Why General Ross Became the Red Hulk: A Full Backstory Explanation

General Thaddeus Ross, a prominent figure in the Marvel Comics universe, is best known for his hatred of the Hulk. However, in a surprising twist, Ross is revealed to be none other than the Red Hulk in Hulk Volume 2 Issue 23. Why did he make such a dramatic transformation, and what led to this turning point in his character?

From Enemy to Ally: The Backstory

General Thaddeus Ross's journey to becoming the Red Hulk is rooted in a personal tragedy. His daughter, Mary, was murdered by the Abomination, a monster that was created by Ross himself. The juxtaposition of Ross's greed for power and his inability to protect his loved ones created a profound sense of failure and frustration. As a result, Ross drifted into a mid-life crisis.

Initially, his sole purpose in life was to neutralize the Hulk and ensure the safety of humanity. However, with the Hulk exiled by the Illuminati, Ross found himself without a mission. This idleness and sense of powerlessness led to a deep existential crisis.

The Offer from the Intelligencia

Ross's life took an unexpected turn when he received a proposal from the Intelligencia, a secret organization composed of some of the most cunning and intelligent super villains. The Intelligencia approached Ross with a proposition: they would give him the power to defeat the Hulk if he collaborated with them in their plans.

The Intelligencia had an ulterior motive. They had secretly stolen the Hulk's body during a critical moment in World War Hulk without the knowledge of Tony Stark, Reed Richards, or the Avengers. By using the gamma radiation in the Hulk's body and black ball to turn Ross into the Red Hulk, they aimed to use this powerful new ally in furthering their own power and influence.

The Turning Point

General Ross's transformation into the Red Hulk marked a significant change in his character. No longer was he just a mere human with a hatred for the Hulk; he became an unstoppable force capable of both incredible feats and devastating consequences.

During the World War Hulk, Ross's new form played a crucial role in the conflict. His ability to absorb and utilize gamma energy made him a formidable adversary to both the Hulk and other superheroes. However, this power came at a cost, as he was no longer the rational and selfless individual he once was.

Implications for the Future

General Ross's transformation into the Red Hulk had far-reaching implications. It not only changed the dynamics of the Marvel universe but also presented intriguing possibilities for future storylines. In the upcoming movie The Thunderbolts, Ross's role will be played by Harrison Ford, adding another layer of depth to this complex character.

General Ross's transformation from enemy to ally serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of giving in to greed and the devastating effects of personal tragedy. It also raises questions about the true motivations behind such powerful transformations and the potential for redemption or downfall in the realm of superhero storytelling.

Stay tuned as the story of General Ross and the Red Hulk continues to unfold, exploring the complex interplay between power, ambition, and redemption.