Incarnations

While for most of the population, exposure to gamma radiation results in death, there are a few select individuals where exposure can allow the person to develop superhuman abilities. In the Marvel Universe, a resulting gamma mutation due to the exposure to gamma radiation is determined by psychological as well as physiological causes. Samuel Sterns was a janitor with little education or self-esteem when he was exposed to gamma radiation and his hidden desire to be smart caused him to develop the superior mental powers of the Leader. The foreign spy Emil Blonsky had much self-loathing and developed into the Abomination after exposure. Due to Bruce Banner's personal history, he had developed MPD (multiple personality disorder) and each personality developed it's own abilities and characteristics and thus incarnation. Other incarnations have developed over the years which have all been based on the four core personalities.