Would Bruce Banner Die of Old Age as the Hulk?

The question of whether Bruce Banner would die of old age, given the complexities of his alter ego, the Hulk, has puzzled fans for years. This debate has even drawn the attention of Marvel Comics itself, leading to detailed exploration in their comics. In this article, we'll delve into the nature of their relationship and explore what the What If? scenario might entail.

Comic Canon and the Metamorphosis Theory

Firstly, it is important to note that this scenario has been explored and posited in various Marvel comics. One particular storyline, the Incredible Hulk: The End TPB, provides a fascinating look at the implications of aging for both Banner and the Hulk. In this comic, Banner is the last man on Earth, and the Hulk plays a pivotal role in his prolonged survival.

Marvel Comics often face such questions by delving into the depths of their characters' backstories and exploring potential outcomes. In the case of Bruce Banner and the Hulk, there are interesting theories about the nature of their relationship and the possibility of metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis and Immortality

One of the prevailing theories is that the Hulk is not merely another form of Banner, but rather a form of metamorphosis that results from the transformation. This theory suggests that Banner’s powers were triggered late in life and that his primary ability is immortality through a series of metamorphic shifts. In this context, the Hulk would not be a separate entity but a physical manifestation that allows Banner to survive and adapt to different situations.

Another perspective revolves around Banner’s potential immortality. If Banner is a mutate or mutant with the ability to transform through metamorphosis, then the physical aspect of aging would not affect him. Thus, the Hulk could potentially age and die, while Banner, in his original form, would remain unchanged, unable to return to human form. However, this theory raises the question of whether Banner could die of old age at all.

Final Thoughts and Scientific Speculation

In this two-part approach, the scenario becomes even more complex. If Banner were to die of old age, it would imply that the Hulk, as a physical manifestation of the ability to transform, would also age and die with him. Mutations and transformations often come with their own set of physical limitations and frailties, suggesting that the Hulk, too, may age over time.

Therefore, in the context of these theories, Bruce Banner and the Hulk would age together. Both would eventually face the inevitability of aging, and if Banner were to die, the Hulk would also cease to exist. This interconnectedness is a stark contrast to the character designs in many comics, where Banner and the Hulk are often portrayed as separate entities.

Conclusion: The nature of the relationship between Bruce Banner and the Hulk is complex and multifaceted. The possibility of Banner aging and eventually dying presents a compelling "What If?" scenario that has been explored in various comic book storylines. Whether Banner’s immortality and the Hulk’s potential lifespan are intertwined or separate is still a subject of debate and contemplation for fans and comic scholars alike.