There are a lot of comics out there but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we take a look at Marvel’s newest Hulk family title, “She-Hulk!” The brand new series checks in on the famed cousin of Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters. Jennifer has a new job and quickly gets reintroduced to an old friend in the busy city of New York. The new “She-Hulk” series has an impressive pedigree featuring writing from acclaimed prose writer Rainbow Rowell and art from rising Marvel star Roge Antonio. Read all about Jennifer Walter’s recent developments in this week’s “Don’t Miss This” featuring a beloved, crime-fighting lawyer.
Who is this by?
Rainbow Rowell wrote several books including the landmark ‘Simon Snow’ trilogy. The trilogy started with “Carry On” in 2015 and ended with “Any Way the Wind Blows” in 2021. Rowell started writing at Marvel in “Runaways” in 2017 with artist Kris Anka. Rowell wrote the series for a staggering 38 issues! In 2019 Rowell worked with artist Faith Erin Hicks for the “Pumpkinheads” graphic novel. Rowell wrote the “Runaways” property while there was a television show on Hulu. Rowell may be continuing this trend as Marvel currently has a Disney+ television featuring “She-Hulk” set to debut later this year on the platform.
Roge Antonio recently worked on “Batgirls and the Birds of Prey” for DC with writers Shawna and Julie Benson. Antonio worked on “X-Men: Red” #9 with Tom Taylor in 2018. Antonio continued working at Marvel on the Star Wars property with “Star Wars: Tie Fighter” with Jody Houser. Antonio worked on the “Conan: The Barbarian” property next with writer Jim Zub. Antonio switched over to “Hellions” with writer Zeb Wells. Now that “Hellions” is finished, Marvel has decided to pair up Antonio with Rowell for “She-Hulk!”
What’s it all about?
She-Hulk goes by Jennifer Walters when she’s not fighting crime. Walters happens to be Bruce Banner’s cousin but might know Banner better as The Hulk! Walters got a blood transfusion from Banner and it ended up turning her into a Hulk herself! “She-Hulk” was able to move on with her life after the initial shock and continue to fight crime and law. She-Hulk has carried multiple ongoing series over the past couple of years. Walters even had an important solo series from legendary writer and artist John Byrne. Walters has been utilized by other creators recently in series like “FF” by writer Matt Fraction and artist Mike Allred. Walters is also a part of several superhero teams including A-Force, The Avengers, and The Defenders. In the modern Marvel continuity, some of the newer characters even look up to her as a role model thanks to Jennifer’s long career as a superhero.
What makes it so great?
At the start of Marvel’s newest “She-Hulk” series, Jennifer is a bit restless. Walters just started working at a new law firm while bemoaning that she isn’t further into her law career. Janet Van Dyne helps Jennifer find a new place to feel more comfortable. Rowell then brings in a minor twist that will delight longtime readers and intrigue new ones. Rowell’s plotting has been sparse in the first couple of issues but the execution of the ideas has been solid up to this stage. The slow opening to the series should help the plotting when Rowell introduces the villains lurking in the shadows of “She-Hulk.”
Rowell is able to expand on the pleasant tone from the first issue and iterate on the tone to make the plotting more mysterious. From the opening page of issue #2, Rowell deconstructs comic book continuity to enhance the mystery surrounding “She-Hulk.” Rowell even brings in a new villain that is still a mystery to readers today. The second and third issues bring so many mysterious elements to the series that show readers the new “She-Hulk” title clearly has something bigger up its sleeve. If Rowell and Kris Anka’s “Runaways” title is any indication of quality, this “She-Hulk” run is going to turn into something very special.
Roge Antonio’s work in “She-Hulk” is very grounded and cerebral. Antonio also sneaks in so many details on any given page. Antonio is great at drawing pages with unconventional layouts that really capture the chaotic nature of a big city like New York. There are so many beautiful scenes where Jennifer is braving the harsh traffic of New York City. In addition to details, Rowell is wonderful at capturing really nuanced facial expressions. In the opening issue, the tone changes in the fight between Titania and She-Hulk. At first, the expressions of the hero reflect a staggering level of confidence. As the fight progresses, they each begin to show a sense of regret which readers can pick up on from just the facial expressions alone.
Antonio has a great sense of timing with Rowell’s script. At the end of the first issue, there’s a brief scene when Jennifer enters a bathtub. Antonio makes this moment visually intriguing by carefully recording the motion between each panel. Readers see the water rise as Jennifer slowly enters the bathtub. As soon as Jennifer gets comfortable she hears a loud bang. Antonio and Rowell are able to use the script and art together to convey motion in an extremely clear manner. Rowell and Antonio already have an impressive working relationship that pays off in these first three issues.
How can you read it?
“She-Hulk” is published monthly by Marvel comics. The third issue of “She-Hulk” is on sale today April 6! “She-Hulk By Rainbow Rowell” Volume 1 is scheduled for release on August 9 and collects the first couple of issues of the series. Do not miss “She-Hulk” from Marvel Comics!
