#thaddeus ‘thunderbolt’ ross

[gotham-at-nightfall]

Captain America: Brave New World

[pookiepanda1]

I'm going to say my piece. And then I'm going to head out. The way some of y'all show energy for Bucky's cameo in this movie. And the way y'all inflate the hell out of it because "they're together again". I better see that same energy if Sam appears in the Thunderbolts* movie.

Also, stop tagging Sam Wilson and Anthony Mackie if y'all aren't going to talk about them. I touched on this in my previous post, but I am so sick of going to those tags and all I see is y'all talking about Bucky Barnes and Sebastian Stan. And maybe y'all will throw in a little mention of Sam or Anthony but that's about it. But yet, when I go to Bucky Barnes' or Sebastian Stan's tag, most of the posts rightfully focus or include the character or actor in a meaningful way

I have this same energy for the people who post in the sambucky tag but only or mainly talk about Bucky. Some of y'all talk about Sam like he's an accessory and it's so weird. The way y'all will give the most critical, deep essays and character dives about Bucky and then at the same time act like Sam is this "helper" or therapist to him is so hypocritical it's wild. And don't get me started on the people who picture Sam as this "big and strong" black man. It's straight up fetishization. Not to mention Anthony Mackie is literally shorter and smaller than Sebastian Stan. Y'all have such a warped sense of reality that y'all will make up features in order for them to fit your ideal couple. Nasty.

It makes me feel like some of y'all don't see Sam as a character. Some of y'all see him more like an accessory or a caricature. And if you're offended by this, or you're like "I'm not like that". You're probably way closer to what I'm describing than you think you are.

Anyways, feel free to like, comment, follow, and repost. Also send me a question if y'all want to! Hugs and kisses to all of my supporters and those who take the time to receive my message. Thank you! 😊

[djkerr]

Harrison Ford for WSJ. Magazine | February 2025 issue

📷 Daniel Jackson

[why-i-love-comics]

Red Hulk #2 - "The Great Escape" (2025)

written by Benjamin Percy art by Geoff Shaw & Bryan Valenza

[giveamadeuschohisownmovie]

Continuing on from my previous post about Captain America: Brave New World, I’m more annoyed about the movie being an Incredible Hulk story than it being bad. Because it’s technically not a bad story or even a bad movie, it’s just Sam Wilson is the wrong protagonist. It annoys me since Sam’s first solo outing as Captain America ends up not feeling personal to him at all since he doesn’t have close ties to the Hulk characters. It also annoys me since if Bruce Banner was the lead, I could see this movie being an easy 8/10. In fact, I can easily rewrite it right now:

Bruce Banner aka Professor Hulk is a celebrity superhero, beloved for his actions in saving the world. After taking down the Serpent Society and recovering a package that they had stolen from the Japanese, Bruce is invited to the White House for a special meeting with the president. Months before, Bruce’s old nemesis Thaddeus Ross was elected President. Despite their past, Bruce is trying to give him the benefit of the doubt in order to bring the country some semblance of peace.

On his downtime, Bruce and his son Skaar train with Bruce’s cousin Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk. Jennifer is skeptical of President Ross, but Bruce says he’s willing to give Ross the benefit of the doubt. Bruce says he and Skaar have been invited to the White House and asks Jennifer to join them, which she accepts.

At the White House, President Ross tells Bruce he’s a changed man and that they should bury their past. He then asks Bruce to restart the Avengers, which surprises him. During President Ross’ speech about the discovery of adamantium, Jennifer Walters She-Hulks out and tries to kill Ross. She’s thwarted and is arrested. Jen claims that she has no idea what happened.

Bruce and Skaar begin their investigation. Meanwhile, Ross’ head of security Ruth-Bat Seraph follows them closely while also trying to piece together what’s happening. Eventually, the three of them learn that the mastermind behind all of this is Bruce’s former friend/partner Samuel Sterns aka The Leader. Sterns reveals he’s doing all of this as a way of ruining President Ross’ legacy as revenge for him being locked up ever since the end of the 2008 Hulk movie. Sterns is also pissed at Bruce since even though he helped him with his condition, Bruce had abandoned him to Ross’ wrath. Bruce says that Sterns is going to cause an international incident and Sterns says that’s the goal.

