Post created by Ellesse
“That’s the thing about me, I am always angry…”
I am sure many of you have seen or at least are aware of the Marvel action film and superhero, the Incredible Hulk. If you have not had the pleasure in watching this character’s legacy, let me enlighten you. Bruce Banner, a middle aged male scientist, is exposed to high levels of gamma radiation which then contaminates the entirety of cells in his body, turning him into a giant green monster known as The Hulk.
After unsuccessfully searching for a cure, he learns to control his transformation to only happen in extreme emotional states, particularly when he is upset or angry. This then allows him to use his new ‘power’ to fight evil and crime with his new friends the Avengers.
But what does that mean medically?
Unfortunately, exposure to gamma radiation will not give you the power to turn into a giant green man who is seemingly invisible when you are angry. What most likely will happen is in an event of an atomic blast, for example, the gamma radiation would simply burn you, or if the skin is penetrated, could increase your chances of cancer.
This also means that being upset does not make you the Hulk. Anger is a common feeling that can be triggered by many things, but most often will only cause things like higher stress levels in the body, increased adrenaline, potential shakiness or sweating, and maybe a vein or two popping out from higher blood pressure.
Although the story of The Incredible Hulk truly is incredible and entertaining, that is all it is; entertainment.