Incredible or totally awesome? That is the question.
Marvel Comics has revealed a sneak peek at its new comic line "The Totally Awesome Hulk," a brand new green rage monster that is actually pretty light on the rage. The story features new character Amadeus Cho who, unlike Bruce Banner, is in complete control of his powers.
Since the character's inception in 1962, the Hulk has always been a Banner. Traditionally, he is a genius physicist who is exposed to gamma radiation rays during an experiment which results in his Hulk-a-mania. While the green giant is known for his heroic deeds (and has been further popularized by Mark Ruffalo on the big screen), he's also known as a destructive force who commonly loses control and racks up collateral damage. But this new Hulk doesn't have that problem. Cho is in the driver's seat even when he's in full Hulk mode, making for a more intelligent and purposeful Avenger who doesn't cause billions of dollars in property damage.
Marvel Comics has long wanted to diversify their lineup and adding Cho, a Korean-American, to the mix is another step in that direction. The company has also created female versions of Thor and an expansion of the female Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers). These new-look heroes appeal to a wider range of audiences than their mostly white male predecessors.
The Hulk has received quite a few on-screen iterations over the years. Actors Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Eric Bana, Edward Norton and Ruffalo have all had a go as one of Marvel's most powerful heroes. It is unknown if Marvel has any plans to include this new Hulk or the female Thor into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the female Captain Marvel is getting her own solo film in 2018, which is a start.
Well done, Marvel. It's pretty cool to see so many different heroes of all shapes, sizes and colors.
