The Hulk's Destiny

Reading and re-reading the various MC2 comics sometimes yields small and unexpected nuggets, facts and tidbits. For example, when Doctor Strange reforms the original Defenders in A-Next #3, we learn a little about what's happened to Stephen Strange, Namor and the Incredible Hulk in the past 15 years. Doctor Strange has been stripped of his role as Sorcerer Supreme under unrevealed circumstances and replaced by the youthful Doc Magus. Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner has seen his kingdom Atlantis destroyed by Doctor Doom, whom Namor is believed to have killed soon after in a fierce battle. Meanwhile Dr Bruce Banner, better known to the world as the monstrous Hulk has settled down in the suburbs to raise his son, David. That is, of course, until Doctor Strange shows up...

After the Defenders clash with the new Avengers team, Doc Magus questions why Strange orchestrated the encounter. Despite giving his reasons and explanations for everything else, when it comes to the Hulk Doctor Strange simple says 'He has a destiny to fulfill.'

 

Nothing really comes of this statement for several years until Last Hero Standing #5 when the Hulk- after wreaking havoc while mind-controlled by Loki in the latter's attempt to bring about an end to the 'Age of Heroes'- takes out his revenge on the Asgardian god for ruining his formerly happy life. 

So, was this the Hulk's destiny: being banished to everlasting Limbo with good ol' Loki? Or perhaps this prophesized destiny has yet to be completed? Was there more to Doctor Strange's  machinations than we know? Maybe it's nothing and I'm simply overthinking things...again.

Until I find run out of things to love in the MC2, I remain

frogoat