(Side note: Now that it’s Bruce as the lead, Sterns saying “you know what he’s like” resonates harder since Bruce KNOWS what Ross was like)

Fast forward. Bruce, Skaar, and Ruth tell President Ross he’s being manipulated by Sterns. Bruce and Ross have a shouting match about what happened with Sterns and Ross admits he was dying. He didn’t see a way out, so he had Sterns find a way to save him. Bruce says Betty would be ashamed of him, and so on. The naval battle scene occurs and Bruce saves the day, although Skaar ends up getting injured in the process.

At the hospital, Bruce Banner is comforted by Betty Ross (basically the monologue that Bucky gave to Sam). Fast forward again, Sterns turns himself in, but not before confronting Bruce Banner. He says that the world will now see Ross for how he truly is. When Bruce asks Sterns what has he done, Sterns simply says, “I brought him down to our level.” Bruce then realizes the pills that Ross has been taking were laced with gamma radiation.

The Red Hulk scene occurs. Now, it’s Ross who is the rampaging monster and Bruce as the one trying to save the people. It’s a role reversal of the 2008 Hulk movie, especially since the military is supporting Bruce Banner. Bruce, knowing that Red Hulk will be too much for the military, forces Ross to the cherry blossoms where he used to take Betty (side note: of course Bruce knew about the cherry blossoms since Betty likely told him about the things she used to do with her father).

Professor Hulk and Red Hulk fight some more, ending in Bruce winning. However, when Ross gets back up for another round, Bruce attempts to calm Ross down. He talks about Betty Ross, he says that he forgives Ross for hunting him in the past, and he says that he truly believes Ross is trying to change. Ross, spurred by the memory of his daughter, calms down and reverts back to human. He is then imprisoned in the Raft, but not before his treaty with the other nations regarding Celestial Island is signed.

Jennifer Walters is released and Skaar recovers. Bruce visits Ross in the Raft and the two bury the hatchet. Betty Ross visits Thaddeus and the movie ends with father and daughter reunited.

[karmaspidr]

[burningfudge]

If Bucky is truly a congressman in Thunderbolts*, let’s take it a step further and make him a presidental candidate. Ross vs Barnes, let’s gooo. The literal Hulk vs a super soldier.

It would still be a better election than whatever the fuck is happening in this year’s election.

[lettherebemonsters]

“How could you do this to me? You knew!”

For Red of course

Hulk stares daggers at the older hulk, he knew he’s always known that one day one that Ross would get to trigger happy with his damn guns. “Wanna explain to me why the safety was off considering we have a borderline cave-hulk-“ he pauses glancing at Skaar “living with us and in reach of dangerous guns?”

‐----------

Red was always careful about his guns. He was busy cleaning out and reloading his weaponry when he got called away for a moment. He had locked his door for fuck's sake!

Yet one of the younger hulks decided JUST THEN to break his lock and....

Red was shaken but military training took over. He was way too calm for how hot headed he was. He remembered his own dad screaming at him.....the drill sergeants....

It never changed...

" I was reloading my guns when you called me! I locked the doors! How the fuck was I gonna know that Conan the Hulk-arian was gonna break into my room and take my gun!"

Red was a lot of things but he'd never put his family in danger, not like this!

@thesakaarson

[sailor-iris]

Thunderbolts (2012) #1

Cover Art by: Julian Totino Tedesco

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

Thank you @shipper-of-many-many-ships for giving me the inspiration to draw them. Referring to this post

Hulk is not that scary compared to Chief

[gotham-at-nightfall]

The Red Hulk unleashes his fury!

The Incredible Hulk #19

[heckcareoxytwit]

A preview of Godzilla vs. Hulk #1

GODZILLA VS HULK #1

ROUND TWO: VS. THE INCREDIBLE HULK! General Ross has no tolerance for monsters in any form. With the Thunderbolts, his anti-kaiju taskforce, he’s taken down or imprisoned the biggest and baddest monsters on the planet: Fin Fang Foom, Mothra, Kumonga, even the Hulk. Now all that’s left is his biggest hunt of all… GODZILLA. But the Thunderbolts’ efforts to bring their last monster to heel may just result in the most destructive battle royale to ever rock the earth. It’s time to figure out who’s really the strongest there is! ROUND TWO IN A SERIES OF SIX ONE-SHOT THROWDOWNS!

Written by: Gerry Duggan Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Daniele Orlandini, Federico Blee Cover by: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Daniele Orlandini, Federico Blee Page Count: 32 Pages Release Date: April 16, 2025

[loppytaffy]

Thunderbolts (2013) #27-#28

Is the braincell out on loan?

