A founding member of the Avengers officially has a new name in Marvel lore! And while fans knew a huge change was coming, it appears the new name comes with a major status quo change that’s likely to have lasting consequences.
Bruce Banner Reveals New Name Without the Hulk
Worldbreaker Hulk screams as he powers up using Gamma energy in Marvel Comics
In a preview for next week’s The Infernal Hulk #3 – from Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Kev Walker, Nic Klein and Matt Wilson – fans learn that Bruce Banner’s new full name is “David Hamilton.” While last issue revealed that Bruce was going by ‘David’ the new issue reveals his full identity.
The name ‘David’ is a callback to the 1978 The Incredible Hulk show, starring Bill Bixby. The TV show initially rejected the name ‘Bruce,’ though later adopted it as the character’s middle name. There’s no apparent significance to the last name Hamilton so far, but Bruce’s new partner does seem to be hiding a secret.
Another Major Hulk Character Appears to Have a New Identity
Betty Ross aka Harpy screaming in Bruce Banner’s face.
Last issue, ‘David’ was seen with new partner Heather. However, the preview for the issue hints that this is actually his longtime love interest Betty Ross, aka the Red Harpy. Bruce is shown rescuing Betty from the Requiem Plain, where his powers were stolen by the demonic Eldest.
hulk reveals his new civilian name
In the last few years, Betty had developed a violent hatred for Bruce, who has been the cause of immense suffering in her life, though her Red Harpy form still had affection for the Hulk. Now, it seems the two are back together, though it’s unclear whether they’re giving romance another chance or hiding out from the Infernal Hulk – the monstrosity Eldest has become now she has his Hulk body.
A split Hulk smiles in THE INFERNAL HULK
Bruce has always wanted to be free of the Hulk, not least so he could finally live a normal life with Betty. Now, he seems to have everything he wants. But with the Infernal Hulk embarking on a quest to plunge the world into a new Age of Monsters, how long can Bruce and Betty live their new life before being dragged back into the conflict?
The Infernal Hulk #3 is available January 28 from Marvel Comics.
First Appearance
The Incredible Hulk (1962)
Alias
Robert Bruce Banner
Alliance
Avengers, Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, Pantheon, Warbound, S.M.A.S.H., Secret Avengers
Franchise
Marvel