Has The Hulk Ever Been Controlled Using Mind Control?

The Hulk, one of Marvel Comics' most iconic characters, has a formidable reputation for his immense strength and untamed nature. However, despite his fame for resisting manipulation and control, instances of his being mind-controlled have appeared in various comic book storylines and adaptations.

Notable Instances of Mind Control

While the Hulk's resistance to physical and magical attacks is legendary, the character has not been immune to mind control and manipulation. Here are several notable instances where the Hulk has been subjected to such control:

The Leader

The Leader, a recurring villain in the Marvel Universe, has utilized his intellect and advanced technology to control the Hulk's mind. These manipulations often serve The Leader's purposes, turning the powerful creature into a tool for his personal goals.

The Scarlet Witch

While The Scarlet Witch did not directly control the Hulk's mind in most of her encounters with the character, there have been instances where her actions indirectly influenced The Hulk's behavior. Her powers and abilities have occasionally made it difficult for the Hulk to distinguish friend from foe or act according to his own nature.

The Maestro

In alternate realities, such as the world of Erebus, The Maestro has managed to exert control over The Hulk's mind. Here, the focus is not on immediate control but on long-term manipulation, leading to a more subtle form of influence over the Hulk's actions.

The Mindless Hulk

At times, The Hulk has been portrayed as being in a mindless state, acting purely on rage and instinct, making him susceptible to manipulation by other characters. This state is often a temporary condition brought on by extreme circumstances or prolonged exposure to the Hulk's transformation.

The Incredible Hulk 404

While not strictly a case of mind control, the storyline in The Incredible Hulk 404 involved various characters influencing The Hulk's actions and motivations. In one specific issue, Mentallo and his advanced machine were able to manipulate The Hulk's perceptions, causing him to fight alongside their enemies for nearly two full issues.

The Incredible Hulk 403

In The Incredible Hulk 403, The Hulk was ambushed by Cain Marko, also known as The Juggernaut, due to a lack of recognition. Although he eventually fought back, the initial ambush demonstrates how even the Hulk can be caught off guard.

Avengers Vol. 5 #1

A time-displaced The Savage Hulk was mind-controlled by Abyss, an entity from another dimension. Abyss's control over the Hulk resulted in him engaging in a battle against the Avengers. The conflict was ultimately resolved when Thor intervened with a lightning bolt, freeing the Hulk from Abyss's influence.

Fantastic Four #2018 #12-13

Through unknown methods, The Puppet Master mind-controlled the Immortal Hulk. Utilizing this control, The Puppet Master attempted to kill Ben Grimm, but when The Hulk regained his senses, he sought revenge. Such incidents highlight the complexity of mind control attempts on the Hulk, often leading to backlash.

Resilience Against Mind Control

Despite these occurrences, the Hulk has demonstrated an extraordinary resistance to mind control. This resilience is partly due to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of his mind. In The Incredible Hulk 404, for example, The Hulk was under the control of Mentallo but eventually managed to break free from the mind control when the reality-warping entity Abyss was neutralized.

Although Bruce Banner has shown susceptibility to mind control, notably in Defenders #19 when Dr. Strange took control of his mind to defuse a bomb, the Hulk himself has typically resisted such attempts. Instances like the time-displaced The Savage Hulk, controlled by Abyss, and the Immortal Hulk controlled by The Puppet Master, while concerning, are exceptions rather than the norm.

Conclusion

Although The Hulk is typically depicted as immune to mind control due to his chaotic and powerful nature, his character has been subjected to mind-altering influences. These instances serve to highlight the complexity of the Hulk's psyche and the potential vulnerabilities within his otherwise unyielding persona. While the majority of attempts at mind control on the Hulk fail, those that succeed often result in significant consequences for both the characters involved and the plot of the comic book.