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{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Primary sources|date=May 2023}}
image = [[Image:BrianBanner.JPG|170px]]
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|caption = Brian Banner
|comic_color = background:#ff8080
|character_name = Brian Banner
|character_name = Brian Banner
|image = BrianBanner.JPG
|caption =
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut = ''Incredible Hulk'' Vol. 2 #312 (October 1985)
|debut = ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #267 (Jan. 1982) (cameo)<br />
''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #312 (Oct. 1985) (full appearance)
|creators = Bill Mantlo and Mike Mignola
|creators = [[Bill Mantlo]] (writer)<br />[[Sal Buscema]] (artist)
|full_name = Brian David Banner
|full_name = Brian Banner
|aliases = [[Guilt Hulk]] <br /> [[The Immortal Hulk|Devil Hulk]]
|powers = Genius-level intellect
|powers = Genius-level intellect
|IOM_full_name = David Banner
}}
}}
'''Brian Banner''' is a character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The character was created by [[Bill Mantlo]], first appearing in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #312. He is the [[Child abuse|abusive]] father of [[Bruce Banner]], with said abuse being a major contributing factor of Bruce's eventual transformation into the [[Hulk]].


==Publication history==
'''Brian Banner''' is a fictional [[villain]] from the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Marvel Universe|Universe]] created by [[Bill Mantlo]] and [[Mike Mignola]] and first appearing in print in late 1985. Brian Banner is the abusive father of Bruce Banner, the [[Hulk (comics)|Incredible Hulk]], and his mistreatment of his own wife and son is a major contributing cause of Bruce's mental illness linked to his Hulk condition.
Brian Banner first appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #267 (Jan. 1982) and was created by [[Bill Mantlo]] and [[Sal Buscema]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=40}}</ref>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
As a child, Bruce Banner and his mother were physically and emotionally [[domestic abuse|abuse]]d by Brian; regarding his father as a monster and believing that he had [[heredity|inherited]] a "monster [[gene]]" from him, he promised himself that he would never have any children, for fear of bringing another Banner into the world.<ref name = "Grave"> {{Cite comic
As a small child, Brian and his two sisters, Elaine and Susan and their Mother were physically and mentally abused by their violent alcoholic father. Brian regarded his father as a monster and believed that he had [[heredity|inherited]] a "monster [[gene]]" from him, and so promised himself that he would never have any children, for fear of bringing another Banner into the world.<ref name = "Grave">{{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Adam Kubert | Inker = Mark Farmer | Story = Grave Matters | Title = [[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]] | Volume = 2 | Issue = Minus 1 | Date = July 1997 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref>
| Writer = Peter David
| Penciller = Adam Kubert
| Inker = Mark Farmer
| Story = Grave Matters
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 2
| Issue = -1
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref>


