HULK VS THOR
THE DEFINITIVE WRITE UP ON MARVEL'S MOST LEGENDARY AND MOST CONTROVERSIAL SLUGFEST
By
John “THE MEGO STRETCH HULK” Cimino
Of all the tremendous battles, slugfests and rivalries that have occurred in a Marvel Comic over the years, very few have been more anticipated or in more demand as “Hulk vs Thor." Arguably the two strongest and most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, the Hulk and Thor will never be far from a collision course. They have at times put down their fists and hammer to team up or to make a truce but it never lasts. With their big egos and big mouths they are always just a word-balloon away for some city-leveling fun. It’s the pay-per-view main event of the Marvel-mythos, with no wide-screen (or comic book) big enough to capture the action. After all the comics, movies, cartoons and toys that has captivated the mass media of all ages, this rivalry has become (without a doubt) the most popular fight in all of comics history. And for all its glory and excitement, probably no other match up stems as much controversy.
Yes, debating if one fictional character can beat another is taken very seriously between comic collecting fanboys and it has been since the creation of Superman back in 1938. But when it comes to the fanboys with the most “passion” Hulk fans (or members of the Church of Hulk) and Thor fans (also known as Thorites) seem to have some of the loudest voices. And if you put these loud and passionate voices together in an argument about who should really win in a fight between the Hulk and Thor, you get a thunder clap louder and more destructive than anything those two characters could ever muster up. Yes my fellow readers, the Hulk fighting Thor is more than just a mega-ongoing-endless-Marvel-punch-up-tradition, it’s a mega-ongoing-endless-immortal-debate.
 |
| Everyone stands back as the two big-boys get ready to play... and the readers love it! |
To understand why there is such controversy between the two characters, we need to look into the past and see the evolution of each hero and the dynamic between them. As time went on many changes occurred and sometimes not always for the better.
The Hulk first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Hulk is cast as the emotional and impulsive alter ego of the withdrawn and reserved physicist Dr. Bruce Banner. The Hulk appears shortly after Banner is accidentally exposed to mega doses of gamma rays from the blast of a test detonation of a Gamma Bomb (or G-Bomb) he invented. Subsequently, Banner will involuntarily transform into a giant, raging, humanoid monster of great strength, during times of anger, fear or stress thus leading to extreme complications in his life.
A few months later came the great Thunder God, Thor first appearing in Journey Into Mystery #83 (1962) and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby. While having the strongest character on Earth with the Hulk, Stan wanted to go even further. He stated:
"How do you make someone stronger than the strongest person? It finally came to me: Don't make him human — make him a god. I decided readers were already pretty familiar with the Greek and Roman gods. It might be fun to delve into the old Norse legends... Besides, I pictured Norse gods looking like Vikings of old, with the flowing beards, horned helmets, and battle clubs.”
 |
Alas, Hulk and Thor enter the Marvel Universe with The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) and Journey Into Mystery #83 (1962)
|
Thor and the Hulk first appeared together in Avengers #1 (1963) and formed this super-team with Iron man, Ant-Man and Wasp. But in the next issue at the first Avengers meeting, the brash Thunder God is appalled by the Hulk’s appearance and lets the green brute know about it. This insult will forever change the course of the Marvel Universe as the Hulk would continually hold a grudge against the pompous Thunder God. The Hulk would also discover how much all the other Avengers feared and mistrusted him so he would shortly quit the team (and battle them over and over throughout the years).
 |
| Thor starts to talk trash about the way the Hulk looks and starts the immortal feud. |
The first real fight between the Hulk and Thor takes place in Avengers #3 (1964) during their second match up of the issue when the Hulk teams up with the Sub-Mariner and battles the Avengers (in their first match up the Avengers were just trying to capture the Hulk and didn’t want to really hurt him). But now all bets were off and eventually the Hulk and Namor struggle in their first punch up with Thor. The Thunder God is clearly holding his own as the two savages try to keep pace with him. The Hulk and Namor seemed to be no match for the Thunder God as even the Hulk states that Subby is nuts for trying to fight him alone. It seemed clear to me that Thor was the Super-Heavyweight Champion of Marvel Comics and this altercation proved it.
 |
| It takes both the Hulk and the Sub-Mariner to go with Thor at the beginning of the Marvel Universe. |
After this Marvel started gaining more popularity in the comics world and their heroes were turning into future stars of the industry with Spider-man, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk leading the way. The big question of the day by fanboys was if the Thing could beat the Hulk? And these letters flooded the Marvel offices constantly. In response to the Hulk and the Thing’s first inconclusive fight in Fantastic Four #12 (1962), Stan Lee and Jack Kirby gave fans the first real-deal-major-scope-punch-up-ever with “Hulk vs Thing" in the Battle of the Century!” in Fantastic Four #25 (1964)! This answered the question of who the stronger was as the Hulk pounded on the street-tough Thing. So a new question emerged by fanboys, “Who is stronger, the Hulk or the Mighty Thor?” Stan Lee being the genius editor that he is gave the fans just that in Journey into Mystery #112 (1965), but the fight itself proved inconclusive with the now much more popular Hulk (he was a college mascot at this time and even voted by readers in Esquire magazine as the number 27th revolutionary icon of college goers in 1965) saving face while dropping Thor down a notch as both characters now were “physical equals.” And why not, it sold a ton more comics and kept the fans coming back for more. And we did...
 |
| Esquire magazine (Sept. 1965) gives Marvel Comics its very first taste of national exposure. In this issue, college students voted to see who were the 28 Revolutionary Icons that meant the most to them. Incredibly, the Hulk came in at #27 and Spider-man at #28. This was undeniable proof on just how beloved and popular the Hulk truly was to the youth of America! |
 |
| There can be no more doubt as Thor and the Hulk are now established as "physical equals" as told in this letter during Marvel's Silver Age. |
In my mind, this was the first blow to the Thor-mythos because he was created to be the strongest character and now he was one of the strongest. Because as popular as the Thunder God was, he just wasn't as popular as the Hulk. But in truth, it really wasn't that bad for Thor. He would carry the torch as the self-chosen protector of Earth and was considered quite possibly the most respected superhero in the Marvel Universe. He had the most powerful weapon around with his war-hammer Mjolnir, he scared the bejeezus out of the Silver Surfer with his arsenal of power in Silver Surfer #4 (1969) and was always just as strong as the Hulk as shown in Defenders #10 (1973) with their 90 minute test of strength. And during the middle of the 70s, Thor was being written as to be "always holding back his full strength because he didn't want to kill anybody." Yes, at this time Thor was a true god in every sense of the word.
 |
| Thor was all powerful against the Silver Surfer in this classic! |
In the 80s Walter Simonson began writing Thor and brought a whole new legend to the character. These were considered some of the best Thor stories ever published even though Simonson’s interpretation of The Thunder God was nowhere near as powerful as the Lee and Kirby version of the 60s. During this time, Thor appeared as the superhero little Sara Anderson was obsessed with in the movie comedy, Adventures in Babysitting (1987). But as time went on and Simonson left writing, so did the Thunder God’s popularity. When The Mighty Thor #385 (1987) hit the shelves, more controversy hit the mythos of “Hulk vs Thor” because now it became established that Thor needed Mjolnir to keep on par with the brute in a toe-to-toe battle. And if that wasn't enough, Thor’s first live-television appearance made its debut on The Return of the Incredible Hulk (1988) and Thor gets pounded on by the “Lou Ferrigno” Hulk. With the fame of Spider-man, the X-men and the Hulk flying high into the mainstream media, Thor was but an afterthought and only considered a “B” level hero.
The 90s into the 2000s saw more downgrades to Thor in popularity. It got so bad that Thor was no longer starring in his own comic as Eric Masterson took up the mantel of Thor and would later become known as Thunderstrike (the real Thor eventually returned but sales never increased). When the “Heroes Reborn Universe” rebooted all the Marvel Heroes titles, Thor never got his own series and would just be a supporting character in the Avengers issues. Finally, after two years when the heroes returned back into the regular Marvel Universe, Thor got his own title back but it eventually got canceled after seven years. With lagging popularity also comes lagging respect and power to the character himself. Now Thor was no longer considered bullet proof (writer Kurt Busiek decided to make this official and thank god writer J. Michael Straczynski fixed this nonsense years later), he even freely admits that the Hulk is physically stronger than him in The Incredible Hulk Annual 2001, The Ultimates comic comes into prominence and becomes wildly popular and tremendously influential (even though it’s not in the current continuity) and this version of Thor will take a beating against the sex-crazed Hulk in The Ultimates #5 (2002) among others and never truly becomes a super-heavyweight. The real Marvel Universe Thor will take his share of embarrassing defeats as well including a big loss to DC's Superman in the highly anticipated Avengers/JLA #2 (2003) ending that debate thanks to writer Mr. Busiek once again and a few years later to 2nd rate Hulk-clone, the Red Hulk no less in Hulk #5 (2008). Thank the comic gods that Thor rectified that defeat later on and pounded on the Rulk to avenge his defeat.
 |
| Thor taking a beating from the lame Red Hulk was a travesty. Let's all thank the gods Thor got that one back and redeemed himself against this pathetic Hulk-clone loser. |
But if that wasn't enough, Thor would prove to be a punching bag to the real Hulk in other forms of media. Animated features will come out; The Ultimate Avengers DVD (2006) where the Hulk totally knocks out Thor and then climaxing in the Hulk vs Thor DVD (2009) where the Hulk actually kills the Thunder God in a huge brawl. Thor fans tried to save face by saying these fights weren’t in regular comic continuity so they didn't count. Well, that was until they got Hulk: Let The Battle Begin #1 (2010) where the Hulk finally defeats Thor conclusively in a fight and it was just another bitter pill for Thor fans to swallow (I totally feel their angst). So with this, the final nail was put in the Marvel-mythos of “Hulk vs Thor.”
Yes, like in true Thor fashion, he rises again from the dregs of defeat in the most unexpected way possible… a movie. In the summer of 2011 everyone will witness Thor and it will gross an incredible $448,150,968 worldwide (making more than any Hulk movie ever did) and rocketing the Thunder God right into the pantheon of the most famous superheroes of all! This was a well needed victory for Thor who could now be classed as an “A” level hero!
So how will this new surge in popularity help Thor out in his continued rivalry with the Hulk? In a time where Superhero blockbusters are all the rage at the movie theater, how could the Hulk and Thor not meet up in a clash of the ages for all the world to see? On May 4th of 2012 Marvel's The Avengers is released and becomes one of the highest grossing films of all time. Plus, it showcased the first superhero vs superhero battles ever with "Hulk vs Thor" being the most anticipated and closely viewed. But now with the Hulk appearing alongside Thor in Thor: Ragnarok that came to theaters on November 3rd, 2017 and grossing $853,968,214 worldwide, this rivalry has entered into the mainstream and has become the most popular superhero match up ever in comics. And it looks like it'll never stop growing and this article is a dedication to that! Ladies and gentlemen
, I give to you the Definitive write up of... The Incredible Hulk versus The Mighty Thor!!!
 |
| Even
Stan Lee himself has to separate (Thor actor) Chris Helmsworth and
(Hulk actor) Lou Ferrigno before a major slugfest ensues. "Hulk vs Thor"
is without question, the greatest rivalry in comics. |
But before we get to the action, let's see the combatants...
TALE OF THE TAPE
Name: Hulk
Height: 5’9 ½” (Banner), 7’ (Hulk)
Weight: 128lbs (Banner), 1,040lbs (Hulk)
Real Name: Robert Bruce Banner
Origins: Gamma bomb explosion at Desert Base New Mexico
Home Base: Earth
Nicknames: Green Goliath, Green-Skinned Goliath, Jade Jaws, Annihilator, Captain Universe, Joe Fixit, Mr. Fixit, Mechano, Green Scar, Jade Giant, The Jolly Green Giant, Green King, Holku, Green One, Eye of Rage, Eye of Anger, Harkanon, Haarg, Once-Savage, Two Minds, Professor, War, Maestro, Two-Hands, Greenskin, Gray Goliath, Mighty Bob, Anti-Hulk, Friday, Green Golem, Golem, Man-Monster, World-Breaker, Sakaarson, Nul: Breaker of Worlds, Doc Green, The Most Powerful Being on Earth, The Strongest One There Is
Powers: Possesses the potential for near-limitless levels of vast superhuman strength ranging beyond the limits of virtually any other known humanoid being, depending directly on his emotional state, particularly his anger. He is extremely resistant to physical damage, psychic assaults, temperature extremes, and is completely immune to disease and poisons. He has an adapt gland that enables him to breathe underwater, survive unprotected in space, and when injured, possesses superhuman healing, enabling him to regenerate body tissue (including internal organs) within minutes to seconds. His aging is also slowed, or may have ceased altogether, due to these regenerative properties of his gamma ray irradiated cells. His powerful legs allow him to cover 3 miles in a single bound, but he has been known to leap into lower Earth orbit or even across continents when angry. Besides great strength, his durability, healing, endurance, and possibly speed, likewise also increase in relation to his anger levels. He can maintain this peak output for hours on end and still continue to grow even more powerful as his adrenaline levels continue to increase with no apparent limit. Unrelated to his physical abilities, he can see astral (spirit) forms normally invisible to the naked eye and can locate his place of birth; Desert Base New Mexico no matter where he is in the world via psychic bond. As Bruce Banner, he is considered one of the greatest minds on Earth. He is the foremost expert on Gamma Radiation and has developed expertise in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physiology, and has a PhD in Nuclear Physics.
Favorite Expressions: “Hulk Smash!”, “Hulk is the Strongest One There is!”, "BAH!", “Nothing Can Stop Hulk!”, "The Madder Hulk gets, the Stronger Hulk gets!", “Don’t make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I’m angry.”
Incarnations: I listed the “Savage” Hulk’s classic stats up above because it is generally considered that this Hulk persona is the most popular and most powerful of all the incarnations. But his height, weight and powers varies to a degree depending on his current incarnation. Within each “Hulk vs Thor” comic description listed in “The Slugfest” section, I included which incarnation of the Hulk was present for that fight.
*Please note that all incarnations listed are only "real" Hulk incarnations with Bruce Banner. No alternate future or pseudo-Hulk incarnations are included.
Name: Thor
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 640lbs
Real Name: Thor Odinson
Origins: Born in a cave in Norway, Odin (father), Gaea (mother)
Home Base: Asgard
Nicknames: The God of Thunder, The Prince of Asgard, Goldilocks, The Thunderer, The Blondhair, The Son of Odin, Vingthor the Hurler, Longbeard’s Son, Hrodr’s Foeman, Veur, Hloriddi, Donar, Jormungand’s Fear, The Warrior-Born, Long-hair, The Champion of Asgard, The Greatest Warrior in all of Mythology
Powers: Superhuman strength, durability, stamina and mental fortitude greater than those of all other Asgardian Gods. While being the physically strongest of the Asgardians, if the battle pressed, he can enter into a state known as the "Warrior's Madness" ("berserkergang" in Norwegian) which will temporarily raise his strength and stamina tenfold, although in this state he will attack friend and foe alike. As a true Asgardian God he possesses unearthly senses, regeneration (with the aid of Mjolnir), self-sustenance, immunity to disease, resistance to some forms of magic, longevity (he is not truly immortal but relies upon periodic consumption of the Golden Apples of Idunn to sustain his extended lifespan, which to date has lasted many millennia) and he can survive in the vacuum of space unaided for a brief period of time. As the son of the Earth Goddess Gaea he has also shown to have some control over the Earth. He has thousands of years of training in Asgardian arts of war, he is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, proficient with most Asgardian weaponry, highly skilled in the use of the war-hammer, sword and mace.
