Red Hulk, known as Rulk, is an alias used by two different characters in Marvel Comics, each bringing unique twists to the Hulk saga. The first incarnation debuted in 2008 within the Hulk series. Here, United States Army General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a long-time adversary of Bruce Banner (the original Hulk) and his father-in-law, transforms into Red Hulk. Ross gains this ability through collaboration with A.I.M. and the Intelligencia, enhancing his capability to combat the Hulk.

The 2010 “World War Hulks” storyline further explores Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk, revealing the complex dynamics and motivations behind his evolution from antagonist to antihero.

In 2017, Marvel introduced a second Red Hulk in the debut issue of U.S.Avengers. This version features four-star General Robert Maverick, selected for his genetic profile to embody a “halfway to a Hulk” state. Equipped with a device called the Hulk Plug-In, created by Avengers Idea Mechanics from the remnants of Advanced Idea Mechanics, Maverick can transform into Red Hulk for brief periods regularly. Unlike Ross, Maverick retains his distinctive mustache and sunglasses in his Hulk form, bringing a new flavor to the character.

Both incarnations of Red Hulk add layers to the Marvel universe, expanding the mythology and challenging the dynamics of power and identity within the Hulk legacy. As they navigate their roles from military leaders to formidable superbeings, Red Hulk continues to evolve, impacting the broader Marvel landscape with their presence and influence.

This evolution promises to shake up the traditional Hulk narrative, offering fans new dimensions of storytelling and character exploration in the Marvel Comics universe.