As an adult, Brian married a woman named [[Rebecca Banner|Rebecca]], earned his [[PhD]] in [[physics]] and found a job in [[Los Alamos, New Mexico]] working for the [[United States government]] on a project developing a clean way to create [[Nuclear power|nuclear energy]]. The stress of his job eventually lead Brian to become an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]] himself, and he frequently lashed out at those around him. While drunk at work one day, Brian accidentally overloaded some machinery, causing an explosion that cost him his job. Despite his vow never to have children, Brian impregnated Rebecca, who gave birth to their only child, Robert Bruce Banner. Brian believed Bruce had inherited both the "monster gene" and [[genetic defect]]s due to the accident in Los Alamos, so he ignored him completely and attempted to keep Rebecca away from him. He frequently left Bruce in the care of the neglectful Nurse Meachum. When Bruce woke up one [[Christmas]] morning and opened a present from his mother, a complex model, he assembled it easily despite his young age. This convinced Brian that his assumptions about Bruce were correct. As a result, he beat Bruce, and after she came to her son's aid, [[Domestic violence|Rebecca as well]].<ref name = "Monster">{{Cite comic | Writer = Bill Mantlo | Penciller = Mike Mignola | Inker = Gerry Talaoc | Story = Monster | Title = The Incredible Hulk | Volume = 2 | Issue = 312 | Date = 1985 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref> After enduring years of heavy abuse from Brian, Rebecca attempted to escape from him with Bruce. Brian discovered his wife and son packing the car just before their escape, and he smashed Rebecca's head against the pavement, killing her in front of their young son.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Dale Keown | Inker = Bob McLeod | Story = Honey, I Shrunk the Hulk | Title = The Incredible Hulk | Volume = 2 | Issue = 377 | Date = 1991 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref> Brian managed to stop Bruce from testifying against him at his trial for Rebecca's murder, saying that if he did so, he would go to [[Hell]]. Terrified, Bruce [[perjury|perjured]] himself, testifying that his father never abused him or Rebecca, and that his mother tried to run away for no reason.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Gary Frank | Inker = Cam Smith | Story = In Memory Yet Green | Title = The Incredible Hulk | Volume = 2 | Issue = #403 | Date = 1993 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref> Brian escaped conviction due to lack of evidence, but soon afterwards is arrested again when he drunkenly boasted about beating the law by bullying his son. Brian is imprisoned and later placed in a [[mental institution]].<ref name="Grave"/> Bruce, meanwhile, is left in the care of his Aunt Susan, now known as Mrs. Drake.
In college, Brian meets Rebecca, with whom he falls in love and marries. Brian earns his [[PhD]] in [[physics]] and finds a job in [[Los Alamos, New Mexico]] working for the [[United States government]] on a project developing a clean way to create [[Nuclear power|nuclear energy]]. The stress of his job eventually leads Brian to become an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]] and begin to develop anger problems, lashing out at others. While drunk at work one day, Brian accidentally overloads some machinery, causing an explosion that costs him his job. Even though his doctors concluded that the explosion caused him no permanent harm, Brian becomes convinced it affected him on the genetic level.


After 15 years of confinement, Brian, who is believed fit for reintroduction into society, is released into a reluctant Bruce's care. Living with Bruce caused Brian's delusions to begin again and, on the anniversary of Rebecca's death, Brian and Bruce engaged in a verbal and later physical fight at Rebecca's grave on a stormy night. During the fight, Bruce accidentally killed Brian by knocking him headfirst into Rebecca's headstone.<ref name="Grave"/> The police department, sympathetic toward Bruce and having had enough of Brian’s violent behavior, ignores the evidence of Bruce having killed his father.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Mollo |first=Drew |date=August 26, 2021 |title=Marvel Confirms How The Hulk Got Away with Murdering His Father |url=https://screenrant.com/immortal-hulk-bruce-banner-father-brian-murder/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref> Thus, Bruce [[repressed memory|repressed]] the memories of Brian's stay with him and his subsequent death, making himself believe that, as the two of them fought at Rebecca's grave, Brian had simply beat him and left, later being killed by [[robbery|muggers]].<ref name="Monster"/>
Despite his vow never to have children, Brian impregnates Rebecca, who gives birth to Bruce Banner. Brian believes Bruce has inherited both the "monster gene" and [[genetic defect]]s due to the accident in Los Alamos, so he ignores him completely and attempts to keep Rebecca away from him. He frequently leaves Bruce in the care of the neglectful Nurse Meachum. When Bruce wakes up one [[Christmas]] morning and opens a present from his mother, a complex model, he assembles it easily despite his young age. This convinces Brian that his assumptions about Bruce were correct. He beats Bruce and, after she comes to her son's aid, Rebecca as well.<ref name = "Monster"> {{Cite comic
| Writer = Bill Mantlo
| Penciller = Mike Mignola
| Inker = Gerry Talaoc
| Story = Monster
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 2
| Issue = 312
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref> After enduring several years of frequent abuse from Brian, Rebecca attempts to escape from him with Bruce. Brian discovers his wife and son packing the car just before their escape, and he smashes Rebecca's head against the pavement, killing her in front of their young son.<ref> {{Cite comic
| Writer = Peter David
| Penciller = Dale Keown
| Inker = Bob McLeod
| Story = Honey, I Shrunk the Hulk
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 2
| Issue = 377
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref> Brian manages to stop Bruce from testifying against him at his trial for Rebecca's murder, saying that if he did so, he would go to [[hell]]. Bruce lies to the courts out of fear, testifying that his father never abused him or Rebecca, stating that his mother tried to run away for no reason.<ref> {{Cite comic
| Writer = Peter David
| Penciller = Gary Frank
| Inker = Cam Smith
| Story = In Memory Yet Green
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 2
| Issue = 403
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref> Brian escapes conviction due to lack of evidence, but is later arrested when he drunkenly boasts about beating the law by bullying his son. Brian is imprisoned and later placed in a [[mental institution]].<ref name="Grave"/>


