Name the heroes who might be worthy of wielding Hulk will appear near the bottom of the list. However, I honestly believe that when you look at the conditions that make someone 'worthy,' Bruce Banner's other half should be able to pick up the enchanted weapon whenever he wants.

In the recent Hulk #25, from Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Nic Klein, Hulk seemingly picks up Mjolnir and uses it to bowl over Thor and his Asgardian allies. However, it's quickly revealed that Hulk wasn't 'lifting' Mjolnir - Thor just recalled the weapon and Hulk grabbed on for the ride. It's not the first time Marvel has offered fans a misdirect regarding Hulk's worthiness, proving that deep down, the publisher realizes the question of Hulk's worthiness isn't as simple as it seems.

Hulk is seen as a dangerous rage monster, and while that's true, it's not the whole picture. In fact, I think that - according to the ambiguous standards historically set by Marvel - there truly should not be a palpable reason Hulk would not be worthy.

By Marvel’s Own Definition, the Hulk Should Be a Worthy Hero Capable of Wielding Mjolnir

Thor Lays Out What Makes a Hero Worthy, and Hulk Checks All the Boxes

Thor’s hammer holds immense power, but its most notable attribute is that it possesses a powerful enchantment cast by Odin to only be wielded by those deemed worthy, and grants the powers of Thor to those who have proven themselves. Though the true definition of "worthiness" is somewhat unclear, in The Immortal Thor #5 by Al Ewing and Martin Colccolo, Thor lays out the five qualities that make him worthy. Thor states that "the power of Thor is to hold the storm back," and he does this with his comion, restraint, nobility, wisdom, and humility.

Though Hulk has never officially picked up the enchanted hammer (despite a couple of misleads, like that above), I'd argue that Bruce Banner’s Hulk does possess comion, restraint, nobility, wisdom, and humility - at least in the same ways as Thor himself. Hulk has proven time and time again that he is a true warrior willing to put himself on the line to be a hero, showing a great deal of genuine empathy and selflessness. You could argue that Hulk lacks nobility, but even Thor has touted Hulk as a god, and few Marvel characters have suffered more while remaining dedicated to protecting the innocent and opposing evil.

The Hulk Isn't a Perfect Hero, But Can We Honestly Say Thor Is?

At Times, Hulk Is Wiser and More Under Control Than Thor

Hulk is by no means the absolute perfect embodiment of wisdom and humility, but in truth, neither is Thor. Thor, at times, can be prideful and arrogant. Indeed, these qualities were so extreme, Odin banished him to Earth to learn humility, with Thor able to wield the hammer despite his flaws. In The War of the Realms, he even enters a bloodthirsty berserker rage without having to drop the hammer, demanding more giants to slaughter.

Thor describes wielding his power as "holding back the storm," and it’s no secret that Bruce Banner’s relationship with Hulk is the epitome of holding back a raging storm, as Hulk’s uncontainable power has taken Bruce years to control. Hulk comics have also made it clear that Hulk isn't as unintelligent as he looks - in Immortal Hulk #6 (Al Ewing and Lee Garbett), Bruce explains that while he is rational and intelligent, Hulk is intuitive and instinctive, itting "he's smarter than I am - but it takes the form of hunches and gut feelings." That certainly seems like the type of 'wisdom' a Viking warrior god would respect.

Likewise, in Doctor Strange & Hulk #1, it’s explained that the Hulk is the manifestation of Bruce Banner's willpower to fight for his life and others; he is the violence of life given form. Looking back at Thor's criteria, I'm convinced Hulk scores impressively:

• Comion - Hulk is the first hero to back the underdog, doing whatever he can for the innocent and mistreated.
• Restraint - Literally no-one holds back more than Bruce Banner.
• Nobility - Hulk has been willing to forgive even his worst enemies when they seek redemption.
• Wisdom - According to Bruce, Hulk has a lot more wisdom than anyone gives him credit for.
• Humility - Hulk may value his strength, but compared to Thor's biggest moments of ego, the Green Goliath is practically self-effacing.

Hulk Is Worthy, Marvel Just Needs To Connect the Dots

Captain America Shouldn't Be the Only Avenger Worthy of Wielding Thor’s Hammer, and Hulk Proves That

Being a hero doesn’t instantly make one worthy, but others such as Captain America, Beta Ray Bill and Storm have all lifted Mjolnir at some point, and even Loki was briefly worthy of Thor’s hammer. Hulk may not be a perfect hero, but neither is Thor - what matters is the positive qualities the two do share. They're both noble heroes who will do anything to protect the innocent, fighting back evil and death at every opportunity. Despite some major temper problems, both always show up to protect the world (or universe), and act out of comion, only asking if a fight is righteous - not whether it will benefit them individually.

By Marvel's standards of what constitutes worthiness, Hulk should be deemed worthy to wield Thor's hammer Mjolnir - and by baiting fans in Hulk #25, Marvel hints that they already know this question isn't as clear cut as everyone pretends.

Hulk #25 is available now from Marvel Comics.