Weapons: Mjolnir; magical war-hammer made from virtually indestructible uru metal grants weather manipulation, energy projection and absorption, time manipulation, dimensional travel, electrical manipulation, matter manipulation and the most powerful of Thor's offensives, the God Blast (which taps into Thor's life force), the Thermo-blast and the Anti-Force (which counteracts another force). It can also be used to sense out the auras of evil presence. By throwing Mjolnir in the desired direction and then holding on to the handle's unbreakable loop, Thor can fly at supersonic speeds in Earth's atmosphere and travel faster than light in space. Mjolnir obeys Thor's commands as though it was alive and if Thor's will is strong enough, the hammer can pass through nearly any barrier to reach him should he so desire.
Favorite Expressions: Way too many pseudo-Shakespearean quotes to choose from. Thor always makes slightly long-winded speeches during combat.
THE SLUGFESTS
 |
|
The comics listed in this section are each time the "REAL" Hulk and Thor have squared off, had words and fought each other in actual official Marvel continuity. I will also explain each encounter in detail. Unfortunately, all fights
and situations are not always so clear cut and I've tried my very best
to be fair, objective and unbiased about the outcome of each battle. A "MATCH UP" is considered a round within a fight or face off confrontation. Since situations can be erratic in the story, there can be multiple outcomes between opponents in a fight. I will continually list each "MATCH UP" with a result and tally it. A "MATCH UP" will only result in a "WIN" if the losing character is
rendered unconscious, teleported away against their will or immobilized
in such a fashion that they are only freed by the other combatant or an
ally. There may even be cases when a character gets a victory due
to interference of their teammates, partners, etc. This may not be a
definitive "WIN" but it will still be tallied against the losing
opponent and explained so. When a character gets an "EDGE" result, they
had the advantage at the end of the fight but the opponent may still
be conscious or fighting on, so it will not be tallied against him. A "DRAW" result means no one was victorious during that encounter. A "NONE" result means there was no way a logical result could be given in that
confrontation or situation from the two characters facing off and this can occur for a number of reasons and will be explained in the
text. And finally, an "UNKNOWN" result means the ending of the fight was never shown so a definitive result cannot be given. At
the end, I tallied up the totals so you can come to your own
conclusions and be the judge to see who holds the overall edge in this
legendary battle. Since there is so much debating in the "Hulk vs Thor" match up, I spoke with a few creators to shed some light on the more controversial issues and hopefully it will clear up some of the arguments that they spark off.
And FYI, I did not include comics that just had the Hulk and Thor fighting each other on the cover. While there are many comic covers (and variant covers as well) that show them locked in combat, they don't fight in the actual story. I felt it would be irrelevant to list those comics in this write up.
THE AVENGERS #2 (1964)
At the very first
Avengers meeting the “Gravage” Hulk and Thor face off. Thor is appalled on how the Hulk looks and tells him so. The Hulk will then tell Iron Man to get Thor out of his face or he'll "boot him up to Asgard for good!" And so begins this immortal feud. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 1 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE AVENGERS #3 (1964)
The Avengers try to capture the “Gravage” Hulk. As the brute and the Thunder God engage on top of a train, the Hulk will out maneuver Thor and tie him up with some steel cable. Before Thor can free himself, the Hulk has already escaped the rest of the Avengers in the desert. They decide not to pull their punches next time. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 2 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
As The Avengers battle the Hulk and the Sub-Mariner, Namor confronts Thor and challenges him. The Hulk will storm out of the shadows and also attack the Thunder God helping Namor out. But in the heat of the struggle the Hulk will fail to wrestle Mjolnir from Thor's grasp and then unexpectedly change back into Bruce Banner and run off leaving a dehydrating and helpless Prince Namor all alone against the team. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 3 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
FANTASTIC FOUR #26 (1964)
So how did Stan Lee and Jack Kirby follow up the biggest fight in comics history with "Hulk vs Thing" in Fantastic Four #25? They threw in the Avengers and let the battle become even bigger! Fantastic Four #26 concludes the epic two-part saga of the Hulk fighting the Thing (as well as against Thor and everyone else). This issue will solidify the Hulk as the first and definitive "team-buster" of the Marvel Universe. This is more absolute greatness that made the Marvel Silver Age the greatest era ever in comics!
Searching for Rick Jones who the “Gravage” Hulk thinks has betrayed him; the brute then tackles both the entire Avengers and Fantastic Four teams including Thor. As the Hulk plows through the heroes, Thor will throw his hammer at the brute but miss. With all the heroes getting in each others way, the Hulk leaps away with Rick Jones escaping them. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 4 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
Again Thor takes on the Hulk with the help of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. But during the entire battle, Thor and the Hulk never really get at each other. In the end, the Hulk escapes but Rick Jones is saved. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 5 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE AVENGERS #5 (1964)
While Thor and the Avengers attempt to stop the growth of the World Stone, the "Gravage" Hulk shows up and battles them. While Thor tells his teammates to step back and let him end the fight with his enchanted hammer, the Witch Doctor of the Lava Men uses his radio-active rod to change Thor back into Don Blake. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 6 HULK: 0 - THOR: 0
JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #112 (1965)
Is there any surprise that this issue opens up with Hulk and Thor fanboys arguing over who the real champion of the Marvel Universe is? And in this issue all fans got their wish with the first real-deal-all-out legendary brawl of “Hulk vs Thor!” This punch up is what I also consider to be an absolute mastery of story telling and pacing brought to you by the masters, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It's simply one of the greatest slugfests ever to grace a comic book.
Thor retells the tale to a bunch of teenagers of the fight he had with the “Gravage” Hulk back in Avengers #3 (when they were both off panel). They engaged in a tremendous war to see who the stronger was. Thor asked Odin to take away the enchantment of Mjolnir for 5 minutes so he could challenge the Hulk in hand-to-hand combat. But as this happened, the Hulk never took his eyes off the hammer and wanted to destroy it. They went back and forth with both combatants claiming their superiority over the other. The Hulk eventually throws Thor against the underground cavern wall causing an avalanche separating them. Soon the Hulk digs himself out and would find Thor fighting the Sub-Mariner and the rest of this fight continues back in Avengers #3. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 7 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
SUB-MARINER #35 (1971)
The “Savage” Hulk reluctantly teams up with the Sub-Mariner and the Silver Surfer and battles it out with the Avengers. The Hulk and Thor square off in an intense scrap. At the end, the Hulk manages to separate Thor from his hammer and unsuccessful tries to lift it. Thor is now worried that he will change back to Dr. Donald Blake in 1 minute and be helpless against the brute. Just then the United Nations attack and distracts the Hulk from his attempt opening him up for Thor to punch him and retrieve Mjolnir. At that moment both teams put away their grudges and will join forces to stop the U.N. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 8 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
DEFENDERS #10 (1973)
This issue sparks a lot of controversy due to the “90 minute test of strength” The Hulk and Thor have in this fight. So I personally asked Defender’s writer Steve Englehart about it in 2011 and he wrote me this:
“I just found them both to have a claim on "strongest thing around," and couldn't decide for myself who was stronger, so I went with "not proven."
When the Defenders and the Avengers clash for pieces of the Evil Eye in individual encounters, it is no surprise that the “Savage” Hulk and Thor (the two true “royal” heavyweights on each team) pair up for a legendary rumble. The whole city suffers as these two have no trouble letting their big egos and fists do the talking for them. When their team members find out that they are fighting, they all know they have to put a stop to it before they destroy the entire city. Dr. Strange will finally stop the two titans who have been locked in a test of strength and grappling for over 90 minutes. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 9 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #255 (1980)
Thor meets up with the “Savage” Hulk and tries to calm him down but unfortunately the Hulk wants to fight! They brawl until the Hulk takes a boxcar and slams it on top of Thor. As it takes The Son of Odin some time to dig himself out from the wreckage, the Hulk leaps away thinking he was finished. Now fearing that the city is imperiled, Thor will fly on after him. RESULT: EDGE HULK
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 10 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
Thor chases the Hulk into the city and saves a helpless victim who the Hulk throws at him. Now Thor is ready to fight and they brawl it out in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Eventually after some major destruction Thor realizes they have to stop the fight or people could die. As Thor was surveying the damage he notices that the tunnel is collapsing, the Hulk will take this opportunity to punch Thor and separating him from his hammer. As The Thunderer will get up and try to hold up the tunnel, the Hulk tries to unsuccessfully lift Mjolnir again. But when the 1 minute time limit is exceeded, the Hulk is then holding a walking stick and realizes that Thor has turned into Dr. Donald Blake. As the Hulk grabs Blake and has him at his mercy, he will tell the Hulk that he is Bruce Banner. The Hulk thinks he’s crazy and throws Blake and the stick to the ground and leaps away. Blake will turn back into Thor and help out the citizens of New York losing the Hulk in the process. RESULT: EDGE HULK (Even though Thor did the heroic thing to forget about his hammer and support the tunnel, he turned back into Donald Blake and was totally at the Hulk’s mercy. This gave the Hulk a definite “edge” in this fight but not a definitive “win”.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 11 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #284 (1983)
The Hulk (with Banner’s brain) tries to convince a brainwashed Thor about the Leader and his control over him. Thor will then clobber the Hulk with Mjolnir and make some attacks but will quickly come back to his senses. They will then go and save their other allies that are under the Leader’s influence. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 12 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #300 (1984)
As the “Mindless” Hulk is destroying New York, the world’s heroes and Police Forces will try to stop him to no avail. The man-monster is soon met up with the last line of defense, the Avengers! The Hulk beats all the members of the team until Thor finally steps in and tells them all to stand back as only he has the power that can put an end to the beast’s path of destruction. They have a tremendous fight until Dr. Strange steps in and banishes the Hulk to another dimension. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 13 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE MIGHTY THOR #385 (1987)
This issue represents the first of many major controversial confrontations between the two. Before this encounter it was always thought of as the Hulk and Thor being physical equals. But after this fight we see a glimpse of the Hulk’s superiority in strength, durability and endurance especially when Thor was without the aid of Mjolnir.
In the fight itself the “Savage” Hulk and Thor clash as The Thunderer tries to calm the Hulk down from wrecking the city and the Green Goliath just wants to fight. Thor get’s the better of the struggle early on by using Mjolnir to his advantage. But now the Hulk wants Thor to fight him without the aide of his hammer to see who is truly the stronger and will eventually grab a helpless female as a hostage to get his wish. Thor reluctantly does toss Mjolnir away and the Hulk attacks with reckless abandon starting up a major slugfest that causes untold of damage to the city. Thor contemplates fleeing just to save the city and its people but his ego gets the better of him as he attacks again. Little by little though, the Hulk continues his relentless, vicious assault to show his superiority as Thor begins to slow down with his body now showing the effects of the fight (he will even question if the Hulk has any limits to his strength). But being a warrior-born, full of pride, Thor will attack again and continue to get pounded unmercifully with the Hulk screaming at him to give up. As Mjolnir finally returns to Thor’s hand, the Hulk stops his assault because he felt that he proved his point; he was able to pound on Thor and prove he was the stronger when Thor didn’t have his hammer to help him out. Thor angered by this says he’ll fight the Hulk again without the weapon but the Hulk leaps away saying he isn’t angry anymore and will crush Thor next time. Thor looks around at all the damage the fight has caused and realized he failed the people of Earth on this day just to fuel his ego and pride. RESULT: EDGE HULK (Thor’s face and body looked like a mess after this fight, as the Hulk was still fresh and without a mark on him. It was not a definitive “win” for the Hulk because Thor was still standing, but you have to score the Hulk with an “edge” due to his absolute pummeling of Thor in the end.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 14 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
INFINITY CRUSADE #4 (1993)
A brainwashed Thor takes on both The “Professor” Hulk and “Gem Powered” Drax the Destroyer in space. While Thor and Drax are able to fly, the Hulk cannot as he is aided by a mini-propulsion unit. In the short struggle, the Hulk is knocked back by Thor and his propulsion unit is damaged so he cannot stop himself from drifting back to Earth. The Hulk will call out for Drax to help him but Drax doesn't hear him as he is locked up with Thor in a fierce battle. RESULT: EDGE THOR (While the fight was short lived, Thor’s attack nullifies the Hulk and sends him back toward Earth. Not a definitive “win” by any means but Thor got the ‘edge” in this match up with the Hulk because he was removed from the fight.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 15 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE MIGHTY THOR #489 (1995)
The “Professor” Hulk shows up volunteering to take Thor out of Hel by any means necessary. Soon they struggle back and forth in another brawl, but now the Hulk must control his anger or he will change into a “savage” Bruce Banner (which is the Savage Hulk’s mind in Bruce Banner’s body). But even with this disadvantage, the Hulk can still go toe-to-toe with Thor and causing major damage in their wake. To Thor's credit he was not really trying to win this fight either as both were more or less focused on causing as much damage as possible. Eventually Kurse will step in and volunteer to replace Thor in Hel, which Hela accepts since it will prevent further destruction to her domain. RESULT: DRAW (While I could give the final result in this match up an "edge" to Thor because he had the advantage over the Hulk at the end due to the brute being buried under rubble and Thor was about to deliver his "last blow." It's unclear whether the Hulk was simply letting Thor have a "free-shot" or if he was actually really incapacitated (which I doubt). I'm sure fanboys will come up with their own scenarios, but since both combatants were more interested in causing damage than actually trying to kill each other and neither was actually hurt in any way, I called it even.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 16 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #440 (1996)
This fight has some controversy because in the previous issue Thor stated he has always held back when he fought the Hulk. But now he would not and this would be their final battle as he would fight the Hulk on even terms with his dreaded “warrior's madness,” which enhances his strength 10 fold. Yes, Thor fought the Hulk on his terms, but no, he never held back in his past fights with the Hulk. Thor has always been very proud and brash especially with his frustrations with the Hulk and this is just another example of it.