Children. Red Hulk works with children.

Red Hulk does not have a praise kink. Noted. (But he did glomp Frank).

*Voldement voice* "I can touch you".

Daddeus comes out again. These two issues really are just Red Hulk and the kids.

Ha. Wade's ass did not clean up that graffiti. He's going to have his Xbox taken off him.

That's...a lube applicator...did...hey did Wade get pegged? Or does he just fail to get Shiklah's motor running? (Both are possible). Also cowardly artist not drawing his skin properly.

[why-i-love-comics]

Red Hulk #2 - "The Great Escape" (2025)

written by Benjamin Percy art by Geoff Shaw & Bryan Valenza

[giveamadeuschohisownmovie]

Alright, I finally got around to watching Captain America: Brave New World. I’ll write a longer review, but for now, my main thought is that I actually like the story. The issue is that this should NOT have been a Sam Wilson/Captain America movie. They told an Incredible Hulk story but with the wrong protagonist. So the emotional beats don’t land as hard since they would’ve landed harder if Bruce Banner was the lead and Sam’s first solo movie as Cap doesn’t feel that engaging since it’s not personal to him.

[classicanalyzer]

Captain America - Brave New World Review

"I know what it's like to feel you have something to prove. Everyone only seeing one thing. But when showing there's more to you, it's not about when times are easy. It's about moments like this." Sam Wilson/Captain America

Captain America Brave New World was pleasantly noice to my surprise. While it isn't the best MCU movie, it's a decent MCU spy paranoia thriller in the vein of The Winter Soldier. It did do a good job at bringing back plot threads and elements from the Incredible Hulk and Eternals. However, they forgot that this is a Cap movie as it feels more like the Incredible Hulk sequel than a Captain America movie.

The main cast was amazing. Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramierz were amazing as Captain American and Falcon! Mackie showcases why he was given the shield, and Ramierz brings much-needed levity to this paranoia thriller. I like how much the two actors really enjoy their roles in the MCU and you can tell they bring their excitement and joy to their characters. Harrison Ford did a great job portraying a more sympathetic President Ross, even as we see aspects of the old Ross and learn even more of his sins. Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley acted the hell out with what he had in the movie and he was the standout actor of this movie. Tim Blake Nelson brings this calm yet fiery anger to Samuel Sterns now The Leader. Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker/Sidewinder was wasted. Shira Hass' character Ruth Bat-Seraph sure was a character.

Brave New World's opening perfectly establishes the paranoia thriller and the status quo of the MCU. The opening title card transition was really good with Sterns' laboratory and the flashing blue lights. While the lack of the traditional MCU title card is understandable given the political thriller homage, it does feel weird not to see it but it was a good choice to ground the movie instead of using it to establish the escapism aspect of the MCU.

Aside from the Sidewinder scenes (and even then it was added really well), Julius Onah and his team did an amazing job of integrating the reshoots into the already filmed material seamlessly.

Sam Wilson proves why he's Captain America. From when he prioritizes saving the hostages over Adamantium to talking down Red Hulk by appealing to his better self, he showcases empathy and heart. Anthony Mackie brings out a down-to-earth nature to Sam allowing us to bond and relate to him. I really like how everyone from heroes, civilians, and even villains address Sam as Captain America after TFATWS has Sam note how some people will hate him becoming Captain America. Despite Sam not taking on the serum, he shows how he's just as capable as any super soldier. His conversation with Torres at the end about living up to the legacy of Captain America really hits me with the pressure to be on point or else let down people who wish to be recognized and accepted. I just wish the movie had dedicated more time to Sam Wilson because what we got showcases why Sam Wilson is a great Cap. His new Stealth Suit and helmet are also great.

"If I'm not on point... I feel like I let down everyone else who was fighting for a seat at that table. That's pressure, man. It weighs on you. It makes you wonder if you'll ever just be... enough." Sam Wilson/Captain America

President Ross' arc was noice. Harrison Ford managed to give depth to and humanize someone who was one of the biggest hate sinks in the MCU. Ross knows what he did in the past tainted not only his legacy but estranged him from the only family he has. However, he cannot truly fix his mistakes and begin to make amends until he takes accountability for the wrongs he did to others. In our time, we see a lack of accountability by politicians and other major influential figures. The whole conflict in the film and really everything in the MCU involving Ross is due to him not taking accountability for his faults. He always has some excuse or way to get out. Now, it all comes crashing down for him. This reminds me a bit of Bojack Horseman, the character eventually wants to genuinely change, but they can't change until they confess and take accountability for their shitty horrifying actions in the past. At first, they deny taking accountability when called out and relapse to their old selves, but eventually, they accept the consequences and take accountability.

