Iron Man and the Hulk are two of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, yet their relationship has been far from simple. While they have fought side by side in many battles, they’ve also had moments of intense rivalry.
In the comic book series Realm of Kings #1 (2009), Iron Man reveals that he knows exactly how to kill the Hulk, but this brutal event is way too dark for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Dark Tale of Realm of Kings #1
In Realm of Kings #1, written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Iron Man faces off with the Hulk in a way that fans could never have imagined in the MCU. The story unfolds on an alternate Earth, one that has been taken over by dark supernatural forces.
In this twisted version of the Marvel Universe, the Hulk is no longer the familiar green hero but a terrifying, Lovecraftian nightmare. When the Hulk reverts to his human form, Bruce Banner, a demonic Iron Man kills him by ripping his heart out.
Iron Man and the Hulk: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Iron Man and the Hulk are both superheroes born from tragic events, yet their paths and personalities couldn’t be more different. The Hulk, created by Bruce Banner’s accidental exposure to gamma radiation, is a hero who doesn’t see himself as a hero.
He’s a force of nature—unstable, violent, and seeking solitude. On the other hand, Tony Stark, the genius billionaire behind Iron Man, is a more traditional hero. After surviving a life-threatening injury, Tony created the Iron Man suit to save his own life and later used it to protect others.
Though both Iron Man and the Hulk have their roots in personal tragedy, Iron Man has always had an easier time with his role as a hero. He is a respected figure in the public eye, with resources and support from the government, unlike the Hulk, who is constantly hunted and feared.
The Hulk and Iron Man’s Fateful Fights
Their relationship has always been complicated, especially considering the damage the Hulk often causes when he loses control. Iron Man has tried to keep the Hulk in check over the years, even creating specialized Hulkbuster armor to fight him when necessary.
One of the darkest moments in their history came when Iron Man, as part of the Planet Hulk storyline, helped exile the Hulk into deep space. Iron Man believed this would keep Earth safe, but things didn’t go as planned.
Hulk ended up on a gladiator world, where he became a leader, only for Iron Man’s interference to result in the tragic death of the Hulk’s new family.
Despite these past betrayals, Iron Man and the Hulk eventually put aside their differences for the greater good, though the tension between them remains, especially with the Hulk’s unpredictability.
A Dark Ending for Iron Man and the Hulk in Realm of Kings
In Realm of Kings #1, Iron Man’s darker counterpart, corrupted by demonic forces, faces off against the Hulk in a brutal and tragic conclusion. In this world, the Hulk has become a monstrous figure, and Iron Man, now a demon-possessed version of himself, takes advantage of Banner’s human form to kill him by ripping his heart out.
This shocking event marks a dark and unsettling end to the rivalry between Iron Man and the Hulk. But as dark as this story is, it’s one that will never make its way into the MCU, as the tone is far too violent and grim for the typically family-friendly universe.
Iron Man and the Hulk in the MCU: A Friendlier Relationship
While the relationship between Iron Man and the Hulk in the comics has often been filled with tension and conflict, their bond in the MCU is much more collaborative.
In films like The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron, the two heroes share a deep respect and friendship, with Tony Stark even referring to Bruce Banner as his “Science Bro.” Their friendship has allowed them to work together toward common goals, rather than fighting each other.
Given the dark and violent nature of their rivalry in the comics, it’s unlikely that the MCU will ever explore this darker side of their relationship.
The MCU is known for its PG-13 rating, which would be incompatible with a storyline as brutal as the one seen in Realm of Kings #1. Iron Man ripping the Hulk’s heart out would be far too graphic for a Marvel movie aimed at a wide audience.