The day of reckoning is nearly upon us my dear friends as The Avengers drops this Friday and can be seen in 3D and IMAX at a theater near you. Pre-release tracking on the film projects Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to have the biggest domestic box-office opening of all time. Why all this huss and fuss, jibber-jabb, and riggamaroo over a silly film about a couple of guys in leotards you ask? Because the core concept of the story is that there are four basic kinds of people.
Just when you thought I wasn’t going to talk about The Avengers anymore. BAM. Dyads. Although these four basic personality types certainly have their conflicts, they also once in a while get along with one another. One such a heartwarming comradeship exists between fellow Marvel–supersquad members the Incredible Hulk and Captain America. Both superheroes are defined by their extraordinary physicality, but perhaps there is more behind these two than meets the eye. Let’s take a look.
Yes, Quaternity is in fact a word. It’s like a fraternity, but with only four members. Congratulations to Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants on being Super Bowl Champions. Along with ‘the big game’ came a plethora of ridiculously expensive commercials, one of which was a fresh new trailer for Marvel’s blockbuster superhero ensemble franchise The Avengers. The four main characters of Marvel’s the Avengers happen to closely correlate with the four basic personality types. What a strange coincidence. Let’s go right on ahead then and take a look at Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Captain America is the stalwart, stoic, and commanding ‘first avenger’ who defends justice with his iconic and indestructible shield. The Sentential of Liberty is characterized by his tough-minded demeanor, his unyielding physicality, and his disciplined mindset. Dutiful, authoritative, and highly dependable with a strict code of ethics Captain America is a classic Guardian. A born leader, Captain America ‘lead’s by example’ and is the back-bone of the Avengers, much like Guardians are the back-bone of society.
The Hulk is a wild, ferocious, raging humanoid monster that comes out when Bruce Banner gets excited. The not-so-jolly green giant was inspired by the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and is characterized by his instinctual nature, his overpowering physicality, and his fearless disposition. Impulsive, audacious, excitable, and highly physical The Hulk is representative of an Artisan. Indeed The Hulk is often called in for serious jobs that require a creative solution, much like Artisans are in many organizations.
Iron Man is an intelligent, inventive, and ingenious engineer who created a mechanical suit to save his life. The Armored Avenger is characterized by his mechanical aptitude and inventive genius, being a billionaire industrialist Stark is constantly tinkering with and improving his mechanical suit. Innovative, scientific, analytical and systematic Tony Stark makes for a wonderful example of a Rational. Certainly Stark is the brains of the Avengers and uses his cold, analytical mind to keep him and his super-friends on the right track.
Thor Odinson is a mystical, altruistic, brave and mighty warrior from another world who fights primarily for his native realm of Asgard. The God of Thunder is characterized by his noble demeanor, his humble yet high-spirited attitude, and his selfless acts of valor. Diplomatic, enthusiastic, empathetic, and highly independent Thor makes for a great example of an Idealist. Thor is the glue that holds the Avengers together, and is always sacrificing himself for the greater good.
I’m loyal to nothing…except the American Dream. 
My kingdom for a Radio Shack.
… You won’t like me when I’m angry!
Even the life of a Thunder God can offer no greater satisfaction than this! For I have helped a fellow man!
Marvel Studios president Kevin Fiege talked recently about the future of Marvel and the Avengers 2, saying that the roster in the next avengers films will be decidedly different from that of the first Avengers. “Absolutely, that’s the fun of it — introducing new characters.” Of course what Kevin does NOT know is that the current line up is of course optimal, seeing as that it has all four temperaments and therefore is at a perfect equilibrium. Someone should really contact him and let him know. Let’s however hope for the best and proceed with analyzing the Avengers ‘go-to’ green monster the incredible Hulk.
Doctor Robert Bruce Banner had a tough childhood as his father hated him, was an alcoholic, and murdered his mother. His father did however do one good thing, in giving his son a pre-disposition to gamma radiation, which saved his life, and created the big green monster that we all know and love. Bruce Banner after being caught in a gamma radiation explosion turns into an emotional and impulsive humanoid monster known as the Hulk when angered. Instinctive, fearless, and exploding with brute strength, the not-so-jolly green giant is undoubtedly a Crafter Artisan. Inspired by the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Hulk is a representation of our primal instincts and animal nature. Indeed the Hulk is a ferocious and savage creature, with a visceral mentality that any Artisan can relate to. Certainly the Hulk does much of the heavy lifting for the Avengers, and is an irreplaceable asset, as are all Artisans within any successful organization. In Avengers footage shown at NYCC, Loki brags “I have an army,” to which Stark replies “We have a Hulk.”
… You won’t like me when I’m angry!