Hulks Resurrection and Continuity in the Marvel Universe
Did the Hulk come back to life after Wolverine killed him? This question delves into the intricate world of Marvel Comics, where the saga of the green behemoth and his interactions with various characters, particularly Wolverine, have been a focal point for decades. Let's explore this topic in depth and clarify the various instances of this event across different comic arcs.
Introduction to Hulk and Wolverine
The Hulk, also known as Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most iconic characters in the Marvel Comics universe. He is known for his incredible strength and healing factor, which often enable him to survive and come back from the brink of death. On the other hand, Wolverine, with his adamantium-clad bones and ability to heal rapidly, is another formidable character, often crossing paths with the Hulk.
Hulk's Resurrection Over the Years
Despite facing numerous deaths and encounters with powerful enemies, including Wolverine, the Hulk has always managed to overcome challenges and return, primarily due to his healing factor. This resilience is a hallmark of his character, making him indispensable in the Marvel Comics landscape. Let's break down specific instances to understand the answer to our question.
Event in Savage Wolverine
One notable instance of Wolverine attempting to kill the Hulk is found in the Savage Wolverine series (volume 5). In this arc, Wolverine, in his berserk form, manages to wound the Hulk severely, causing a gorilla to penetrate his skin with its teeth before Wolverine stabs him in the head. However, this is considered more of an artifact of poor writing rather than a definitive instance where Wolverine kills the Hulk. The Hulk does recover and regains his strength, highlighting his legendary resilience.
Old Man Logan
Another significant event is the comic series Old Man Logan. This arc, written by Mark Millar, takes place on an alternate Earth (Earth-807128), where the established continuity of the main Marvel Universe is altered. In this version, the Hulk, due to the differences in his physiology and the overall narrative, does not possess the ability to resurrect when killed. A particular storyline sees Wolverine break out of the Hulk's stomach after he had consumed Logan, resulting in Wolverine's apparent death. However, in this alternate universe, the Hulk does not come back to life following this event.
Canonical Resurrection
In the primary Marvel Universe (Earth-616), which is considered the canonical timeline, the Hulk has faced death and destruction numerous times but has consistently found a way to come back to life, thanks to his healing factor and the nature of his character. One instance where he was incapacitated by Wolverine occurred during an encounter with a gorilla, where Wolverine pierced the Hulk's brain with his claws. Despite this severe wound, the Hulk managed to recover and return to action shortly thereafter, reflecting his legendary endurance and unwavering determination.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Hulk has come back to life multiple times in the main Marvel Universe, primarily due to his healing factor and character traits. In the Old Man Logan story arc, however, the resurrected aspect of the Hulk is negated by the altered rules of the alternate universe. While Wolverine has managed to incapacitate the Hulk in previous storylines, a definitive kill has not been achieved, and the Hulk has always found a way to return.
The question of the Hulk's resurrection and continuous presence in the Marvel Comics universe remains a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of the character. Whether it is within the dynamics of the main Marvel Universe or the altered rules of an alternate timeline, the Hulk continues to stand tall as one of the most formidable and enduring heroes in the world of comics.