The “Young Maestro” Hulk meets up with Thor in Antarctica for a final battle! They both fight each other with raging fury with Thor even entering into his “warrior's madness” looking to kill the Hulk. The U.S. Army will end this intense brawl when they launch a nuke to kill both combatants. The Hulk shows some heart for Thor as he sees the missile coming and punches the crazed Thunder God miles from the explosion to save him. RESULT: DRAW (This fight is a little tricky to call and could also be considered a "win" or "edge" for the Hulk because he removed Thor from the fight with his final punch. But I had to list it as a "draw" because when we next see Thor he seems to be unhurt and could've returned to the fight. Plus it was the nuclear explosion that ultimately ended this battle.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 17 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
HEROES REBORN: THE RETURN #1 (1997)
The “Heroes Reborn” Hulk is seen locked in combat with Thor and the Thing! The fight seems to be brutal as Thor and Thing talk about how hard it is to be slugging it out with the Green Goliath. This is a tough scrap to judge because only a panel is shown of the fight itself. Later we learn that the Hulk got away when Thing is talking about the incident to the Fantastic Four but the reader never actually sees it. RESULT: UNKNOWN (This fight could well be listed as a “draw” but since the ending of the fight is never seen it is impossible to judge.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 18 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
HEROES REBORN: THE RETURN #2 (1997)
The “Heroes Reborn” Hulk faces off against Thor for a rematch from the previous issue. But before they can fight, both combatants are separated by an earthquake that spews out magma. Thor will save some pedestrians as the Hulk leaps away. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 19 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
THE INCREDIBLE HULK ANNUAL (2001)
While the “Savage” Hulk attacks the Army, Thor will attack the brute and the battle begins! The Hulk will tell Thor that his hammer is what makes him strong and he needs it to fight him. Thor refuses to put his weapon away and says that he will use all the powers at his disposal to stop the Hulk’s rages once and for all (it should also be noted that Thor says that the Hulk is the most powerful foe he has ever faced). They battle back and forth until Thor teleports them to another dimension so innocents won’t be hurt in their conflict. When they get there the Hulk will take Thor and hurl him into a mountain, as Thor rises an avalanche falls on him. It took the Thunder God a long time to dig out, so the Hulk leaps away. RESULT: EDGE HULK (This fight is a little tricky to judge as Thor took a very long time to dig himself out from the rubble and looked very hurt due to it. It could be listed as a “win” for the Hulk but it’s impossible to tell if Thor was unconscious or not by the avalanche so I could only give the Hulk the "edge." Either way, Thor continued his search for the Hulk despite his pain like the proud warrior he is.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 20 HULK: 0 – THOR: 0
After the Hulk makes short work of a bunch of monsters in this dimension, Thor finds him and wants to take the Hulk back to Earth. The Hulk, of course, refuses and attacks starting up the slugfest again. They go back and forth until Thor uses a sneak attack with a lightning bolt he calls down from the sky to hit the Hulk in the back and gets the “KO." Thor will now take the Hulk’s limp body and open up a portal to take the Green Goliath back to Earth. RESULT: WIN THOR
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 21 HULK: 0 – THOR: 1
Thor will now carry the Hulk off through dimensions but the brute recovers and attacks him. The attack makes the Hulk land on a world where he forgets about his fight with Thor and begins playing with some of the inhabitants. He would soon change back into Bruce Banner and he will pass out due to the lack of air. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 22 HULK: 0 – THOR: 1
While Bruce Banner is now being carried off by Thor and brought back to Earth, he soon quickly changes back into the Hulk and attacks! The Hulk’s assault takes Thor completely by surprise and the brute savagely pounds him into the ground! With Thor now battered, bloodied and knocked out, the Hulk turns and walks away. RESULT: WIN HULK
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 23 HULK: 1 – THOR: 1
But Thor’s indomitable fighting spirit carries him through as he retrieves Mjolnir and slowly, painfully rises once again to attack the Hulk. The Hulk turns and is shocked to see Thor ready to renew the fight once more. Thor claims that the Hulk has more raw strength at his disposal than any other living being including himself but he does not possess the power of a god! Now Thor calls upon a mighty storm that manages to cause more destruction to their surroundings than hurt the Hulk. Innocents were now in danger as the Hulk saves a few and leaps away. Thor would soon see the errors of his ways knowing that his ego, pride and temper got the better of him again. It should be noted that this story revealed that the Hulk was the stronger of the two but Thor was the more powerful. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 24 HULK: 1 – THOR: 1
HULK: LET THE BATTLE BEGIN #1 (2010)
This is possibly the most controversial “Hulk vs Thor” comic ever made due to the fact that there was a definitive winner thus ending the mythos of the rivalry. Plus there are also claims of non-continuity or even semi-continuity. So I personally spoke with writer Jesse “Blaze” Snider in 2010 and he told me the story is more of an “untold” tale of the Hulk and Thor's past.
Bruce Banner goes back and forth remembering The “Savage” Hulk’s big confrontation with the Wrecking Crew and The Mighty Thor! Thor will hit the Hulk with a lightning bolt to get his attention to stop his beat down of the Wrecking Crew and from causing more damage to Mount Rushmore. The Hulk attacks and they have another massive slugfest with Thor pounding and bloodying up the Hulk with tremendous blows from Mjolnir! But the Hulk rages, heals and then grabs Thor’s hand (that is holding Mjolnir) and proceeds to pound The Thunderer with his own weapon! This bloodies up the Thunder God and totally knocks him out. After Thor fall’s unconscious the Hulk would leap away. RESULT: WIN HULK
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 25 HULK: 2 – THOR: 1
AVENGERS VS ATLAS #3 (2010)
Space time is being selectively eroded by an unknown force. To stop the effect, the Agents of Atlas seek the help of the Avengers and find the actual team of the past: Captain America, Iron Man, Wasp, Giant-Man and Thor, with the atomic wildcard the “Gravage” Hulk! Now in the present this wildcard proves to be fatal as the Hulk attacks the Avengers and the Agents of Atlas. Thor will eventually teleport everyone to the shores of Norway so they don’t have to worry about the destruction that will come from this battle. The Hulk attacks again and is eventually swarmed by all the heroes and ends up underwater fighting Namora and Thor. Soon Siren will go under the water to sing to the heroes and calm them all down with the Hulk turning back into Bruce Banner and Thor getting passionate with Namora (Thor’s such a stud). RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 26 HULK: 2 – THOR: 1
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
FEAR ITSELF #5 (2011)
This issue stems a ton of questions for Hulk and Thor fans to battle over. This time it's not just the fight itself that was hard to judge but also the dialogue. And the Hulk had been transformed by the Serpent into “Nul, The Breaker of Worlds!” It is stated that as one of the Worthy, Nul was a “powered up” Hulk, but other than his magical Asgardian war-hammer and fighting tactics it seems very debatable. Readers needed answers to just how “enhanced” the Hulk was so here's writer Matt Fraction in his own words about the Worthy;
“These people are still conscious. They still are present and aware, and they know what's going on. But they're no longer the only guy driving the ship. They would have different capabilities, different tactics. Nul would be this sort of cold, cruel, relentless force of nature.”
So fanboys will have to come up with their own conclusions if this is a super-powered Hulk, a regular Hulk with a hammer that just fights differently or if it's even a legitimate Hulk to be listed in this write up at all. More head-scratching, controversial and debatable fun as always. But for me, it's close enough so I'm listing it.
Okay, let's get to the comic and more controversy...
To Thor's credit in this fight he fought both Nul and Angrir, The Breaker of Souls (who was a transformed/possessed Thing). In the fight itself, Thor takes a beating from the two behemoths but will soon eliminate Angrir by calling on Mjolnir and it drives straight through the beasts back (who will later be changed back to normal and be saved by Franklin Richards). Thor now feeling guilty of hurting The Thing so badly attacks Nul in a rage! After some major attacks from both combatants, Thor states that he never could beat the Hulk (once again, it's up to the reader to decide if this was Thor being honest or just trying to set up Nul for the final blow). Regardless, Thor ends up hitting Nul with such force that the beast is sent into orbit and crashes back down towards the Earth far away from the battlefield. Thor will then say, “To be...continued...Banner.” and then collapses unconscious. RESULT: WIN THOR (This fight ending is hard to judge because Nul was knocked into orbit by Thor's blow but was totally unfazed by it (this is proven as fact when we next see Nul in the Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula one-shot). And it was Thor himself who fell unconscious after he landed the strike. But I had to give Thor the “win” because his final blow managed to send Nul into space and he had no way to stop himself. I'm sure fans of both characters have their own interpretations of what happened but this is how I see it.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 27 HULK: 2 – THOR: 2
HULK SMASH AVENGERS #1 (2012)
An untold tale of an early Avenger encounter with the "Gravage" Hulk! As Thor and the rest of the Avenger team (consisting of Captain America, Giant-Man, Wasp and Iron Man) battles it out with the Hulk, they all manage to hold him in a combined effort. But eventually the Hulk rages and will break free from them and leap away. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 28 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
Later, the "Gravage" Hulk will team up with Baron Zemo, the Enchantress and the Executioner and attack the Avengers. The Hulk will slug it out with Iron Man as Thor exchanges with the Executioner and they never really get at each other. Eventually Baron Zemo holds Rick Jones hostage and this makes the Hulk attack him. Soon Zemo's team departs as the Hulk leaps away again with Rick Jones and the Avengers feeling sorry for the brute. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 29 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #4 (2012)
When the Zodiac's benefactor revealed himself, it turns out to be the Mad Titan, Thanos! Now the Avengers team of Thor, the "Savage" Hulk, Hawkeye, Captain America, Iron Man and Black Widow (with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) stand ready to face him. While Thor is about to make the first attack on the Mad Titan, he puts the Hulk under his mental control and the brute will grab Thor's hand (which is holding Mjolnir) and smash the hammer into Thor's face and knocking him out. Soon the Hulk will attack the rest of the Avengers to a standstill before Thanos escapes. RESULT: NONE (Even though the Hulk knocked Thor out with his hammer, it was a surprise attack so it could not be listed as an actual fight.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 30 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
After Thanos escaped, Thor regains consciousness and wants to attack the "Savage" Hulk. But Iron Man will stop the Thunderer as he explains that it was Thanos' mental control that made the Hulk do it. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 31 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #7 (2012)
While the Avengers drift helpless through space, the Black Widow manages to get to the "Savage" Hulk and throws him at Thor who is floating unconscious. As the Hulk grabs a hold of the Thunder God, he smacks him in the face to wake him up. Thor awakens ready to fight but the Hulk will point to the attacking Badoon army coming at them.
RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 32 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has eight variant covers) |
AVENGERS #1 (2012)
When the Avengers attack the villain Ex Nihilo, the "Gravage" Hulk gets manipulated by his ally The Abyss. She convinces the Hulk that Thor thinks he is stronger than him and he must smash the Thunder God. The Hulk will attack Thor and they brawl it out. RESULT: UNKNOWN (We never see the fight in its entirety as both heroes are next seen unconscious and prisoners of the villains. It is speculated that the Hulk knocked out Thor with his punch and slumped down since he was in a trance. But it's hard to give a definitive result from what the comic panels show.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 33 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #7 (2013)
While the "Gravage" Hulk flies around with Thor's magical war-hammer Mjolnir, he destroys a few Frost Giants in his way. Soon it is revealed that the Hulk didn't lift the hammer after all, it was just returning back to its master. When the Thunder God grabs hold of Mjolnir, the Hulk doesn't want to let go. Thor laughs and will release his grip on the hammer and the Hulk falls off a cliff being dragged down by Mjonir crashing into the ground far below. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 34 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
AVENGERS/X-MEN: AXIS: INVERSION #4 (2014)
While
the "Doc Green" Hulk tries to protect Jarvis from Thor (who no longer possesses Mjolnir) and the other Avengers, Luke Cage will punch the brute down. This angers the Hulk so much that he transforms into KLUH "the Hulk's Hulk"! Shouting "It's Klubbering Time!" Kluh smashes down Thor and the rest of the team and runs through a wall and into the city. While the Avengers regroup, they decide to go after the Red Skull instead of the raging brute. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 35 HULK: 2 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has three variant covers) |
THE IMMORTAL HULK #7 (2018)
The "Immortal" Hulk (dubbed "Devil Hulk" by Tony Stark) battles Thor and the Avengers consisting of Captain America, Ghost Rider, Black Panther, Tony Stark in Hulk-Buster Armor, and She-Hulk (as the powered-up "Hulk"). After making short work of the Ghost Rider, the Hulk attacks Thor and hits him with what could be the hardest punch Thor has ever taken (Captain America's words). The blow knocks out Thor's tooth and actually cracks his skull. Before the Hulk can hit him again, Thor is saved by Captain America and eventually dragged away while claiming that the Hulk has the power of a god. RESULT: WIN HULK
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 36 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
AVENGERS/DEFENDERS: TAROT #1 and 2 (2020)
An untold tale from the past. The Avengers and Defenders are manipulated into meeting up with each other through the workings of Diablo. With the power of the Ichor, he controls the minds of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Scarlet Witch. As Thor had tricked the "Savage" Hulk in doing clean up (while being shoved out of the way by the brute to prove he's the strongest and can do it best), once the power of the Ichor is activated by Diablo from the Tarot cards he possesses with the Avengers images on it, Thor will ambush Valkyrie and the Hulk (as Iron Man Man attacks Silver Surfer and Cap attacks Namor) and slug the brute from behind with Mjolnir (the fight continues in issue #2). Valkyrie will then attack Thor and soon the Hulk pushes her aside and attacks him. But when the Ichor begins to control Valkyrie, she will attack the Hulk along with Thor. The Hulk holds back not wanting to hurt her, but once the brute easily falls under the control of the Ichor, the fight stops and he will change back into Bruce Banner. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 37 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has two variant covers) |
THE IMMORTAL HULK #46 and 47 (2021)After getting his powers back and defeating the U-Foes, the "Immortal" Hulk is looking to celebrate and relax by going to a bar and having a few drinks. He his suddenly attacked by Thor and will eventually punch the Thunder God through the bar window and onto the sidewalk outside where the Avengers (Captain America, She-Hulk, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Iron Man and Blade) are waiting. While Black Panther states that the Hulk will have to fight all seven of them alone, the Harpy will show up and state that the Hulk has a new partner to help him in this upcoming slugfest (fight continues in the next issue). They all fight back and forth as Black Panther blinds the Hulk with Kimoyo energy and Thor will pound the brute until Gamma Flight arrives to try and break it all up. Thor then resumes the attack on the Hulk, shattering the Hulk's fist and forearm as Mjolnir strikes it. Thor will try to land a final blow but the Hulk will punch at Thor with his shattered arm and lets it regenerate around Thor's face suffocating him. Black Panther will jump in and cut the Hulk's arm off saving the Thunder God. Gamma Flight and the Avengers continue to fight it out as the Hulk's arm regenerates back. Eventually Black Panther ambushes the Hulk from behind and sticks Kimoyo energy spears through his back and tries to mount an attack with the Avengers when She-Hulk gets angry at the pain inflicted on her cousin and hits a thunder clap to separate everyone ending the fight. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 38 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
(This issue has three variant covers)
THE IMMORTAL HULK #49 (2021)The "Immortal" Hulk, She-Hulk and Jackie McGee walk into the Baxter Building where the Avengers (Thor, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Blade, Hawkeye, Vision, Iron Man, War Machine and Nova) are standing ready waiting for them. The Hulk will walk up to them and just stand there, not saying a word with the Avengers growing angrier by the second, Cap tries to calm everybody down. Once the Hulk smiled the battle was on. With She-Hulk shielding Jackie from the onslaught, the Hulk refused to fall from the all-out Avengers attack until the Invisible Woman stepped in and put a force-field around him stopping the fight. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 39 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
 |
| (This issue has ten variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has twelve variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has thirteen variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has five variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has seven variant covers) |
HULK VS. THOR: BANNER OF WAR: ALPHA (2022)
THOR #25 (2022)
HULK #7 (2022)
THOR #26 (2022)
HULK #8 (2022)
The Watcher and a bunch of alien races watch the "Smashernaught" Hulk (the Hulk's body is a starship to which Bruce Banner's psyche is piloting and the Hulk's rage is the fuel) and Thor with the soul of Odin within Mjolnir lock into a major slugfest on unseen worlds. Due to the destruction, they are causing, Thor has Lady Sif transport them to the Black Hand of God where they can fight in an arena. They continue the fight until Thor hits the Hulk with Mjolnir and the spirit of Odin enters into the Hulk's mind to confront Banner (the fight continues in Thor #25). While Thor and the Hulk fight back and forth, Odin's spirit slugs it out with Banner until they transport to El Pasco. There, Banner kills a bunch of bikers infected with rage and Odin notices that magic is at work. Before he can look into it further, he is teleported back into Mjolnir where Tony Stark has shown up in a Celestial armor Iron Man suit ready to help Thor fight the Hulk (the fight continues in Hulk #7). RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 40 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
While the "Smashernaught" Hulk is fighting Tony Stark in Celestial armor, Thor watches from afar talking to Odin inside the hammer as Tony is blasting away at the brute. Finally, Thor has had enough and smashes Tony down telling him that the Hulk is not in control of himself. Soon the Hulk leaps from the sky and crashes down on top of Thor. Tony will then punch the Hulk off of him as Banner screams that the Hulk is no longer holding back and will kill them. Odin takes control of Mjolnir and flies out of Thor's hand and slams into the Hulk pinning him down underneath the hammer. But then, the Hulk unleashes eye beams that manage to dissipate the spirit of Odin and hurt Iron Man. Thor flies into grab Mjolnir that still has the Hulk pinned down, but just at that moment the Hulk releases his rage causing an atomic explosion. When the dust settles, Tony Stark crawls out of his destroyed armor but is soon confronted by Thor who has transformed into a Hulk (the story continues in Thor #26)! RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 41 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
With Thor transformed into a "Hulk," he attacks Iron Man's giant suit of armor and destroys it. Then the "Smashernaught" Hulk attacks Thor and punches him away, saving Tony Stark. Bellowing with rage, "Hulk" Thor returns and begins to pummel the Hulk. Odin's spirit will then enter into the Hulk's mind and help Banner get back into the control center of the Hulk. Now, the Hulk attacks back and pummels "Hulk" Thor knocking him away. Sif shows up and tries to send "Hulk" Thor back to Asgard, but he fights the Bifrost destroying the Rainbow Bridge in the process. As Mjolnir comes soaring back, "Hulk" Thor tries to grab it, but it breaks his arm (which instantly heals) and flies to the Hulk, who catches it becoming a "Thor" Hulk (with the spirit of Odin's aid). Both the "Thor" Hulk and the "Hulk" Thor hit each other at the same time and the impact makes the whole planet explode (fight concludes in Hulk #8). While the destruction ensues, both titans fight back and forth with the "Hulk" Thor ripping off the "Thor" Hulk's arm. Odin then has Banner have the "Thor" Hulk hit the "Hulk" Thor into Yggdrasil which tangles him in it. The "Hulk" Thor rages and then rips the tree apart and picks it up ready to slam it onto everything when suddenly Odin speaks through Mjolnir calming the "Hulk" Thor down. Placing Mjolnir on "Hulk" Thor's head, the hammer transfers both their powers back with a major explosion. After the dust clears, the "Smashernaught" Hulk and regular Thor return, acknowledge each other and then the Hulk leaps away. RESULT: DRAW
FINAL TALLY: MATCH UPS: 42 HULK: 3 - THOR: 2
OTHER CONFRONTATIONS
The Hulk and Thor have fought many times in alternate timelines, non-continuity stories, against fake incarnations, etc. with definitive and often deadly results. I've noticed throughout the years that both Hulk and Thor fans often make arguments showing these stories to make claims to their debates. But truth be told, despite some interesting stories, these issues don't count. I see them as writers' interpretations of “Hulk vs Thor” battles without continuity restraints so they always have fun twists of “What could have been.” Listed here are not all, but just the best of the best of the Hulk and Thor battles that occurred outside of actual "Hulk vs Thor" continuity.
