Red Hulk '']'' figure. <ref>http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/store/item.asp?ItemNo=79956&CategoryID=381</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
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{{Hulk}} {{Hulk}}

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Revision as of 03:37, 22 March 2009

Comics character
Red Hulk
Cover to Hulk #1 (Jan. 2008). Art by Ed McGuiness.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceHulk #1 (Jan. 2008)
Created byJeph Loeb
Ed McGuiness
In-story information
Alter egoUnknown
Team affiliationsOffenders
Notable aliasesRulk
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability
  • Regenerative healing factor
  • Emits gamma radiation proportionate to anger level

Red Hulk, referred to as Rulk in comic narration, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Hulk #1 (Jan. 2008) and was created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuiness.

Publication history

According to USA Today, the Red Hulk was created to boost sales and create buzz in the lead up to the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk. The initial story line is a murder mystery which centers on the identity of the Red Hulk.

According to Loeb, he and McGuinness were working on a miniseries for the regular Hulk comic book, and that " came over from DC for one reason, and that's he wanted to draw the Hulk." Initially, the ideas was for a story entitled "The Strongest There Is" where the Hulk would, according to Loeb, defeat "everybody in the Marvel universe" and return the character to his roots as the strongest Marvel character. They came up with a number of ideas, including the Hulk knocking out the Watcher, "because nobody had ever done that." At that point, editor Joe Quesada called Loeb and told him they had an idea for a Red Hulk, and they wanted it to be a mystery.

The character was introduced in Hulk #1 (Jan. 2008), a monthly title written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Ed McGuiness. A one-shot publication titled King-Size Hulk (June 2008) also featured the Red Hulk, and was written by Loeb with artwork by Frank Cho, Arthur Adams, and Herb Trimpe.

The first twelve issues (Jan. - Dec. 2008) assert that the character is very aggressive, as the Red Hulk murders the Wendigo and Hulk foe the Abomination; destroys the Helicarrier of spy organization S.H.I.E.L.D; defeats several Marvel heroes, and after causing an earthquake in San Francisco is finally defeated by the combined efforts of the Hulk and the thunder god Thor. While in custody, the character is revealed to have been created by General Thunderbolt Ross and psychiatrist turned hero Doc Samson. Neither the General nor Doc Samson identify him by any other name. He later battles the Lady Liberators, and after tricking them kidnaps member Thundra, who becomes his ally.

Elder of the Universe the Collector teams the character with other villains in a bid to crush superhero team the Defenders. The Red Hulk dubs the villainous team "The Offenders".

Powers and abilities

Marvel editor Mark Paniccia has described Red Hulk as "absolutely uninhibited, tactically intelligent", while writer Jeph Loeb states "The Red Hulk is the kind of Hulk we haven't seen before — a thinking, calculating, brutal weapon-toting kind of Hulk." To further distance the character away from the original: "Everything the Green Hulk isn't, the Red Hulk is."

The character has abilities almost identical to those of the original Hulk, including superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability and advanced regeneration. The Red Hulk deviates from the Hulk mythos in that the character's strength does not grow in direct proportion to his anger - the Red Hulk instead emits increasing levels of gamma radiation, hence the statement, "the madder this Hulk gets, the hotter he gets". In Hulk #1 - 9 (Jan. 2008 - Jan. 2009), the character shows proficiency in strategy, hand-to-hand combat, and weapons use.

Reception

The first five issues of the Hulk title sold out and had second printings with covers featuring interior art from Ed McGuiness. Issue #6 was the second best-selling title of September 2008. An IGN review of the series, however, was critical of the lack of character development, citing the emphasis on continuous action sequences over the ongoing question of Red Hulk's identity. The review later also derided the treatment of other mainstream Marvel characters within the pages of Hulk: "The series has already treated She-Hulk and Iron Man like ragdolls who crumple under the awesome might of Red Hulk. Now it's Thor's turn." Claiming bad dialogue, poor pacing and maltreated characters, the review claims Ed McGuiness' artwork has been the only saving grace for the title. Marvel's insert booklets in Diamond Previews began referring to the Red Hulk character as "Rulk" (a portmanteau of Red Hulk), to distinguish from the original Hulk character. Creator Jeph Loeb began using the term as of issue #7.

Augie De Blieck Jr. of Comic Book Resources gave the first six issues a positive review, describing it as a "silly fun action romp" and a "popcorn comic". Blieck Jr. liked Loeb's lack of subtlety when giving out clues, saying "this is a book where anytime someone is about reveal the solution to the big mystery, they get knocked out by a slap in the face from the Red Hulk or a machine gun to the gut." His one criticism was that, although he liked the artwork, he would have preferred Dale Keown as the arist.

In an interview with Loeb, Z. Julian Cenac of ComixFan.com noted that some readers were upset that the Red Hulk was able to casually defeat other powerful Marvel characters, and were concerned that such a high power-level wouldn't be sustainable. Loeb replied "I tell the best stories I can."

Other media

Red Hulk has appeared in a video game as an action figure. He is a playable character in GameStop's Xbox 360 exclusive version of the video game tie-in to 2008's The Incredible Hulk movie. Red Hulk is featured in the Target exclusive Build-a-figure series from Marvel Legends and has a Big Bad Toy Store exclusive 10" Marvel Select action figure which features a new head sculpt based on Ed McGuinness' art. There is also a upcoming Series 25 Red Hulk Minimate figure.

References

  1. ^ Colton, David (2008-02-17). "The reliably green Incredible Hulk gets pulled into a crimson tide for '#2'". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2008-06-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. Cavna, Michael (September 3, 2008). "The Interview: 'Hulk' Writer Jeph Loeb". Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-03-04.
  3. Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness Make The Hulk See Red!. Marvel.com. 2007-12-03
  4. Hulk #10 (Feb. 2009)
  5. George, Richard (2008-05-30). "The Future of the Hulk: Marvel reveals new details about the current and future status of the Hulk line". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ CBR News Team (2008-08-12). ""Hulk" #5 is red hot - second printing announced". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2008-08-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. "Top 300 Comics Actual--September 2008" icv2.com
  8. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (2008-06-25). "Hulk #4 Review, Who is the hulkiest Hulk of them all?". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-28. Each issue provides about 30 seconds of plot development, which usually centers around heaping more layers of mystery atop the Red Hulk's identity. The rest involves smashing, being smashed, or a bit of both. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (2008-08-06). "Hulk #5 Review, It's hammer time for Red Hulk". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. De Blieck Jr., Augie (January 6th, 2009). "Pipeline". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2009-03-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. Cenac, Z. Julian (2009). "An Ultimatum of an Interview with Jeph Loeb". ComixFan.com. Retrieved 2009-03-04.
  12. "The Red Hulk Comes To GameStop". Game News International. 2008-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. Marvel Legends Exclusive Red Hulk Build-A-Figure Action Figures: Set of 7 - cmdstore.com
  14. BBTS Exclusive Marvel Select Red Hulk - marvelousnews.com
  15. http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/store/item.asp?ItemNo=79956&CategoryID=381

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