Brian's ghost would continue to haunt Bruce's alter-ego the Hulk after his death, often appearing to taunt him, stating that Bruce was no better than he himself; villains such as [[Mentallo]], the [[Red Skull]], [[Devil Hulk]], and [[Guilt Hulk]] would also use the image of Brian Banner against the Hulk in an attempt to weaken him. One prominent storyline saw the Red Skull use mind-manipulating technology to make the Hulk see the [[Juggernaut (character)|Juggernaut]] as his father and use the Hulk to attack other heroes, but this plan failed when the Juggernaut praised the Hulk's efforts, something that the true Brian had never done.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #404</ref>
After fifteen years of confinement, Brian, who is believed fit for reintroduction into society, is released into a reluctant Bruce's care. Living with Bruce causes Brian's delusions to begin again and, on the anniversary of Rebecca's death, Brian and Bruce engage in a verbal and later physical fight at Rebecca's grave on a stormy night. During the fight, Bruce accidentally kills Brian by knocking him headfirst into Rebecca's headstone.<ref name="Grave"/> Bruce [[repressed memory|represses]] the memories of Brian's stay with him and his subsequent death, making himself believe that, as the two of them fought at Rebecca's grave, Brian had simply beat him and left, later being killed by [[robbery|muggers]].<ref name="Monster"/>


When Bruce Banner and the Hulk were fused back together after the events of ''[[Heroes Reborn (1996 comics)|Heroes Return]]'', Bruce found himself in Hell, where he met several former adversaries, including his father, Brian. Bruce was terrorized by Brian, [[Leader (character)|Leader]], and [[Maestro (character)|Maestro]]. He eventually stood up to his father, attacking and strangling him before being returned to Earth by an image of his wife, [[Betty Ross]].<ref name = "Homecoming">{{Cite comic | Writer = Peter David | Penciller = Adam Kubert | Inker = Mark Farmer | Story = Homecoming | Title = The Incredible Hulk | Volume = 2 | Issue = 460 | Date = 1998 | Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref> Having faced his father, Bruce's haunting by him ceases.
Brian's ghost would continue to haunt Bruce's alter-ego, the Hulk, after his death, often appearing to taunt him, stating that Bruce was no better than he himself; villains such as [[Mentallo]], the [[Red Skull]], [[Devil Hulk]], and Guilt [[Hulk (comics)|Hulk]] would also use the image of Brian Banner against the Hulk in an attempt to weaken him.


When Bruce began to suffer from [[ALS]], [[Mister Fantastic]] collected DNA from Brian Banner's corpse to cure him. Bruce subsequently visited his father's grave and laments his confusion over his feelings for his father, noting the fact that he now owed his life to the man despite his old issues with him.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Paul Jenkins; Sean McKeever| Penciller = Joe Bennett | Inker = Tom Palmer| Story = Spiral Staircase (Part Three)| Title = The Incredible Hulk |Volume = 3 | Issue = 32 | date = 2001| Publisher = Marvel Comics}}</ref>
When Bruce Banner and the Hulk are fused back together after the events of ''[[Heroes Reborn|Heroes Return]]'', Bruce finds himself in Hell, where he meets several former adversaries, including his father, Brian. Bruce is terrorized by Brian, [[Leader (comics)|Leader]], and [[Maestro (comics)|Maestro]]. He eventually stands up to his father, attacking and strangling him before being returned to Earth by an image of his wife, [[Betty Ross]].<ref name = "Homecoming"> {{Cite comic
| Writer = Peter David
| Penciller = Adam Kubert
| Inker = Mark Farmer
| Story = Homecoming
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 2
| Issue = 460
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref> Having faced his father, Bruce's haunting by him ceases.


