Hulkling (Teddy Altman)

• Core Identity: Theodore “Teddy” Altman-Kaplan, also known as Dorrek VIII, is the Kree-Skrull hybrid prince destined by prophecy to unite two warring galactic empires, serving as a founding member of the Young Avengers and ascending to become the heroic King of Space.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: Hulkling is a pivotal figure in Marvel's cosmic landscape, representing the long-awaited union of the Kree and Skrull empires. He evolved from a teenage superhero on Earth to the Emperor of the Kree-Skrull Alliance, a galactic superpower. His story is one of accepting a monumental destiny while staying true to his compassionate nature.
• Primary Impact: Beyond his cosmic importance, Hulkling is one of Marvel's most prominent and celebrated LGBTQ+ characters. His relationship with his husband, the powerful sorcerer Wiccan (Billy Kaplan), has been a cornerstone of his character since his debut and is widely regarded as one of the most positive and well-developed same-sex relationships in mainstream comics.
• Key Incarnations: In the Earth-616 comics, Hulkling is a central character with a deep, established history tied to Captain Mar-Vell and the Skrull royal family. As of now, Hulkling has not appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though the foundational elements for his introduction—the Kree, the Skrulls, and his future husband Wiccan—have all been established.

Hulkling made his first appearance in Young Avengers #1, published in April 2005. He was co-created by writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung as part of a new wave of legacy-themed teenage heroes designed to fill the void left after the catastrophic events of the Avengers Disassembled storyline. The initial premise of the Young Avengers was built on mystery, with each member appearing to be a direct successor to a classic Avenger, leading to fan speculation about their true identities. Teddy Altman was initially presented as a younger version of the Hulk, possessing green skin and superhuman strength, hence the codename “Hulkling.” Heinberg and Cheung masterfully used this as a red herring. The series slowly unraveled the truth: Teddy's powers were not gamma-based but stemmed from a unique alien heritage. His creation was also groundbreaking for its unapologetic inclusion of a central gay romance. Heinberg, an openly gay writer, was determined to create a prominent, positive gay couple in a mainstream Marvel title. The relationship between Hulkling and Wiccan was planned from the very beginning and was revealed subtly, becoming explicit by the end of the first story arc, cementing their place in comic book history.¹⁾

Hulkling's origin is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of Marvel's most famous cosmic conflict, the Kree-Skrull War. His very existence is a symbol of both forbidden love and the potential for lasting peace.

Theodore “Teddy” Altman was raised in New York City by a single mother, believing himself to be a human mutant. His powers—superhuman strength and the ability to change his appearance—manifested during his teenage years. Initially, he used his abilities primarily to hide, trying to live a normal life. It was only when the time-traveling Kang the Conqueror, in the guise of Iron Lad, recruited him for the Young Avengers that Teddy began to embrace his heroic potential. His initial belief was that he was the son of Bruce Banner, the Hulk. However, during the team's first major conflict, the truth of his parentage was revealed in a shocking confrontation. The Super-Skrull, Kl'rt, arrived on Earth, claiming Teddy was his son. This was a lie, but it led to the greater truth: Teddy was a Skrull. Soon after, a Kree delegation also arrived, seeking to claim him for their empire. The full, convoluted history was eventually pieced together. During the original Kree-Skrull War, the decorated Kree soldier Captain Mar-Vell was captured by the Skrulls. During his captivity, he fell in love with the Skrull Princess Anelle. Their union resulted in a child, Dorrek VIII—Teddy. As a hybrid, the child was an abomination to both empires but also the subject of a prophecy foretelling that a child of both worlds would one day unite the stars. Fearing for her son's life, Anelle had him secretly smuggled to Earth to be raised in obscurity by one of her most loyal handmaidens. This handmaiden assumed the identity of Teddy's human mother, Mary-Jo Altman, and raised him as her own. For years, Teddy struggled with this dual heritage. He was hunted by both Kree and Skrull factions who either wished to kill him or use him as a political pawn. The Super-Skrull, who had grown fond of the boy, acted as a fierce protector, eventually admitting he was not his father but had sworn an oath to the late Princess Anelle to watch over him. Teddy's journey was one of self-discovery, culminating in him finally accepting his destiny not as a weapon or a symbol, but as a leader in his own right.