THE AVENGERS ANNUAL #2 (1968)
The Avengers (including the "Gravage" Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Giant Man and Wasp) from another dimension go on a tear through their Earth defeating and pummeling all the heroes and villains on it. Throughout the entire adventure Thor and the Hulk get into arguments and almost fight with each other.
 |
| Front Cover |
 |
| Back Cover |
MARVEL TREASURY #9: GIANT SUPERHERO TEAM-UP (1976)
While this Marvel Treasury just reprints the legendary "Hulk vs Thor" battle in Journey into Mystery #112, I had to list it due to the incredible front and back cover art done by Gil Kane and inked by John Romita. These are amazing pictures of the Hulk slugging it out with the Thunder God as well as other famous Superhero battles that are part of the Marvel-mythos.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #200 (1976)
The "Savage" Hulk (with a special helmet on that gives Bruce Banner's brain control of the Hulk) battles illusions of his greatest foes inside the infected mind of Glenn Talbot. There, an illusion of Thor is among the many foes that attack and get defeated by the raging Hulk (who has long destroyed the helmet) which eventually frees Talbot from the control.
THE RAMPAGING HULK MAGAZINE #9 (1978)
This adventure was later written out of continuity and said to be a movie created by an alien-fan (and lover) of the Hulk, Bereet. The story takes place during the early years of the Avengers. While the Hulk fights with an alien impersonating Iron man, he is later met up by the real Iron man with Thor, Ant-man, and Wasp. Thor and the Hulk will clash a few times with no victor and eventually team up to send the bad aliens packing.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #227 (1978)
The Hulk crushes Mjolnir... I think not! While this issue has a dream sequence of the Hulk crushing Mjolnir, I've heard Hulk fanboys claim that if mad enough, the Hulk could actually do this. They are wrong because it is impossible to destroy Mjolnir physically due to the weapons magical nature.
Doc Samson hypnotizes the Hulk and starts his psychoanalysis. The doctor believed that Hulk and Bruce were the same person, but this session reveals that Bruce and Hulk are two different persons. During the hypnotic dreams, Hulk fights the Avengers and Bruce Banner himself. In The Hulk's confrontation with Thor, the green brute stops Thor's attack and crushes Mjolnir with one-hand before easily tossing aside the Thunder God.
WHAT IF #29 (1981)
"IF" tale of the Avengers defeating everyone on Earth. When tensions start within the team, the Hulk is shown slugging it out with Thor in a panel that gets broken up by Iron Man.
THE AVENGERS ANNUAL #13 (1984)
The labs at Northwind Observatory in the Catskill Mountains are full of Bruce Banner’s inventions. Reed is called in to determine their purposes. She-Hulk pilots him there in the Fantasticar, where the Avengers have gathered, and Jen is introduced to an impressed Hank McCoy. Jen finds the scope of her cousin’s genius eerie. She tells Thor how little Jennifer Sue Walters used to spend her summers in Ohio with her older cousin Bruce.They lost touch as they got older, Bruce breezed through college and was working on top secret projects while Jen was high school senior. She was in law school when he had his gamma bomb accident. Years after, he saved her life with a transfusion. She’s gotten off on being the She-Hulk. She grows somber when she tells Thor she heard Bruce’s mind was lost to the Hulk again. Thor comforts her with the thought that he’s not really lost if she treasures the memories of youth. Suddenly they fight the Hulk & Wasp kills him. But it turns out to be a clone! Then they fight a mass of purple protoplasm that used to be the Hulk clone’s pants: this mass is under the control of Arnim Zola & he kidnaps Reed & Pym. They battle many Hulk clones with 80% Hulk strength. Jen wants to shove every one of these clones down Zola’s throat. If he hasn’t got a throat, she’ll find something else to shove them down. Mjolnir saves Jen getting brained by a hurled jeep. Monica electrocutes the pants. Hulk clones trash Zola’s escape ship which crashes in Papacton reservoir. Jen expresses no sorrow that Zola is fish food. Worries that Bruce’s work could reach the hands of other twistos. Reed & Pym confide that they are going to sabotage anything that might reach those hands.
WHAT IF #45 (1984)
Bruce Banner is unable to throw Rick Jones into the trench but was able to protect him with his own body from the gamma rays. This resulted in a psyche link between the two. Banner will become the Hulk and Rick will be treated for radiation poisoning. Thunderbolt Ross eventually discovered the existence of the link between Jones and the green goliath, so he decided to give non-fatal electric shocks to the boy to inflict pain and defeat the Hulk. The Hulk felt the unbearable pain and went to destroy the army base. Soon Rick's condition grew worse, eventually dying which caused the Hulk to go homicidal. Desperately, Ross summons the Fantastic Four for help. But Jade Jaws kills the Thing and the Human Torch. So, Iron Man and Thor show up, but Tony Stark is eventually killed too. The Hulk now turns his attention to the God of Thunder, whose mystic mallet had fallen from his hands in the confrontation. Now with the sixty second mark almost up which will change Thor to his human form, he must take extreme measures. Thor ends up outmaneuvering the crazed Hulk and snapping his neck. To grant Bruce Banner a peaceful afterlife, Thor takes Banner to Valhalla by summoning a thunderbolt shower to disintegrate Banner's body. Ross and Talbot decide to turn themselves into the authorities. This is easily one of the most hardcore “Hulk vs Thor” stories ever.
WHAT THE--?! #1 (1988)
In the story "When Titans Bunch!" the Gray Bulk slugs it out with Thor (if that's even his name) in a mega-brawl that has about every superhero in the Marvel Universe in it.
WHAT IF #4 (1989)
While this is more of a Spider-man story, it is another interesting “What If” tale that has a “Hulk vs Thor” clash with deadly results.
When the symbiote takes control of Spider-man it causes many events that Spidey was there to help out never to come about. While Dr. Strange tries to send the “Mindless” Hulk to another dimension (as seen in
The Incredible Hulk #300), this Spider-man jumps in and knock's him out while taking control of the Hulk's body. Eventually it's Thor that finds this symbiote Hulk and they brawl it out with the symbiote now possessing The Thunder God and leaving Bruce Banner's body in its wake. The heroes will get Black Bolt to help Thor who is resisting the symbiote's control and thus weakening it. When the dust settles, there is no more Mount Rushmore and Thor rises battered, with the symbiote lying at his feet. Soon Black Cat will show up and finally kill the creature with a specially made sonic gun. This
one is a real classic, especially for Thor fans! Because they like to use this issue as a prime example of what should really happen if Thor fought the Hulk in a battle to the death.
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED #1 (1991)
During the Summer Olympics "Power Lift" competition, Thor proves to be the strongest being in the world by coming in first place! Overpowering the likes of the "Gray" Hulk, Hercules (who both tied for second place), Wonder Man, Thing, Namor, She-Hulk and others. A truly fitting day for the Son of Odin!
MARVEL SUPER HEROES ANNUAL (1992)
United Kingdom annual showcases a few random Marvel Super Heroes narrative stories. One of the stories is about the Hulk being hunted and eventually fighting it out with Thor and the Avengers.
SAVAGE HULK: ONE-SHOT (1996)
Stories that include some of the Hulk's greatest rouges. In a non-continuity tale during the Avengers beginnings, the Hulk slugs it out with Thor in the desert. They go back and fourth landing some power shots until Iron man eventually breaks it up.
(This issue has one variant cover)
THE AVENGERS #4 (1997)
The “Heroes Reborn” Hulk makes short work of the Avengers in the previous issue until he is met up with the “Heroes Reborn” Thor. They have a huge back and fourth fight until the Hulk grows angry enough to knock out this Thunder God. While the Hulk was the genuine article this Thor was not as he fell to the Hulk's raw power. The real Marvel Universe Thor would eventually show up later on in the series and return to the Avengers team.
X-MEN #89 (1999)
The Skrulls impersonate.the Hulk and Thor as well as other characters and battle it out with the X-Men and try to confuse them. The Skrull Thor and the Avengers will eventually charge at the Skrull Hulk and engage him in a battle.
THE ULTIMATES #5 (2002)
After injecting the Super-Soldier serum into his veins, Bruce Banner turned into the Hulk, but not like the original Hulk. This Hulk is angrier, hungrier, and hornier than ever before. Now the Ultimates set out to find and stop this crazed beast. As the Hulk searches for his ex-girlfriend, Betty, the Ultimates attack! They have a huge battle all over the city with no hope of stopping this Hulk. Then comes the cavalry as a lightning storm pours down that throws the Hulk blocks away. The beast starts to get up as Thor smashes into him, but it still doesn't stop the monster. The Hulk will then throw Thor down a few streets, only leading to Cap's next plan, which is to use Betty as bait that eventually works in calming down the Hulk and changes him back into Banner who Cap will kick in the face and knock him out cold.
THE MIGHTY THOR #73 (2004)
When Thor decided to move Asgard to hover above New York City many of the powers that be wanted him gone. After the Consortium of Nations staged a massive assault on Asgard, causing its destruction, and the deaths of untold tens of thousands of both humans and Asgardians, Thor resolved to stay and fight for his dream. But him killing his own humanity in the form of Jake Olson was the linchpin event, resulting in him no longer being worthy of Mjolnir. Now a few heroes get pissed and rise up against him. Dr. Strange gets help from the pantheon of skyfathers to strip Thor of the Odinforce. Wolverine attacks and will slice Thor's arm but then get disintegrated by God's eye beams! And now The Hulk and Thing attack and battle Thor for hours before they are killed. This time line ends when Desak attacks Thor and he eventually regains the worthiness to hold Mjolnir and kills Desak with it. Next Thor will travel back in time to change the knowledge of his past self so these events will never come to pass.
This issue is more controversial cannon fodder for the “Hulk vs Thor” argument because sometimes Thor fans say this story actually happened and Hulk fans say it didn't. Was it really a reality that went away or because it did happen and then went away it wasn't a real reality? Confused? Yeah, me too. This is such a head scratching story arch with too many implications to be considered cannon IMHO so I have to go with the Hulk fans on this one. Thor changes the events that make this story never come to pass, so for that, it never happened (I think??).
LAST HERO STANDING #5 (2005)
In the MC2 universe, this Hulk (who is being influenced by Loki) goes on a rampage and is met up by most heroes of Earth and defeats them. Eventually the Hulk is met up by Thor and they have a huge battle while Captain America and others confront Loki. Thor almost unleashes the full force of Mjolnir to kill the Hulk but adverted his aim at the last second. Cleared of his mind control, the Hulk teams with Thor to stop Loki.
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
ONSLAUGHT REBORN #2 and 3 (2007)
The "Heroes Reborn" Hulk would later meet up with the "Heroes Reborn" Thor again in another rumble. This time Onslaught's influence jumps from each combatants mind as they brawl it out with the Hulk finally throwing Thor to the moon. The rest of the Avengers come in to stop the Hulk with Iron man finally knocking the brute out with a nice hit from behind. I was a bit hesitant listing this fight because this isn't even the real Thor and the horrendous art from Rob Liefeld made my eyes bleed.
MARVEL ADVENTURES: HULK #13 (2008)
The "Savage" Hulk and Rick Jones are confronted by heroes possessed by the Living Pharaoh. A mummy Thor will attack the Hulk but gets knocked unconscious when the Hulk hits him with a thunder clap. Eventually, the Living Pharaoh is defeated and all the heroes return to normal.
NEW AVENGERS: AN ARMY OF ONE #7 (2009)
With the "Savage" Hulk rampaging across the American Southwest, it will take the combined might of just about every Marvel hero including Thor and the U.S. Military to stop him. While the battle is intense with all the heroes piling up on the Hulk, Thor and Hercules manage to get in some big power shots before a team of Military sharpshooters finally take the Hulk out with admantium tipped darts that make him change back into Bruce Banner and sedate him.
