The Hulk Can’t Break Captain America’s Shield… Can He? Our Expert Explains

The Hulk Can't Break Captain America's Shield... Can He? Our Expert Explains

As a gamer with decades of Marvel Comics and superhero gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the question of whether Red Hulk or any Hulk for that matter, can break Captain America’s shield is one that has been a topic of debate among us gamers for years. The trailer for “Captain America: Brave New World” suggests otherwise, but as Devin Meenan rightly points out, Cap’s shield is made of adamantium and vibranium, making it practically indestructible.


The colossal Red Hulk boasts a plethora of powers, with his immense size and strength akin to the Incredible Hulk’s being particularly noteworthy. However, can the Red Hulk, or any Hulk for that matter, utilize these abilities to shatter Captain America’s seemingly unbreakable shield? To clarify, Looper consulted Marvel expert Devin Meenan from SlashFilm, who offered enlightening perspectives on this intriguing question.

In the first sneak peek for “Captain America: A New World,” we see Red Hulk forcefully throwing Captain America’s emblem adorned with Old Glory to the ground. The movie poster hints at a powerful scene where Hulk seems to bend the shield using his massive red hands, implying that Hulk may be strong enough to destroy it. However, in the comics, there’s no history of Hulk shattering the shield, which suggests that this film might be diverging from established lore. As Meenan points out, “The shield is made from both adamantium and vibranium, making it virtually indestructible due to its exceptional tensile strength and energy-absorbing capabilities. When Hulk hits the shield, it doesn’t crack.”

To summarize, there’s no proof that Hulk can break Captain America’s shield, but keep in mind that the shield isn’t invincible; some Marvel characters have managed to harm it. Therefore, while it may seem unlikely, we should not dismiss the possibility of Hulk shattering the shield entirely.

Is Captain America’s shield really unbreakable?

The Hulk Can't Break Captain America's Shield... Can He? Our Expert Explains

As Devin Meenan suggests, Captain America’s shield serves as his main weapon and is designed to be indestructible. However, making it vulnerable could pose creative challenges for Marvel comic writers. This might account for its consistent portrayal as an invincible object. Nevertheless, there are instances in Marvel stories that suggest no shield can truly withstand all damage.

Meenan points out that it’s typical in Marvel stories set in other realities for Captain America’s shield to be damaged, often symbolizing how deeply the heroes have been affected. This theme is reflected in the movies too, as seen when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) experiences a hallucination in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” where a defeated Cap (Chris Evans) lies beside his shattered shield. The same occurs during Cap’s confrontation with Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame,” as Thanos destroys the shield using a mysterious sword.

In other comics, such as “Avengers” #215 by Jim Shooter and Alan Weiss, Molecule Man weakens Captain America’s shield by altering its molecular makeup. Similarly, during the “Secret Wars” storyline, Doctor Doom inflicts damage on Cap’s trusty weapon after acquiring powers akin to a god-like being called The Beyonder. While it’s tough to shatter the shield, there are several instances where it has been cracked in battle.

Has the Hulk ever broken Captain America’s shield?

The Hulk Can't Break Captain America's Shield... Can He? Our Expert Explains

Even though Hulk hasn’t shattered Captain America’s shield so far, history demonstrates his potential for evolution. Initially, Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk was linked to nightfall, but over time, this rule has been modified, and his beast-like transformations are now associated with his fits of rage. In principle, a new creator could introduce additional skills to Hulk that might allow him to finally crack Captain America’s shield.

In Stan Lee’s words, scriptwriters determine the outcome of battles in stories. So, a writer could create a tale where Hulk defeats Captain America and smashes his shield during the fight. Interestingly, the poster for “Captain America: Brave New World” hints that screenwriters Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton have included Red Hulk among those Marvel characters who have shattered Captain America’s famous shield, which could be a significant milestone for the character.

In light of the past, it might be wiser to keep our hopes modest concerning Cap’s shield’s vulnerability. Devin Meehan points out that the Hulk has historically struggled against adamantium, as seen by his frequent battles with Wolverine where he failed to break any of Logan’s bones despite numerous powerful blows. Could this pattern change in “Captain America: Brave New World”?

Is Captain America: Brave New World about Hulk vs. Cap’s shield?

The Hulk Can't Break Captain America's Shield... Can He? Our Expert Explains

In a potential twist for “Captain America 4,” Harrison Ford’s character, the Red Hulk, could be portrayed as the antagonist. The early previews suggest that he may briefly wield the famous Captain America shield, casually discarding it afterward. As the film promises numerous plot twists, it shows a conflict between Cap (Anthony Mackie) and President Thaddeus Ross’s alter ego, Red Hulk, concerning Cap’s duties to America. However, will this disagreement result in Red Hulk attempting to destroy the shield?

In the thrilling sneak peek of “Captain America: Brave New World,” a subtle hint suggests that adamantium could play a crucial role in the storyline, with global powers appearing to wage war over this remarkable metal. Considering its connection to Captain America’s shield, it wouldn’t be surprising if General Ross had ulterior motives for wanting to seize the weapon for his personal, devious political agendas and villainous schemes. At the very least, he seems determined to disarm Cap, making it easier to bring down the honorable hero. As a devoted fan, I can’t wait to see how this unfolds!

It’s still unclear what the potential threats from the communist forces might be towards America’s cherished hero and his protective symbol. As of now, it seems that the Hulk hasn’t demonstrated enough strength to cause any significant damage to their weapons.

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2024-08-08 04:00