DC Comics has introduced a new version of the Hulk called the Degenerate, who is a Bruce Banner-type character that fans can genuinely hate. In The Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1, the team encounters the Degenerate while investigating a newly created meta-human wreaking havoc in Gotham City. While the Degenerate’s powers bear a resemblance to the Hulk’s abilities, he has no redeeming qualities and deserves to be hated.

The Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1

The Unstoppable Doom Patrol #1 is written by Dennis Culver, drawn by Chris Burnham, colored by Brian Reber, and lettered by Pat Brosseau. The story begins with the Doom Patrol arriving in Gotham City, where they encounter a newly created meta-human being held at a MetaGen facility, who has turned into a rampaging monster due to experiments conducted on him. Despite their best efforts, the Doom Patrol is unable to defeat the monster, but Robotman decides to talk to him instead. Robotman offers the monster a place in the Doom Patrol, and as the conversation progresses, the creature reverts to a smaller form and takes on the name “Degenerate.”

The Degenerate

The Degenerate explains that his powers work only when he is being mean, and his intelligence decreases when he accesses his powers. However, he believes he is better off this way and agrees to join the Doom Patrol only if they keep him out of jail. The issue ends with Degenerate leaving Gotham with the Doom Patrol.

Comparison To The Hulk

The Degenerate’s powers and the way he accesses them make him DC’s version of the Hulk. However, there is a significant difference between the two characters. While the Hulk transforms into a monster when he is angry, Bruce Banner is still a nice guy at his core, trying to do right by those around him. In contrast, the Degenerate revels in his meanness and has no qualms about hurting anyone. As a result, he is a character that fans can genuinely hate.