The resurrection of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, also known as the Red Hulk, has intrigued comic fans for years. His return ties together numerous storylines, each contributing to a tapestry of deception, resurrection, and redemption. Here’s an in-depth look at how Red Hulk returns from the dead and reestablished his place in the Marvel Universe.
The Prelude: Doc Green’s Quest to Depower the Hulks
In Hulk Volume 3 by Jerry Duggan, Bruce Banner’s “Doc Green” persona emerged following a traumatic head injury and subsequent treatment with Extremis, a human programming language. This version of the Hulk retained Bruce’s full intelligence, making him more strategic and determined.
Doc Green embarked on a mission to eliminate all gamma-based threats, targeting various Hulk-powered individuals, including Rick Jones, Betty Ross, and Thaddeus Ross. His plan to depower Ross, however, failed initially due to the Red Hulk’s superior combat skills and ability to absorb radiation. This failure motivated Doc Green to sharpen his techniques, including learning new fighting styles from Iron Fist. With Deadpool’s help, Doc Green eventually succeeded in depowering Ross using a specially designed bullet to disable his radiation-absorbing abilities.
The Death of Bruce Banner and Ross’s Fallout
The events of Civil War II brought further turmoil when Bruce Banner, fearing his Hulk persona might re-emerge, asked Hawkeye to kill him if he ever transformed again. Hawkeye complied, and Banner’s death sent shockwaves across the Marvel Universe. During this period, Betty Ross visited her imprisoned father, Thaddeus Ross, seeking comfort but finding none.
Ross’s apparent death occurred during the Captain America series by Ta-Nehisi Coates, where he was framed for leading a rebellion against Hydra in the aftermath of Secret Empire. Alexa Lukin manipulated events to implicate Steve Rogers in Ross’s murder, further tarnishing Captain America’s reputation. This storyline laid the groundwork for Ross’s return in a surprising twist.
The Misleading Death and Resurrection of Thunderbolt Ross
While Ross’s death seemed definitive, clues scattered across other storylines hinted otherwise. In Absolute Carnage and The Immortal Hulk, his body was exhumed during Carnage’s quest for codices. Fans speculated that Ross might return through the mysterious Green Door, a pathway for gamma-powered beings to resurrect.
The truth, however, surfaced in Captain America Volume 9. Black Widow revealed to Misty Knight and Peggy Carter that Ross had faked his death using a Life Model Decoy (LMD). Ross remained in hiding, aiding the Daughters of Liberty while maintaining his presumed-dead status. This subterfuge allowed him to continue operating without drawing attention.
The Red Hulk’s Rebirth
Ross’s cover was blown during a confrontation with the Power Elite. Captured and tortured by Crossbones and Cutthroat, Ross endured severe punishment. To the surprise of his allies, this intense suffering triggered the Red Hulk’s return. His transformation shocked even Steve Rogers, who initially questioned Ross’s loyalty.
Once transformed, the Red Hulk swiftly overpowered their enemies, proving his allegiance to Rogers and his team. This marked a turning point, as Ross resumed his role as a government official while continuing to support Captain America and his allies.
Implications for the MCU
Ross’s revival in the comics takes on greater significance with his inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As Red Hulk’s storyline gains prominence in the comics, fans eagerly anticipate how these events will influence his portrayal in upcoming MCU projects.
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