Hulkbusters is the name of three
fiction
Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary, or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent with history, fact, or plausibility. In a traditi ...
al organizations appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
. All three groups exist within Marvel's
shared universe
A shared universe or shared world is a fictional universe from a set of creative works where more than one writer (or other artist) independently contributes a work that can stand alone but fits into the joint development of the storyline, chara ...
known as the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...
and are so-named for their attempts to battle the
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk' ...
.
Fictional history
The U.S. military's Hulkbusters
The original Hulkbusters were a large joint
task force consisting of both U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, whose primary purpose was to capture or if necessary, destroy the Hulk. Their headquarters was the Hulkbuster Base in New Mexico, resembling a
peace sign
A number of peace symbols have been used many ways in various cultures and contexts. The dove and olive branch was used symbolically by early Christians and then eventually became a secular peace symbol, popularized by a ''Dove'' lithograph by ...
(also known as
Gamma Base), after it was damaged by the Hulk, and they were commanded by General
"Thunderbolt" Ross, General
Ryker and Major
Glenn Talbot
Major (later Colonel) Glenn Talbot is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in ''Tales to Astonish'' #61 (November 1964).
He is ...
. Hulkbuster Base was later demolished by the
U-Foes
The U-Foes is a supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are usually depicted as enemies of the Hulk. The group consists of four members: Vector, the group's leader, who can repel matter telekinetica ...
. After Bruce Banner, the Hulk's alter-ego, achieved a state in which his normal intelligence and personality remained dominant while in Hulk form, he received a presidential pardon and the Hulkbusters were disbanded.
While this operation was active,
Clay Quartermain
Clay Quartermain is a fictional character, a secret agent appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
Created by writer-artist Jim Steranko, he first appeared in '' Strange Tales'' #163 (December 1967).
Cla ...
was the
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
liaison to the Hulkbusters operation.
Gamma Base, located in
Death Valley
Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California, in the northern Mojave Desert, bordering the Great Basin Desert. During summer, it is the Highest temperature recorded on Earth, hottest place on Earth.
Death Valley's Badwater Basin is the ...
, is dedicated to the capture and curing of the Incredible Hulk.
Originally, Gamma Base was Project Greenskin: Hulkbuster Base and it was the base for the Hulkbusters. The US Government shut it down and it was opened again for Bruce Banner's Project: Hulkbuster. When that group broke up, it was shut down again. Once again it was re-opened for the use of Operation: Zero Tolerance.
Bruce Banner's Hulkbusters
After the Hulk reverted to his bestial personality, he was captured by
Doc Samson
Doc Samson (Leonard Skivorski Jr.) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as a superhero and psychiatrist in the Marvel Universe, known as a supporting character in ...
. Samson persuaded the government to rebuild and finance Gamma Base. There, Samson managed to separate Banner and the Hulk into two distinct beings, although the Hulk was able to escape. Banner was named the leader of this iteration of the Hulkbusters, which first appeared in ''
Incredible Hulk'' #317, created by
John Byrne (Mar 1986).
Members of this group of Hulkbusters included:
* Craig Saunders, Jr. – Demolition expert (later known as Redeemer)
* Carolyn Parmenter – Marine scientist
* Samuel J. La Roquette – Explorer (later known as Rock)
* Armand Martel – Xenobiologist
* Hideko Takata – Geophysics professor
Saunders, Jr. and La Roquette later became Rock and Redeemer, a supervillain team who faced the Hulk on various occasions, after much of Banner's HB team were slain in Hulk's destruction. Rock had an external hide made of deadly minerals which can be used to impale and grow in size. Redeemer had an exoskeletal suit with weapons like repulsor blasters, and rocket fuel.
The Leader later recruited them into "New Freehold" along with the
Riot Squad
Riot control measures are used by law enforcement, military, paramilitary or security forces to control, disperse, and arrest people who are involved in a riot, unlawful demonstration or unlawful protest.
If a riot is spontaneous and irrati ...
, and they haven't been seen since.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Hulkbusters
Hulk's exile from Earth by the
Illuminati
The Illuminati (; plural of Latin ''illuminatus'', 'enlightened') is a name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, the name usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on ...
brought forth an unexpected consequence: Hulk's rogues' gallery began running wild. As a result,
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
formed a team called the Hulkbusters to capture these villains and implant them with nanotechnology to nullify their powers. The team was led by Agent Clay Quartermain and members included Agent Cheesecake, Agent Crimson, and
She-Hulk.
Other versions
Ultimate Marvel
The
Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring re-imagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Universe. Those characters ...
version of Hulkbuster teams exist and primarily serve
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos ...
and S.H.I.E.L.D. Hulkbuster units have been used to take down major threats such as the
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is the alias of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first and best-known incarnation Norman Osborn, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is generally regarded as one of the a ...
and
Venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a sti ...
.
