One of those open secrets for the past few weeks is that Bruce Banner would NOT be the Hulk after Secret Wars. And this is not a Red Hulk situation; once again, this is Marvel setting the role up as a possible legacy.

Speculation had been that maybe the Reed Richards of the Ultimate Universe would take on the mantle, but I think it's more likely that the other front-runner in the geek conversations has it: Amadeus Cho.

Let's look at it from a reasonable transmedia point of view.

Greg Pak, who will be writing The Totally Awesome Hulk, also created Amadeus Cho in his earlier run on Hulk. He rightfully has an affinity for the character.

Amadeus Cho's mother has been firmly established in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so in about five or six years when Mark Ruffalo doesn't play The Hulk, you've got another possibility for an alter ego -- not a recasting -- in continuity to pluck for the movies.

And... Amadeus Cho, for all his genius and not quite fitting in, is a character who is out and out fun. This take on the power is perfect and overdue. Kids love The Hulk. What happens when he literally is a big kid?

Marvel, you got me again.

From Marvel:

Strap in, hold on, and Hulk out – because you’re in for a rollercoaster ride! This Fall, Marvel proudly brings to you THE TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #1 – a brand-new ongoing series! We promise, True Believer – you’ve never seen a Hulk like this before! Legendary and storied Incredible Hulk scribe Greg Pak (Planet Hulk) returns to the green goliath’s ongoing adventures. And he’s bringing blockbuster artist Frank Cho (Mighty Avengers, Savage Wolverine) along for the ride!

“For decades, Dr. Bruce Banner has buckled under the weight of his fearsome alter ego, the Incredible Hulk,” Says Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso.  “Now, someone else is going to take away Banner’s burden, hoist it onto his frail shoulders like it weighs no more than a leaf, and embrace the pure fun being the most powerful being in the Marvel Universe.  It’s the Hulk like you’ve never seen him before: unleashed, unapologetic and totally awesome."

But who is this mysterious new Jade Giant? And just what has happened to Bruce Banner in the previous eight months? All will be revealed – and the answers will surprise you! Not tormented. Not conflicted. Just a giant green wrecking machine who loves being the Hulk. But will that spell trouble for the entire Marvel Universe?  

“We ain’t kidding – this is an all-new Hulk,” says writer Greg Pak in an upcoming interview with Marvel.com. “We’re breaking new ground here – no return to established personalities of the past. But what’s going on is indeed grounded in the history of the character and will delve into the central themes of the Hulk in exhilarating new ways.”

Big heart, big humor, high stakes and bombastic action await! Be there as this new Hulk’s exciting journey begins. It’s going to be TOTALLY AWESOME. Don’t miss the gamma explosion of epic proportions when THE TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this Fall!

For more information, check out Marvel.com tomorrow for the full interview with writer Greg Pak.

THE TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #1
Written by GREG PAK
Art & Cover by FRANK CHO
Coming Fall 2015!

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Derek McCaw