Hulk Takes Over Bruce's Mind! (The Hulkscape)

Hey guys, what's happening? Today we're getting back into the Philip K. Johnson Hulk series. In this article, we'll explore the next stage of the Hulk taking over Bruce Banner's body, where the Hulk gives Bruce a taste of his own medicine. If you're enjoying these articles, make sure to drop a like, subscribe if you're new to the channel, and don't forget to hit that bell up top to get all notifications so we can squad up in the comments for the first hour.

The Journey to Las Vegas

We pick up with Bruce making his way to Las Vegas, Nevada after taking the advice of the mysterious Flesh Weaver, who told Bruce he would find what he needs to save Charlie here. Bruce appears to have almost made it to Vegas, hitching a ride to get closer to the city. However, things soon reveal themselves to be more complicated.

Enter the Hulkscape

As Bruce tries to hitch a ride, a hulked-out 18-wheeler with bright gamma headlights forces him off the road. This dramatic scene is actually a peek into Bruce's mindscape, known as the Hulkscape. Here, Bruce is locked away, similar to how he's locked the Hulk away before. In this twisted landscape, Bruce converses with a figure he initially believes to be Rick Jones.

Unveiling the Mindscape Prison

Bruce and the mysterious figure talk about the Hulkscape, with Rick telling Bruce that it gets harder to find a way out every time. If the path fully closes, Bruce will be stuck in the Hulkscape forever, controlled by the Hulk. Rick insists that they get out because Charlie needs him both in the real world and the Hulk.

Bruce's Past Failures

Bruce acknowledges the many reasons the Hulk might be angry at him, including weaponizing the Hulk and interfering with Betty's transformation. These incidents have driven the Hulk to want to take over fully. The Hulkscape is the Hulk's attempt to lock Bruce away permanently and make him suffer.

The Hulk's Wrath

As Bruce navigates towards a light in the clouds, his supposed escape route from the Hulkscape, he encounters multiple obstacles designed by the Hulk. Hulk brings gargoyles to life and uses green lightning to torment Bruce. Despite reminders from Bruce about their need to save Charlie, the Hulk remains relentless.

The Deception

Just when Bruce reaches the light, it's revealed that the "Rick Jones" figure was the Hulk all along, manipulating him to feel hope and then snatching it away. The Hulk tells Bruce that there's no way back for him, driving Bruce into despair.

Betty's Intervention

In the darkness, Bruce hears Betty's voice. At first, he thinks it's another trick, but she convinces him it's truly her. Betty offers Bruce a stark choice: let Charlie become a monster or make a sacrifice to the eldest, giving up the Hulk forever. She reminds Bruce that he has to make a decision to save Charlie, adding yet another layer of complexity to Bruce's ongoing struggle.

Conclusion

This storyline forces Bruce to confront his past decisions and the implications they have on others. His next move in the Temple of Lyana will determine the fate of both Charlie and the Hulk, ensuring that whatever he decides, someone will be severely affected.

Keywords

Philip K. Johnson
Hulk series
Bruce Banner
Hulkscape
Las Vegas
Flesh Weaver
Rick Jones
Charlie
Betty
Temple of Lyana

FAQ

Q: What is the Hulkscape?
A: The Hulkscape is a mindscape where the Hulk locks Bruce Banner away, reversing the roles they have typically played.

Q: Why is the Hulk angry with Bruce Banner?
A: The Hulk is angry due to various reasons, including Bruce weaponizing him and attempting to cure Betty against her will.

Q: Who does Bruce initially think the mysterious figure is in the Hulkscape?
A: Bruce initially believes the figure is Rick Jones.

Q: What choice does Bruce have to make to save Charlie?
A: Bruce has to choose between condemning Charlie to a monstrous existence or giving up the Hulk by making a sacrifice to the eldest.

Q: How does Betty intervene in Bruce's struggle?
A: Betty contacts Bruce in the darkness, offering him forgiveness and presenting him with a difficult choice to save Charlie.