Summary
- A Hulk-powered Godzilla was unleashed in the Marvel Universe, with gamma radiation and destructive powers.
- Ultimate Universe’s version of Godzilla is tied to Hulk’s origins, making him more dangerous and monstrous.
- Godzilla in the Marvel Multiverse dates back to the ’70s, with this new Hulk-Zilla adding to the diverse versions.
Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Ultimates #3!Godzilla is one of the most iconic monsters in history, both terrorizing and saving the planet, which makes the idea of him being in the Marvel Universe with added Hulk powers utterly terrifying. But, unfortunately for Marvel residents, that’s exactly what just happened (sort of), as the new Ultimate Universe just stealth-launched its own version of ‘Godzilla’ with an origin linked to that of the Hulk himself.
In The Ultimates #3 by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri, readers are shown the origin of the Ultimate Universe’s version of the Hulk. In Earth-6160, the Hulk has an origin that’s similar to that of his original Earth-616 counterpart in that he gets blasted by immense levels of gamma radiation during a gamma bomb explosion. Only this time, that explosion takes place in the Pacific Islands rather than the New Mexico desert, meaning more than just Bruce Banner was impacted by its effects.
In the opening pages of this comic, readers see first-hand how Bruce Banner was hit by gamma radiation before the large-scale explosion rains down radioactive material all over an entire village, exposing them to its mutating properties. Then, readers are brought to the present day, where three members of the Ultimates – Iron Lad, Lady Sif, and Thor – visit the site of the Hulk’s creation to investigate how to beat him. And it’s there that they meet a giant, radioactive lizard with – according to a scientific report shown later in the comic – “high-energy gamma waves for breath”.
Thor and Sif kill the giant lizard that attacks them, but
Ultimates
#3 makes it clear that there are plenty more on this Monster Island, meaning a Godzilla-like ‘King of the Monsters’ could still exist!
Marvel’s Ultimate Universe is Laying the Groundwork for Its Own Hulk-Powered Godzilla
Lizards Have Been Irradiated by Gamma, Effectively Turning them into Hulk-Zillas!
Like the American version of the King of the Monsters in 1998’s Godzilla, these lizards have been mutated by radiation released by bomb detonations. However, unlike 1998’s Godzilla, the Ultimate Universe’s version will be powered by gamma. That will not only be the cause for the gargantuan size, but also a unique version of Godzilla’s iconic Atomic Breath, as that power will consist of the same raw material that fuels the Hulk, only concentrated in a single attack.
The Marvel Universe is no stranger to unique variations of Godzilla, either, as the main continuity of Earth-616 has a ‘Godzilla’ in the form of Todd Ziller aka the American Kaiju. However, even the immense power exhibited by Ziller likely won’t be able to compare with the gamma-powered Godzilla that’s being teased in the Ultimate Universe. And one only has to look at the impressive feats of power of both Godzilla and the Hulk – and then combine them – to get an idea of what to expect.
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This Isn’t the First Time Godzilla has Reared His Head in the Marvel Universe
Marvel Comics’ Godzilla (1977-1979)
Long before the existence of a Hulk-Zilla was even teased in the Marvel Universe, Marvel Comics published a Godzilla comic book series between the years of 1977 and 1979. This version of Godzilla existed in a separate continuity with no links to any other property, allowing Marvel to craft original stories (and a bold new design/color scheme) for everyone’s favorite King of the Monsters. That being said, since this series was published by Marvel Comics, that means this Godzilla exists in the wider Marvel Multiverse – just like the one teased in the new Ultimate Universe.
It seems Godzilla – in one form or another – has been lurking in the Marvel Multiverse for quite some time, whether that be in the ‘70s comic series or in the form of American Kaiju. And now, one more is seemingly being added to the list, as Marvel’s Ultimate Universe just stealth-launched its own Godzilla (with added Hulk powers).
The Ultimates #3 by Marvel Comics is available now.
Godzilla
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.