The Hulk’s most unusual power, his ability to see ghosts, is also a clue to his terrifying origin. Most fans are not aware of this special ability, nor is it one that is used frequently, but after the events of the critically acclaimed The Immortal Hulk, this power takes on a horrifying new dimension. That series re-framed the Jade Giant’s origin, giving it a supernatural layer, one that explains the Hulk’s ability to see dead people.
Although the Hulk is mostly known as a physical powerhouse, he has powers and abilities beyond brute strength–including the ability to see ghosts. No explanation (at least at first) was given for the ability–it just happened. Furthermore, body-horror aspects of the Hulk, and revealed a supernatural aspect to gamma mutation.
Central to Immortal Hulk was his struggle against the One Below All (aka the Devil), a demonic force residing outside of creation. Immortal Hulk also revealed that the One Below All is responsible for the gamma energy that created the Hulk. When a person is mutated by gamma energy, such as Bruce Banner, the One Below All gains access to their soul, effectively making them its pawns in its quest to end the universe. Moreover, Gamma mutates, such as the Hulk, She-Hulk and Doc Samson, also gained the ability to cheat death and were able to return to the land of the living via the Green Door.
The Immortal Hulk Redefined the Character in More Ways Than One
As stated earlier, the Hulk’s ability to see ghosts was simply a curiosity. And, with no real context for it, most creators ignored the power. However, under Ewing and Bennett’s tenure on the character, they finally explained why. Prior to Immortal Hulk, there was no supernatural/demonic side to the Hulk’s powers and everyone ascribed it to science. This revelation, that a Satanic force was partially responsible for the Hulk, upended what fans knew. But it did provide the best explanation for his ability to see the dead. While the development only makes sense in light of Immortal Hulk, it still remains the best explanation for this curious power.
Even with this explanation, Hulk’s ability to see ghosts is rarely used. Since Immortal Hulk came to a conclusion, writer Donny Cates has taken the Hulk in a science-fiction oriented direction, making it unlikely the Hulk will be talking to dead people any time soon. Yet the fact remains that the Hulk can interact with ghosts, and Al Ewing and Joe Bennett finally provided fans with a chilling explanation.