"I have dedicated my entire life to serving this country. The one person who matters doesn't seem to understand. Betty never forgave me for sending the army after Banner. I had to survive so that my daughter knew that there was more to her father. That I'm the same man that used to take her to see the cherry blossoms." Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross/Red Hulk

Samuel Sterns' actions may be monstrous with his willingness to kill innocent people and start World War Three, but one can fully understand why he wanted to destroy Ross' legacy and image. As mentioned in Ross' arc, Ross, instead of taking accountability for the Harlem incident, pinned the blame on Samuel Sterns. Not only did he keep him locked up for 16 years and put more Gamma in his blood, but forced him to serve as his personal think tank in exchange for a pardon. When Ross doesn't even show half the loyalty Sterns showed, Sterns, understandably pissed off, dedicated his time to destroying Ross' legacy and image. Sterns may have poisoned the pills, but given how he saw the probabilities of Ross betraying him, I think he would've given him the cure had Ross defied the probabilities. But Ross, being Ross, proved to him that he couldn't change and wanted justice for what he did to him. For all we know, Sterns might've been a terrorist or wanted to help humanity in positive ways had he gotten a pardon, but we'll never know because of Ross' decision. Tim Blake Nelson really captures the bitterness and anger Sterns has towards Ross. I also like the subversion of Sterns referring to himself as "The Hero" rather than "The Leader". Also, props to the practical design for the Leader's head because that was creepy rather than uncanny like MODOK. I also like the detail of the mind control trigger song being "Mr. Blue" which makes me wonder if he likes the song a lot to use Mr. Blue as his alias in the Incredible Hulk.

"You let me rot in this prison. And it was my curse to watch your betrayal written in probabilities. I'm making my own choices now. So many surprises left... When I'm done, everyone will know just who you are, and Betty will despise you even more. Goodbye, Mr. President." Samuel Sterns/The Leader

Danny Ramierz as Joaquin Torres really brings out infectious positive energy. I really like him as the new Falcon, and I relate to him being inspired by diverse heroes. I'm so glad that his helmet is a practical non-CGI helmet. I'm so tired of the Nanotech and Nanotech-like VFX helmets in the MCU and in general. Also, his armor looks really great. Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley did an amazing job portraying the second Captain America. It's really nice to see him being a lot more happier in the movie compared to the show, which only makes the next part sadder. To see the pain and trauma of being locked up again after being falsely accused of being a willing assassin is heartbreaking. The way those cops arrested Isaiah brings some disturbing parallels irl. I'm so happy Isaiah got justice in the end and how he gets referred to as Captain America. As I said, Giancarlo was wasted, but he did make a memorable performance as Sidewinder. I really like the physicality of his character compared to other villain roles he takes on. I can't wait to see where else he'll pop out since Giancarlo said he'll appear in other MCU projects. Ruth sure is a character who exists.

Laura Karpman's score in the movie is mixed. I do like her score in the movie, and the Conspiracy theme is really good. The main title track did a great job of establishing the tone. However, the musical continuity suffers as Laura uses a brand new theme for Sam (Brave New World) instead of Louisiana Hero, and the new theme just doesn't live up to Louisiana Hero. Laura still proves why she's still one of MCU's best composers with the Conspiracy theme and Ross' theme, but I felt they should've hired Henry Jackman for this movie, both to retain continuity with the CA scores and for the political thriller tone.

That White House assassination sequence was done really well. I really like seeing Isaiah showcase his super soldier skills.

I like Camp Echo One's design. It really gives off the creepy black site vibes. The fight scene in the lab was also shot and done really really.

I wish Sam's Stealth Suit was made from Adamantium. Given how Nate Moore confirmed that the daggers Copperhead used were made from Adamantium (explaining how Sam's TFATWS suit was damaged), I wished we got a Stealth Suite that was partially made or fully made from Adamantium.

The reveal of Ross' dying heart really puts his heart problem issues in a much far darker and sadder light. We see how Ross genuinely does want to change both to leave a better legacy and reconnect with his daughter. But to do so, he not only made Sterns a scapegoat for his actions and experimented on him, but he lied to him because of his fear of him not making more pills for him. Sam rightfully points out that to be better is to do the hard things to truly showcase your desire to make amends because what Ross did showcase, despite his genuine desire to change, he got up to the top by shady and outright criminal means.