THE SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW #10 (2010)
Back up story has the Hulk arguing with Thor about wearing the same Mummy costume as he is. Thor, of course, is trying to reason with the brute.
BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY #2 (2010)
Another controversial issue but this time it's not just the fanboys, it's the writer and artist of the comic itself... sheesh. Only in the mythos of “Hulk vs Thor.”
While some Hulk fans claim that this fight where Thor basically pounds on the Hulk is the Red Hulk and not the real Hulk because the art and coloring look a lot like the previous issues where Thor was fighting Rulk, writer Kevin Grevioux tells otherwise;
“It was indeed the GREEN Hulk and that Thor was fighting. But the problem was that the artist drew the NEW Thor costume and not the classic Thor costume. Because of this, and the sepia tone coloring of the panel, it came off as the more recent Thor/Red Hulk battle and not one of the classic Thor/Hulk battles of the past like it was intended to be.”
So there you have it to end the debate of this head scratching and controversial 4 page story. Oh yeah, and one more thing... who cares because this comic is meaningless either way and not in continuity.
THE AVENGERS SEASON ONE (2012)
A contemporary retelling of the early adventures of the Avengers and how they came to be (packaged with the Avengers movie at selected locations). Loki is angered about his failed attempts to destroy his step-brother, Thor (which lead to the formation of the Avengers). He is now contemplating another plan. While the three Avengers embark on solo missions looking for the "Gravage" Hulk (who has already left the team), Thor is soon confronted by Zarrko, The Tomorrow-Man! Zarrko has pulled the "Gray" Hulk from time and brainwashed him to attack Thor. While Thor begins to get the better of this Hulk, Zarrko summons another brainwashed Hulk from the past to attack the Thunder God. This "Gravage" Hulk attacks and now both brutes fight with the Thunder God. But using his wits, Thor manages to throw each Hulk into the other and they begin to brawl among themselves until he convinces them that Zarrko is the real enemy. Both Hulk's agree and attack Zarrko but he quickly sends them back in time. Now Zarrko manages to escape and Thor continues his quest to find the current Hulk.
Finally, all three Avengers confront the brute, but with their minds being clouded by Loki, they attack. They use teamwork to keep the Hulk off balance and when Thor is about to land the final blow, Captain America stops him. As they argue, the Hulk attacks again and is eventually hit miles away by Thor and crashes into a dam. The impact from the Hulk's body cracks the dam and it begins to leak. As Thor tries to pursue the brute, he is stopped by Iron Man and they realize that Loki is behind their actions. The Hulk is now trying to save the townspeople from the rushing waters but they seem to be more afraid of him than anything else, so he leaps away. Now Cap, Thor and Iron Man manage to stop the waters, repair the dam and help the people to save the day. They make a promise to stay united as the Avengers for the betterment of mankind and to never doubt their friendship again. As for Loki, Odin finds out about his schemes and punish his step-son by dripping venom into his eyes... ouch!
AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES #11 (2013)
When Thor and Hercules engage each other in a battle for the ages, it's up to the Hulk to put an end to it. A nice little twist where the Green Goliath is the voice of reason... or is he?
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #1 (2013)
Back up story called "Helicarrier Havoc!" featuring the LEGO Avengers. Loki tricks the Hulk into going on a rampage and Thor must put a stop to it. After he slams Mjolnir to the ground to trip the Hulk, he gets up ready to fight the LEGO Thunder God. Hawkeye stops the two titans from brawling it out and discovers it's Loki.
AVENGERS #27 (2014)
An alternate-reality Avengers team fights against the real Avengers. When the alternate-Hulk returns
to his team (who have already been defeated), he starts to brawl it out with Thor and the rest of the Avengers. During the battle A.I.M. stealthily captures both teams in a temporal shielding, and removes the alternate-reality Avengers in order to send
them back to their reality.
MARVEL SUPER HEROES #17 (2014)
When the Controller and the Grandmaster wage a bet on who
is stronger the Hulk or Thor, they pit the two heroes against each
other. With Thor under a spell to keep attacking, it's Bruce Banner who
eventually appears and puts and end to the brawl. And the Elders who
started the mess are eventually defeated.
HULK #9 (2014)
After Kitty Pryde scrambled the "Doc Green" Hulk's brain and helps him think more clearly, he will have dreams of himself becoming the Maestro and killing all of Earth's heroes including Thor. When the Hulk wakes up, he hopes that this dream won't become a reality.
 |
| (This issue has three variant covers) |
AVENGERS VS. #1 (2015)
These are 4 reprints of 13 animated stories distributed in Europe. One story has the Hulk and Thor competing against each other on who can take out more of Attuma's men. Eventually, through their competition they both take out Attuma's army and the Hulk punches Attuma away.
MARVEL SUPER HEROES #30 (2017)
The Grandmaster wants the Hulk and Thor to fight it out to see who's really the strongest super hero in the universe.
MARVEL SUPER HEROES #31 (2017)
The Hulk and Thor fight against Hyperion to prove who's really the strongest between them. After losing the first round to Hyperion, both the Hulk and Thor knock him out with a massive double punch and then continue to argue over who actually did it.
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #712 (2017)
The Amadeus Cho Hulk faces off against Thor (who is unworthy at the time and not a his normal power) and they slug it out in an arena. Amadeus will use strategy and manages to knock out Thor with a massive blow.
THOR vs. HULK: CHAMPIONS OF THE UNIVERSE (2017)
A
"Hulk vs Thor" digital 6 issue mini-series on ComiXology where they are transported to a new location in the Marvel Universe and put through tests to see who is the ultimate challenger to the Champion of the Universe.
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
ZOMBIES: ASSEMBLE 2 #3 (2017)
A Zombie possessed Hulk slugs it out with Thor and the other Avengers in this manga adventure.
"THOR VS HULK" TRADE PAPERBACK (2017)
"THOR AND HULK" DIGEST (2017)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK VS. THE MIGHTY THOR NEW YORK JETS PROMOTIONAL COMIC (2018)
A 16-page promotional comic containing a Hulk versus Thor story coinciding with the New York Jets playing against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. 10,000 were given away to fans of the game as well as a code for the digital version. The story is about the Leader tricking the Hulk and Thor into a fight at MetLife Stadium. But once they discover the ruse, they stop fighting and defeat the Leader.
 |
| (This issue has one variant cover) |
MARVEL #1 (2020)
Different interpretations of stories from the Nightmare realm from Marvel's past. In one story, during the early days of the Avengers, the Hulk attacks the team to try and capture Rick Jones. As Thor, Captain America, Giant Man, Iron Man and Wasp battle it out with the brute, he accidentally falls into the Image Projector conjuring up a team of Hulk-Avengers and they attack. Eventually Rick Jones puts a stop to the madness and calms the Hulk down and makes the brute send his team of Hulk-Avengers away and he changes back into Bruce Banner.
 |
| (This issue has eight variant covers) |
 |
| (This issue has eleven variant covers) |
HULK #4 and 5 (2022)
The Hulk as "Smashstronaught" in the engine room fights many opponents of his past. In one encounter the Hulk attacks a bunch of Marvel Zombies to which a Thor Zombie is among them.
(This issue has five variant covers)
AVENGERS: TWILIGHT #6 (2024)
In the future, the world is haunted by H-Day that resulted in the death of many heroes. During this final battle, the Red Skull unleashes his secret weapon: the Hulk. Thor will fight the Hulk back and forth all over the city until he decides to bring the Hulk into the ocean and eventually drowns the brute.
(This issue has four variant covers)
MARVEL ZOMBIES: DAWN OF DECAY #1 (2024)
When a zombie infection takes over the Avengers, Thor and the rest of the team attack Bruce Banner and Groot. Groot saves Banner and the escape the helicarrier.
(This issue has three variant covers)
MARVEL ZOMBIES: DAWN OF DECAY #2 (2024)
When Banner gets angry the Hulk emerges, but Groot will calm him down as they now try to get to Avengers Tower. Soon Zombie Thor attacks them, and a mega brawl ensues. In the end, Groot has to try to stop the Hulk from killing the possessed Thor by choking him and making the brute pass out as he changes back to Banner.
MEDIA
Listed in this section is every time the Hulk squared off against Thor in a movie, cartoon, video game, magazine, toy, etc. There are many products that have the Hulk and Thor on them (such as video games, shirts and figure sets) but if they cannot fight each other in the game or it does not say "Hulk vs Thor" or "Hulk fighting Thor" or show them locked in combat in some sort of fashion it will not be listed. And only officially licensed products are listed! No bootlegs or fan-made items will be shown.
THE MARVEL SUPERHEROES: THE INCREDIBLE HULK CARTOON (SEASON: 1 EPISODES: 22-24 (CHAPTERS: "THE SPACE PHANTOM", "STING OF THE WASP", "EXIT THE HULK" 1966)
This cartoon is basically a retelling of Avengers #2 when The Hulk first meets Thor at the the Avengers meeting that results in him quitting the team. These cartoon cells are taking right from the Jack Kirby panels of the comic and come to life with “limited” animation. Despite the toons flaws, it's great to see the very beginnings of the Hulk's rivalry with Thor in an animated form.
OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS SUPERHERO STAMP ALBUM (1976)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK CALENDAR (1979)
SPIDER-MAN AND HULK MINI BAGATELLE (1980)
MARVEL'S MAGIC MOMENTS STICKERS (1987)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS (1988)
This is the very first time a superhero match up was brought to the public on a major platform, the television screen! Although the Hulk and Thor battle was short lived (and a little corny), it did cement the fact that this rivalry was an all time classic in the annals of Marvel history and well on it's way to new heights of popularity.
This television movie acted as a backdoor pilot for an unproduced television series featuring Thor. This is the first time another character or element from the Marvel Universe appeared in Hulk's TV series. Thor's appearance differs significantly from the comic version of the original, resembling a more realistic version of the Thunder God of Norse mythology but still closely following the comic in that he is sent to earth to learn humility. This is also the first and only time that magical or supernatural elements have been used in the universe of the television series. When both heroes first meet, Thor looks upon the Hulk as a great challenge and eagerly engages him in combat. The Thunder God doesn't fair so well against his savage opponent as the Hulk makes Thor rethink his decision and ask for friendship instead.
HULK VS THOR T-SHIRT (1991)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 9 "MORTAL BOUNDS" 1996)
While the Hulk 1966 cartoon was basically a retelling of the Hulk's first meeting with the Avengers from Avengers #2, this stands as the first cartoon to showcase the "Hulk vs Thor" rivalry to a generation. I have to admit that this is Thor's finest showings against the Hulk in the media format. Because both characters came off looking very powerful and very even.
The Gargoyle releases a gamma virus on the citizens of Detroit, and Bruce Banner is the only one who can stop it from spreading. To make matters worse, Betty is infected with an extreme dosage of the virus! Bruce eventually meets Doctor Donald Blake (who is treating Betty), and he transforms into the mighty Thor. They have two big fights in this episode with the second being a three way free for all with the Abomination included. But both fights end in a draw and eventually together, the Hulk and Thor team up and race to find a cure!
MARVEL VS CAPCOM: CLASH OF THE SUPERHEROES VIDEO GAME (1998)
This is the fifth Marvel Comics-licensed fighting game by Capcom and the third game in the Marvel vs. Capcom series. A new twist featured back up characters that would assist your team. While the Hulk is a playable character and used in previous installments, Thor made his debut to this series as only an assisting one. And even though he cannot engage the Hulk fully, he can still attack the Hulk while assisting an opposing team with his lightning strike. It was kind of a let down at the time because fans would have preferred to see Thor as a usable character to engage the Hulk as well as other characters in this game.
The game takes place within the Marvel comic continuity, as Professor Charlies Xavier calls out for heroes to stop him before he merges with the consciousness of Magneto and becomes the being known as Onslaught, the final boss. The game was developed in late 1997 and first released in January 1998 to both the arcade and then to home game systems.
HULK FILM AND COMIC CARDS (2003)
HULK VS THOR: CLASSIC MARVEL BATTLES AND TEAM UPS (2005)
ULTIMATE AVENGERS: THE ANIMATED MOVIE (2006)
The first animated DVD feature to show "Hulk vs Thor" to a major audience! While this was more of an Ultimates / Marvel version of all the characters, the Hulk and Thor brawl in this was the first to show the gap in power levels between them with the Hulk coming off looking much more powerful and definitely the stronger. The public perception of "Hulk vs Thor" was now truly changing.
In the last days of WWII in the European Theater, Steve Rogers, a U.S. soldier, known as Captain America due to being enhanced with the "Super-Soldier Serum", prevents a missile launch by Nazi's which are soon revealed to be shape-shifting extraterrestrials led by one taking the form of SS officer Herr Kleiser. The missile explosion, however, sends Rogers into a catatonic state, and he falls into the icy waters of the North Atlantic, presumed dead. In the present day, Captain America is found and revived by a SHIELD team led by General Nick Fury. Bruce Banner and his ex-girlfriend Betty Ross lead a team of government scientists working to recreate the Super-Soldier Serum in order to try and stop the real power that backed the Nazis - the alien Chitauri. Banner thinks the Super-Soldier Serum is the key to him controlling the Hulk, and he secretly uses his blood to try to create a cure, instead of using candidates that had been selected for the rebirth procedure.
A Chitauri attack on a SHIELD satellite designed to track the Chitauri ships forces Nick Fury's superiors to order the implementation of "Project Avenger", which involves the formation of a team of super-humans. Fury tries to recruit - with mixed success – Giant-man (a scientist who had been released from SHIELD prior to the film), Wasp (Giant-Man's wife), Iron man/Tony Stark (an industrialist playboy), Thor (whose claims to be Thor are not widely accepted) and the Black Widow (a SHIELD spy) - and after several setbacks, including a botched mission that led to all but Black Widow walking away from the team, the heroes unite to fight the Chitauri. Although successful, the team must then fight an enraged Hulk, after Banner released his alter ego to aid in the battle against the Chitauri before losing control. Thor and the Hulk have a huge fight with the brute eventually getting strong enough to pick up Mjolnir and knock Thor out with it. The rest of the team managed to eventually distract the Hulk long enough for Betty to calm him, and Banner is then incarcerated. The heroes then celebrate their success.
What makes this interpretation of the heroes interesting is that the creators use both elements of the Marvel and Ultimate Universe versions of the characters.
HULK VS THOR: ANIMATED FEATURE (2009)
This animated feature once again brings the "Hulk vs Thor" match up to the masses to showcase the dynamic and powers they bring to the table. While this feature did showcase the Hulk's true power over the Thunder God, the gap between them was now growing even further apart with the Hulk clearly being shown to be the stronger and more durable. While The Ultimate Avengers movie of (2006) was a different interpretation of each character, there could be no more excuses because this was the "traditional" Marvel versions of Hulk and Thor at their best.
Loki, god of mischief, has kidnapped Dr. Bruce Banner and brought him to Asgard with the help of Amora, once Thor's lover, now the super-villain known as the Enchantress. Loki makes Banner angry and he changes into the Hulk. The Enchantress then casts a spell over the Hulk which separates Banner from his monstrous alter-ego and grants Loki control over the Hulk's body.
Hulk/Loki arrives at the gates of Asgard and attacks the Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg) and other Asgardians. Thor comes to the gates and is attacked by Hulk/Loki. Thor is familiar with Bruce Banner, but does not know that Loki is controlling the Hulk. Thor tries to communicate with Banner, which results in Loki actually talking through the Hulk.