In ''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'', the hero [[Trauma (comics)|Trauma]], who has the power to change into an opponent's worst fear, took on Brian Banner's appearance to use against the Hulk during ''[[World War Hulk]]''.
When the Hulk began to suffer from [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|Lou Gehrig's disease]], [[Mister Fantastic|Mr. Fantastic]], in order to cure him- based on a cure created by the Leader-, has Brian Banner's corpse exhumed, so as to collect some of his [[DNA]]. With the resulting samples, Mr. Fantastic manages to cure the Hulk; Bruce subsequently visits his father's grave and laments his confusion over his feelings for his father, noting the fact that he now owes his life to the man despite his old issues with him.<ref> {{Cite comic
| Writer = Paul Jenkinsand Sean McKeever
| Penciller = Joe Bennett
| Inker = Tom Palmer
| Story = Spiral Staircase (Part Three)
| Title = Incredible Hulk
| Volume = 3
| Issue = 32
| Date =
| Publisher = Marvel Comics
}}</ref>


Recently, Bruce has implied that killing his father was not actually an accident, noting during a confrontation with [[Daken]] and [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] that he has managed to avoid causing any innocent deaths when he is rampaging as the Hulk—save for those occasions when he is under the control or influence of something else—and suggesting that it is unlikely that he would make such a 'mistake' in his more limited human form.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #603. Marvel Comics.</ref> In an indirect manner, Brian's memory also resulted in Bruce stopping his fight with his son [[Skaar (character)|Skaar]] after the Hulk was restored following the final battle with the Intelligencia, Bruce recognized that he couldn't continue the fight with Skaar- regardless of how much either side might 'deserve' to die- without becoming his father all over again.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #611. Marvel Comics.</ref>
[[File: BrianBannerHulkMonster.jpg|right|thumb|Brian returns as a Hulk-like monster.]]


[[File:BrianBannerHulkMonster.jpg|right|thumb|Brian returns as a [[Guilt Hulk]]/[[The Immortal Hulk|Devil Hulk]] hybrid.]]
In ''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'', the hero [[Trauma (comics)|Trauma]], who has the power to change into an opponent's worst fear, adopts the guise of Brian Banner to use against the Hulk during the ''[[World War Hulk]]''.
During the "[[Chaos War (comics)|Chaos War]]" storyline, Brian Banner is temporarily resurrected after [[Death (Marvel Comics)|Death]] flees her realm, and transforms into a [[Guilt Hulk]]/[[Devil Hulk]] hybrid.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #619. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, the Hulk overcomes his fear of Brian and defeats him after being encouraged by [[Jarella]].<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #620. Marvel Comics.</ref>


In ''[[The Immortal Hulk (comic book)|The Immortal Hulk]]'', Brian Banner returns as a ghost under the [[One Below All]]'s command and possesses [[Sasquatch (comics)|Sasquatch]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |date=November 7, 2020 |title=''Immortal Hulk'': The Leader Knows EXACTLY How to Break the Hulk |url=https://www.cbr.com/immortal-hulk-the-leader-defeats-devil-hulk/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Corley |first=Shaun |date=October 28, 2020 |title=The Return of Hulk's Father Finally Explained By Marvel |url=https://screenrant.com/hulk-brian-banner-returns-explained-marvel/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref>''The Immortal Hulk'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Leader later assimilates his body and mind and removes his skeleton from his body for research.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matadeen |first=Renaldo |date=November 8, 2020 |title=The Immortal Hulk's Deadliest Villain Upgraded Through A HORRIFIC Power Boost |url=https://www.cbr.com/immortal-hulk-leader-power-boost/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>''The Immortal Hulk'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''The Immortal Hulk'' #33-34. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Recently, Bruce has implied that killing his father wasn't actually an accident, noting during a confrontation with [[Daken]] and [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] that he has managed to avoid causing any innocent deaths when he is rampaging as the Hulk- save for those occasions when he is under the control or influence of something else-, and suggesting that it is unlikely that he would make such a 'mistake' in his more limited human form.<ref>Incredible Hulk #603</ref> In an indirect manner, Brian's memory also resulted in Bruce stopping his fight with his son [[Skaar]] after the Hulk was restored following the final battle with the [[Intelligencia (comics)|Intelligencia]], Bruce recognising that he couldn't continue the fight with Skaar- regardless of how much either side might 'deserve' to die- without becoming his father all over again<ref>Incredible Hulk #611</ref>.

