In the Marvel Universe, few characters are as intriguing and complex as Hulkling, a hero born from the union of two powerful alien races: the Kree and the Skrulls. While many may assume his name links him directly to the Hulk, Teddy Altman, better known as Hulkling, is much more than a simple copy of the green giant. His shapeshifting abilities and superhuman strength make him a formidable force, and his unique heritage places him at the center of galactic conflicts.
If you’re curious about Hulkling’s background, powers, and where he fits in the Marvel universe, this guide will cover everything you need to know, from his origin to his role as the Emperor of the Kree-Skrull Alliance. Whether you’re new to the character or a long-time fan, let’s dive deep into Hulkling’s journey and how he stands out as one of the most fascinating heroes in 2024’s Marvel landscape.
Who is Hulkling?
Hulkling, whose real name is Theodore Rufus “Teddy” Kaplan-Altman, is a Kree-Skrull hybrid. His mother, Princess Anelle of the Skrull Empire, had an affair with Mar-Vell, the legendary Kree warrior known as Captain Marvel. As a result, Hulkling inherited both Kree and Skrull genes, giving him a unique combination of powers.
While his codename might suggest a connection to Hulk, Hulkling has no direct relation to Bruce Banner. The name “Hulkling” actually stems from his green skin and impressive stature, making him resemble the Hulk. However, his abilities far exceed mere strength, as he can shapeshift, regenerate, and manipulate his appearance to mimic others.
Hulkling’s Powers and Abilities
Hulkling’s abilities are diverse, thanks to his dual heritage:
- Shapeshifting: From his Skrull lineage, Hulkling has inherited the ability to alter his appearance, changing not only his body shape but also mimicking the look and powers of other beings. This shapeshifting capability goes far beyond surface-level mimicry, allowing Hulkling to adapt in battle and fool enemies.
- Super Strength and Durability: Like the Hulk, Hulkling possesses superhuman strength, making him a formidable fighter. He can lift heavy objects, withstand powerful attacks, and hold his own against some of the strongest beings in the Marvel Universe.
- Regeneration: Thanks to his Kree genetics, Hulkling has an enhanced healing factor, allowing him to recover from injuries much faster than normal beings.
- Energy Sword: In more recent storylines, Hulkling wields a mystical Star-Sword, a weapon that represents his authority as the Emperor of the Kree-Skrull Alliance. This sword has the ability to cut through almost anything, making Hulkling even more powerful in combat.
Hulkling’s Role in Marvel Comics
Hulkling’s rise to prominence began when he was a founding member of the Young Avengers, a team of young heroes that included characters like Wiccan and Iron Lad. However, his story took a major turn during the Empyre storyline in 2020, where he became the Emperor of the newly united Kree and Skrull Empires, taking on the name Dorrek VIII.
His relationship with fellow Young Avenger Wiccan (Billy Kaplan) has also been a central part of his story. Their bond is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ relationships in comic books, and the two even got married during the Empyre event.
Key Storylines Featuring Hulkling
- Young Avengers (2005): Hulkling’s first appearance came in the pages of Young Avengers, where his mysterious origins were slowly revealed. As a member of the team, he fought alongside other young heroes to stop threats like Kang the Conqueror.
- Empyre (2020): In this massive crossover event, Hulkling became the Emperor of the Kree-Skrull Alliance. This storyline not only showcased his leadership but also placed him at the center of one of the Marvel Universe’s biggest conflicts.
- King in Black: Wiccan and Hulkling (2021): This tie-in to the King in Black event explored Hulkling and Wiccan’s relationship, giving fans more insight into their life as a married couple while fighting against powerful cosmic threats.
Hulkling’s Future in the MCU
While Hulkling hasn’t yet appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), rumors have been swirling that his debut might be closer than we think. As the MCU expands into more cosmic storylines, such as those seen in Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion, it seems likely that Hulkling could play a significant role in future films. There have even been reports suggesting that Kit Connor might be eyed to portray Hulkling in upcoming projects.
If true, Hulkling’s introduction could set the stage for more Young Avengers characters to appear in the MCU, creating exciting new dynamics in the Marvel universe.
Hulkling’s Relationship with Wiccan
One of the most beloved aspects of Hulkling’s character is his relationship with Wiccan, the magical son of Scarlet Witch. The pair’s romance is groundbreaking as one of the first prominent LGBTQ+ relationships in mainstream superhero comics. In Empyre, Hulkling and Wiccan even tie the knot, marking a historic moment for Marvel Comics.
Their relationship not only highlights their emotional depth but also showcases the evolving representation of diverse characters in superhero media. Fans of both characters eagerly await to see more of them together in future storylines.
Hulkling is a character whose story continues to evolve, both in the comics and potentially on the screen. As a powerful hybrid of two warring alien races, his journey has been one of self-discovery, love, and leadership. With his unique powers, complex heritage, and significant role in shaping the future of the Marvel Universe, Hulkling stands out as one of the most compelling heroes in recent years.
