Who Is Purple Hulk? Marvel's What If Easter Egg Connection to Comics Explained

Publish date: 2024-06-01

Purple Hulk: Marvel’s “What If..?” series has always been a treasure trove for fans, offering a kaleidoscope of possibilities that stretch the boundaries of the familiar. The series has a knack for revamping classic characters, and Season 2, Episode 3, is no exception. This episode spotlights a character transformation that’s been absent from Marvel’s spotlight for decades, yet is a pivotal part of the comics’ lore – the transformation of Happy Hogan into the enigmatic Purple Hulk, known as The Freak.

Unraveling the Enigma of The Purple Hulk-Like Freak

In a blend of animation and marvel, the latest episode titled “What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?” introduces viewers to a unique iteration of Happy Hogan. This transformation is a deep dive into Marvel history, harking back to 1966 when Happy Hogan first turned into The Freak in the comics. Stricken with a grave illness, Happy undergoes an experimental procedure devised by Tony Stark, which cures him but mutates him into a creature of immense strength and fury.

The adaptation in “What If..?” takes a different turn. Here, Happy Hogan’s metamorphosis into The Freak is an accident, triggered by an injection of Hulk blood intended for theft. The narrative that follows is a gripping tale of transformation, strength, and identity, drawing parallels with the classic 1988’s “Die Hard.”

The Avengers’ Misinterpretation and The Freak’s Identity Crisis

This episode throws a curveball, with the Avengers initially mistaking Happy’s Purple Hulk form as the antagonist, only to realize the true villain is Justin Hammer in his Hulk buster armor. What sets this rendition apart from the comic book version is the retention of Happy’s consciousness in The Freak, unlike the comics where The Freak had only vague remnants of Happy’s personality.

The Legacy of The Freak in Marvel Comics

The Freak, however, isn’t exclusive to Happy Hogan. Eddie March, another character from the Marvel universe, has also donned this avatar, last appearing in 1973. With the recent “What If…?” episode, Marvel breaks a 50-year hiatus, re-introducing The Freak to a new generation of fans.

This is like an epic sandwich with extra awesome sauce and a side of bacon, purple hulk went fracking ape crap like it was John wick!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/cNcDp6d0No

— Anna🍉 (@RadioFreeAnna) December 25, 2023

The Potential of The Freak in Live-Action

Marvel’s “What If..?” has been a launchpad for characters to transition into live action, most notably Captain Carter in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” With upcoming projects like “Iron heart” and “Armor Wars,” the door remains open for Happy Hogan’s return, potentially in his Freak avatar. The series’ commitment to exploring untapped areas of the Marvel universe keeps fans on the edge, wondering who might be next to leap from animation to live-action.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Marvel’s Ever-Evolving Universe

“What If…?” continues to redefine the boundaries of Marvel’s cinematic universe, proving that even the most obscure characters from the comics have a place in today’s narrative landscape. As new episodes release daily on Disney+ until December 30, fans can only speculate what other surprises await them in this multiverse of endless possibilities.