During the ''[[Chaos War (comics)|Chaos War]]'' storyline, Brian Banner returns from the dead and ends up facing Hulk again alongside [[Abomination (comics)|Abomination]] after what happened to the death realms. Brian transforms into creature resembling a mix of the Guilt and [[Devil Hulk]]s as he does.<ref>''Incredible Hulk'' #619</ref> When Brian tries to kill Rebecca again, Hulk ends up fighting him alongside [[Skaar]]. Brian feeds on the Hulk's anger towards him, becoming stronger. It is only when the Hulk's lost love [[Jarella]] tells him to remember his love for her that the tide turns. Hulk instead focuses on the positive emotions inspired by the rest of his allies and defeats Brian Banner.<ref>''Incredible Hulk'' #620</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Brian Banner has genius-level intellect. When Brian Banner was resurrected during the ''[[Chaos War (comics)|Chaos War]]'' storyline, he gained the ability to turn into a hybrid replica of the Guilt Hulk and the Devil Hulk. While in this state, Brian possessed power and strength relative to how powerful Bruce perceived him as being. As a ghost, Brian can possess gamma-powered beings.<ref>''Immortal Hulk'' #5-7</ref>
Brian Banner has genius-level intellect.

When Brian Banner was resurrected during the ''[[Chaos War (comics)|Chaos War]]'' storyline, Brian Banner gained the ability to turn into a hybrid replica of the Guilt Hulk and the Devil Hulk.


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
An alternate universe variant of Brian Banner from Earth-58163 appears in ''[[House of M]]''.<ref>[http://www.marvel.com/universe/Hulk_(House_of_M) Hulk (House of M) - Marvel Universe: The definitive online source for Marvel super hero bios]</ref>
===House of M===

In the ''[[House of M]]'' timeline created by the [[Scarlet Witch]], '''Dr. Brian D. Banner''' believes Bruce to be a mutant created through the radiation he experimented with and attempts to kill him. He murdered Rebecca when she gets in his way. Before he can harm the young Bruce, Brian is shot to death by the police who arrive at the scene. This is very similar to the scenario involving in the Hulk film (see below).<ref> [http://www.marvel.com/universe/Hulk_(House_of_M) Hulk (House of M) - Marvel Universe: The definitive online source for Marvel super hero bios]</ref>
An alternate universe variant of Brian Banner from Earth-8816 appears in ''[[Devil's Reign]]: Superior Four'' #1.<ref>''Devil's Reign: Superior Four'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
* Brian Banner, renamed '''D.W. Banner''', appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'', portrayed by [[John Marley]].
===Television===
* Brian Banner, renamed '''David Banner''', appears in ''[[Hulk (film)|Hulk]]'', portrayed primarily by [[Nick Nolte]] and by [[Paul Kersey (actor)|Paul Kersey]] in flashbacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=A.O. |date=June 20, 2003 |title=FILM REVIEW; Tall and Green, But No 'Ho, Ho, Ho' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/20/movies/film-review-tall-and-green-but-no-ho-ho-ho.html |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> This version is a geneticist who experimented on and mutated his DNA, which his son Bruce inherited. While attempting to find a cure for Bruce's condition thirty years prior to the film, General [[Thunderbolt Ross]] halted David's research. Angered by this, the latter destroys his laboratory to prevent the military from using his data and tries to murder Bruce, believing he will mutate out of control. However, David accidentally kills his wife Edith when she tries to stop him before he is remanded to a mental institution while Bruce is taken into foster care. In the present, David is released and learns of Bruce's transformation into the Hulk. Seeing the Hulk as his "true son", David attempts to replicate his powers, giving himself the ability to absorb matter, and eventually fights the Hulk in combat, only to be killed.<ref>{{cite video|people = Ang Lee (Director) |title = Hulk |medium = DVD |location = United States |publisher = Universal Pictures|date = 2003}}</ref>
* In 1979, the '''[[The Incredible Hulk (TV series)|''Incredible Hulk'' television series]]''' aired an episode called "Homecoming" featuring Banner's family. [[John Marley]] played Banner's father in the episode, but his character is otherwise unrelated to the comic-book character created by [[Bill Mantlo|Mantlo]] and [[Mike Mignola|Mignola]] six years later.