[''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #100]
In other media
Television
* The original Hulkbusters appeared in ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
''. Similarly to the comics, this version is led by
Thunderbolt Ross
General Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross (also known as the Red Hulk) is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics featuring the Hulk. Ross is a United States military officer, the father of Betty Ross, ex-father- ...
and
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
agent
Gabriel Jones in tracking down Bruce Banner.
* The original Hulkbusters appear in ''
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes''.
*
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in ''Strange Tales'' #135 (August 1965), it often dea ...
's Hulkbusters appear in the ''
Ultimate Spider-Man
''Ultimate Spider-Man'' is a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2011. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of the company's Ultimate ...
'' episode "The Incredible Spider-Hulk". This version is led by Agent
Phil Coulson
Agent Phillip J. Coulson ( ) is a fictional character portrayed and voiced by Clark Gregg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise. Coulson is depicted as a high-ranking member of the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. and longtime partn ...
in tracking down
Peter Parker
Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August ...
, who
Mesmero
Mesmero (Vincent) is a fictional mutant supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
Mesmero first appeared in '' The X-Men'' #49 and was created by Arnold Drake, Don Heck, and Werner Roth.
Fict ...
trapped in the Hulk's body.
* The original Hulkbusters appear in ''
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.
''Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.'' is an American animated television series based on the superhero character by Marvel Comics. The series premiered on August 11, 2013, on Disney XD as part of the ''Marvel Universe'' block, and ended on June 2 ...
''. This version serves as a countermeasure for the titular agents of S.M.A.S.H. In the episode "Hulk-Busted", the
Leader
Leadership, both as a research area and as a practical skill, encompasses the ability of an individual, group or organization to "lead", influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. The word "leadership" often gets vi ...
hijacks the Hulkbusters to attack the agents, but
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...
distracts the Hulkbusters while a stealth-bot uploads a virus into their armor, defeating several of them allowing the agents of S.M.A.S.H. to fight back. The remaining Hulkbusters combine into one giant Hulkbuster and capture Iron Man in an attempt to use his arc reactor to destroy a nearby city and frame the agents of S.M.A.S.H. However, the Hulk frees Iron Man, who redirects the giant Hulkbuster into a river. In the episode "Homecoming", the
Abomination
Abomination may refer to:
* Abomination (Bible), covering Biblical references
**Abomination (Judaism)
*Abomination (character)
The Abomination is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original ...
gains a small group of Hulkbusters programmed to obey him following his reinstatement into the U.S. Army. He uses the Hulkbusters to take over the small town of Vista Verde, but the agents of S.M.A.S.H. fight and destroy them.
* The Hulkbusters appear in ''
Avengers Assemble''. In the episode "Head to Head", a
Mind Stone
The Infinity Stones are fictional items in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They play a significant role in the first three phases (also called the " Infinity Saga") of the MCU, including being the MacGuffins of the films '' Avengers: Infin ...
-empowered
MODOK
MODOK (also written as M.O.D.O.K.; an acronym for Mental/Mobile/Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first MODOK is George Tarleton, a former e ...
uses Hulkbusters to take control of S.H.I.E.L.D. and harass the
Avengers
Avenger, Avengers, The Avenger, or The Avengers may refer to:
Arts and entertainment In the Marvel Comics universe
* Avengers (comics), a team of superheroes
**Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe), a central team of protagonist superheroes of ...
.
Video games
* The Hulkbusters appeared in the 2003 video game ''
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk' ...
''. These versions are depicted as military units controlled by
General Ryker.
* The Hulkbusters appear in ''
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction''. These versions are soldiers who mentally control mechanical armor of varying sizes and capabilities and are used as part of General Ross and Director Emil Blonsky's efforts to capture the Hulk.
* Armored Hulkbusters appear in ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
'' video game, with two voiced by
S. Scott Bullock
Stuart Scott Bullock is an American voice actor. Best known for voicing various characters on ‘’Danny Phantom’’ (2004-2007).
Career
Bullock is known for providing voices for characters, such as Eddy in the ''Barnyard'' franchise, Glow ...
and
Chris Edgerly
Chris Edgerly (born August 6, 1969) is an American voice actor, comedian and singer.
Life and career
Edgerly provided the voice of Peter Potamus on the Adult Swim animated series, '' Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law'', in addition to several ...
. These suits are identified as
StarkTech models.
Novels
Craig Saunders Jr. and Samuel J. La Laroquette appear in the
novelization
A novelization (or novelisation) is a derivative novel that adapts the story of a work created for another medium, such as a film, TV series, stage play, comic book or video game. Film novelizations were particularly popular before the advent of ...
of the 2008 film ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
'', written by
Peter David
Peter Allen David (born September 23, 1956), often abbreviated PAD, is an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films and video games.Buxton, Marc (March 29, 2014)"From 'Future Imperfect' to '2099': Peter David's Greatest Hits" Co ...
. These versions are members of a military strike team sent to capture the Hulk and also appear unnamed in the film.
References
External links
*
{{Hulk
Marvel Comics military personnel
Marvel Comics supervillain teams