Marvel’s New Release Update Is Our First Real Sign of Hulk’s Big MCU Return

by

Marvel Comics may have revealed clues about what’s next for the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A new listing for the collected edition of Infernal Hulk indicates the comic series will likely end after ten issues, concluding later this year with a single, large-format book.

Although it appears to be routine publishing practice for Penguin Random House, dedicated Marvel fans recognize these types of listings often hint at upcoming changes. With the new Spider-Man: Brand New Day comic reportedly including Mark Ruffalo’s version of the Hulk, the timing seems deliberate, suggesting a coordinated connection between the comics and the movies.

Infernal Hulk’s Apocalyptic Era Is Ending

Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Infernal Hulk takes Bruce Banner to his darkest place yet. The story changes Hulk into a dangerously powerful, world-threatening being when a sinister force separates Banner from his Hulk persona and takes control of his body. This creates a horrifying transformation, turning the Marvel Universe into a terrifying war zone.

The series has consistently explored dark, frightening themes. Characters have been transformed into monsters, cities have descended into turmoil, and Bruce Banner is battling a mental struggle alongside his different Hulk personalities. This approach has been daring, disturbing, and a departure from the typically heroic stories seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Things really heated up with shocking clashes, including a fight featuring Marvel’s most powerful being, the One Above All, and the first appearance of Iron Man’s giant Hellbuster Armor. Issue #6 kicked off a full-scale attack on the Infernal Hulk, making it clear the story was heading toward a definite, dramatic ending, not one that would go on indefinitely.

A Shift Toward a More Familiar MCU Hulk?

Johnson has said that Infernal Hulk is the second part of a planned three-part story. Knowing this makes the story’s conclusion after ten issues feel intentional, not rushed. It also suggests the series might shift in style and tone, potentially making the character more like the Hulk seen in the movies.

Mark Ruffalo’s version of the Hulk in recent Marvel movies has become calmer and more in control of himself. This is quite different from the Hulk we’re seeing in the comics right now, who is much more wild and aggressive. If Marvel wants to feature Hulk prominently alongside Spider-Man in future films, it would be logical to create some consistency between the two versions of the character.

Concluding the Infernal Hulk storyline gives Marvel the opportunity to try a new direction with the character. A future series could refocus on Bruce Banner himself and return to the classic relationship between the man and the Hulk, fitting better with how the character is portrayed in movies and other media. This wouldn’t be the first time Marvel’s comic book plans have mirrored what’s happening in their films.

So far, only a collected edition has been officially announced. However, several things suggest bigger plans are in the works: the current horror storyline in the comics is ending after ten issues, a new Spider-Man movie is coming out, and there’s been a lot of focus on Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk lately. After years of not knowing what would happen with Hulk in the MCU, this feels like the strongest hint yet that something significant – and involving the Hulk – is about to happen.

Read More

2026-02-13 14:58