===Film===
==References==
* In the [[2003 in film|2003]] film [[Hulk (film)|''Hulk'']], Brian, renamed '''David Banner''' (a reference to the [[The Incredible Hulk (TV series)|television series]]), appears as the main antagonist in the film and is portrayed by [[Nick Nolte]], and [[Paul Kersey (actor)|Paul Kersey]] in the film's prologue and subsequent flashbacks. The character's antagonist name, as stated by [[Ang Lee]], is simply called '''The Father'''. In the film, David is a genetics researcher who, in his quest to improve on humanity, experiments on himself; after his wife, Edith Banner gives birth to Bruce, David sees that Bruce is not normal, and feels that he is responsible. He realizes his experiments on himself have affected Bruce, who barely shows emotion and gaining patches of green skin when he is hurt or angered. While attempting to find a cure for Bruce's condition, David has his research shut down by [[Thunderbolt Ross|General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross]]; in his rage over the loss of his work and the hopelessness of Bruce's situation, David destroys his laboratory to prevent the military using the data and tries to murder Bruce (believing that Bruce would mutate out of control). Instead, he accidentally kills Edith when she tries to stop him. Bruce is taken into foster care, with the [[Repressed memory|memories of his mother's death blocked out]], and David is confined to a mental institution. Years later, after being released from the institution and after Bruce becomes the Hulk, David, convinced the Hulk to be his "true son", tests the Hulk by sending three "hulk-dogs" to kill [[Betty Ross]]. While the Hulk defeats them, David attempts attempting to replicate the Hulk's powers, giving himself [[Absorbing Man]]-like abilities. After both he and Bruce are captured by the military, David bites into an electrical wire (referencing to [[Zzzax]]), and engages the Hulk in a fight that rages through the sky, on land and into a lake. David takes form of a being composed of stones, and then of lake water. When David attempts to absorb the Hulk's power, he is unable to contain the newly acquired power, causing him to swell into an energy bubble, which is destroyed by General Ross with a Gamma Charge Bomb. Bruce survives the explosion, but David is killed.<ref> {{cite video|people = Ang Lee (Director) |title = Hulk |medium = DVD |location = United States |publisher = Universal Pictures|date = 2003}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Brian_Banner_(Earth-616) Brian Banner] on Marvel Comics Database
* [https://comicvine.gamespot.com/brian-banner/4005-10874/ Brian Banner] on Comic Vine
* [http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/bannerbrian.htm Brian Banner] on Marvel Appendix


{{Hulk}}
{{Hulk}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Banner, Brian}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Banner, Brian}}
[[Category:Characters created by Bill Mantlo]]
[[Category:Characters created by Mike Mignola]]
[[Category:Characters created by Sal Buscema]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:Fictional alcohol abusers]]
[[Category:Fictional child abusers]]
[[Category:Fictional domestic abusers]]
[[Category:Fictional geneticists]]
[[Category:Fictional ghosts]]
[[Category:Fictional ghosts]]
[[Category:Fictional janitors]]
[[Category:Fictional nuclear physicists]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Fictional uxoricides]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Genetically engineered characters in comics]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1985]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male supervillains]]
[[Category:Film characters]]
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[[Category:Characters created by Mike Mignola]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics undead characters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Bill Mantlo]]
[[Category:Undead supervillains]]


[[pt:Brian Banner]]

Latest revision as of 08:20, 15 December 2024

Brian Banner
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #267 (Jan. 1982) (cameo)
The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #312 (Oct. 1985) (full appearance)
Created byBill Mantlo (writer)
Sal Buscema (artist)
In-story information
Full nameBrian Banner
Notable aliasesGuilt Hulk
Devil Hulk
AbilitiesGenius-level intellect
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
Full nameDavid Banner

Brian Banner is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Bill Mantlo, first appearing in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #312. He is the abusive father of Bruce Banner, with said abuse being a major contributing factor of Bruce's eventual transformation into the Hulk.

Publication history

[edit]

Brian Banner first appeared in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #267 (Jan. 1982) and was created by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema.[1]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

As a small child, Brian and his two sisters, Elaine and Susan and their Mother were physically and mentally abused by their violent alcoholic father. Brian regarded his father as a monster and believed that he had inherited a "monster gene" from him, and so promised himself that he would never have any children, for fear of bringing another Banner into the world.[2]