After a prolonged battle, Hulk/Loki attempts to pick up Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, which is enchanted with a spell that renders it usable only to those it deems worthy. Amora warns Loki that he can not wield Mjolnir, and has to stop before he is no longer in control of the Hulk. Loki, of course, does not listen and continues to attempt to lift the hammer via the Hulk's unimaginable strength. Mjolnir flies to Thor, who uses his powers to separate Loki from the Hulk. It works, but this proves to be a huge mistake. Without Banner's personality or Loki's control, the Hulk is an unstoppable living incarnation of pure rage, and he beats Thor to death.
Hela, the daughter of Loki and ruler of Hel, the underworld, attempts to claim Thor's soul but is stopped by the Enchantress. Amora refers to Thor as "my love" and kisses him, which revives the thunder god. At first Thor appears to intend to go back after the Hulk, but realizes another fight would only have the same result. To stop the Hulk they must reunite him with Bruce Banner. Amora betrays Loki and gives Thor the location of where he is hiding.
Thor arrives at Loki's hideout with the aid of the Enchantress and they discover that Loki has murdered Banner, after growing tired of Banner's warnings about the Hulk. Therefore, Amora has no way to send the Hulk back to Earth. Thor tells Amora that she must go to Sif, the woman Thor now loves, to aid and defend Odin. She reluctantly agrees and Loki summons all of his evil forces to stop the Hulk and Thor and Loki travel to Hel together. However, not even good and evil combined could halt the Hulk's advance, as he was beckoned by the light coming from Odin's chambers.
Thor and Loki arrive in Hel where they meet Hela who at first refuses to bring Bruce Banner back. Saying that once he is dead his spirit is hers. Though Thor and Loki convince her to bring him back, since Bruce's spirit was split from the Hulk she has an "Incomplete Soul." Since his death, Banner is enjoying an afterlife in which his life is back to normal, living free from the Hulk, he is the husband to his true love, Betty Ross and father to a boy named Bruce Jr. Soon though, this vision ends when Hela brings him to her throne where Thor and Loki await. Thor says that Asgard needs his help but Banner does not want to help and wishes to remain dead, in his happy vision. Loki slyly manages to convince Hela to bring the Hulk to Hel, so that she could have the complete being. She complies and teleports the Hulk to Hel, just as had reached Odin's slumbering form.
Hulk attacks upon seeing Banner, and after another battle with Thor who loses the fight even with Loki's help, Banner gets Hulk's attention dropping Thor and Loki to charge him when he comes in contact with Banner they rejoin and is teleported back to Earth by Hela, who considers him too dangerous to be kept, even in the Underworld. However, due to the damage the Hulk had caused to her kingdom, she punishes Loki for it but promises his stay won't be permanent, given that she is his daughter. Odin finally awakens and Sif and Thor kiss each other as Amora quietly leaves, deeply saddened. Odin holds a celebration that day for all of the Asgardians who triumphed over evil and also gives his thanks to Bruce Banner who is back on Earth. The final scene is of Banner walking alone down a barren highway.
HULK VS ONLINE GAME (2009)
This is an online game at Marvelkids.com that is based on the Hulk VS Wolverine and Hulk VS Thor animated features. As the Hulk you must smash through the Weapon X facility to battle Wolverine and then battle some Asgardian warriors as you make your way for a one-on-one showdown with The Mighty Thor.
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 1 "AND LO...A PILOT SHALL COME!" 2009)
While this is not a "Hulk vs Thor" slugfest in a cartoon, it does show the Hulk wanting to attack Mrs. Marvel for going nuts (like she always does) with Wolverine and Thor holding him back.
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 12 "DEADLY IS THE BLACK WIDOW'S BITE!" 2009)
While this is not a "Hulk vs Thor" slugfest in a cartoon, it does show the Hulk and Thor battle for the affection of the Black Widow (who is really Mystique in disguise). They argue over who has the bigger biceps and who is the better squaddie for her attention.
SUPERHERO SQUAD VIDEO GAME (2009)
While this game has two options of play; Adventure Mode, where Hulk and Thor along with the other members of the Superhero Squad go through various levels defeating waves of enemies and bosses to eventually fight the final boss Dr. Doom. The other option is "Battle Mode," where you pick one character to use in free-for-all fighting action. Players defeat their opponents by depleting their health or knocking them out of the arena! Hulk fighting Thor has never been cuter than this!
AVENGERS: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES (SEASON: 1
EPISODE: 8 "SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED" 2010)
The Enchantress shows up and “enchants” the Hulk into attacking the Avengers, which sets off a huge fight. The Hulk and Thor have a nice tussle in Central Park before the other Avengers interfere. Eventually the battle stops when the Hulk comes back to his senses and the Avengers team up to defeat the Enchantress and the Executioner in the next episode.
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW SEASON 2 CARTOON INTRO (2010)
The intro to season 2 of the Superhero Squad shows a quick homage to the "Hulk vs Thor" mythos with the Hulk and Thor looking like they are going to square off and battle it out (see 16 seconds in to the link above). But they end up attacking the villain's M.O.D.O.K. and the Abomintaion who are behind them. Even though this may not be an official fight between the the two heroes, it is fun to see!
SUPERHERO SQUAD: THE INFINITY GAUNTLET VIDEO GAME (2010)
There are three modes of play in the game: the first is "Story Mode," which allows up to two players to complete the game story with a limited selection of heroes available; the second mode is "Challenge Mode," which allows for up to four players to play together with an increased choice of thirty different superheroes and super villains to either fight it out or play an array mini games; the final mode of play is "Freeplay Mode," which allows the player to go back to any level and replay it as any playable character. You can also have them fighting if you download the "Thanos Thowdown" option where you get to not only use Thanos as a playable character but you get two new styles of play for the "Challenge Mode" option. With"Mayhem Marathon" you can play with up to four players and keep battling swarms of villains to see who can get the highest score. And in "Combat Crater" you can fight up to four players in a fighting free-for-all while collecting gems and bonuses that pop up and giving characters special powers. Hulk fighting Thor is once again in a Super Squad video game! Can't these little guys get along?
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 35 "BLIND RAGE KNOWS NO COLOR!" 2011)
Thanos uses the Mind Gem to control Hulk who goes on a sleepwalking rampage. Thor and the rest of the Super Hero Squad try to wake him up, to no avail. When the Hulk meets up with the Thing, they have a major brawl. The Super Hero Squad must enter the dream realm to fight back, even if they have to get help from Nightmare.
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 37 "SO PRETTY WHEN THEY EXPLODE!" 2011)
While not a Hulk vs Thor vs Hercules vs She-Hulk slugfest in a cartoon. I have to mention this episode because they all try to prove to the other who is truly the superior in strength, especially Hulk, Thor and Hercules (with their ego's in high gear). It is a fun episode that plays out the controversy on who is the strongest hero in the Super Squad universe!
SUPERHERO SQUAD SHOW (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 48 "MISSING IMPOSSIBLE!" 2011)
When the Impossible Man's wife kicks him out, the prankster ends up crashing with the Super Hero Squad. To save his marriage he attempt to go defeat the Dark Surfer. During a scene, the Hulk wants to smash and Thor and the other heroes have to hold him back or the Helecarrier will self-destruct.
MARVEL SUPERHERO SQUAD ONLINE VIDEO GAME (2011)
This online PC game has a ton of features where Hulk, Thor and all the other Marvel heroes can be used to play. Have level games and battle minions until you meet up with the villain bosses, team up with other players online, train your heroes and interact with the entire Marvel Universe. Also there is a fun option for fighting each other in a card game style format. This game is in the style of many of the popular card games for kids, where you try to trump the card your opponent plays, or stop them from being able to put one down at all. You’ll begin by building your deck, choosing cards with a high damage potential, or cards that might help you block your opponent’s attack. Your chosen hero will face off in an arena with one opponent. Each turn you have the chance to attack, block an attack, or pass if you have nothing to play. Make your opponent lose all of the cards in his hand to win the game. With each card you play, the character on the card will enter the battle arena and perform an action. It’s really fun to see your favorite characters attacking, blocking, or cheering their victories. When you win a game, you’ll be rewarded with a new card for your deck. Have Hulk and Thor fight in a battle royal of the ages or have them fight others. Either way it's some super fun to play!
MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3: FATE OF TWO WORLDS/ULTIMATE MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3 (2011)
The game is a modified version of earlier systems seen in the Marvel vs. Capcom series. It is the first game in the franchise to feature three-dimensional character models as opposed to two-dimensional sprites, though gameplay remains restricted to two-dimensions, allowing characters to move only backward, forward, or straight up into the air.
In Marvel vs Capcom 3, Thor is finally an actual character that a player can use (he was left out of the previous Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes in 2000) and can now engage the Hulk in full combat or partner up with him. "Ultimate" Marvel vs Capcom 3 was later released in late 2011 that added twelve new characters to the game as well as fixing some of the games flaws. Thor and The Hulk actually got more devastating in this newer version and both are total powerhouses.
This Hulk toy released as merchandise for the Avengers movie has the Hulk saying a few lines against Thor like “Hulk smash… Hulk smash Thor! (Crash!)" among a host of other Hulk-like phrases. This is the first figure ever that actually brings the whole "Hulk vs Thor" dynamic to children and fans.
MIGHTY STRIKE THOR (2012)
This Thor toy released as merchandise for the Avengers movie has the Thor saying “Hulk... truly your strength is unmatched!" among a host of other Thor phrases. This is the first figure ever that actually brings the whole "Hulk vs Thor" dynamic to children and fans.
THE MIGHTY AVENGERS: AN ORIGINS STORY (2012)
A children's book that retells the origins of the Avengers. This story is taken from the original comics and simplified for children, While the Hulk clashes with Iron Man in the story, Thor will confront the Hulk and throw Mjolnir at him, but it turns out just to be an illusion conjured up by Loki.
CAPTAIN AMERICA JOINS THE MIGHTY AVENGERS (2012)
A children's book that retells the origin of the Avengers. After the Hulk quits the Avenger team consisting of Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, he will then attack them with his new ally, the Sub-Mariner. As the Hulk and Namor fight and are about to totally defeat the Avengers (with Thor being the only member still conscious but on his knees being humbled by the duo), the Hulk will then surprisingly punch Namor into the water. The entire event turned out to be a plan that the Hulk concocted to defeat Namor. Soon the Hulk befriends the Avengers again and they eventually find Captain America's frozen body. Now under Cap's leadership, the Avengers will chase off Namor and his Atlantean Army.
AVENGERS ALLIANCE FACEBOOK GAME (2012)
Avengers Alliance is a nod to the classic turn-based role-playing games that players have known and loved for decades. Your party will feature three members, and each member and enemy on the field will take turns performing single actions. Actions consume stamina, and range from offensive attacks and defensive buffs to item uses, stamina recharges, and more. It’s a simple enough system to understand.
While the Hulk and Thor are characters that becomes an ally and helps you on your missions, they can clash if visiting other players Battle Chamber. You can also go up against other players in the Training Room and climb up the Leaderboard.
THE AVENGERS MOVIE (2012)
This is by far, the biggest event ever to happen to "Hulk vs Thor" because it stands as the very first time a superhero rivalry has ever hit the big screen (Iron Man vs War Machine in Iron Man 2 in 2010 were two allies fighting each other and not rivals) and was presented to the masses!! And with this movie becoming a major hit on a world-wide scale, "Hulk vs Thor" stands as the most popular match up ever in comics! Move over "Superman vs Captain Marvel" because a new king has been crowned!!
AVENGERS: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST HEROES (SEASON: 2
EPISODE: 48 "THE DEADLIEST MAN ALIVE" 2012)
General Ross as the Red Hulk manipulates the Hulk to go on a rampage and this causes him to battle it out with Thor and the rest of The Avengers. After a battle, the Red Hulk convinces The Avengers that he should be on the team, while Captain America refuses to believe that the real Hulk has gone rogue. After Cap and Wasp free the Hulk of the mind-control device that is making him rage, they all regroup and find out it was the Red Hulk behind the scam and eventually defeat him while finding out that he is really General Ross in the process.
AVENGERS: BATTLE FOR EARTH VIDEO GAME (2012)
The ultimate super hero brawler, Marvel Avengers Battle For Earth features 20 different characters including the Avengers Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Thor, as well as other fan favorite super heroes and villains from the Marvel Universe. Players will use motion gameplay to execute explosive super attacks, unleash devastating special moves, and battle their friends in a wide variety of game modes. You are able to team the Hulk and Thor up or have them face off!
MARVEL VS CAPCOM: ORIGINS VIDEO GAME (2012)
An updated remake of the two classic Capcom fighting games for a new Generation. This downloadable game includes Marvel Superheroes (which Thor is not included) and
Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of the Superheroes (which has Thor as an assist character).
MARVEL PREMIER SHADOWBOX SUB-SET CARD (2012)
AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES Vol. 6 "END OF THE COSMOS" DVD (2013)
While this DVD set has the final 12 episodes to the cartoon series. On the first disk bonus features the voices of the Avengers (Captain America, Thor and Iron Man) give commentary on their missions throughout the cartoon. When the Hulk steps in and starts getting angry, he begins to slug it out with Thor until Cap breaks it up by tricking the Hulk into leaving. It's hilarious to hear while the feature is playing.
MARVEL HEROES ONLINE GAME (2013)
An MMO/ARPG game by Gazillion Entertainment. While this is not just a "Hulk vs Thor" game, you can play with up to 26 characters including Thor, The Hulk, Thing, Storm, Mrs. Marvel, Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-man, Deadpool and Wolverine as well as 13 non-playable characters that will help you out or you can fight against them with your own made-up teams.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 1 "THE AVENGERS PROTOCOL PART 1" 2013)
The Avengers regroup after Iron Man goes out on a manhunt for the Red Skull and M.O.D.O.K. who has captured Captain America. Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Falcon are called in. During this episode, the Hulk and Thor have a few competitive scraps with each other.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 2 "THE AVENGERS PROTOCOL PART 2" 2013)
In part two, Thor and the Hulk have another competitive scrap until they are both overtaken by mind-control (cause by the Red Skull and M.O.D.O.K.) and start to really attack each other as well as the other Avengers. This has a great scene where the Hulk and Thor smash into each other and creates a huge thunderclap as well as a huge crater in the ground. All the Avengers go back and forth until Iron Man frees them.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 3 "GHOST OF A CHANCE" 2013)
While the Falcon brings his mother's baked cookies to an Avenger meeting, the Hulk, Thor and the Black Widow fight over them. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Captain America who is trying to maintain some sort of order during all of this.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 5 "BLOOD FEUD" 2013)
While Black Widow is under the influence of Dracula, the Avengers try to sedate her. As she breaks loose and tries to escape, she leaps on the Hulk's back when Thor throws Mjolnir to stop her. The results are bad as Mjolnir hits the Hulk right in the face and she leaps on the coasting hammer to get free.
BACK ISSUE #66 (2013)
Cover of Back Issue magazine that shows a "Hulk vs Thor" Terry Austin inked cover from Marvel Treasury #9 (1976). And what is even more special about this magazine is the fact that it showcases my first nationally published work on "Superman vs Captain Marvel," so make sure you go and check it out.
