The Super Soldier Serum has existed in Marvel Comics for a very long time, dating back to when they were referred to as the Timely Comics, being first used to explain the origins of Captain America’s powers in Captain America Comics #1. There have been many who have tried to replicate its effects and many who have their own versions of it in their stories.
While there is only one original serum, the other counterparts do end up behaving in a very similar way. This factor may have led to the answer to one of the biggest questions that fans have had since Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame came out. How was Captain America able to hold his own so well against Thanos? The solution to this may lie more in the powers of the Hulk than in Chris Evans’ character.
The Hulk’s Powers Have A Very Important Ingredient
A very important aspect of Bruce Banner’s inner demon is that the Hulk’s strength and weakness heavily rely on his mental state. So much so that not making him angry comes as a cautionary tale with his name. This is not only the case for Banner, but also when the other guy shows up, all walking on eggshells around him. There have been many examples, both on and off screen, that can attest to the fact that the angrier he gets, the stronger he will become. Many look at this version of the Super Soldier Serum as the biggest failure out of all attempts, however, there is a possibility that this is the closest replica.
The distinct factor that both Banner and Captain America have and other super soldiers don’t, is the use of radiation. Rogers was subjected to vita rays in the comics, and the Hulk was a result of gamma rays. Both of these could have potentially led to the serum being reliant on their mental state for its intensity and strength.
From Bruce Banner getting plagued with gamma rays to the Black Panther having the Heart-Shaped herb as an important part of his story, it is safe to say that the stars and strips of Steve Rogers hold influence.
Captain America’s Abilities May Mirror The Hulk
The biggest characteristic of Steve Rogers’ personality is that he is brave and will keep on fighting all day. This was the case even before he met with Dr. Abraham Erskine and has continued, if not magnified, since the addition of the serum. It could be possible, as hypothesized by a fan on Reddit, that this could be closely linked to his powers. While there is concrete proof that the Hulk’s strength comes from his anger, there isn’t any for Captain America and his willpower. Or is there?
Fans were extremely confused in Avengers: Infinity War when Rogers, a mere human, was able to challenge Thanos in hand-to-hand combat. Though they understood that he was stronger than normal humans, they could not understand how he was able to be this strong, having never seen this before. If Captain America’s powers are linked with his will, he would get stronger, the bigger villain he fights, which would be synonymous with his personality.
Never shying down from a fight even if there is no way he could win. It would make perfect sense that the serum would magnify its capabilities depending on how motivated he is to fight.
