Marvel’s Jennifer Walters is about to get her own solo series for the first time in years, thanks to She-Hulk #1. Rainbow Rowell, Roge Antonio, Rico Renzi, VC’s Joe Caramagna all lent a hand in bringing this latest series to life.
One of the best parts about Marvel’s slew of new series is that it is creating new levels of hype. This, in turn, gives fans rare opportunities: such as brand-new series focused on characters we know and love. Take the most recent Marvel Disney+ series, which undoubtedly helped launch a new five-issue Hawkeye: Kate Bishop series.
Now? Now is the time of Jennifer Walters. AKA, She-Hulk. She-Hulk #1 brings the sensational character many know and love to the forefront and does so with style. It’s actually quite impressive, creating a series compelling to long-standing fans while still welcoming to new audiences.
Jen’s life has been full of ups and downs as of late…okay, that is probably the understatement of the century. She’s been put through hell and back, and now it is time for her to once again find her footing.
Writing
Given the last appearance of She-Hulk (see Avengers #50), it was somewhat difficult to predict how Jen’s latest series would start. Yes, she is back to her normal self. “Normal” meaning she’s constantly fighting to keep that balance between Jen and Hulk.
At a glance, She-Hulk #1 looks to be a somber start to the series. Jen’s in the midst of a new life crisis (I can’t say I blame her), and that is always upsetting to witness. However, writer Rainbow Rowell clarifies early on that Jen is not giving up. Pretty sure those words aren’t even in her vocabulary.
As such, this issue spent a lot of time setting up She-Hulk for her new life. New job, new home (sort of), new wardrobe (also sort of), the works. The only things that haven’t changed are the enemies. It seems like the same ones always target her first, but maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Stability is nice, you know?
The final three pages of this issue take things off the rail. An old face makes a shocking appearance, which will create even more drama (and probably danger) for She-Hulk.
Artwork
Covers carry a lot of weight, especially when they’re the first in a series. The cover of She-Hulk #1 is so perfect and so nostalgic; I do not doubt that it’ll bring a smile to each and every one of her fans. You can thank Jen Bartel and Adam Hughes for that cover.
That cover sets the tone for this issue. She-Hulk #1 is full of attention-grabbing artwork created by Roge Antonio. Antonio’s work lets She-Hulk’s personality shine so brightly here, with lots of little details to remind us of why we love her. The sense of motion and scale help significantly when subtly reminding readers just how much She-Hulk has to hold back daily.
Rico Renzi did a fantastic job balancing the muted colors appropriate for a life crisis with the vibrant colors that will always follow She-Hulk around. It makes the transitions clearer while adding a little bit of much-needed levity.
The letters provided by VC’s Joe Caramagna are pure perfection. Especially early on during She-Hulk’s first major fight since stepping back from being an Avenger. It’s kinda hard to ignore how much that fight must have hurt, thanks to those helpful sound effects and their placement.
Conclusion
She-Hulk #1 promised lots of change while staying true to a hero we all know and love. So far, the series has delivered on that front. Better yet, it appears to be a solid starting point for new fans hoping to read up before the Disney+ series drops. Talk about a win-win.
