The various gamma-powered heroes surrounding the new teen hero Hulkette is no exception, even though her superstrength works in a different way to every other Hulk. Someone who is finding that out is Spider-Boy - Spider-Man's 'long lost' sidekick, who is scrambling to escape a major grudge match with Hulkette.

In a preview for Spider-Boy #16 by Dan Slott, Paco Medina, Erick Arciniega, and Joe Caramagna, the Tournament of Maw has come to an end with Spider-Boy and Daredevil losing the final round to Bullseye and Spider-Girl. Before the heroic duo can stop the villains from claiming their prize, Hulkette arrives ready to settle the score with Spider-Boy.

Hulkette is ticked off with Spider-Boy for stealing her place in the tournament, and has been building up a gamma punch for days in order to destroy her rival. If there was any doubt that Hulkette's power is off-the-scale, Daredevil chimes in, confirming she's brimming with enough energy to literally punch Spider-Boy into orbit.

Spider-Boy, in his blue and red costume, swinging through the city.
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Hulkette Is a Gamma-Powered Hero from the New Champions Initiative

Meet the Next Generation of Gamma-Powered Hero

marvel hulkette holding up a car

As Marvel fans may recall, Hulkette was developed as part of the New Champions variant cover initiative, where artists developed theoretical sidekicks for iconic Marvel heroes. The variants were launched on the heels of the debut of Spider-Boy, the 'forgotten' sidekick of Spider-Man. Hulkette appeared on the variant cover of Sensational She-Hulk #1 created by Mirka Andolfo. The gimmick proved popular enough that Marvel decided to incorporate these characters into the actual Marvel Universe, similar to the positive reception towards Gwenpool.

Over the past year, these sidekick characters have officially debuted in various Marvel comic titles. For instance, Liberty, Hellrune, Cadet Marvel, and Moon Squire appeared in the pages of Spider-Woman #7-10 as kids forcibly recruited by Hydra to be part of its Assembly group. Last month saw the release of the first issue of New Champions, a new title from Steve Foxe, Ivan Fiorelli and Ig Guara that sees these different characters come together to form their own superhero team. Moreover, the series will also explore and delve further into the origins of these new heroes, including Hulkette.

Hulkette is one of few Hulks to have received professional combat training - a factor which could make her stored strength even more effective.

Cropped cover of New Champions #1, featuring the team's large roster all rushing toward the reader.
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The Limits of Hulkette's Strength Are Still Unknown

No Other Hulk Works in the Same Way

marvel's hulkette

Much is still a mystery surrounding Hulkette, including her origin and the extent of her Gamma strength. So far, fans know that Hulkette can build gamma power over time, achieving greater and greater strength levels as long as she doesn't expend her gamma energy. As this issue confirms, just a few days are enough for Hulkette to pulverize a hero like Spider-Boy - so what could she do after weeks or months? As seen in the pages of Spider-Boy #13, Hulkette is the protégé of sumo wrestler Enormo. The duo traveled to Madripoor in order to participate in the Challenge of the Jade Dragon, but their entry ticket was stolen by Daredevil and Spider-Boy. Hulkette's origin is interesting so far, making her one of few Hulks to have received professional combat training - a factor which could make her stored strength even more effective.

Interestingly, it seems like Hulkette can remain in her Hulk form while retaining her original personality, similar to Jennifer Walters - something that makes sense as she was designed as She-Hulk's sidekick. The arrival of a new Hulk in Marvel lore is always a big deal, and it will be fascinating to see how Marvel uses Hulkette's unique ability to build up strength over time - here's hoping she doesn't make her mark by squashing Spider-Boy like a bug.

Spider-Boy #16 is available February 12, 2025 from Marvel Comics.

The Incredible Hulk official poster
Hulk
Created by
Jack Kirby
Latest Film
Avengers: Endgame
First TV Show
The Incredible Hulk
Cast
Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Mark Ruffalo