Thunderbolt Ross
General Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross (also known as the Red Hulk), is a major antagonist in the Marvel Comics universe, where he is depicted as one of the four arch enemies of the Hulk (along with Abomination, the Leader and Brian Banner).
Fictional character biography
[change | change source]He is a high-ranking military officer (usually as a three-star or four-star general, depending on the continuity) for either the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force (again, depending on the continuity) and was the head of the Gamma Bomb Project that resulted in Dr. Bruce Banner becoming the Hulk in the first place. He is also the father of Elizabeth "Betty" Ross, who is Banner/Hulk's main love interest. He later becomes the leader of the Hulkbusters, a military team that was tasked with bringing down the Hulk.
After the creation of the Hulk, Ross pursues the creature with a growing obsession, and after learning that Banner and the Hulk are one and the same, Ross hunts Banner as well. Later, he becomes Red Hulk with the help of The Leader, in order to better combat the Green Goliath. Though later he would redeem himself due to his guilt, by becoming the leader of the Thunderbolts, as well as a member of the Avengers.
Powers and abilities
[change | change source]He has superhuman strength, durability, and endurance, comparable to that of the Hulk. He is capable of absorbing radiation, which his body can metabolize for increased strength. Unlike the Hulk, increased anger does not make him stronger but causes him to emit increasing heat.
In other media
[change | change source]In addition to appearing in the comics, various cartoon, and various video games as a major antagonist, Ross has appeared in the movies Hulk, The Incredible Hulk, and well as in Captain America: Civil War, Captain America: Brave New World, and Thunderbolts*, portrayed by Sam Elliott, William Hurt, and Harrison Ford, respectively. He is ranked 71st on IGN's list of Greatest Comic Book Villains of All Time.