The Incredible Hulk (1996 — 1997)

The Incredible Hulk (1996–1997) is an American animated television series based on the popular Marvel Comics character. The first season follows Dr. Robert Bruce Banner as he tries to control his inner rage and transform into the Hulk. However, his efforts are constantly thwarted by the military, led by Major Glenn Talbot. After being captured, the Hulk falls into the clutches of a powerful villain known as the Leader, who is supported by two formidable allies – the Gargoyle and the Abomination. Alongside these antagonists, Banner must also contend with mutated gamma creatures called Outcasts, while being aided by his loyal friend Rick Jones and his longtime love interest Betty Ross. Similar to its comic book counterpart, the series features Thunderbolt Ross as a former general who unleashes Army forces and specially designed weapons known as Hulkbusters in attempts to capture or destroy the Hulk.

Season 2 picks up where the first left off, with Grey Hulk hiding in the mountains while being relentlessly pursued by the still unstable Ross. A confrontation leads to an avalanche that leaves Ross comatose and Banner unconscious. Upon waking up, Banner is arrested and put on trial, while Rick Jones continues to cause chaos almost as an afterthought. In a surprising turn of events, Banner’s cousin Jennifer (also known as She-Hulk) steps in to support him in court. After successfully defending the courthouse from an attack by the Leader and restoring Rick to his normal state, Banner and Jennifer lay low together. The rest of the season follows their adventures as they team up with characters like Doctor Strange, face off against Doctor Doom once again, and attend Jennifer’s high school reunion where she temporarily transforms back into her human form. In the episode ‘Mind Over Anti-Matter’, Doctor Strange and She-Hulk enter Banner’s possessed mind to defeat a malevolent alien entity, resulting in his transformation into a monstrous Dark Hulk.