For the DS version from The Incredible Hulk, see Thaddeus Ross |
For alternate versions of Thaddeus Ross, see Thaddeus Ross' Character Hub |
General Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross was a member of the United States Army who led a manhunt for Hulk.
Biography[]
Hunting Bruce Banner[]
- "As far as I'm concerned, that man's whole body is property of the Army."
- ―Thaddeus Ross to Emil Blonsky[src]
Thaddeus Ross worked with the United States Army and led a manhunt for the Bruce Banner, who had turned himself into a monster known as the Hulk in an experiment. Emil Blonsky found Banner in Porto Verde and chased him, telling Ross that he had found Banner. Ross told Blonsky not to allow Banner to escape, so Blonsky had the factory Banner hid in blown up. However, Hulk survived the explosion and escaped.
Ross approached Blonsky, who explained that a monster attacked them and announced his intention to determine if Banner knew who it was. However, Ross explained that it was Banner due to an experiment which Banner was conducting for the military. Blonsky asked Ross why the military did not simply take Banner's data to another scientist, but Ross explained that Banner was the data they needed and that he considered Banner's body to be property of the military.[2]
Fight in New York City[]
The United States Army was able to find Hulk in New York City, so Ross ordered a strike team to bring him in.
Ross had a doctor administer a low dose of the serum which Bruce Banner had been working on to Emil Blonsky, explaining that he would be pulled out at the first sign of a side effect. Blonsky agreed and was given the serum.[2]
Battle at Culver University[]
- "I have him, General. Just say the word."
"Wait until he's clear of my daughter, Blonsky." - ―Emil Blonsky and Thaddeus Ross[src]
Ross sent Emil Blonsky to follow Bruce Banner to Culver University, where Banner reunited with Ross' daughter, Betty. Thaddeus told Blonsky to stand down until Banner was clear from Betty, but Banner spotted Blonsky. Thaddeus had the United States Army advance on Banner and announced that he was surrounded while Betty ran up to stop him. However, Thaddeus simply had his soldiers stop Betty from approaching. This angered Banner, prompting him to transform into Hulk. Blonsky attempted to fight Hulk, who defeated him and caused him to pass out. The Army then attacked with helicopters that Hulk destroyed, but one nearly hitting Betty. Thaddeus watched as Hulk saved Betty and ran away with her. He was then called over to Blonsky and learned that he survived the fight, ordering medical treatment for him.[2]
Protected by Hulk[]
Ross led an Army attack on the Enclave, when the Hulk showed up to protect him at his daughter's request. However, Ross declared Hulk to be a target of opportunity and insisted that the Army take him down too. Hulk helped the military reach the Paragon Corporation building that the Army intended to attack and destroy it. A soldier reported that Hulk beat them to the building, prompting Ross to realize that they needed his help.
Emil Blonsky managed to make a full recovery from the injuries he sustained at Culver University, so Ross came to agree that the serum he used was a miracle. He authorized Blonsky for the full treatment and informed him of the news.
Ross ordered for a new canon to be moved and did it himself due to a lack of trust in Glenn Talbot. However, the weapon was stolen by Talbot's soldiers and then by Hulk, who brought it to Rick Jones to be destroyed.[2]
Fighting Glenn Talbot[]
- "This is your last chance, Talbot. You've disgraced that uniform!"
- ―Thaddeus Ross to Glenn Talbot[src]
One of the members of the Hulkbusters reported to Ross that Glenn Talbot had orchestrated the kidnapping of his daughter in an attempt to capture Hulk, prompting Ross to send troops after Talbot. They surrounded Talbot's base, and Ross called for Talbot surrender. Talbot refused and burst out of his barracks with a Hulkbuster armor, destroying several tanks. Hulk arrived and defeated Talbot, throwing the armor into the sky while Talbot detonated it to prevent people from getting hurt.[2]
Duel of Harlem[]
Ross sent Emil Blonsky with another soldier to Empire State University, where Bruce Banner prepared to cure himself of the Hulk. The soldier reported that he could not get a clean shot, so Blonsky asked to go in. Ross told him that it was a last resort, but Blonsky said he was tired of waiting and went in anyway. Ross led his soldiers into Samuel Sterns' lab and had Banner shot with a tranquilizer dart. He ordered his soldiers to take Banner and Betty Ross away while he told Sterns that he expected the scientist's cooperation.
In the helicopter, Betty scolded Thaddeus for taking them. Thaddeus started to defend himself, when the helicopter suddenly shook and a soldier reported that Hulk was seen in the streets. Thaddeus turned to Banner and asked for a visual and saw that Blonsky had turned himself into the monstrous Abomination and was attacking the street. Banner realized that Hulk was the only one who could stop Abomination, so he jumped out of the helicopter to transform into Hulk, who started fighting Abomination. Abomination threw a taxi at the helicopter, causing it to crash onto a building. Thaddeus and Betty escaped the helicopter before it exploded, but they were trapped on top of the building. Hulk then arrived and put out the fire, preventing the explosion. Abomination then attacked, but Hulk defeated him and left. Betty sarcastically expressed hope that the chase was worth it as Hulk left the area.[2]
Personality[]
- "Ross is a classic soldier. Focused. Determined. Single-minded."
- ―Glenn Talbot[src]
Ross is a determined individual who was willing to spend years hunting down Bruce Banner simply because he viewed Banner's body to be military property. However, this determination tended to turn into stubbornness, as he consistently put his own soldiers at risk. He was dedicated to the Army, willing to do whatever it took to better his soldier's chances, even turning to experiments to improve the soldiers' physique. Despite this, he did not let his determination get in the way of his care for his daughter, as he was willing to tell Blonsky to wait to shoot Banner until he was not near her.
Abilities[]
- Master Tactician: As a General in the United States Army, Ross is in a leadership position and trained to create battle plans. He planned multiple ambushes and was able to quickly adjust his plans, such as when the Hulk arrived at the Army's attack on the Enclave.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[] |