Marvel Universe, but being a fashionista certainly isn't one of them. While most heroes cycle through various fits, the Hulk’s bulk restricts his wardrobe choices. However, even with those limitations, his latest redesign proves that the Hulk's presence still has room for reinvention. His new-look may be impractical, but it's also one of his best reinventions yet.

In an interview with ComicBook.com, artists Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini discussed their work on the Jonathan Hickman series Imperial, which is poised to introduce new elements into Marvel’s cosmic realm, alongside a fresh look for the Hulk, which the artists shared concept art for. The new design is a bold and fresh approach to the legendary Avenger's classic look.

The costume raises a few questions about practicality, especially since Hulk doesn't really need armor. Still, something about the fit works, as it communicates a sense of power and status that he didn't have in his typical tattered pants.

"Imperial" Artists Reveal The Hulk's Majestic New Look For The Cosmic Marvel Series

Designs By Iban Coello And Federico Vicentini

Hulk’s outfit in Imperial is a dramatic departure from his usual torn pants and bare chest. This design draws heavily from his past as a gladiator, merging elements of both battle and royalty. The armor reflects a shift in his role from a mindless monster to a regal warrior king. It’s more than just a fancy suit to protect Hulk's vulnerabilities; it’s part of his evolution, showcasing his newfound power and authority. The armor, featuring metallic accents and intricate designs, was personally chosen by Hulk after his return to Sakaar, a decision that marks his transition from gladiator to ruler.

While Hulk has no use for it in of physical protection, the design works as a powerful visual tool to communicate his status.

The look is carefully crafted to mirror Hulk’s complex narrative journey. His time as a gladiator on Sakaar shaped him, and now as a leader, he uses the armor to reflect his battle-hardened past while signaling his ascension to a king-like role. The design incorporates heavy, detailed elements, including dark, sculpted plates and a majestic flowing cape, giving him a flamboyant yet imposing presence. The contrast between the raw strength of his body and the calculated, refined armor underscores his transformation.

This redesign intentionally shifts how Hulk is presented visually. The look is far from practical in the traditional sense but deeply symbolic, as his epic garb is more about its narrative weight than practical combat value. The unique armor marks his place among cosmic powers. While Hulk has no use for it in of physical protection, the design works as a powerful visual tool to communicate his status, showing how Hulk has become a deadly, self-assured king who commands respect and authority.

Hulk's Redesign Looks Great, But It Does Raise Some Questions

Does The Hulk Really Need Armor?

While the design is bold, it's obviously very impractical; after all, Hulk's invulnerability and healing factor make him nearly indestructible. His game-infused skin can withstand the most brutal attacks from Thor, missiles, and even nuclear explosions. Although there are ways to defeat the Hulk, penetrating his skin isn't one of them. This would seem to make this new armor completely redundant and only stand to restrict his full range of motion in combat, potentially slowing him down when he’s at his most dangerous.

The addition of armor feels like an overestimation of what he requires, as it overlooks his natural resilience and power.

The issue deepens when you consider the nature of Hulk’s power. As he gets angrier, his strength increases exponentially, meaning any armor would be irrelevant when facing a being whose power grows with his rage. From a strategic standpoint, there’s no need to protect Hulk with armor when he has no weak spots to begin with. The addition of armor feels like an overestimation of what he requires, as it overlooks his natural resilience and power. It’s putting a bulletproof vest on someone who can punch through mountains.

Historically, Hulk’s best appearances have been when he’s stripped of any armor, showcasing the rawness of his character. While the look resembles his gladiator garb in Planet Hulk, that too was more of a narrative choice than a necessity. He doesn’t need armor to be powerful; his strength and ability to regenerate are enough. This new costume feels like a departure from the classic design that emphasized Hulk’s primal nature. While visually striking, his armor doesn’t seem practical for this unrestrained powerhouse.

What Does Work About The Hulk's New Look

Banners Fresh Fit Reinforces The Hulk’s Status

While Hulk may not need armor for protection, the new look reinforces his status as a gladiator king. This outfit communicates that Hulk is not just a mindless monster; he is a figure of immense power and authority. It commands respect. Much like his World War Hulk attire, which suggested that he was more complex than your average hero, this costume has also become a statement of who Hulk has become. The new suit isn’t about practicality, but about making a powerful statement about Hulk’s presence in the cosmic landscape.

This particular look has nothing to do with protection, but rather projection, as it projects the Hulk's authority without the typical reckless display of his raw strength. This outfit is designed to exude status and power, suggesting that Hulk is not just a brute force, but a king. In Imperial, this visual element gives Hulk the aura of a ruler, not simply a force of nature. Whether or not it’s useful, it works as a narrative device, communicating his elevated status in the Marvel Universe.

Not Everything About Superhero Designs Needs To Be Practical

A Costume Is More Than Just Armor

The Hulk’s new armor may not make much sense in of function, but that doesn’t mean it lacks value. Sometimes, a costume’s true purpose is not about its practicality but about its narrative significance. A superhero's outfit can speak volumes about who they are, even if it doesn’t serve a clear, utilitarian function. In the case of the Hulk, his new look serves to define his identity as both a fighter and a ruler. It’s a visual shorthand for his journey from a rampaging monster to a leader of great power and influence.

The most important aspect of any superhero design is that it serves the story and enhances the character’s arc, as is the case with Hulk.

Ultimately, not all superhero costumes need to make perfect sense from a logical standpoint. The most important aspect of any superhero design is that it serves the story and enhances the character’s arc, as is the case with Hulk. It may seem unnecessary in of defense, but it adds depth to his character and highlights the evolution of his role in the Marvel Universe. In the end, this redesign is less about practicality and more about establishing Hulk’s iconic status.

Source: Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini, ComicBook.com interview

Imperial #1 will be available June 4, 2025 from Marvel Comics.