10 MCU Hulk Scenes Taken Straight From The Marvel Comics

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made a habit of bringing iconic comic book moments to life, and the Hulk is no exception. Over the years, the Jade Giant has starred in some of the most memorable scenes in the MCU’s history, many of which are directly inspired by classic Marvel Comics storylines. These moments are more than just cinematic spectacle – they’re faithful recreations of Hulk’s most legendary feats.

Over the decades, Hulk has gone through countless transformations and played a key role in major Marvel events. His stories often explore themes of control, loneliness, and acceptance, making him one of the most complex characters in the Marvel pantheon. The MCU’s portrayal of Hulk has varied significantly, from his early appearances as an uncontrollable force in The Incredible Hulk (2008) to his more intelligent and balanced portrayal as Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame (2019). However, one constant remains: the MCU continually pays homage to classic Hulk moments from Marvel Comics, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways.

10

Hulk Becomes A Gladiator

As Seen In Thor: Ragnarok

One of the most visually stunning and comic-accurate moments in the MCU comes from Thor: Ragnarok (2017), where Hulk becomes a gladiator on Sakaar. This storyline is lifted straight from Planet Hulk, one of the most beloved Hulk arcs written by Greg Pak. In the comics, Hulk is banished from Earth and crash-lands on Sakaar, where he’s forced to fight in gladiatorial battles under the rule of the tyrannical Red King.

Over time, he rises from a mere combatant to a revolutionary leader. The MCU’s version streamlines this, making Hulk the champion of the Grandmaster’s Contest of Champions. His rivalry and eventual camaraderie with Thor mirror elements from Planet Hulk, where Hulk battles the Silver Surfer in a similar arena. Though the full Planet Hulk arc wasn’t adapted, Thor: Ragnarok perfectly captures the essence of Hulk’s time as a warrior on Sakaar.

9

Hulk Thunderclaps Out Fire

As Seen In The Incredible Hulk

Hulk’s signature thunderclap is one of his most iconic abilities, and the MCU brought it to life in The Incredible Hulk (2008) – and subsequently by the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World. When a fire threatens to spread, Hulk claps his hands together with immense force, creating a shockwave that extinguishes the flames. This moment is a direct homage to multiple comic book instances where Hulk uses his thunderclap in a similar fashion.

In The Incredible Hulk #300, Hulk famously uses it to put out the Human Torch’s flames, demonstrating just how versatile and powerful the ability is. Later, in Incredible Hulks #618, he utilizes the move again, reinforcing its importance as a defensive and offensive tool. Though the MCU has not showcased the full destructive potential of Hulk’s thunderclap – capable of toppling buildings and repelling the fiercest attacks – it remains one of the best comic-accurate moments brought to the big screen.

8

Hulk Battles The Mighty Thor

As Seen In Thor: Ragnarok

One of the MCU’s most electrifying fights occurs in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), where Hulk and Thor clash in the Grandmaster’s arena. This battle is a direct nod to the many times these two powerhouses have fought in Marvel Comics. One of the most famous instances happens in The Defenders #10 (1973), where Hulk and Thor engage in a brutal showdown to determine who is truly stronger.

Another key inspiration comes from The Incredible Hulk #300, where a mindless Hulk fights Thor in an earth-shattering battle that tests the Asgardian’s strength. The MCU version brilliantly captures their dynamic, showcasing Hulk’s raw power against Thor’s skill and divine might. While the outcome is left ambiguous in the film—thanks to the Grandmaster’s intervention – it remains one of the most faithful recreations of Hulk and Thor’s legendary comic book battles.

7

Hulk Vs The Abomination

As Seen In The Incredible Hulk

One of the earliest examples of the MCU pulling directly from the comics comes from The Incredible Hulk (2008), where Hulk faces off against the Abomination. This fight is heavily inspired by Tales to Astonish #90 (1967), where Emil Blonsky first transforms into the Abomination and battles Hulk for the first time. Just like in the comics, the MCU’s Abomination is stronger than Hulk due to his mutation, making their clash all the more intense.

The MCU’s version of the fight captures the sheer brutality of their comic book encounters, with the two titans tearing through Harlem in a destructive battle. While the MCU’s Hulk ultimately triumphs, just as he often does in the comics, the fight exemplifies one of Hulk’s greatest rivalries. Years later, the two would make amends and meet again in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.

As Seen In Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame introduced audiences to Smart Hulk, a perfect fusion of Bruce Banner’s intelligence and Hulk’s brute strength. This version was inspired by Incredible Hulk #377 (1991), where Banner finally resolves his inner conflict, merging his personalities into a balanced, hyper-intelligent Hulk. In the comic, psychologist Doc Samson helps Banner confront his past, leading to the Green, Gray, and Banner personas uniting into “Professor Hulk.”

