Bruce Banner
Scientist, Superhero
Ever since the Hulk first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), comic book fans have written to Marvel asking Hulk co-creator Stan Lee how the Hulk keeps his pants on when he changes form. Lee actually offers an explanation in one interview, stating Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four outfitted Banner with some “elastic trousers” (possibly made of the same unstable molecule fabric the Fantastic Four’s costumes are made of) that stretch when he transforms. In later interviews, however, Lee admits that, despite his desire to provide scientific explanations for all his superhero’s powers, he still couldn’t understand how the Hulk kept his pants on.