Given how Ross used Sterns as his personal think tank, I wonder how much of Ross' ideas came from Sterns. Was the Sokovia Accords Sterns' idea for Ross to pass his pro-superhero government agenda? I wouldn't be surprised if Ross ran as a third-party candidate and won because of Sterns' ideas.

The Celestial Island battle sequence was the best part of the movie. We get to see Captain America and Falcon showcase their skills over the skies. In IMAX, the scale of Tiamut's corpse was definitely worth the price of admission. It also makes me miss the Eternals.

I still find it funny that Japan would be willing to risk conflict with the US. I know that Japan has a history with Adamantium and a theme is how Sterns is turning the US' allies against each other but it's still silly. At least, the movie shows that both sides didn't really want to risk actual conflict. Realistically, I feel like China would be the one who would be aggressively wanting Celestial Island and be more willing to risk open conflict. Also, France sure was a choice.

Bucky Barnes's cameo was noice. I really like his friendship with Sam, and it makes me wish he was a part of the main cast just like TFATWS. Also Bucky for MCU (and irl) President, please.

I know they didn't intend for this but it feels fitting that the President of the United States turns into a raging red monster in the White House mindlessly destroying everything around him. Except, our President and his sycophants are always raging (orange in our President's case) monsters.

The Red Hulk fight scene was pretty good. However, I do wish it was longer. They really shouldn't have advertised Red Hulk in the trailers, given the main plot hinges on how the twist is Sterns wanted Ross to become Red Hulk. I really like how we saw how Sam had to use his wits to survive and how, had he let his guard down for one second, Red Hulk would've killed him. This and Sam talking down to Red Hulk once again show why Sam is Captain America. The cherry blossoms make for good symbolism, especially as one lands on Red Hulk's hand without burning.

It does feel very satisfying to see Ross take accountability by willingly resigning the Presidency and turning himself over to pay for his crimes after what we learned he did. I do wonder if Thunderbolts will reveal who Ross' VP is since we never learned who Ross' VP is. The irony of him being not only a Hulk but locked up in the Raft is not lost on him either. It is nice to finally see that once he finally took accountability, he finally proved to Betty that he really did want to change for the better, and Betty can begin reconnecting with her father. Plus, the treaty he worked so hard got ratified as the world entered a brand new world of Adamantium.

The conversation between Sam and Torres was really heartwarming and relatable. I cannot wait for the Avengers team led by Sam and with Torres as its second official member. Also, the post-credit scene definitely sets up the upcoming Avengers movies.

I feel like a major issue is that this movie is more of an Incredibles Hulk sequel (Incredibles Hulk: Brave New World one might say) than a Captain America movie. As a result, it just feels weird to have an Incredibles Hulk sequel without Hulk if Thor Ragnorak could do it without undermining Thor's character arc, then BNW could've done it somehow. But it again showcases how it doesn't feel like a CA mobie and more of a Hulk movie. It also does a disservice to Sam's character because we see a lot of great material with Captain America. With all the exposition to TFATWS, it just reinforces my feelings that TFATWS should've been the fourth CA movie. The movie should've been longer since I wish several scenes had a bit more screen time to flesh them out. I also wished they had Eli Bradley in the movie which had TFATWS been a movie and had BNW been longer, we could've seen him. The supporting cast of the movie isn't strong and memorable which is a shame.

This movie was a decent MCU entry and definitely a worthy watch. It has multiple flaws, but the positives shine through. I focused a lot on the positives because all the negative reviews don't really present the good aspects of this movie. One thing is clear: Mackie is Cap.

Bonus: The IMAX animation of BNW got an amazing F4 version with Michael Giacchino’s F4 theme.

"Where I grew up, I only ever got to see heroes online or on TV. They always feel so far away. And I kept thinking maybe if I got out of Miami, maybe one day I could be..." Joaquin Torres/The Falcon

"Don't say Ant-Man." Sam Wilson/Captain America

"No, man. I wanted to be you. Sam Wilson." Joaquin Torres/The Falcon

"Well..." Sam Wilson/Captain America

"Because that guy? That guy won't ever give up. That pressure, that responsibility you're talking about? I want that too man." Joaquin Torres/The Falcon