When a gamma radiation accident turned him into Starman instead of the Hulk, an alternate version of Bruce Banner gained new powers and a unique relationship to them. In this world where Bruce admired his abusive father Brian instead of resenting him, Bruce grows up to become just as emotionally and physically abusive to his wife Betty. While his alternate identity as Starman reveals his child-like innocent side, both he and Betty are unable to escape the strong and manipulative grip of Colonel Bruce Banner, who uses his reputation and public support to pursue his sinister agenda without suspicion.
In the mainstream Marvel world, it was revealed some of Bruce Banner's rage and emotional turmoil stemmed from the childhood trauma inflicted upon him by his father Brian. Not only was the respected doctor physically and emotionally abusive to his wife and son, but Bruce's childhood ended when his father murdered his mother. After being manipulated to lie for Brian, Bruce chose to make a stand by revealing the truth and having his father committed. Although a tragic reunion years later ended in Brian's accidental death at Bruce's hands, this would not be the case in What If...? #91, which showcases a version of Bruce who grew up admiring his father despite his horrible actions.
In the story by Joe Kelly, Mark Nelson, and Chris Ivy, Bruce Banner grows up to be a colonel in the US Army instead of a renowned scientist. After surviving his infamous gamma radiation accident, his later marriage to Betty Ross is plagued by painful migraines and outbursts of sudden rage, emotions that Bruce unfairly takes out on his wife. One day while Betty tries to get Bruce's medication, she encounters an entity of pure gamma radiation the public later calls the Starman. Despite his considerable power, the Starman constantly appears confused, afraid, and only fights to defend himself from the United States Army, specifically his biggest critic Bruce Banner. Betty is shocked to learn later that not only does Starman know her but that he's an alternate personality of Bruce Banner himself.
The Hulk has always been a creature of fury and power and his relationship with his father was connected to that, both consciously and subconsciously. That relationship continues here but in an inverted fashion where Bruce Banner is the monster and Starman is the hero, something similar to their otherworldly counterparts in Marvel's 1602. Starman is more of a gamma-radiated Human Torch, his appearance sparking fear and retaliation from the public instead of the love he so desperately seeks. When he speaks to Betty, he reveals he is more of Bruce's repressed inner child, traumatized by his father's brutality and forever seeking to be left alone if he cannot be accepted. Their interactions bring to mind Banner's relationship with other aspects of his Hulk personality like Savage or Devil Hulk in the Immortal Hulk, a series that explored Bruce's relationship with his father, the Hulk, and his struggle to understand the world through eyes tainted by trauma and pain.
Unfortunately, this Bruce Banner is his father's son as he's seen verbally abusing and physically assaulting his wife. His control extends to his Starman personality whom he manipulates to boost his public identity and forward his agenda, even initiating an international conflict to stay relevant. When Betty attempts to stand up to him and expose the truth, Banner not only shuts her down but even Starman refuses to help her despite his feelings for Betty because he's more afraid of Banner's repercussions. Although many assume the Hulk is the true monster, it is his Bruce Banner alter-ego here who manipulates everyone into doing his bidding, proving that sometimes the real monsters are hiding in plain sight after all.