MARVEL SUPERHEROES: WALL CLINGS: SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AVENGING FRIENDS (2013)
An Avenger story in this book shows Thor fighting with an illusion of the Hulk. While this may not be a real "Hulk vs Thor" encounter, it is still fun to see in such an obscure children's activity book
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 9 "DEPTH CHARGE" 2013)
While the Hulk is in battle with Attuma, Captain America orders Thor to try and stop the battle due to all the damage it is causing. As Thor flies into the fight, the Hulk will slap him aside and continue his fight with the Atlantean villain. After Thor slams into a car he is amazed by the Hulk's savage ferocity.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 11 "HULKED OUT HEROES" 2013)
When the Avengers become gamma-irradiated "Hulks", it's up to the real Hulk and the Black Widow to find a cure for them. The Hulk will slug it out with the other Hulk's as well as a Hulk-Thor. In the end, they cure the raging Avengers as Widow finds herself respecting the Hulk more than ever.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 14 "HULK'S DAY OUT" 2013)
The
Hulk is seen rocketed back to Earth with amnesia. The Avengers have to
retrace his steps to find out what happened to him and what is this
strange storm beginning to tear the Earth apart. Soon they discover one
of the events of the Hulk's day was that Iron Man told both Thor and him to go settle their endless debate on "who's stronger" on the moon. When they did, an alien creature attacked them and to warn the other Avengers Thor threw Mjolnir at the Hulk that sent him rocketing back to Earth. Unfortunately, Thor hit the brute so hard he temporarily lost his memory for a while.
LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES VIDEO GAME (2013)
While there is no "Hulk vs Thor" as you are playing through the game, when you are discovering LEGO New York in two-player mode you can destroy the city, save it or fight it out. Seriously, this is one of the best
superhero video games ever made... period.
MARVEL PUZZLE QUEST: DARK REIGN GAME (2013)
This
is a game for the IOS and PC. You must stop Norman Osborn and the Dark
Avengers from taking control of the dangerous substance "ISO-8", by
recruiting and leveling heroes and battling in match-three gameplay
arenas. While you can have a "Hulk vs Thor." other teammates are
included.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 16 "BRING ON THE BAD GUYS" 2014)
After
the Avengers capture the Red Skull, everyone is told not to touch him
because his armor is booby-trapped. Of course the Hulk does not listen
and grabs the Skull's forearm to smash him. The Hulk is sent flying back
and gets up angry. As the Hulk goes in for the kill, he is held back by
Thor and Falcon to stop his attack. Luckily, this calms the Hulk down
and he listens to the plan at hand.
HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H. (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 19 "FOR ASGARD" 2014)
When the Hulk and his agents of S.M.A.S.H. visit Asgard, Thor befriends Scar and makes him an honorary guard of the prison. While Hulk, Thor and others go off on a mission, Loki (who is a prisoner) manipulates Scar into drawing the Odin-Sword. This leads to chaos as it is against Asgardian law. Scar is then taken prisoner by Thor and the Asgardians and put in a cell. Since the Hulk doesn't like this and wants Scar set free, he attacks Thor and they slug it out. Eventually everyone gets into the battle until they team up and defeat Malekith, Loki and their army. In the end, Scar is pardoned.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 20 "ALL-FATHER'S DAY" 2014)
While
the Hulk and Thor try to break free from Tony Stark's new invention,
they get frustrated and start to attack each other. Soon Odin will
appear and tells Thor he must return with him to Asgard, when Thor
refuses, the Hulk attacks Odin. Thor responds by attacking the Hulk and
they fight until Odin laughs and wants to learn more about Thor's
allies. When he teleports the team to Central Park to test them, Mangog
shows up and attacks. Eventually the Avengers and Odin defeat the beast
and the All-Father is impressed with Thor's friends.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 22 "GUARDIANS AND SPACE KNIGHTS" 2014)
While the Avengers rocket through space on an adventure to save Iron Man, the Hulk and Thor argue to see who will buckle down first. Neither of them wants to as they begin to shove each other. Then through the turbulence they both crash about the ship. Later the Hulk will shove Thor out of the way continuing their never ending rivalry.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 26 "THE FINAL SHOWDOWN" 2014)
The Avengers fight the Kabal and defeat them. But when the Red Skull attacks empowered by the Tesseract, he wants to destroy the world. Skull takes control of the Hulk and puts him on a mindless rampage to kill the Avengers. Thor rises to the occasion and clashes with the Hulk until Captain America commands the brute to stand down. This apparently makes the Hulk to regain control of himself and eventually defeat the Red Skull.
MARVEL DISK WARS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 6 "HULK'S GREAT RAMPAGE!" 2014)
With the Hulk under the control of Diablo, he rampages across the city destroying everything in his path. It's up to Akira (with his friends Hikaru, Edward, Chris, and Jessica) with their Avengers DISKs to stop him. Iron Man and Thor make the first attack against the Hulk but are defeated. Soon Captain America enters the fight.
MARVEL DISK WARS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 7 "HULK VS CAPTAIN" 2014)
Episode 7 shows flashbacks to the Hulk fighting Iron Man and Thor from Episode 6.
MARVEL DISK WARS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 14 "THE MAN WHO CONTROLS THE WHIPS OF DARKNESS" 2014)
All the kids play a video game where all the Avengers battle each other. While Thor and the Hulk fight it out, it's Thor who takes the victory due to a thunder storm that takes out all the Avengers.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 1 "THE ARSENAL" 2014)
After Thor and the Hulk take care of the space drones and they stand side by side, the Hulk tells Thor that he didn't even break a sweat. As Thor looks at him, he tells the brute "Really. What's that smell?" The Hulk will try to punch the Thunder God. But this time, Thor blocks the blow with his Hammer and smiles.
MARVEL CONTEST OF THE CHAMPIONS MOBILE GAME (2014)
A mobile fighting game with 25 characters to choose from. You can collect favorite superheroes and villains to build your team as you battle through iconic Marvel locations. You can have Thor and the Hulk fight each other or team up to battle together.
MARVEL UNIVERSE TRADING CARD (2014)
.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 3 "VALHALLA CAN WAIT" 2014)
During a news talk show the host presses the immortal question -- "Who's stronger, the Hulk or Thor?" This, of course, causes them to fight. While the other Avengers try to stop them, we find out that the host is Loki and the Hulk and Thor are soon transported to Valhalla where they confront Hela. Here the loser of their fight gets to go free as the winner will spend eternity as her greatest warrior. Both combatants fight it out again until Thor convinces Hela that she has been tricked by Loki. This angers her as she transports them back to Earth where the Avengers regroup and Loki is eventually banished to Valhalla.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 4 "GHOSTS OF THE PAST" 2014)
Iron Man will eat all the Hulk's guacamole at the beginning of the episode. When their adventure is over, Thor is seen crashing through a wall at Stark Tower with the Hulk attacking him. When the Hulk asks him who ate his guacamole, he looks at Hawkeye and then chases after him.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 5 "BENEATH THE SURFACE" 2014)
When Thor attacks Attuma (who has taken possession of the Serpent Crown) under the sea. The Hulk reaches out and grabs Thor's ankle and will toss the Thunder God aside so he can attack the Sea-Lord. This proves costly as Attuma will pound on the Hulk and humble him.
HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H. (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 5 "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY" 2014)
When Thor and the Avengers confront the Hulk and his Agents of S.M.A.S.H., they want to capture them. As the Hulk tries to reason with them, he soon realizes that he has to fight them no matter what he says. Soon the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. will realize that the Avengers are really Skrulls and they will eventually defeat them.
MARVEL DISK WARS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 33 "STRATEGY OF THE RED SKULL" 2014)
When the Red Skull mind-controls Hikaru (the child who controls the Thor disk), he makes the Thunder God oppose Hulk and the other Avengers. This will cause them to fight but it ends when Thor and Hikaru break free from the Skull's control and defeat him.
MARVEL DISK WARS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 36 "WEAKNESS OF THE VENOM SYMBIOTE!" 2014)
After Spider-man breaks free from the control of the alien symbiote, it possesses the Hulk. As this Venom-Hulk smashes through the city it's up to Thor, Spider-man and the rest of the Avengers to stop him. While Thor makes a huge attack and knocks the Venom-Hulk from the city, Iron Man comes in and saves Thor and takes over. Soon Spider-man and the Avengers manage to free the Hulk and he knocks out the symbiote with a "Gamma-Punch!"
DISNEY INFINITY: MARVEL SUPER HEROES VIDEO GAME (2014)
This is an action-adventure sandbox video game that features Marvel heroes and multiple plots. There are many different modes to play such as Toybox mode and open world sandbox. You also build up each character to your own specifications using a skill tree. The Hulk and Thor are both included in this set and can play together or brawl it out. Either way this game is amazing.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 8 "HEAD TO HEAD" 2015)
First, the episode opens with the Avengers getting attack by SHIELD (who are controlled by M.O.D.O.K.) and arguing over who has the better outfit. Thor makes fun of the Hulk's pants. Then with M.O.D.O.K. in possession of the mind-gem, he switches each Avenger mind into different bodies. The Hulk becomes Falcon, as Black Widow becomes the Hulk and Thor becomes Black Widow as Hawkeye becomes Thor. In this state, Black Widow (as the Hulk) punches out Hawkeye (as Thor). Everything returns to normal once M.O.D.O.K. is defeated.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 9 "THE DARK AVENGERS" 2015)
In a flipped reality where superheroes are super villains and vise versa, the "evil" versions of the Hulk and Thor and the other Avengers battle it out with the Squadron Supreme. But before that takes place the Hulk and Thor slug it out as usual.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 11 "DOWNGRADED" 2015)
During the beginning of the episode, the Hulk and Thor engage in an intense thumb-wrestling match which the Hulk wins. After the victory, Thor tells the brute that his win proves nothing so the Hulk punches him to the floor. Throughout the episode they continue to compete with each other.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 12 "WIDOW'S RUN" 2015)
When the Black Widow steals the infinity gems, she teams with Thor to escape the Avengers. When they run into the Hulk, she convinces the Hulk they are doing what is right for everyone. While the Hulk and Thor exchange threats, the brute let's them pass without trying to stop them.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 13 "THANOS TRIUMPHANT" 2015)
When Thanos (who possesses the Infinity Gauntlet) makes all the Avengers fight each other with the mind gem, the Hulk will attack and take Iron Man and throw him into Thor. As they all continue to get angry, the Hulk will focus that rage on Thanos and get stronger and attack the Mad Titan and pound on him with his rage-enhanced strength.
 |
| alternate cover |
THE AVENGERS STORYBOOK COLLECTION (2015)
A storybook collection for children of the Avengers and their fantastic adventures. In one of the stories, the Hulk gets put under a spell and slugs it out with Thor. Their fight stops once the spell is broken.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 14 "CRACK IN THE SYSTEM" 2015)
At the beginning of the episode the Avengers enjoy some rest and relaxation, the Hulk will nudge Thor out of the way before he eats all the hotdogs. This all comes to Hawkeye's dismay while Tony Stark predicted it was going to happen.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 15 "AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED" 2015)
After a big fight with Ultron, Iron Man and Captain America argue among their differences. It gets to be so bad that they split up making the other Avengers choose sides. As the Hulk and Thor part ways (with the Hulk going with Cap and Thor going with Iron Man), the brute will shove Thor into a wall before taking off with Cap and the others.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 17 "THE ULTRON OUTBREAK" 2015)
With Ultron on the loose and the Avengers battling among themselves, the Hulk and Thor find themselves on opposite sub-teams. When the Hulk and his team are sent in by SHIELD to stop Thor's team from causing anymore damage to the city with their battles with Ultron, they almost fight it out. That is until Ultron takes over the city and turns citizens into Sub-Ultrons under his control. All the Avengers put aside their differences and team up to eventually defeat Ultron and his army. The Hulk even smacks Thor around a little to show him how much he missed him.
HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H. (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 20 "DAYS OF FUTURE SMASH PART 2: SMASHGUARD" 2015)
The Hulk follows the Leader back in time to the Viking Age where they are apprehended by a young Thor and Loki who accuse them of trying to steal fragments of the Berserker Staff. The Hulk has a small scuffle with the two young step-brothers as they manage to capture the Hulk and Leader. Later the Hulk escapes an in a berserker rage pummels Odin before the Leader steals his powers. Eventually, in the present, the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. fight to stop the "All Father" Leader from taking over the planet with Thor and Loki in his services as well as an army of Frost Giants.
HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H. (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 25 "PLANET MONSTER PART 1" 2015)
When the Hulk gets absorbed by the Kree Supreme Intelligence, he attacks the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. and the Avengers with a mind blast and knocks them all down. Now all the heroes have to find a way to stop the Kree Supreme Intelligence without destroying the Hulk as well.
HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H. (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 26 "PLANET MONSTER PART 2" 2015)
The second part of the Hulk (who has been absorbed by the Kree Supreme Intelligence) battling it out with Thor, the Avengers and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Once they free the Hulk, all the heroes team up with a host of other heroes to finally defeat Ronan the Accuser and the Supreme Intelligence and vanquish them from the planet.
MARVEL FUTURE FIGHT VIDEO GAME (2015)
Nick Fury is calling in all the heroes to stop the multiverse from collapsing to save humanity. This is a fight strategy iOS game were you make teams and level up your characters so that they get even more powerful. While the Hulk and Thor can team up or fight, there are also 43 more characters to choose from.
MARVEL MIGHTY HEROES VIDEO GAME (2015)
This iPhone, iPad, and Android multiplayer real-time brawler game let's you play up to 40 "cute" Marvel characters. While the Hulk and Thor are included and can team up or fight it out, each character can increase their levels and become even more powerful as you progress through the game.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 22 "MIDGARD CRISIS" 2015)
Thor is convinced that Zarda wants to defect from the Squadron Supreme, but the Hulk knows better and must protect Thor from Zarda's duplicitous ways. They will fight it out and the Hulk will even be put under a spell, but in the end, both Avengers find their loyalty to each other and defeat Zarda.
BACK ISSUE #82 (2015)
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 26 "AVENGERS WORLD PART 2" 2015)
The Avengers fight with Thanos and the Black Order as they invade Earth and try to destroy them. During the epic battle with Thor currently being mind-controlled, he will attack the Hulk with lightning and knock him out. But soon after that, the Asgardian overcomes his control and regains his senses. In the end, the Avengers defeat Thanos and his minions and discover that the Avengers are an ideal.
5 MINUTE AVENGERS STORIES (2015)
An anthology book of 12 Avengers stories for young readers. In the story "It's Not Easy Being Big an Green" the Hulk is seen locked in an arm wrestling match with Thor. Falcon says his money is on the Hulk.
AVENGERS SILVER AGE CARD (2015)
AVENGERS SILVER AGE CARD BINDER (2015)
MARVEL PLAYMATION (2015)
Playmation was a system of toys, wearables, and companion apps of Avenger characters and villains. Players go on missions, battle it out, track scores and accomplishments. There was a Gamma Gear starter pack that came with wearable Hulk fists, a single Hulk smart figure and a Thor power activator that came with a Thor smart figure. You could have them team up or battle it out against each other.
LEGO MARVEL AVENGERS VIDEO GAME (2016)
This game recounts the Avengers movie story line and "Hulk vs Thor" is played out in it. You are Thor as you have to battle the Hulk while the Helicarrier is falling from the sky. This game takes it a step further than the previous Marvel Lego game with more characters and more options than before. Another video game masterpiece that shouldn't be missed.
