Warning: spoilers ahead for Immortal Hulk #45!
The Immortal Hulk #45 has revealed that a couple of forgotten powers have materialized in one of the characters within the series. This was unexpected, but if these powers are actively used, they have tremendous potential.
The Hulk has numerous abilities and alters who control them. Everyone re that Hulk has super strength as a result of his gamma radiation. It is an easy power to due to his size and tendency to smash things. However, the Hulk has other abilities that have been slightly less explored - or that at least take a backseat to his strength. Hulk's power has been witnessed firsthand many times by Jacqueline McGee, a reporter who has been covering Bruce Banner for most of the ongoing series. Now, she may find herself being more helpful going forward.
Immortal Hulk #45 - written by Al Ewing with art by Joe Bennett - reveals that Jackie McGee has gained some of Hulk's powers. She has been exposed to gamma radiation and has received some of Hulk's lesser-known abilities, as pointed out by Puck. For example, Jackie is able to see the Astral Plane, which can be casually referred to as having the ability to see ghosts. Less certain - and perhaps included as a gag - is the potential that she could sniff out lies. While it sounds silly, this is a legitimate power that the Hulk has, albeit one that is rarely used and often glazed over. This would actually be a great ability for her to have, especially if used effectively within the rest of the series.
Jaqueline can observe the Astral Plane, which is a power that the Hulk has had for a pretty long time. In Incredible Hulk #370 from 1990, the Jackie can probably do beyond see, she could be an important bridge between the many heroes involved in the series' events.
The other little-known ability Hulk has is the power to smell lies. This is actually a legitimate power that is discussed by the Avengers earlier in Immortal Hulk. In issue #7 while the Avengers are fighting the Hulk, Thor remarks on this ability, which Captain America denies as possible. Thor implies that the world Captain America is in would not be able to perceive a scent attached to a lie since it is based on a limited scope. Contrarily, Thor's world and perception are broader and have more possibilities - a world that Hulk may be more connected to in his own way. It may not be impossible for a lie to smell a particular way and it would actually be interesting if Jackie had this ability. Using it effectively - especially as a reporter - could be useful in investigations and interrogations. Super strength isn't the only power the Hulk has and it isn't the only super ability that could prove to be useful. Even though some of the Hulk's powers are less-known, this series could use them more prominently going forward.
