| For the DS version from The Incredible Hulk, see Samuel Sterns |
| For alternate versions of Samuel Sterns, see Samuel Sterns' Character Hub |
Doctor Samuel Sterns was a scientist who helped Bruce Banner with his attempts to rid himself of the monstrous Hulk. He developed several countermeasures to the Enclave's scientific attacks and successfully prevented one of Banner's transformations into Hulk. However, Emil Blonsky then broke into Sterns' lab and forced Sterns to turn him into a monster like Hulk.
Biography[]
Searching for a Cure[]
Samuel Sterns established contact with Bruce Banner under the aliases "Mr. Blue" and "Mr. Green," respectively.
Sterns meeting with Bruce Banner
Banner went to Sterns' laboratory at Empire State University and greeted him, so Sterns commented that he had wondered if Banner was real and what he looked like. Sterns asked for a sample of Banner's blood and said that the United States Army had data which could help him, so Banner offered to get it. Banner left and returned with the data. Sterns told Banner to talk to Simon Utrecht, whose research was similar to Banner's. Banner expressed hope that Utrecht's research was in fact not similar. Meanwhile, Sterns worked with Banner's blood and synthesized more of it.
Sterns found himself unable to get data from Banner's blood, due to something interfering with his analysis. Sterns concluded that the source of the interference was close and asked Banner to move it out of range. However, while Hulk was out, Sterns realized that the radio waves were hiding Nanites. Sterns called Banner and told him that he needed the nanites for the cure. Hulk brought the nanites and dropped them in front of Sterns before jumping away, impressing him.[1]
Fighting the Enclave[]
The city was attacked by several chemical bombs which contaminated areas of the city, so Sterns began work on a Scrubber to clean the areas. He contacted Banner's associate, Rick Jones, when he believed himself to have made the device. Sterns met Hulk with the Scrubber at Empire State University and told him how the device worked, instructing him to return it after he was done. Hulk then brought the Scrubber back, so Sterns put it in a container before it blew up.
The Enclave later planned to use a mass Mind Control Device on New York City, which Jones heard about. Jones brought Sterns the Enclave's data on the device, and Sterns was able to create a countermeasure which the Hulk used to stop the Enclave's plan.[1]
Elevating Banner's Gamma Levels[]
- "I think we've nailed it. But... there's always a chance this could kill you."
"Trust me... if it doesn't work, I'm better off dead." - ―Samuel Sterns and Bruce Banner[src]
Sterns met with Bruce Banner and explained that due to the fluctuations of Banner's gamma radiation levels, a cure would not be possible. Banner refused to give up, but Sterns explained that they could elevate his gamma levels. Banner was hesitant, but Sterns explained that it was the only way. Sterns went on to say that the Enclave and Army had stolen the technology he needed. Sterns told Banner where the items were and insisted that he needed all three. Sterns continued working and asked Banner if they had the data from his original research, and Banner suggested that the university where he did his research would have what they needed.
Sterns expressing confidence that his cure will work
Sterns met with Banner again and assured him that they were near completion of the cure, but he suggested they test the cure before using it. He explained that he cross-referenced Banner's DNA with the Enclave's samples, saying that they could use their Genetic Simulator for the test. Sterns then learned that the Enclave had unleashed a bio-weapon in the city, which he could use to test the cure by using it to stop the bio-weapon. Hulk took Sterns to the contaminated building, giving Sterns the chance to activate the cure from inside before ejecting himself from the building. The Army turned their attention to Sterns, but Hulk returned him safely to Empire State University. Sterns said that it was invigorating and was relieved to know that the cure worked.
Sterns explains the risks of the cure
Sterns finished developing the cure and called Banner to tell him. Banner went to the university, where Sterns warned that it could kill him. However, Banner insisted that if the cure did not work, he would be better off dead and prepared for the procedure. Sterns went on to explain that even if the cure works, it was not guaranteed to be a cure, but could have been for a specific flare-up. Sterns triggered the Hulk to appear, so Ross climbed on top of Hulk and yelled for Sterns to administer the cure. Once Sterns did so, Hulk transformed back into Banner, who asked if it worked. Sterns explained that he was inclined to believe that they only suppressed the specific event since none of his test subjects survived. Banner asked about the subjects, so Sterns revealed that he created more of Banner's blood. Banner insisted they destroy all of it, but Sterns reminded them that they had the antidote. Banner said that the Army wanted a weapon rather than the antidote, when he was suddenly shot with a tranquilizer dart.
Emil Blonsky threatening Sterns
Thaddeus Ross then appeared and had his soldiers take Betty and Banner to their helicopter while Ross told Sterns that he expected the scientist's cooperation. Emil Blonsky then broke into the lab and held Sterns at gunpoint, demanding that Sterns give Blonsky the ability to transform into a monster like the Hulk. Sterns explained that it could be dangerous, but Blonsky moved the gun closer, causing Sterns to agree. He went through the experiment, turning Blonsky into the monstrous Abomination.[1]
Personality[]
Sterns is a determined and hard-working individual who is fascinated by science. He openly accepted an invitation to work with Bruce Banner and the Hulk without knowing whether he was real due to the scientific wonder. He is an individual determined to do the right thing and would regularly put his other work aside to combat the Enclave's attacks.
Abilities[]
- Master Scientist: Sterns was a skilled scientist at Empire State University who was able to study and understand the data from Bruce Banner's DNA and work to develop a cure using nanites.
- Master Engineer: Sterns was able to develop the Scrubber to stop the contamination of several areas of New York City a very short time after the contamination itself occurred.
Facilities[]
- Empire State University: Sterns worked as a scientist at Empire State University, and used the university as a lab to develop countermeasures to the Enclave's attacks, as well as a cure for the Hulk.
Relationships[]
Allies[]
Enemies[]
Gallery[]
