Is Red Hulk a Hero or a Villain? Thaddeus Ross Explained

Red Hulk is one of Marvel’s gamma radiation-powered characters. But before he was a gamma mutate, he was General Thaddeus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross. He was born into a family with a history of military service, and quickly chose to follow in his ancestors’ footsteps. Ross became a career military man, meaning he served for a long time and remained through multiple tours. Proud and severe, Ross excelled at this job, advancing fast in the ranks and garnering the nickname “Thunderbolt” for his decisive actions. Most notably, General Ross found the most glory in combat and hated the so-called “desk jobs” that the government gave him following World War II.

One of these assignments included command of a missile base and nuclear research base in New Mexico. Ross brought his daughter, Betty Ross, to the site. There, she met and developed feelings for Dr. Bruce Banner. Unfortunately, Ross’ personal resentment for Banner — due to his civilian status and involvement with Betty — would eventually lead to the general’s utter ruin.

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Thaddeus Ross is Hulk’s enemy

Banner’s own gamma bomb exposed the scientist to intense radiation and mutated him into the Hulk. Because of the destruction and chaos wrought by this angry beast, Thaddeus Ross dedicated his life to hunting the Hulk. He literally became the head of “Operation Hulk,” a government project dedicated to finding, killing, or capturing the green menace. Ross also became director of Hulkbuster Base — later Gamma Base — and spearheaded tactics to take Bruce Banner down, even while knowing his civilian identity. Eventually, Ross agreed to attempt to cure Banner of his afflicted alter ego, but that grudging respect and consideration did not last long.

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For the most part, Red Hulk is a villain

Sadly, Thaddeus Ross’ obsession with the Hulk eclipsed all reason or rationale. Once a stalwart soldier with clearly defined morals, Ross began making deals with super villains in order to achieve his goals. He allied himself with Abomination, M.O.D.O.K., and the Leader. The latter two villains convinced Ross to undergo an experiment wherein he absorbed energy siphoned from the Hulk. M.O.D.O.K. thus turned Thaddeus Ross into the Red Hulk, an enraged gamma mutate of similar size and strength to the original green Hulk. Notably, however, Thaddeus Ross could control his transformations.

That’s the key difference between these Hulks. And yet, Thaddeus Ross is entirely ruled by his emotions, psychological trauma, and baser instincts. Given his inability to control his temper, it’s hard to say how “in control” he actually is of his change. Still, becoming the Red Hulk is considered an entirely conscious act for Ross. He used his newfound abilities to go on missions and hunt the Hulk, all while resenting himself for the monster he had become.

Red Hulk found himself on the wrong side

Like many military leaders, Ross had a hard time admitting defeat. So he leaned harder into his villainous side. Red Hulk fought against She-Hulk, Namor, Doctor Strange, and Silver Surfer. Meanwhile, Ross also threatened to kill civilians in a murderous rampage should secrets about his identity and actions ever leak. So, is Red Hulk a hero? The answer is decidedly no.

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But Red Hulk can be heroic

Of course, every villain deserves an attempt at redemption. Captain America later convinced Red Hulk to try therapy as well as Avenging. The general experienced a brief period of power loss, as well as some time bonded with the alien symbiote Carnage. In more recent comic runs, Ross is still working on his internalized hatred for anything related to Hulks. When captured by Cutthroat and Crossbones, Ross begged them to torture him. Yet in the end, he defeated his enemies and saluted Cap. Progress isn’t linear — but here’s hoping Red Hulk/Thaddeus Ross can soon become the hero he always believed he was.

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