Why Did the Avengers Sometimes Fight Hulk?

Many fans of the Marvel Universe might wonder why the Avengers, a group often showcased as a team of heroes, would sometimes fight Hulk, who is one of the founding members. However, it's important to understand the complex dynamics that sometimes drive such conflicts.

Hulk: One of the Original Members, Not a Founder

Hulk is often mentioned as one of the original members of the team, but it's inaccurate to call him the founder. In reality, Hulk was never a full-time member in the comics and has left the team multiple times. Hulk's relationship with the Avengers is characterized by moments of cooperation and conflict, primarily driven by his uncontrollable nature.

“Hulk was one of the original members of the team but he was hardly 'The Founder' of the team. In fact, if he hadn't insisted on being part of the team, he probably wouldn’t have been included.” - Marvel Comics

Key Conflicts and Episodes

The tension between the Avengers and Hulk first arose during a storyline where the Space Phantom, a cosmic entity that could swap bodies with humans, took control of Hulk's body. The Avengers fought against this entity, not discerning who was whose body. This led to a misunderstanding, with Hulk taking the harsh words personally.

The Space Phantom's Body Swapping

During an issue of Avengers 1, the Space Phantom began swapping bodies, targeting notable individuals like Hulk. This conflict led to a significant misunderstanding. The Avengers engaged in a fight with someone they believed was Hulk, specifically targeting him. Eventually, when Hulk reclaimed his body, the situation escalated further as Iron Man continued to fight him, noting no significant changes.

The Avengers' perception of Hulk as a dangerous weapon to be controlled in dire circumstances wasn't entirely without merit. Hulk's uncontrollable nature often put others at risk, and sometimes, it was necessary to contain him to prevent harm to the team and civilians.

Trust and Misunderstanding

Hulk, who believed the Avengers were his friends, felt betrayed by their treatment. His decision to leave the team was a natural reaction to the harsh experiences he endured. The Avengers, on the other hand, viewed Hulk as a potential threat rather than a teammate. They showed no hesitance to fight him if he was a danger to the team or to humanity.

Avengers 2 and the Return of Hulk

During Avengers 2, Hulk was forced to leave the team again due to the actions of the Space Phantom. Although he left, he occasionally returned to the team, as seen in the storyline where he came back with Namor to fight the Avengers. This pattern of leaving and returning highlighted the complex and often strained relationship between Hulk and the Avengers.

Conclusion

The conflicts between the Avengers and Hulk are often rooted in the inherent danger associated with his uncontrollable nature. It's essential to understand that while Hulk was one of the founding members, his character has evolved over time, reflecting the complex nature of team dynamics within the Marvel Universe.

Whether through body-swapping entities or his own uncontrolled actions, these conflicts serve to emphasize the trust issues and the sometimes necessary actions needed to protect the team and the public. The relationship between Hulk and the Avengers is a prime example of the challenges faced by heroes operating in a world where trust is often a luxury.