Comic Review: She-Hulk #1 (2022-)

She-Hulk #1

Marvel Comics

Writer: Rainbow Rowell

Artist: Roge Antonio

Corporate synergy’s not always so bad, eh? The upcoming release of a big-budget She-Hulk television undoubtedly contributed to the publishing of this book, and I’m grateful for that. Jennifer Walters, at least as we’ve come to know and love her, has been absent for what feels at least like a few years. The angry and feral She-Hulk she’s been in the current Avengers book is fun for what it is, but there is something inherently more interesting about writer Rainbow Rowell and artist Roge Antonio’s portrayal of Jennifer Walters, the human.

That’s probably also the best word I to describe this debut— human. From the very fist page, Jennifer’s inner monologue is compelling. She displays uncertainty, insecurity, and a desire to do better. The character is written with such genuine feelings that I have little doubt Rowell is pulling from her own personal experience. This isn’t something that’s unique to Rowell, as it’s expected for authors to put themselves in their characters, but even during her time on Runaways Rowell differentiated herself by sprinkling every character with a uniquely personal touch. Her characters are not always right, or perfect, but they always aim to be genuine reflections of modern youth.

In the case of She-Hulk #1, Rowell is only a single part of what makes Jennifer’s character so fun to spend time with. Roge Antonio’s pencils accompany a very sharp script that ramps the final product up to another level. His general style is of course appealing, as I knew from his time at DC, but he’s never quite shined like he does here. His style seems to have shifted into a bit more of a quaint territory, and really selling the “YA” style this book radiates. He sprinkles little touches that enhance the reading experience at every turn. For instance, there’s a horizontal three-panel spread in which Jennifer kicks off her heels, and as a result is no longer tall enough to quite fit in the panel. It’s a small moment, and is only the slightest manipulation of your expectations, but it’s a brilliant visual trick that speaks volumes to his talent. Jennifer switching back and forth between She-Hulk and her usual self is used multiple times in the interest of character building and visual gags, and it’s done brilliantly each time.

I realize I’m focusing much of my attention on what makes this a great book from a character and craft standpoint, and that’s because there’s not a ton of plot to dig into. This is quite the light, breezy read. It’s incredibly fun, but it’s over as quickly as it begins and if you happen to be as confused by the cliffhanger as I am, then there is little to grab on to except for the art and characterization of Jen (as well as the couple of supporting characters). It’s an issue that establishes a new status quo, but it does very little beyond that in terms of story. I wouldn’t let that stop you from giving it a shot though, as Runaways began in a very similar fashion and ended up one of Marvel’s best books of the last five years or so.

She-Hulk #1 is the return to form that fans have been waiting to see for years. Rainbow Rowell and Roge Antonio spend twenty pages reminding you what you like about the character, all the while utilizing their own strengths as creators to amplify that love even more. It’s fairly light on plot, but that shouldn’t be enough to scare any fan of the character away. This is one to keep both eyes on.