The Only Marvel Character Hulk Fears: The Sentry

In the expansive universe of Marvel Comics, the Hulk is known for his immense strength and rage, making him a formidable opponent against many. However, there exists a character that even the Hulk fears: the Sentry. This superhero, whose real name is Robert Reynolds, is not only incredibly powerful but also shrouded in complexity and mystery. Let’s delve into why the Sentry is the only villain Hulk fears and explore his fascinating story.

The Introduction of the Sentry

The Sentry was introduced to the Marvel Comics universe in 2000 through the creative collaboration of Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee. His debut story was crafted to give the illusion that he was a long-lost character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1960s but had been forgotten. The story was cleverly written with flashbacks drawn in the 1960s style, enhancing this narrative illusion.

Robert Reynolds: A Complex Hero

Robert Reynolds, the man behind the Sentry, is depicted as a troubled individual suffering from schizophrenia. He experiences visions of the Void, a malevolent entity and his arch-nemesis. His mental instability is further complicated by a history of alcoholism, leading to his wife Lindy leaving him. Despite his apparent insanity, Reynolds reveals his true nature when he attaches a makeshift cape and begins to fly, demonstrating his superpowers.

The Sentry’s Connection with Marvel’s Heroes

As Reynolds navigates his reality, he seeks out notable Marvel heroes like the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Professor Xavier, Doctor Strange, and the Hulk. Interestingly, these heroes have no recollection of Reynolds, despite their past connections. This amnesia is due to a device that erases their memories of the Sentry to keep the Void at bay. The Void, being the dark side of the Sentry, can only manifest if the world remembers the Sentry.

The Sentry: Marvel’s Superman?

The Sentry’s backstory is intricately designed to position him as Marvel’s answer to Superman. He is portrayed as the precursor to many superheroes, inspiring the likes of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. His immense power and his constant battle with the Void highlight his potential to alter reality, making him a figure of awe and fear.

The Hulk’s Fear of the Sentry

The Hulk, a symbol of raw strength, fears the Sentry due to the latter’s overwhelming power. This dynamic is especially evident in the storyline “World War Hulk.” In this event, the Hulk returns to Earth, seeking vengeance against those who wronged him. The Sentry is depicted as the only hero capable of matching the Hulk’s strength. Their battle is intense, with both characters pushing each other to their limits, ultimately resulting in a standstill.

The Void: The Dark Side

The Void represents the Sentry’s dark half, a villain that embodies pure evil without any moral restraint. When the Void manifests, he proves to be an unstoppable force, overpowering multiple superheroes. This duality within Reynolds—the constant struggle to keep the Void suppressed—adds a profound layer to his character, making him both a hero and a ticking time bomb.

Notable Storylines

Several significant story arcs explore the depth of the Sentry’s character:

• The Sentry (2000): The original storyline by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, introducing Robert Reynolds and his duality with the Void.
• New Avengers: This series reintroduces the Sentry, exploring his immense power and his connection with other superheroes.
• World War Hulk: The Sentry’s epic battle with the Hulk, showcasing his strength and the fear he instills in the Hulk.
• Siege: A storyline where the Sentry, manipulated by Norman Osborn, battles against the heroes defending Asgard.

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