Warning! Spoilers for Maestro: World War M #2 by Marvel Comics
In his battle against Namor the Sub-Mariner, the future version of the Hulk just reminded readers of his oft-forgotten secret superpower: he can breathe underwater. In Maestro: World War M #2 by Marvel Comics, Maestro surprised Namor by being able to breathe deep within the ocean floor. However, the secret power has a long history tying back to Hulk's earliest adventures with the Avengers.
Since appearing in The Incredible Hulk #1 by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, the Jade Giant has shown off some incredible powers making him one of the strongest heroes in the Marvel Universe. The Gamma-powered hero has near-unmatched strength, durability, and a healing factor that makes killing him next to impossible. However, one power the Hulk has that has been somewhat forgotten over time is his ability to breathe underwater. In Avengers #3, Marvel Comics revealed Hulk could hold his breath underwater for long periods - with Banner realizing in later stories he didn't need to come for air, as his body could adapt.
In Maestro: World War M #2 by Peter David, German Peralta, Jesus Aburtov, and VC's Ariana Maher, the future Hulk's assault begins as he chases Jim Hammond underwater to get to Namor. After discovering a thriving underwater city, Hulk attacks and asks Namor to reveal himself. When the Sub-Mariner appears, he immediately notes surprise that his opponent can breathe underwater - as he wasn't aware he had the secret power. After warning Maestro to stand down, he unleashes a powerful monster against him, which the future Hulk rips apart before killing Namor's family with it.
Seeing the evil version of the Hulk from the future be able to breathe underwater and take on Namor's powerful forces with relative ease shows how dangerous Maestro is. The secret power allowed Maestro to kill Namor's family and nearly take down the Marvel antihero - as they believed they were safe under the sea. Without being able to drown, the Hulk showed he's a threat both on land and in the ocean, making his plans for domination even more terrifying.
Marvel hasn't made the Hulk's secret power to breathe underwater a main ability for the hero, as he's already extremely overpowered compared to his fellow Avengers and villains. But, every now and again, as they have in the past, Marvel Comics likes to remind readers the Hulk has the incredible power in his arsenal when needed - in this case, to take down Namor in his underwater fortress. Maestro: World War M #2 is in comic book stores now.
