Who Would Win: The Incredible Hulk vs Thanos in Trial Sequences

Introduction

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans often debate which characters would emerge victorious in hypothetical battles, specifically focusing on the ongoing conflict between the Hulk and the most powerful entity in the universe, Thanos. Given the film records and overall capabilities, it's clear to see how Thanos, without any extraterrestrial artifacts, effortlessly defeated even one of the strongest incarnations of the Hulk. In this article, we will explore why Thanos decisively triumphed in their encounters, backed by detailed analysis and insights from both the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk and the 2018 film Avengers: Infinity War.

The 2008 Hulk: NotComparable Powerhouse

When discussing the Hulk in relation to Thanos, one must compare Mark Ruffalo's incarnation to the early 2008 version, portrayed by Edward Norton. The 2008 Hulk does not hold a candle to his later counterparts, and his feats are far from impressive in the context of the MCU. Let's break down why:

Comparing Feats

The Hulk from the 2008 film, though a formidable foe, falls short in comparison to subsequent iterations, such as those in the 2012 and beyond. Nahad he was capable of lifting small portions of the ground or one-shotting a Leviathan, these actions are not as impressive as effortlessly catching a Hydra tank and tossing it like a softball. The 2012 Hulk, in contrast, demonstrated a level of strength and power that exceeds his earlier counterpart significantly.

Additionally, the Hulk's battle with Abomination in the 2008 film showcases a level of weakness unseen in later versions. Under normal circumstances, the Hulk would not have managed to overpower Abomination, especially with someone like Betty Ross not being present to support him. The encounter ended with an adrenaline boost that allowed the Hulk to secure a win, but it nearly cost him his life in the process.

Strength Myths Debunked

Some fans argue that the 2008 Hulk is stronger just because he looks more "real strong." However, this is a misleading notion. Strength cannot be determined by muscle definition alone. In reality, Edward Norton's Hulk, while appearing muscular, is far less formidable than Mark Ruffalo's portrayal. The latter is an order of magnitude stronger, making him a far more potent contender in any hypothetical battle with Thanos.

To further illustrate this point, we can raise the question: why is Edward Norton's version of the Hulk so much weaker? It comes down to the portrayal in the 2008 film. Norton's performance was hampered by a lack of proper training and the limitations placed upon the character's abilities within the film's plot. The 2012 Hulk, on the other hand, had the benefit of a more grounded character and a clearer portrayal of his superhuman capabilities.

Thanos: The Ultimate Threat

When faced with Thanos, the most powerful being in the Avengers' universe, the character's portrayal becomes even more critical to the outcome of any hypothetical battle with the Hulk. Thanos, without any of the Infinity Stones, still managed to overpower the 2008 Hulk. This fact alone speaks volumes about Thanos' power and his potential in any confrontation he might have with the Hulk.

Key points to consider:

Thanos defeated the Hulk without any extraterrestrial aid, emphasizing his superior combat skills. The Hulk's mental state, often portrayed as more chaotic and less focused, does not provide a solid foundation for his performance in battle. The 2008 Hulk, compared to his later counterparts, is seen as weaker and more limited in terms of power and abilities.

Conclusion: Thanos Triumphs

In conclusion, the interaction between the Hulk and Thanos significantly favors Thanos, even without the use of Infinity Gauntlets. The Hulk, especially in the early days of his MCU journey, lacks the power, skill, and mental fortitude necessary to challenge such a formidable opponent. In future encounters, the Hulk's later appearances showcase a more formidable and dangerous ally, which would arguably give him a higher chance of success in a hypothetical battle with Thanos.

The key takeaways are:

Thanos is vastly stronger and more capable without any extraterrestrial artifacts. The early 2008 version of the Hulk is not comparable to his later counterparts in terms of strength and power. A hypothetical battle with Thanos would likely end in Thanos' favor and highlight the need for more advanced and potent incarnations of the Hulk to stand a chance against such an adversary.