As an adult, Brian married a woman named Rebecca, earned his PhD in physics and found a job in Los Alamos, New Mexico working for the United States government on a project developing a clean way to create nuclear energy. The stress of his job eventually lead Brian to become an alcoholic himself, and he frequently lashed out at those around him. While drunk at work one day, Brian accidentally overloaded some machinery, causing an explosion that cost him his job. Despite his vow never to have children, Brian impregnated Rebecca, who gave birth to their only child, Robert Bruce Banner. Brian believed Bruce had inherited both the "monster gene" and genetic defects due to the accident in Los Alamos, so he ignored him completely and attempted to keep Rebecca away from him. He frequently left Bruce in the care of the neglectful Nurse Meachum. When Bruce woke up one Christmas morning and opened a present from his mother, a complex model, he assembled it easily despite his young age. This convinced Brian that his assumptions about Bruce were correct. As a result, he beat Bruce, and after she came to her son's aid, Rebecca as well.[3] After enduring years of heavy abuse from Brian, Rebecca attempted to escape from him with Bruce. Brian discovered his wife and son packing the car just before their escape, and he smashed Rebecca's head against the pavement, killing her in front of their young son.[4] Brian managed to stop Bruce from testifying against him at his trial for Rebecca's murder, saying that if he did so, he would go to Hell. Terrified, Bruce perjured himself, testifying that his father never abused him or Rebecca, and that his mother tried to run away for no reason.[5] Brian escaped conviction due to lack of evidence, but soon afterwards is arrested again when he drunkenly boasted about beating the law by bullying his son. Brian is imprisoned and later placed in a mental institution.[2] Bruce, meanwhile, is left in the care of his Aunt Susan, now known as Mrs. Drake.

After 15 years of confinement, Brian, who is believed fit for reintroduction into society, is released into a reluctant Bruce's care. Living with Bruce caused Brian's delusions to begin again and, on the anniversary of Rebecca's death, Brian and Bruce engaged in a verbal and later physical fight at Rebecca's grave on a stormy night. During the fight, Bruce accidentally killed Brian by knocking him headfirst into Rebecca's headstone.[2] The police department, sympathetic toward Bruce and having had enough of Brian’s violent behavior, ignores the evidence of Bruce having killed his father.[6] Thus, Bruce repressed the memories of Brian's stay with him and his subsequent death, making himself believe that, as the two of them fought at Rebecca's grave, Brian had simply beat him and left, later being killed by muggers.[3]

Brian's ghost would continue to haunt Bruce's alter-ego the Hulk after his death, often appearing to taunt him, stating that Bruce was no better than he himself; villains such as Mentallo, the Red Skull, Devil Hulk, and Guilt Hulk would also use the image of Brian Banner against the Hulk in an attempt to weaken him. One prominent storyline saw the Red Skull use mind-manipulating technology to make the Hulk see the Juggernaut as his father and use the Hulk to attack other heroes, but this plan failed when the Juggernaut praised the Hulk's efforts, something that the true Brian had never done.[7]

When Bruce Banner and the Hulk were fused back together after the events of Heroes Return, Bruce found himself in Hell, where he met several former adversaries, including his father, Brian. Bruce was terrorized by Brian, Leader, and Maestro. He eventually stood up to his father, attacking and strangling him before being returned to Earth by an image of his wife, Betty Ross.[8] Having faced his father, Bruce's haunting by him ceases.

When Bruce began to suffer from ALS, Mister Fantastic collected DNA from Brian Banner's corpse to cure him. Bruce subsequently visited his father's grave and laments his confusion over his feelings for his father, noting the fact that he now owed his life to the man despite his old issues with him.[9]

In Avengers: The Initiative, the hero Trauma, who has the power to change into an opponent's worst fear, took on Brian Banner's appearance to use against the Hulk during World War Hulk.

Recently, Bruce has implied that killing his father was not actually an accident, noting during a confrontation with Daken and Wolverine that he has managed to avoid causing any innocent deaths when he is rampaging as the Hulk—save for those occasions when he is under the control or influence of something else—and suggesting that it is unlikely that he would make such a 'mistake' in his more limited human form.[10] In an indirect manner, Brian's memory also resulted in Bruce stopping his fight with his son Skaar after the Hulk was restored following the final battle with the Intelligencia, Bruce recognized that he couldn't continue the fight with Skaar- regardless of how much either side might 'deserve' to die- without becoming his father all over again.[11]

Brian returns as a Guilt Hulk/Devil Hulk hybrid.

