The Incredible Hulk is one of the strongest characters from Marvel Comics, who boasts several powerful forms, including the nigh-invulnerable World Breaker Hulk. In the comics, when the Hulk goes on a rampage in this form, even the strongest superheroes struggle to fight him. However, Ghost Rider is considered among the few who can go toe-to-toe with the Jade Giant.
During one of the most popular Hulk storylines from the comics, Hulk and Ghost Rider faced off, leading to sheer carnage and mayhem. However, the event also led to an interesting revelation about the latter’s powers and their effect on the Hulk. As a result, it was revealed that Ghost Rider could kill World Breaker Hulk with his penance stare, albeit on one dark and ominous condition.
Ghost Rider and World Breaker Hulk’s Comic Book Feud, Explained
The World Breaker Hulk incarnation of Bruce Banner’s alter ego was introduced at the end of the Planet Hulk storyline in Marvel Comics. It led to the crossover event World War Hulk, which sees Hulk returning from his exile in space to exact revenge on those who contributed to the decision to send him away from Earth.
As a result, World Breaker Hulk comes into conflict and fights against several powerful superheroes, including Iron Man, Fantastic Four, and Hercules. In Ghost Rider #13 (2006), Hulk comes to blows with the Johnny Blaze incarnation of the Spirit of Vengeance. As the two heroes fight, Ghost Rider uses his powers on Hulk, which do not affect the Jade Giant.
Meanwhile, Doctor Strange, who is observing the fight with Mr. Fantastic reveals that the Ghost Rider’s penance stare only works on individuals who have committed atrocious murders and feel remorse for them. Thus, Ghost Rider unleashes the wrath of the Spirit of Vengeance on the killers. However, since the Hulk is innocent and hasn’t killed anyone, Ghost Rider’s powers do not affect him.
Ghost Rider Can Kill Hulk With His Penance Stare Under a Dark Condition
While Ghost Rider does not defeat Hulk during their aforementioned fight, Doctor Strange explains how the former’s penance stare could almost certainly kill Hulk. As Strange revealed, the Hulk hasn’t harmed any innocent lives, which makes him immune to the penance stare.
However, if the Hulk were to cause the death of an innocent person in his rampant quest for revenge, Ghost Rider’s penance stare would become inescapable for the Hulk. As a result, the Hulk is simply one mistake away from being killed by the Ghost Rider. Given the nature of Ghost Rider’s powers, it is safe to say Strange’s theory is correct.
Assuming, the Hulk killed an innocent person, Bruce Banner would feel remorse for it, creating an opening for Ghost Rider. The penance stare would then consume Hulk, and he wouldn’t be able to escape like Thanos and Punisher, who feel no remorse. Thus, Ghost Rider could kill World Breaker Hulk, provided the latter kills an innocent person and Banner feels remorse for it.