Status: Not Yet Introduced As of the latest releases in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hulkling (Teddy Altman) has not yet made an appearance. His story has not been adapted for the screen. However, the MCU has strategically laid all the necessary narrative groundwork for his potential future introduction. The core elements of his origin story are firmly established:

• The Skrulls: Introduced in Captain Marvel (2019), the Skrulls in the MCU are depicted as a refugee race of shapeshifters, with figures like Talos playing a significant role. The Disney+ series Secret Invasion (2023) further explored their presence on Earth and the radical factions within their society, providing a complex political landscape for a Skrull prince to navigate.
• The Kree: The Kree Empire has been a major antagonistic force in the MCU, appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Captain Marvel, and The Marvels (2023). Their militaristic culture and long-standing war with the Skrulls are central to the cosmic side of the MCU.
• Wiccan (Billy Maximoff): Teddy's future husband, Billy, was introduced in WandaVision (2021) as one of Wanda Maximoff's magically created sons. While he and his twin brother Tommy were seemingly erased at the end of the series, the post-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) strongly implies their spirits exist elsewhere in the multiverse, and Wanda is actively searching for them. The introduction of a teenage version of Billy is a near-certainty for any potential Young Avengers project.

Given this setup, a future MCU adaptation of Hulkling could easily weave these threads together. He could be introduced as a Skrull prince hidden on Earth, perhaps connected to the Skrull colony established by Talos. His Kree heritage could be a hidden secret, possibly connecting him to Mar-Vell (portrayed by Annette Bening in Captain Marvel). His introduction would be a natural catalyst for a Young Avengers series or film, uniting him with the already-introduced Billy Maximoff, Kate Bishop (Hawkeye), Cassie Lang (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), and Eli Bradley (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier).

Hulkling's power set makes him one of the most formidable young heroes in the Marvel Universe, a true powerhouse whose versatility often surprises his opponents.

• Kree-Skrull Hybrid Physiology: Hulkling's primary power source is his unique genetic heritage. He possesses the greatest strengths of both the Kree and Skrull races, with few of their inherent weaknesses.
  • Superhuman Strength: As his codename suggests, Hulkling possesses immense physical strength. While not on the same level as the Hulk, he is easily in the Class 100 range, capable of lifting over 100 tons. He has proven strong enough to trade blows with powerhouse characters like the Thing and Captain Marvel.
  • Superhuman Durability: His body is far more resistant to physical injury than that of a human, Kree, or even a typical Skrull. He can withstand high-caliber bullets, tremendous impact forces, and falls from great heights without injury.
  • Accelerated Healing Factor: A key aspect of his Skrull heritage, Teddy can heal from wounds much faster than a human. While not as rapid as Wolverine's healing factor, he can recover from severe lacerations, burns, and broken bones in a matter of hours or days.
  • Metamorphic Shapeshifting: This is his most versatile and signature ability. Unlike standard Skrulls who primarily engage in mimetic shapeshifting (impersonation), Hulkling's metamorphosis is combat-oriented and more potent. He can:
    • Alter his physical form: He can increase his muscle mass and density, which is the source of his superhuman strength.
    • Manifest biological weapons: He commonly sprouts sharp claws, bony protrusions, and extends his limbs.
    • Create organic armor: He can harden his skin into a dense, armor-like carapace, dramatically increasing his durability.
    • Grow wings: He frequently manifests a large pair of leathery, bat-like wings, granting him self-powered flight.
• Cosmic Awareness: Upon accepting his role as King of the Alliance, Hulkling gained a latent, mystically-attuned cosmic awareness, allowing him to sense major shifts and disturbances across the galaxy.

• Excelsior (The Star-Sword): As the heir of Dorrek Supreme, Hulkling is the rightful wielder of the Star-Sword, Excelsior. This legendary cosmic weapon is a symbol of unity and leadership for both the Kree and Skrull people. The sword appears to be mystically bonded to him and can be summoned to his hand at will. It is incredibly durable and capable of channeling and projecting vast amounts of cosmic energy, powerful enough to destroy warships and wound cosmic-level beings.

