Key Collector Comics
General "Thunderbolt" Ross
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Creation & Design

General Ross was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, first appearing in The Incredible Hulk #1. He was designed as a military antagonist to Bruce Banner and the Hulk.

Early Years

Initially portrayed as a relentless military officer obsessed with capturing the Hulk, Ross's character evolved over the years, showcasing a complex relationship with Bruce Banner.

Character Development

Over the years, General Ross has transitioned from a one-dimensional antagonist to a complex character with moral ambiguity, often struggling between his duty and personal beliefs.

Cultural Reception

General Ross has been a polarizing character, often viewed as a villain but also as a tragic figure, leading to varied interpretations in comics and adaptations.

Character Details

Real Name:
Thaddeus E. Ross
First Appearance:
Incredible Hulk #1
Aliases:
Thunderbolt Ross, Red Hulk
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
U.S. Army, Thunderbolts, Avengers
Abilities:
Military Tactics, Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant
Equipment:
Military Vehicles, Advanced Weaponry
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
gray

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Incredible Hulk #1
Marvel ⋅ 1962
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Incredible Hulk #1
 
Low
$7k
Mid
$37k
High
$210k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of the Hulk

1st appearance of Betty Ross

1st appearance of Rick Jones

1st appearance of General 'Thunderbolt' Ross

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[October 2022 - Harrison Ford will appear as General Thunderbolt Ross in Captain America 4 / March 2023 - Liv Tyler rumored to reprise the role of Betty Ross in Captain America: New World Order]

Incredible Hulk #291
Marvel ⋅ 1984
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Incredible Hulk #291
 
Low
$1
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$3
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$5

Key Facts

Origin of General 'Thunderbolt' Ross

Hulk #1
Marvel ⋅ 2008
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Hulk #1
 
Low
$5
Mid
$15
High
$75

Key Facts

1st cover appearance of the Red Hulk, General 'Thunderbolt' Ross

Death of Abomination, initially suspected to have been shot to death by the Hulk but later revealed to be murdered by the Red Hulk

1st team appearance of a new Winter Guard roster: Red Guardian, Ursa Major, Crimson Dynamo, Darkstar

⚠️ Debatable Firsts: the interior story is about a murder perpetrated by, who is believed to be the Hulk, Bruce Banner. Doc Samson as an investigator is piecing together what occurred and the panels depict a recreation of events from his point-of-view with the belief that it is Bruce Banner, the green Hulk who is the killer

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[October 2022 - Harrison Ford has been cast as General Ross in Thunderbolts / July 2024 - Red Hulk confirmed to appear in Captain America]

Hulk #2
Marvel ⋅ 2008
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Hulk #2
 
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$2
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$8
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$25

Key Facts

1st appearance of the Red Hulk, in-story, appeared only on the cover of Hulk #1 (2008)

1st appearance of A-Bomb, later revealed to be Rick Jones

Hulk #22
Marvel ⋅ 2010
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Hulk #22
 
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$1
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$2
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$10

Key Facts

Red Hulk revealed to be General 'Thunderbolt' Ross

Savage Hulk #1
1:75 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2014
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Savage Hulk #1
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Alex Ross

Marvel 75th anniversary special

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