Hulkling is one of the founding members of the Young Avengers, a team of teenage superheroes in the Marvel Universe. He is also known for his relationship with fellow Young Avenger Wiccan, one of the highest-profile gay couples in comics. But is he related to the Hulk, the green-skinned behemoth and original Avenger? The answer is no, but his origin story is much more complicated and interesting than that.
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Hulkling’s Real Identity: Dorrek VIII
Hulkling’s real name is Dorrek VIII, and he is the son of two alien races: the Kree and the Skrull. The Kree are a militaristic and advanced race that have been at war with the Skrull, a shape-shifting and infiltrating race, for millennia. Hulkling’s parents were Anelle, the daughter of the Skrull Emperor, and Mar-Vell, a Kree warrior and superhero who was also known as Captain Marvel.
According to Wikipedia, Hulkling was born on the Skrull homeworld of Tarnax IV, but his grandfather, the Emperor, ordered his death when he learned of his mixed heritage. Anelle sent her son to Earth to be protected by a Skrull agent posing as his human mother. She named him Theodore Rufus “Teddy” Kaplan-Altman, after her lover’s human alias.
Hulkling’s Powers and Abilities: Shapeshifting and Super-Strength
Hulkling grew up on Earth, unaware of his true origins. He believed that he was a mutant with shapeshifting and super-strength abilities, and he kept them secret from most people. He used his powers to fit in at school and to pull pranks with his best friend Greg Norris.
According to Marvel.com, Hulkling joined the Young Avengers when Iron Lad recruited him using a fail-safe program created by the Vision. He adopted the codename Hulkling as a tribute to the Hulk, whom he admired. He also developed a close relationship with Wiccan, who later became his husband.
Hulkling’s powers include:
– Accelerated healing factor
– Biological pheromone immunity
– Metamorphic adaptation
– Superhuman strength
– Shapeshifting
He can also wield the Star Sword, a powerful weapon that was given to him by his Skrull grandmother S’Byll. He can use it to cut through almost anything and to channel cosmic energy.
Hulkling’s Role in Empyre: Emperor of Space
Hulkling’s life changed dramatically when he learned that he was the rightful heir to both the Kree and Skrull empires. He was approached by a faction of both races that wanted him to unite them against a common enemy: the Cotati, a plant-like race that threatened to destroy all animal life in the galaxy.
According to CBR.com, Hulkling accepted the offer and became the Emperor of Space, leading a massive armada of Kree-Skrull ships into battle. He also married Wiccan in a secret ceremony before leaving Earth. However, he soon discovered that not everyone was loyal to him, and that there were hidden agendas and betrayals among his allies and enemies.
Hulkling played a crucial role in Empyre, Marvel’s summer 2020 crossover event that involved many heroes and villains from Earth and beyond. He had to make difficult decisions and sacrifices to end the war and save countless lives.
Conclusion: Hulkling is Not Related to Hulk, But He is an Amazing Hero
Hulkling is not related to Hulk by blood, but he shares some of his qualities: his strength, his courage, and his compassion. He is also much more than a copycat: he is a unique hero with his own identity, history, and destiny. He is a Kree-Skrull hybrid, a Young Avenger, an Emperor of Space, and a loving husband. He is one of Marvel’s most fascinating and inspiring characters.
