May 13th, 2010

Why ‘The Hulk’ is a Wayward Transformation Myth, and How I’d Retell It

The idea of the Hulk should terrify us. Banner is an interesting and compelling character exactly because the consequences of his faults are so enormous. Instead, the villain is usually externalized, and his internal struggle is responsibly and predictably channeled. This changes the premise entirely. Rage is replaced by strength, and we’re left with He-Man–a nice guy who needs a slap to get his fight on, and a kiss to turn him back. It’s suddenly a weak story about Superman’s glasses.