HS-1000

Classification: Terrestrial technology

Creator: Unrevealed

User/Possessors: General Thaddeus Ross

Aliases: "Big machine" (as called by the Hulk)

First Appearance: Incredible Hulk II#185 (March, 1975)

Powers/Abilities/Functions: Constructed of a metal that was strong enough to withstand the Hulk's strength, this ten-ton mechanical biped was controlled by a single operator in the cockpit. On its right side, it was equipped with a tentacle arm with a claw, and an ultra-sonic sound projector; on its left side, it was equipped with a tentacle arm with a bludgeon fist, and an ultra potent laser. The HS-1000 could release "tranquil-gas," and it had a centrally located "gamma-blaster" powerful enough to stun the Hulk.

History:
(Incredible Hulk II#185 (fb) - BTS) - At some point, the HS-1000 was designed and constructed by the government solely for the purpose of defeating the Hulk. It was sent to Gamma Base.

(Incredible Hulk II#185) - When the Hulk escaped confinement at Gamma Base, General Ross took matters into his own hands by commandeering the HS-1000 to stop the gamma-spawned behemoth's rampage himself. Grabbing the Hulk with the machine's claw arm, Ross followed by striking him with the bludgeon arm. The Hulk retaliated, throwing a punch at the HS-1000 that had little effect. Ross then employed the machine's arsenal of weaponry, hitting the jade giant with laser and ultra-sonics, then swatted the Hulk aside with the mechanical fist. Recovering, the Hulk leapt upon the machine and tore off the claw arm. Ross activated the "tranquil-gas," causing the green goliath a small degree of discomfort. The Hulk threw another punch, toppling the HS-1000 on its back, then smashed the bludgeon fist. About to strike again, the Hulk was momentarily distracted by Ross' daughter Betty, giving General Ross the time he needed to activate the "gamma-blaster," which stunned the Hulk unconscious and he was returned to captivity.

Comments: Created by Len Wein and Herb Trimpe.

This machine was never actually identified, and I just based its name on the "HS-1000" serial number stenciled below the viewing port -- maybe the "HS" stood for "Hulk Smasher".

Possibly the HS-1000 was built as a revised design by the same folks who created the Tripodal Observation Module.

I'd speculate that the controls of the HS-1000 were really simple to operate, because Ross didn't mention undergoing any extensive training to pilot it; and I doubt that Ross was intended to be the operator of the HS-1000, anyway -- why put the life of a three-star general at risk?

Profile by John Kaminski

CLARIFICATIONS:
The HS-1000 has no known connection to:

• HS-1, aka. Humus Sapiens @ F.O.O.M.#3
• any other similar devices

images: (without ads)
Incredible Hulk II#185, p13, pan2 (General Ross piloting HS-1000)