I’ve been (finally) playing that “Marvel’s Spider-Man” video game. Add a dash of writer’s block and I dreamed of writing a Spider-Man versus the Hulk fanfiction.
This story takes occurs in my comic book fanfiction mashup universe in 2009, several years before the events of my other stories. It’ll drop some world-building notes and provide some origins. Enjoy!
Science was Peter Parker’s true calling despite his second life as the costumed superhero Spider-Man. His scientist parents Richard and Mary had encouraged young Parker’s interest.
Unfortunately, both Richard and Mary had died in a plane crash when Parker was twelve. Peter moved in with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, who encouraged Peter’s love of science. He knew his parents would be proud of him.
Peter’s senior thesis hypothesized the possibility of gamma radiation enhancing living cells to the point they’d “awaken” to some form of super-power. While researching the paper, Parker had contacted the foremost scientist on gamma radiation, Dr. Bruce Banner.
Banner kindly engaged with Parker. That engagement turned into mutual respect that earned Parker a visit to the top-secret Army base in New Mexico where Banner worked on his latest project.
Banner had agreed with Parker’s assessment of gamma radiation and its potential to enhance an individual. His concern was what the radiation would do to the person enhanced by its power.
The doctor’s latest project (one funded by the Army) was tangential to Parker’s studies. Banner and his team of scientists strove to reduce the radiation emitted from gamma-based weaponry.
The military wanted the destructive force of a nuclear bomb, but none of the harmful radiation that would prevent boots on the ground from occupying the bombed territory.
While in banner’s office, Parker asked Banner if he’s cool making weapons. The doctor’s hesitation in answering told the true story, yet Banner said his feelings are irrelevant. He’s bound to whoever’s paying him.
Parker said that’s why he’s looking to work outside the military-industrial complex.
Banner admires Parker’s desire to perform scientific research unencumbered by ideology. He may even have a few leads for him. He warns Parker always to be mindful of where the money’s coming from as that will inevitably influence the outcomes of the project.
Parker may discover the cure for cancer, but his funders may force him to turn it into something that spreads cancer instead.
Another scientist, Dr. Betty Ross, enters the lab. She’d heard Banner’s warnings and told Parker to ignore them. If the military brass couldn’t understand the data, they couldn’t use it for destructive purposes unless some other scientist sold them out.
Banner teases that Betty’s way of thinking could get her thrown into a black site. Betty hopes General “Thunderbolt” Ross wouldn’t rendition his daughter over a potentially world-destroying find. Banner isn’t so sure he wouldn’t.
Betty gives Parker a formal greeting, then grabs some files to study in her office. She gives Banner a quick kiss on the cheek and heads out.
Parker questions Banner about having a relationship with a fellow scientist, especially when she is the daughter of his benefactor. Banner blushes, adding that the general doesn’t know of the relationship.
He insists the best way to keep it hidden is to stop talking about it. Parker understands.
Banner adds that he may have some non-military contacts who would have an interest in someone like Parker, one contact being an Otto Octavius back in Parker’s home of New York City.
Banner then takes Parker to the lab to show him the facilities. Parker impresses Banner with his understanding of the science. Banner invites Parker to return tomorrow for the first test.
To be continued next Thursday!
Author’s Note:
The characters Spider-Man/ Peter Parker, Richard and Mary Parker, Ben and May Parker, the Hulk/ Bruce Banner, Betsy Ross, “Thunderbolt” Ross, SHIELD, and Nick Fury are Copyright Marvel Comics
None of the characters belong to me as this is fanfiction, done for fun and as a creative exercise