COMIC BOOK CREATOR #11 (2016)
DISNEY INFINITY: MARVEL BATTLEGROUNDS (2016)
An improved 3.0 version of the Marvel Infinity game. This is a mega-battle 4 player co-opt video game that let's you have Thor pitting his moves and specials against the Hulk or other Marvel characters in different locations. Make teams and fight against other teams as you battle towards victory.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 3 EPISODE: 7 "INTO THE DARK DIMENSION" 2016)
While children celebrate Halloween, the Avengers compete in a contest on who can give out the most candy. When the Hulk tries to give the kids his stack of goodies he is quickly floored by Mjolnir. Later on in the episode, the Hulk is once again clobbered by Mjolnir while in Dormammu's Dark Dimension fighting off his minions with Thor and Iron Man.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 3 EPISODE: 8 "DEHULKED" 2016)
When the Hulk loses his gamma radiation he turns back into Bruce Banner without any hope of changing back. Banner has to cope with life without the Hulk and getting along with the Avengers team. While playing video games Banner will defeat the Thunder God but he protests the victory due to the fact that Banner has small fingers.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 3 EPISODE: 13 "INTO THE FUTURE" 2016)
When
the Hulk and the Avengers travel into the future while fighting Kang, they are met with a group of future Avengers lead by an old Thor. While there is no fight between the two teams as they quickly become friends to defeat Kang, they did square off and exchange pleasantries. It was great to see the old Thor acknowledging he Hulk as his smashing buddy from the past.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 3 EPISODE: 14 "SEEING DOUBLE" 2016)
Thor
takes the Vision to Asgard to teach him about friendship and shows him
how friends helped him defeat Ulik and other villains that are jailed.
Ulik will break free and battles it out with Thor until
Vision joins in and they defeat the Rock Troll. Soon Vision gets taken over by Ultron and takes control of the Destroyer Armor and returning to Earth. Eventually the Avengers will defeat the Armor and everything returns to normal. After playing video games, the Hulk tries to punch Vision but punches through him and hits Thor and sends him flying through a wall. The Hulk and Vision will laugh at the experience.
HEROCLIX AVENGERS/DEFENDERS WAR HEROCLIX SET (2017)
Heroclix expansion set box shows image from the cover art of the Avengers/Defenders War trade paperback that came out in 2002. The image shows the Hulk and Thor clashing in battle with other members of their teams.
MARVEL VS CAPCOM INFINITE VIDEO GAME (2017)
Finally after a long delay the Marvel/Capcom franchise is back and this time it will be better than ever. While the X-Men characters will be omitted from this game, the Marvel selection of characters will be mostly based from the Avengers movie franchise. So regardless of what characters have come and gone, you know the Hulk and Thor will be in it and so players can pit them against each other or team them up to destroy the opposition. Either way, it's going to be good.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK (2017)
It's "Hulk vs Thor" inside a gladiator arena on the big screen with the fate of Asgard hanging in the balance. Could anything be better this for comic fans? Get ready because this is going to be BIG!
THOR: RAGNAROK PROMO ART (2017)
Some of the concept art from the Thor: Ragnarok movie showcasing the Hulk and Thor locked in combat.
THOR AND HULK INTERACTIVE ELECTRONIC FIGURES (2017)
Thor and Hulk electronic figures that interact with each other and say quotes from the movie (some of them are when they are fighting it out).
THOR VS HULK FIGURE SET (2017)
LEGO THOR VS. HULK: ARENA CLASH (2017)
These are various "Hulk vs Thor" or "Thor vs Hulk" images shown on items such as shirts, clothes, mugs, pins, stickers, clocks, sheets, backpacks, posters, canvas prints, etc.
THOR:RAGNAROK HOT TOYS ADS (2017)
Hot Toys ads for Hulk and Thor 1/6 Scale and Bobble-Head Figures from the movie Thor: Ragnarok shows the Hulk and Thor locked in combat.
HULK VS THOR STATUE (2017)
HULK VS THOR GALLERY STATUES (2017)
HULK VS THOR QMAX STATUES (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "THOR VS. HULK" PASSPORT TO READING BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "THE LEGEND OF THOR" BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "GET IN THE RING" BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "BEHIND THE SCENES" MOVIE BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "JUNIOR NOVEL" BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "LET THE BATTLE BEGIN" BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "INTO THE FIRE" BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK WALL ART BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK CARDS (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK WALL POSTER BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK MOVIE ART BOOK (2017)
MARVEL PREMIER TRIPLE PANEL SKETCH CARD (2017)
 |
| Variant: THE WORLD BREAKER VS. THOR ODINSON |
THE MIGHTY THUNDER GOD VS. THE INCREDIBLE HULK PRINT (2017)
THOR: THUNDER STRIKE GOLDEN BOOK (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK CALENDARS FOR 2018 (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK STICKERS (2017)
EMPIRE MAGAZINE (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK "THOR VS HULK" BADGE PACKS (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK PLAYING CARDS (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK COLORING/ACTIVITY BOOKS (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK FUNKO POP TRAILER (2017)
Funko Pop video showcasing the Thor: Ragnarok collector's box has the Hulk, Thor and Loki in it. Unfortunately, after the Hulk smashes Loki, he hits Thor as well.
THOR: RAGNAROK FUNKO POP GLADIATOR HULK SET (2017)
Funko
Pop Gladiator Hulk figure with "Hulk vs Thor" shirt and collector's box showing "Thor vs Hulk."
THOR: RAGNAROK HEROCLIX GRAVITY FEED (2017)
THOR: RAGNAROK FUTURE FIGHT (2017)
For the Future Fight video game comes the Thor: Ragnarok expansion. Pit the Hulk against Thor in the arena or use other characters.
THOR: RAGNAROK AVENGERS ACADEMY (2017)
A mobile game based on the Avengers as college students where players develop their superpowers and have them fight different super villains.
LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES 2 VIDEO GAME (2017)
Another installment of the popular Marvel LEGO video game series. With more options and more expanded worlds, you can even be the Hulk or Thor in all new variations. There's even a Thor: Ragnarok game level where you have to fight a few incarnations of the Hulk in the Arena and help save the real one from the Red King. Either way it spells fun!
"THOR VS HULK" COMIC AND BOOK BOXES (2017)
MARVEL FUTURE AVENGERS (SEASON: 1 EPISODE: 21 "THE WORST CONQUISTADOR" 2017)
While Thor and Tony Stark argue, the Hulk will hit the wall stopping them and then threatening them to cut it out or they will have to deal with him.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 4 EPISODE: 13 "THE RETURN" 2017)
While the Hulk, Thor and the Avengers team crowd inside Jane Foster's apartment and plan an attack on Loki, there is not much room to move. As Jane tries to show a film of their plan of attack, the Hulk is in the way. Thor will elbow the brute in the arm and tell him to move. The Hulk reluctantly does and sits on the couch (crushing Hawkeye's leg in the process).
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE (SEASON: 4 EPISODE: 18 "UNDERWORLD" 2018)
As the Avengers walk about Battle world, they are confronted by Loki. While all the Avengers don't trust him, it's Thor who wants to attack him. Even the Hulk realizes they need the God of Mischief's help in this strange new place, and he holds Thor back. Eventually, the Avengers team with Loki on this quest.
THOR RAGNAROK: HULK VS THOR CHARM (2018)
MARVEL STRIKE FORCE (2018)
A free-play scrolling game for the tablet or phone. An assault on the Earth has been made and the greatest heroes and villains must team-up to defend it. Thor is considered a "blaster" in this game because he's good from range and the Hulk is a "protector" due to his ability to take damage and gain more power as he takes damage. While it is more of a team-up game, there are situations where the characters fight each other and "Hulk vs Thor" is no exception.
AVENGERS STORYBOOK COLLECTION (2018)
A book with a bunch of Avenger stories for children. In the story AVENGERS ASSEMBLE PART 2, the Hulk is on a rampage and Thor slugs it out with him (without trying to really hurt him). Eventually, they stop when the other Avengers intervene, and they become a team.
 |
|
HULK VS THOR T-SHIRTS (2018)
THE INCREDIBLE HULK VS. THE MIGHTY THOR NEW YORK JETS PROMOTIONAL POSTER (2018)
A free giveaway promotional poster from the New York Jets while the team were playing against the Minnesota Vikings. 55,000 of these were given to fans as they left the stadium.
HULK VS THOR T-SHIRTS (2019)
.
HULK VS THOR STATUE (2019)
AVENGERS: ENDGAME MOVIE (2019)
When the "Professor" Hulk confronts a retired and overweight Thor about traveling back in time to confront Thanos, it strikes buried emotions within the fallen Thunder God. Thor will grab Banner but eventually calm down and join them in their quest.
MARVEL SUPER WAR MOBA GAME (2019)
A multi-player free roam game made for the iOS where you pick teams of four characters and roam through various places of the Marvel Universe and battle it out. The Hulk and Thor are included in the roster of characters given so you can have them team up or fight it out.
THE END??
To know the Marvel Universe, you have to know about the "BIG 3." These 3 characters are at the top of the food-chain when it comes to levels of power for the greatest Marvel Heroes. These 3 characters strike the most fear and gain the most respect from opposing opposition. These 3 characters are without a doubt The Marvel hierarchy of ultimate power. They are The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor and The Silver Surfer. Yup, these guys are the standard, and every other hero that wants to be deemed "super" is measured up against them to see how high up the ladder they are and regarded among peers. Here is how the "BIG 3" rank in certain categories between each other.
Strength and Durability: Hulk Skill and Mindset: Thor Overall Versatility: Silver Surfer
You can make an argument on who ranks second and third in each category between them, but there is no doubt that the character listed as number 1 is the rightful owner of that power-level. And if you read my other write ups; "Thor vs Silver Surfer" or "Hulk vs Silver Surfer," you will notice that each of the "BIG 3" is so insanely powerful that they balance themselves out when it comes to fighting each other. While Thor has the edge over Silver Surfer in their battles, Silver Surfer has the edge over the Hulk, which leads me to this write up where the Hulk has the edge over Thor.
The final tally in 42 official match ups shows the Hulk with the edge over Thor 3 to 2 and clearly having much better showings overall in their slugfests. Statistics don't lie. Not only does the Hulk have more definitive victories over the Thunder God, but he also has 4 "EDGE" results while Thor only has 1. Even though an "EDGE" result cannot be considered a legitimate victory and can happen for any number of reasons in a match up, I have to mention this because some of those "EDGE" results the Hulk received were incredibly devastating to Thor and changed the course of this rivalry (see their slugfest in The Mighty Thor #385 as an example). And it would be wrong if I didn't point out that Thor's "WIN" in Fear Itself #5 is extremely controversial and could be argued if it was really even a "WIN" at all. So regardless of what you think, the fact is, the Hulk has been getting the better of Thor for years.
Remember facts before feelings Thor fanboys because I know most of you will shout, “I SAY THEE NAY” to this write up. But when you totally forget about any alternate reality battles and disregard the silly thoughts of Thor always holding back or the Hulk is just a "man" while Thor is a "god" (see The Incredible Hulk #440 and Hulk #8) because you can see that some absolutes are quite clear despite what Thor or one of his companions say. The comics show that Thor is physically not equal to the Hulk in terms of strength, durability and endurance. How can he be? His only unquestionable legitimate "WIN" over the Hulk came from a "sneak attack" with a lightning bolt in The Incredible Hulk Annual 2001, hardly a physical attack from Thor's own strength. As the Hulk gets madder, he gets stronger, heals faster and never tires -- ever (as long as he's angry). Thor even
admits to the Hulk's superior strength in that very issue and in many other issues throughout their history because he has always been in awe of it. The truth is it’s just Thor’s fight to lose the longer it lasts because that’s how the Hulk’s powers work. Now, I'll agree that Thor may have originally been created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to be the strongest in the Marvel stable, but as time went on things changed for the Thunder God as the Hulk got more popular.
 |
| So, Thor has always held back in his previous slugfests with the Hulk? Is this true or is the Thunder God being a bit presumptuous? Either way, even in "Warrior Madness" mode Thor couldn't get the victory over the Hulk. |
Defenders #10 is always thrown into the conversation as the undeniable proof of Thor being the Hulk's "equal" in strength and it was a valid argument for years. But truth be told, that’s not the case anymore. The Mighty Thor #385 (once again) and all their fights thereafter (especially in The Incredible Hulk Annual 2001 (once again) and Hulk Smash Avengers #1) have put that “90-minute test of strength” debate to rest and I know it’s hard for most Thor fans to admit. It's also seen in Hulk: Let The Battle Begin #1 and The Immortal Hulk #7 where the Hulk totally and decisively defeats Thor without question. I know it’s hard for most Thor fans to see this because it does drop Thor down a notch from his “majestic” Silver Age days.
But for me, what always made Thor capable of being a match for the Hulk (or almost anyone else) are three things; 1.) The war-hammer, Mjolnir. This tremendous weapon makes Thor all powerful and grants him such an array of versatile powers that I believe it makes Thor one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe. 2.) Fighting ability. Thor has thousands of years of training and that makes Thor crazy tough in a fight (I hate when some writers sometime downplay this skill, it drives me nuts). 3.) Lastly, and most importantly, Thor’s never say die, warriors’ heart. Just about nobody in comics has the fighting spirit of Thor. He keeps coming and coming despite the odds and defeats. Whether it’s to protect the innocents, his name, his heritage, his ego or his glory it doesn't matter, Thor just keeps coming back for more. It’s part of his mindset, so when he eventually dies and goes to Valhalla, a throne of his glorious conquests will await him (it’s actually beautiful when I think about it). These are the things that Thor brings to the table that make him so awesome. And this is also why he never uses his “other” powers that Mjolnir grants him (like the Godforce, etc.) because Thor wants to beat the Hulk in physical combat!!
When Thor fanboys complain about how Thor should always beat the Hulk and doesn't because Marvel always protects their more popular characters, let's not forget that despite some occasional low-end showings, the Thunder God has always been able to maintain an edge over these Super-Heavyweights; the Silver Surfer (go see my write up), Sub-Mariner, Black Bolt, Hercules, Hyperion, Juggernaut, Abomination, Gladiator and even “Gem Powered” Drax the Destroyer, all who have given the Hulk trouble in the past. As I see it, no one should be complaining because Thor cleans up in just about every other fight and always gets the girl in the end. Why the need to complain?
Thor will always be a champion of good and one of the most respected and powerful beings on Earth (and in comics). But when you are talking about pure raw-strength, durability and stamina -- is anyone the Hulk’s equal? So, to put an end to one of the frequent arguments in this rivalry, I’ll let the facts tell it like it is the Hulk is the stronger and more durable while Thor is the more powerful and talented. When you read all their fights with unbiased eyes this observation is just so obvious. So, expect them to be peers with some advantages over the other until the end of time.
And finally, with “Hulk vs Thor” being a Marvel tradition, there’s always the next big fight that looms within an upcoming funny book, cartoon or movie. Let’s see how they go and what new arguments come with it. Regardless of who wins or loses, it’s a tradition all of us fans alike are always waiting for.
Agree?? Disagree?? Let’s hear it fanboys…
Check out other "DEFINITIVE WRITE UPS" here:
ARTICLE ABOUT THIS WRITE UP