The MCU version follows a similar trajectory, though achieved off-screen during the five-year gap after Infinity War. By combining his intellect with Hulk’s power, Smart Hulk becomes a unique force, capable of reasoned thought while maintaining his immense strength. Though the MCU’s version leans more comedic, the core idea – Hulk evolving beyond pure rage – remains faithful to the comic’s original take, solidifying this transformation as a defining milestone in the character’s evolution.

5

Hulk Tries To Lift Mjolnir

As Seen In The Avengers (2012)

One of the most memorable moments in The Avengers (2012) is Hulk’s failed attempt to lift Thor’s enchanted hammer, Mjolnir. This moment is ripped straight from Avengers (1996) #5, where Hulk, fueled by frustration, attempts to wield Mjolnir during battle. In both versions, he exerts all his might but ultimately cannot lift the weapon, proving that sheer strength isn’t enough – worthiness is the key.

The MCU plays this moment for humor, showing Hulk struggling against Thor during their fight on the Helicarrier, only for the hammer to remain firmly planted. In the comics, Hulk’s rage makes him try even harder, but Mjolnir remains unmoved. While different in tone, both instances reinforce a fundamental truth about the Marvel Universe: no matter how strong Hulk gets, there are some things even he can’t overpower.

4

Hulk Fathers An Alien Son

As Revealed In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

The introduction of Skaar in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was a direct nod to Hulk’s comic history, particularly Planet Hulk and World War Hulk. While Thor: Ragnarok loosely adapted Planet Hulk‘s Sakaar storyline, it never showed Hulk’s romantic connection with Caiera the Oldstrong, which led to Skaar’s birth in the comics. In the original Planet Hulk comic, Hulk becomes a champion, falls in love, and unknowingly fathers a son.

However, it isn’t until World War Hulk that Skaar’s existence is revealed officially, having survived the destruction of Sakaar. The MCU fast-tracked this by revealing Skaar without much setup, implying Hulk had a son during his time on Sakaar. While details differ, the essence remains: Hulk’s adventures off-world had lasting consequences, proving that even the strongest being in the universe isn’t immune to the responsibilities of fatherhood.

3

Hulk Holds Up A Building To Save His Comrades

As Seen In Avengers: Endgame

During Avengers: Endgame, Hulk performs one of his most heroic feats when he holds up debris from the Avengers Compound to protect his allies. This moment is directly inspired by Secret Wars #4 (1984), where Hulk famously supports an entire mountain range to save the Avengers. In the comic, the Beyonder traps Earth’s heroes under 150 billion tons of rock, and only Hulk’s incredible strength prevents their demise.

While the MCU scene scales it down to a collapsing building, the visual of Hulk straining under the weight of destruction is unmistakably a reference to this legendary moment. Both versions emphasize Hulk’s endurance, selflessness, and sheer might. The MCU tweaks the scenario to fit its narrative, but the homage to this iconic panel is clear, reminding fans why Hulk remains one of Marvel’s most powerful and dependable heroes.

2

Hulk Fights Hulkbuster Iron Man

As Seen In Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron is one of the film’s most explosive sequences, but its origins stem from multiple comic battles. One of the most notable takes place in Iron Man #304 (1994), where Stark dons the Hulkbuster suit to subdue an out-of-control Hulk. In both versions, the armor is specifically designed to counter Hulk’s overwhelming power, featuring reinforced plating, modular enhancements, and emergency countermeasures.

The MCU scene, in which Hulk and Stark battle through Johannesburg, destroying buildings in their wake, mirrors these epic comic clashes. While the movie fight stems from Scarlet Witch’s mind control rather than a misunderstanding, the essence remains the same – Hulk is an unstoppable force, and the Hulkbuster is Stark’s best hope of containing him. Whether in comics or film, their clashes always deliver high-stakes destruction.

1

Hulk Destroys A Giant Wolf

As Seen In Thor: Ragnarok

Hulk’s battle with Fenris (AKA Fenrir) in Thor: Ragnarok is a standout moment, centering his raw strength against a mythical beast. This showdown has a direct comic parallel in Incredible Hulk (2023) #2, where Hulk takes on a giant wolf creature of supernatural origin. In both versions, Hulk’s strategy is the same – overpower the beast with brute force. In Ragnarok, Hulk is the only one strong enough to stop Fenris, taking the fight to the water where he finally subdues the monstrous wolf.

In the comics, Hulk’s fight with a similar giant wolf plays out differently, but the core dynamic remains: an unstoppable creature meets an immovable force. Both encounters highlight Hulk’s ability to fight beings beyond mere super-powered foes, reinforcing his status as a warrior capable of taking on threats from any realm, even those born of mythology. It remains one of the greatest Hulk scenes ripped straight from the pages of Marvel Comics.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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