Which Was the Best Battle between the Hulk and Thor?

The most iconic battle between the Hulk and Thor occurs in the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok, directed by Taika Waititi. This visually impressive and engaging battle takes place on the planet Sakaar, featuring a grand arena where the audience adds to the spectacle with their cheers. The fight highlights the contrast between the two characters' combat styles, Thor's agility and lightning powers, and the Hulk's raw physical power and rage. Their differing approaches to battle create a dynamic and unforgettable experience.

Character Development and Humor

This particular battle is not just about physical prowess but also about character development and their relationship. It shows the friendship and rivalry between Thor and the Hulk, both struggling with their identities and roles. The humor in the battle is another highlight, especially when Thor tries to reason with the Hulk, which adds a touch of absurdity and wit to the already engaging fight.

Other Notable Confrontations

While the battle in Thor: Ragnarok is undoubtedly impressive, comic book fans might point to other notable confrontations, such as the Hulk and Thor series, or the Immortal Hulk storyline. The latter, however, is often criticized for the trite depiction of Thor, which some may find disrespectful to the character. Fans often seek out battles where Thor performs nobly and honorably, and the Thor vs. Hulk trade paperback collects many of these memorable moments.

The Debate: Who Wins the Battle?

Married to his heart as a bodybuilder and a Hulk fan, the author of "HULK VS. THOR" carefully outlines his criteria for defining a battle as official and the criteria for victory. According to his tally in 36 official comic book battles, he gives the final edge to the Hulk: 3 wins vs. 2 for Thor. This razor-thin margin speaks to the respect with which Marvel Comics has generally treated Thor in the past when he battles the Hulk.

An interesting examination of bias comes from the story "Hulk: Let The Battle Begin," which was written in 2010. It was written to give the Hulk his first definitive victory over Thor and was dedicated to the writer's father, a devoted fan of the Hulk. The author of "HULK VS. THOR" recommends reading this story to understand the motivation behind such tales. Before this story, the Hulk and Thor were locked at 2 wins each, but the Immortal Hulk series moved the margin to 3 to 2, after which the vast majority of their confrontations were draws or inconclusive.

Popularity and Power Dynamics

It is worth noting that the Hulk is more popular than Thor, and this popularity has a significant impact on the way their battles are depicted in comics. As the author of "HULK VS. THOR" points out, lagging popularity can lead to the character being underrepresented in the storyline, which can affect the way they are portrayed in battles. Additionally, Thor, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was intended to be stronger than the Hulk as his foil, the "god vs. mortal" dynamic.

Despite the power dynamics, the earliest battles by Lee and Kirby are seen as "geek out" moments for fans who eagerly anticipated the first encounters of these titans. These early battles are a reminder of the excitement and fan engagement that comes with such iconic confrontations.

Whether you're a fan of the Thor: Ragnarok movie, the early comics, or the latest trades, the battle between the Hulk and Thor remains a cornerstone of superhero literature and entertainment. The debates and discussions continue, as fans and scholars alike seek to uncover the 'best' battle between these two giant characters.