Despite his immense power and royal lineage, Teddy's personality is defined by his profound kindness, empathy, and humility. He is a gentle soul who was thrust into a destiny he never asked for.

• Reluctant Leader: For much of his early career, Teddy was hesitant to take charge, preferring to act as the team's muscle. He is not motivated by glory or power, but by a deep-seated desire to protect his friends and do the right thing.
• Deeply Loyal: His defining trait is his unwavering loyalty to his found family, the Young Avengers, and especially to his husband, Billy. He would—and has—faced down gods and galactic armies to protect them.
• The Heart of the Team: He often serves as the emotional anchor for his friends, offering quiet support and a steady presence. His internal conflict often stems from reconciling his gentle nature with the violent actions required of a warrior and a king.

Should Hulkling be introduced in the MCU, his powers would likely be a visual spectacle, combining established MCU concepts.

• Strength and Durability: His strength would likely be portrayed on a level similar to Captain Marvel or a calm Hulk, making him a physical powerhouse for any team he joins. His durability would be visually represented by his ability to withstand energy blasts and heavy artillery, similar to how Kree warriors have been shown.
• Shapeshifting: This is where an MCU adaptation would have the most creative freedom. Drawing from the “body horror” lite transformations seen with the Skrulls in Secret Invasion, his shapeshifting could be more dramatic and visceral. Instead of simple impersonation, he would likely be shown morphing his body for combat: fists turning into massive hammers, skin hardening into plated armor, and wings erupting from his back in a visually impressive sequence. This would clearly differentiate him from other Skrulls seen thus far.
• The Star-Sword: The sword Excelsior could be introduced as an artifact with a history tied to the MCU's version of the Kree-Skrull war, perhaps even connected to the Power Stone or other cosmic forces. Its design would likely be sleek and alien, glowing with cosmic energy when wielded by its true king.

Hulkling's identity is defined as much by his relationships as it is by his powers or title. His connections form the emotional core of his entire story.

• Wiccan (Billy Kaplan-Altman): Billy is the love of Teddy's life and his husband. Their relationship is the bedrock of his character. From their first meeting in the Young Avengers, they have been an inseparable, supportive, and loving couple. Billy's reality-warping magic and Teddy's physical might make them a formidable duo. Their marriage during the Empyre event was a landmark moment, cementing their status as Marvel's premier gay couple and a true cosmic power couple, with Billy taking on the role of court sorcerer to Teddy's Emperor.
• Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers): Teddy's relationship with Carol is layered and complex. As the successor and protégé of his father, Mar-Vell, Carol acts as a sort of older sister and mentor figure. Initially shocked to learn of Mar-Vell's secret son, she quickly came to respect and support Teddy, offering him guidance on how to handle the immense pressures of his Kree heritage and his role as a galactic leader.
• The Young Avengers: This team is not just an affiliation; they are his family. With teammates like Kate Bishop, Patriot (Eli Bradley), and Speed (Tommy Shepherd), he found a place where he belonged. They fought alongside him when he was a confused teenager and stood by him when he was crowned emperor of the galaxy. He served as the team's powerhouse and often its moral compass.

• The Cotati: An ancient race of telepathic plant-like aliens, the Cotati were the primary antagonists of the Empyre saga. Believing themselves to be the rightful heirs of the galaxy, their leader, the Celestial Messiah, manipulated Hulkling into uniting the Kree and Skrulls, only to turn on the Alliance in an attempt to eradicate all “animal” life. They represent the first great test of Hulkling's reign.
• Dorrek Supreme (The First Emperor): While not a direct foe, the legacy of his ancestor, the original Dorrek who launched the Kree-Skrull War millennia ago, casts a long shadow. Hulkling's entire mission is to undo the generations of hatred and violence that his ancestor unleashed upon the universe, making his own legacy an ideological battle against his family's past.
• Mother: An interdimensional parasite that preys on emotional vulnerabilities, Mother was the main villain of the 2013 Young Avengers series. The entity was a terrifyingly personal foe, creating twisted phantom versions of the team's parents to torment them. She forced Teddy and his teammates to confront their deepest insecurities and family issues.

