Hulk: Has the green behemoth actually changed?

Seeing that Marvel NOW is well and truly under way I thought I would take this chance to look back on some of my favourite characters and see whether they have really changed or if they just look like they have.

First up lets look at the Hulk, who, thanks in part to the Joss Whedon's masterpiece, is now more popular than ever.

In 1962 we were given the first ever issue of The Incredible Hulk, but who was he/it really? And how different is he from today's NOW version.

Well, first of he was grey, but that's just an aesthetic thing that while was a significant change when it happen isn't all that changing to the character in my opinion. No, the true aspect of the character was personal conflict, the scientist and man of reason Bruce Banner and the irrational destroyer the Hulk. Both at odds with one another, so much so that Banner takes it upon himself to rid the world of the Hulk and takes himself as far away from humanity as he can. Bruce dedicates himself to ridding the world, and himself, of the Hulk. While the Hulk fights against this, and everyone else. Especially those who come after him, whenever anyone tries to bring him in he usually attacks, he sees an enemy in everyone and refuses to join (for the most part).

So, we have two beings, both trying to rid themselves of the other and staying away from everyone, as they believe it to be the best for both themselves and others.

But, how have things changed, if at all?

Well, most notably the Hulk looks better, seems to have been working out. As for the character development and story, it has a changed, a lot. No longer is this a story of inner conflict and a man's quest to rid himself of his inner demons. Rather, Banner has excepted the Hulk and allows to him to destroy, but when needed, and in the right places. Both Banner and the Hulk have rejoined humanity, Hulk has even excepted joining forces to allow him to live in peace while also getting to smash. He just smashes what deserves to smashed now. And as for Banner, he now builds, he was always a genius, but he had let his need to destroy the Hulk take over his life, but now he has excepted that part of him he can use his mind to help improve life for everyone by using his most powerful aspect, his mind.

So, instead of two beings at odds with one another and the rest of the world we now have two beings that can work together with the rest of the world, to smash what would harm humanity and build that which can help them. A very different story from how it all began, and a better comic book for it.

What Would Doom Do? 

Nothing, it's the Hulk combined with one of the smartest men on the planet, Doom isn't an idiot, they can do anything they want. Doom will now take a nap.