During the "Chaos War" storyline, Brian Banner is temporarily resurrected after Death flees her realm, and transforms into a Guilt Hulk/Devil Hulk hybrid.[12] However, the Hulk overcomes his fear of Brian and defeats him after being encouraged by Jarella.[13]

In The Immortal Hulk, Brian Banner returns as a ghost under the One Below All's command and possesses Sasquatch.[14][15][16] The Leader later assimilates his body and mind and removes his skeleton from his body for research.[17][6][18][19]

Powers and abilities

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Brian Banner has genius-level intellect. When Brian Banner was resurrected during the Chaos War storyline, he gained the ability to turn into a hybrid replica of the Guilt Hulk and the Devil Hulk. While in this state, Brian possessed power and strength relative to how powerful Bruce perceived him as being. As a ghost, Brian can possess gamma-powered beings.[20]

Other versions

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An alternate universe variant of Brian Banner from Earth-58163 appears in House of M.[21]

An alternate universe variant of Brian Banner from Earth-8816 appears in Devil's Reign: Superior Four #1.[22]

In other media

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  • Brian Banner, renamed D.W. Banner, appears in The Incredible Hulk, portrayed by John Marley.
  • Brian Banner, renamed David Banner, appears in Hulk, portrayed primarily by Nick Nolte and by Paul Kersey in flashbacks.[23] This version is a geneticist who experimented on and mutated his DNA, which his son Bruce inherited. While attempting to find a cure for Bruce's condition thirty years prior to the film, General Thunderbolt Ross halted David's research. Angered by this, the latter destroys his laboratory to prevent the military from using his data and tries to murder Bruce, believing he will mutate out of control. However, David accidentally kills his wife Edith when she tries to stop him before he is remanded to a mental institution while Bruce is taken into foster care. In the present, David is released and learns of Bruce's transformation into the Hulk. Seeing the Hulk as his "true son", David attempts to replicate his powers, giving himself the ability to absorb matter, and eventually fights the Hulk in combat, only to be killed.[24]

References

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  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ a b c Peter David (w), Adam Kubert (p), Mark Farmer (i). "Grave Matters" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2, no. Minus 1 (July 1997). Marvel Comics.
  3. ^ a b Bill Mantlo (w), Mike Mignola (p), Gerry Talaoc (i). "Monster" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2, no. 312 (1985). Marvel Comics.
  4. ^ Peter David (w), Dale Keown (p), Bob McLeod (i). "Honey, I Shrunk the Hulk" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2, no. 377 (1991). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Peter David (w), Gary Frank (p), Cam Smith (i). "In Memory Yet Green" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2, no. 403 (1993). Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ a b Mollo, Drew (August 26, 2021). "Marvel Confirms How The Hulk Got Away with Murdering His Father". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
  7. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #404
  8. ^ Peter David (w), Adam Kubert (p), Mark Farmer (i). "Homecoming" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 2, no. 460 (1998). Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ Paul Jenkins; Sean McKeever (w), Joe Bennett (p), Tom Palmer (i). "Spiral Staircase (Part Three)" The Incredible Hulk, vol. 3, no. 32 (2001). Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #603. Marvel Comics.
  11. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #611. Marvel Comics.
  12. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #619. Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #620. Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ Zachary, Brandon (November 7, 2020). "Immortal Hulk: The Leader Knows EXACTLY How to Break the Hulk". CBR. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  15. ^ Corley, Shaun (October 28, 2020). "The Return of Hulk's Father Finally Explained By Marvel". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  16. ^ The Immortal Hulk #5. Marvel Comics.
  17. ^ Matadeen, Renaldo (November 8, 2020). "The Immortal Hulk's Deadliest Villain Upgraded Through A HORRIFIC Power Boost". CBR. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  18. ^ The Immortal Hulk #9. Marvel Comics.
  19. ^ The Immortal Hulk #33-34. Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Immortal Hulk #5-7
  21. ^ Hulk (House of M) - Marvel Universe: The definitive online source for Marvel super hero bios
  22. ^ Devil's Reign: Superior Four #1. Marvel Comics.
  23. ^ Scott, A.O. (June 20, 2003). "FILM REVIEW; Tall and Green, But No 'Ho, Ho, Ho'". The New York Times. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  24. ^ Ang Lee (Director) (2003). Hulk (DVD). United States: Universal Pictures.
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