Many characters have been twisted beyond recognition in the new Ultimate Universe, but Hulk may be the most changed. Here, Bruce Banner is an amoral scientist and willing accomplice of the Maker. However, a new She-Hulk introduced in Ultimates #3 may prove to be his perfect foil.
Written by Deniz Camp, with art by Juan Frigeri, Ultimates #3 reveals the depths of the this Hulk’s depravity. Through journal entries and flashbacks, we learn how Banner eradiated several islands in the South Pacific to study the effects of gamma radiation on the environment. This included several native villages, and nearly 500 innocent humans. Banner cared nothing for the loss of life, however, nor for the members of his research team lost studying the mutated animals and plants.
Tony Stark, Sif, and Thor journey to what has been dubbed “Monster Island.” They hope to find people, like the Hulk, who were made stronger by the gamma radiation. Instead, they find evidence of Bruce Banner’s crimes against humanity. Most of the survivors of the gamma bomb are barely able to stand, much less stand up against the Maker. However, there is one among them who is what the Ultimates hoped to find.
New She-Hulk joins Ultimates to avenge “abomination”
Lejori Joena Zakaria is the only survivor who emerged from Banner’s experiments with comparable strength and endurance. She is angry at Banner, but is able to control her rage without the extensive Zen training and psychological analysis that Banner needed to maintain control of himself. Tony Stark tries to appeal to that anger, but Lejori has no desire to be the Ultimates’ She-Hulk. She argues that her people have been exploited enough by the outside world. She will not allow anyone else to do it, even in the name of righteous anger.
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However, Tony ultimately agrees to a bargain he isn’t sure he can fulfill. He promises to try and heal the land of Lejori’s people, cleansing the radiation and making it a safe place to live again. For this, she agrees to join the Ultimates and aid in the fight against the Maker.
Ultimates #3 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
