Why Red Hulk Kept His Identity Secret
When Red Hulk first appeared in comics his identity was a mystery. Why exactly was General Ross keeping his transformation a secret?
When Red Hulk first burst onto the comic book scene in Hulk #1 (2008), fans were left scratching their heads. Who was this fiery-eyed, crimson-skinned powerhouse? Unlike Bruce Banner’s iconic green alter ego, Red Hulk (or Rulk, as was occasionally called) was shrouded in mystery. For months, his true identity remained hidden, creating a whirlwind of speculation among readers. When it was finally revealed that Red Hulk was none other than General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, longtime adversary of the Hulk, it added an unexpected layer of complexity to the character. But why did Ross, and Marvel’s creators, maintain this secrecy?
General Ross: From Hulk Hunter to Red Hulk
General Thaddeus Ross has been a cornerstone of Hulk mythology since the first appearance of the Hulk in 1962. As a military officer hellbent on capturing and controlling the Hulk, Ross’s obsession with the green giant often bordered on the irrational. For decades, Ross viewed the Hulk as both a personal vendetta and a national security threat, making his eventual transformation into a Hulk himself all the more ironic.
The seeds of Ross’s transformation were planted in a storyline involving the Intelligencia, a cabal of supervillains led by the Leader (Samuel Sterns) and MODOK. This group, known for their genius-level intellects and devious plots, sought to exploit Ross’s hatred of the Hulk. In exchange for turning him into a weapon capable of defeating Banner and allowing them to take control of the country. To do that, they offered him a new form: the Red Hulk.
Why Keep Red Hulk’s Identity a Secret?
The decision to obscure Red Hulk’s identity was both a narrative and marketing strategy. From a storytelling perspective, the mystery surrounding Red Hulk added intrigue and suspense to the Hulk series. Writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness used this enigma to hook readers, leaving clues and red herrings scattered across the early issues. Fans speculated wildly, with theories ranging from old foes like Glenn Talbot to new creations entirely. By the time Ross’s identity was revealed in Hulk #23 (2010), the payoff was immense.
For General Ross himself, secrecy served a more practical purpose. Becoming Red Hulk allowed him to operate outside the constraints of his military identity and pursue his own agenda. As a human, Ross was bound by government oversight and the limitations of his position. As Red Hulk, he became a rogue element, free to act on his vendettas and ambitions without accountability. His dual identity gave him the freedom to move between the shadows and the spotlight, manipulating events to suit his goals.
Ross’s Ambitions: Power and Control
Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk wasn’t just about defeating Banner; it was about reshaping the world according to his vision. In Hulk #5 (2008), Red Hulk reveals his brutal approach to power by taking down some of Marvel’s mightiest heroes, including Thor and Iron Man. This was Ross’s way of sending a message: as Red Hulk, he was no longer bound by the failures of his past. He sought to dominate, not just as a soldier but as a force of nature.
One of the most telling aspects of Ross’s arc as Red Hulk is his partnership with the Intelligencia. While they empowered him, they also sought to control and use him, setting up a fascinating power struggle. The Intelligencia planned to use Red Hulk to undermine superheroes and the military before using Ross to replace the President and take over control of the country. It was necessary that Red Hulk not be associated with Ross or Ross would be unable to assume command of the country. However, Ross’s inherent mistrust and pride made him a volatile ally, and his eventual rebellion against the Intelligencia in Fall of the Hulks and World War Hulks demonstrated his desire to break free from their influence and chart his own path towards taking control of the country.
The Fallout of Red Hulk’s Secret
When Ross’s identity as Red Hulk was finally revealed, the fallout was enormous. Longtime Hulk allies like Betty Ross and Bruce Banner had to grapple with this revelation, adding layers of emotional complexity to the narrative. Ross’s actions as Red Hulk—including attacking his former allies and further destabilizing global security—put him at odds with the very ideals he once claimed to uphold. It also made it impossible for him to take control of the country, a situation Banner further exploited when he teamed up with Red Hulk and had him wipe out Ross (who was actually an LMD, a Life Model Decoy or an android).
Despite his initial secrecy, Ross’s identity as Red Hulk eventually became a defining aspect of his character. In later stories, such as Avengers Assemble and Thunderbolts, Ross attempts to redeem himself, using his Red Hulk form to fight alongside heroes rather than against them. However, his past actions and moral ambiguity continue to haunt him, cementing his role as one of Marvel’s most complex antiheroes.
Why Red Hulk’s Secret Still Matters
The mystery surrounding Red Hulk’s identity wasn’t just a clever plot device; it was a reflection of the character’s inner turmoil. For General Ross, becoming Red Hulk was both an act of desperation and ambition, allowing him to escape his failures while pursuing his ultimate goals. The secrecy amplified the tension, making the eventual reveal both shocking and meaningful.
Red Hulk’s early stories remain some of the most compelling in Hulk’s lore, showcasing the lengths to which obsession and ambition can drive a man. By keeping his identity a secret, Ross not only protected his plans to take over the country but also underscored the duality of his existence. As Red Hulk, he could be the unrestrained force he always wanted to be—but at the cost of everything he once stood for.