• Kree-Skrull Alliance: His primary and most significant affiliation. As Emperor Dorrek VIII, he is the head of state for the single most powerful empire in the known galaxy, commanding the combined might of the Kree and Skrull fleets.
• Young Avengers: A founding member. This is his home and his family, the group that shaped him into the hero he is today.
• New Avengers (A.I.M.): During the period when Sunspot ran Advanced Idea Mechanics as a force for good, Hulkling briefly joined his New Avengers team, participating in several missions alongside Wiccan.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: As a major cosmic player, he has frequently allied with the Guardians, particularly during galactic-level threats like the King in Black event.

Hulkling's journey from a confused kid to a galactic emperor can be traced through several key storylines that defined his character.

This is Hulkling's debut storyline. The story introduces Teddy as part of a mysterious new team of heroes modeled after the classic Avengers. Much of the narrative tension revolves around uncovering their true identities. Teddy's arc sees him confront the arrival of both Kree and Skrull forces on Earth, forcing him to learn the truth about his parentage as the son of Mar-Vell and Princess Anelle. The storyline establishes his core personality, his immense power, and, most importantly, the foundation of his loving relationship with Wiccan. It permanently altered his trajectory from a simple Earth-based hero to a character of cosmic significance.

During Marvel's first superhuman Civil War, Hulkling and the Young Avengers sided with Captain America's anti-registration Secret Avengers. Their role highlighted their burgeoning status as genuine heroes willing to fight for their beliefs. A key moment for Teddy came when he was targeted by the Pro-Registration forces, captured, and held in the Negative Zone Prison 42. It was discovered that a Skrull operative had been impersonating him, a plot point that foreshadowed the later Secret Invasion event. His eventual rescue by his teammates reinforced their unbreakable bond.

This is arguably the most important storyline in Hulkling's history. Responding to a call from space, Teddy is approached by a unified delegation of Kree and Skrull warriors who ask him to fulfill his destiny and become their emperor. He accepts the burden, travels into space, and claims the Star-Sword Excelsior, uniting the two rival empires into a single, powerful Alliance. He leads this massive armada to Earth to confront the Cotati invasion. The event tests his leadership, his resolve, and his compassion on a galactic scale. The story culminates in his marriage to Billy Kaplan aboard the flagship of the Alliance, a powerful moment that sees him finally embrace all aspects of his identity: hero, husband, and king.

Following the events of Empyre, Hulkling's leadership was immediately tested by the arrival of Knull, the God of the Symbiotes. As the King in Black's forces swarmed across the universe, Emperor Hulkling commanded the full might of the Kree-Skrull Alliance, forming a crucial line of defense for the entire galaxy. He personally led fleets into battle to aid Earth and other worlds, solidifying his new role as a major galactic protector and proving that his reign was not just symbolic but a formidable force for good in the cosmos.

While the Earth-616 version is the definitive one, several other versions of Hulkling have appeared across the Marvel Multiverse.

• Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610): A character named Teddy Altman appears in Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates. This version is part of a younger, government-sponsored team but has a less-developed backstory and role compared to his 616 counterpart.
• Marvel Zombies: In the various Marvel Zombies series, zombified versions of nearly every hero exist. A zombified Hulkling was seen as part of the horde, though he was not a major character.
• Future Versions (Earth-616): During storylines like The Children's Crusade, visions of the future have shown an older, more confident version of Teddy as a powerful king and member of a future Avengers team, ruling alongside his husband, Sorcerer Supreme Wiccan. This served as foreshadowing for his eventual destiny in the Empyre event.
• Video Game Appearances: Hulkling has appeared as a playable character in several Marvel video games, including LEGO Marvel's Avengers, Marvel Avengers Academy, and Marvel Future Fight, introducing his character and powers to a wider gaming audience.

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