Fighting against any version of the Hulk is an incredible challenge. The rage monsters are unimaginably strong and can’t be taken down easily. However, when Rick Jones’ A-Bomb tried to stop the Red Hulk, it proved to be even harder than usual as the red giant punched the ground so hard he caused a massive earthquake.
The Red Hulk first debuted in Hulk (2008) as a mysterious figure who became a red version of the Hulk. Eventually, it would be revealed Thunderbolt Ross was the real identity behind the new anti-hero. Ross took part in a Super Soldier Program that gave him equal powers to the Hulk, and even more abilities, including the ability to absorb energy, burn a fire in his eyes, and get hotter the angrier he got. However, the main power of a Hulk is their strength and the Red Hulk certainly was strong.
On the heels of taking down a SHIELD hellicarrier, Red Hulk battles A-Bomb at the Gamma Base in Death Valley, Nevada. The two large monstrosities would exchange blows and the Red Hulk would grab a turret (shooting at him) and redirect it towards A-Bomb. The Red Hulk thinks he’s won the fight when A-Bomb surprises him with an uppercut. As he delivers a devastating smash at his opponent, Red Hulk recalls killing the original Abomination as his punches get stronger and stronger.
The Hulk’s punches are so strong that he actually causes the fault below to break. He keeps punching A-Bomb as alarms suggest a powerful earthquake is occurring, rising from an 8.0 on the Richter scale all the way to 10.0 (which has never happened in human history). The earthquake ends up destroying the lab and cage Bruce Banner is staying at, so Red Hulk’s rage actually inadvertently freed his fellow Hulk. Red Hulk continues beating A-Bomb before the freed Hulk becomes his next challenger.
The issue shows that Red Hulk was not to be messed with. He’s just as strong as the original Hulk and proved he might be even stronger during his showdown with A-Bomb. Punching the earth so hard that it causes the largest earthquake ever recorded is a sign of his pure strength. But, he’s a Hulk for a reason. He was built to smash, and in this case, he smashed so hard he did serious damage to the earth – which is a great move for Red Hulk to have in his back pocket.
