The relationship between the Hulks (Bruce Banner and his alter ego, the Hulk) and She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters) is multifaceted and complex, rooted in both familial ties and their shared experiences with gamma radiation. While the two characters share a common transformation, their relationships—both in terms of their human selves and their Hulk forms—differ in various ways. Here’s a detailed look at how these relationships evolve in the comics and media.
Family Connection: Bruce Banner and Jennifer Walters
At the core, the relationship between She-Hulk and the Hulk is deeply familial. Jennifer Walters is Bruce Banner’s cousin, and their bond is one of blood ties and mutual respect. This familial connection is pivotal because it explains how Jennifer transforms into She-Hulk. After a life-threatening situation where Jennifer is shot, Bruce, in an effort to save her, gives her a blood transfusion. This transfusion results in Jennifer gaining powers similar to his own, transforming her into She-Hulk.
Bruce’s initial reaction to Jennifer’s transformation is one of concern. He is protective and wishes that his cousin didn’t have to go through the same burden that he faces with the Hulk transformation. Bruce has often expressed a desire for Jennifer to maintain her human form and avoid the physical and emotional turmoil that he himself endures. Despite this, he ultimately supports her and guides her through her new life with these extraordinary abilities.
Bruce Banner’s Protective Nature
Bruce, as the original Hulk, struggles with his dual identity. The transformation into the Hulk is often a curse for him, a force he cannot control. In contrast, Jennifer Walters, while initially unsure of her powers, embraces her She-Hulk persona with more confidence. She maintains a greater degree of control over her transformation, often remaining in her Hulk form even when not enraged, which is a key distinction between her and Bruce. Despite her control, Bruce is still concerned for her well-being. He does not want Jennifer to suffer the same pain and alienation that he has endured as the Hulk.
Their relationship often reflects the dichotomy between Bruce’s desire to rid himself of the Hulk and Jennifer’s acceptance of her She-Hulk identity. While Bruce struggles with the monster inside him, Jennifer learns to embrace her duality and even thrives in her She-Hulk form, leading to occasional tensions between the two regarding how best to handle their respective Hulk personas.
She-Hulk’s Different Approach to the Hulk
Jennifer Walters, unlike her cousin Bruce, tends to balance her human and Hulk sides in a more integrated way. She is often portrayed as a more confident and self-assured version of the Hulk, using her Hulk persona to empower herself rather than to wreak havoc. In many iterations, Jennifer’s transformation does not diminish her intellect or control, allowing her to function in social, professional, and legal spheres as She-Hulk. This contrasts sharply with Bruce’s experience, where the Hulk often overtakes his personality and control. Jennifer’s self-empowerment is a defining feature of her character.
While Bruce often rejects his Hulk identity as a destructive force, Jennifer embraces the She-Hulk form as a way to achieve personal and professional success. For example, in some storylines, Jennifer works as a lawyer and uses her She-Hulk abilities to her advantage in both her career and her crime-fighting efforts.
Did They Ever Have a Romantic Relationship?
While there have been many fan theories and some speculative narratives, there is no canon depiction in the Marvel comics of Hulk and She-Hulk ever pursuing a romantic relationship. The two characters are cousins, and this familial bond prevents any romantic developments. Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect, care, and shared struggles rather than romance or attraction.
Instead of a romantic relationship, their bond is more about mutual understanding and support. They each face the challenges of being Hulk-like figures in their own way, and their relationship often reflects a shared sense of responsibility and recognition of their unique status. Bruce’s affection for Jennifer is more about family loyalty and wanting the best for her, while Jennifer respects Bruce’s struggles and often acts as a grounding influence for him.
The Hulk Family and Their Dynamics
The dynamic between the Hulk family members—Bruce, Jennifer, and even other variations of the Hulk (like the Red Hulk and others)—often explores themes of power, responsibility, and the emotional toll of their transformations. Bruce and Jennifer occasionally find themselves in conflict over their methods and philosophies, but they also share moments of deep understanding. This relationship evolves in various ways across different media, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where both characters are portrayed, but their interactions are more limited.
Jennifer Walters and Her Own Hero Journey
Over time, Jennifer Walters has evolved into a hero in her own right. Her relationship with Bruce as a mentor is just one aspect of her larger journey of self-discovery. While Bruce represents the more tragic side of the Hulk identity, Jennifer showcases the more empowering possibilities of embracing her alter ego. Her story arcs often include her being part of teams like the Avengers or the Fantastic Four, and she has her own rogues’ gallery. Her acceptance of her She-Hulk identity and her ability to live a relatively balanced life are a testament to her growth and resilience.
Conclusion
The relationship between Bruce Banner (the Hulk) and Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) is deeply rooted in family, with a strong foundation of mutual care and respect. Bruce’s protectiveness over Jennifer is tempered by her ability to embrace her powers in ways he never could. While their journeys with their Hulk personas diverge significantly, their shared experience as “Hulks” binds them, and their relationship remains one of the more complex family dynamics in the Marvel Universe.
