Happy Birthday, She-Hulk!
Marvel Comics has an odd way of promoting a character that was created in the decade of one-hit wonders, who not only survived, but has thrived for thirty years! Okay, okay, maybe "thrived" is the wrong word, but there's no denying that the She-Hulk has built a strong and loyal fan base over the years through three canceled series, as a member of the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Defenders, the Lady Liberators, and even ... Fantastic Force (?!). But unfortunately despite some heavy talent and superhero guest-stars, this anniversary issue falls flat.
I absolutely appreciate Peter David's use of humor - really, it's what She-Hulk's all about; a funny, intelligent, sexy, and powerful woman who realizes the absurdity of the life she lives. But the way Jen gripes about how she's accomplished nothing in her life is absolutely ridiculous, especially to the long-time fans to whom this book seems dedicated to. Jennifer Walters has, on a number of occasions, single-handedly saved the world -- even the universe -- over a dozen times. Yes, so Jen is upset she's had three canceled series, understood, rather the writer should have brought the focus to how many other heroes, heroines, and Marvel Universe civilians love the famous Gammazon. One can understand the dismay of any woman not wanting to turn thirty, but where is She-Hulk's cheerful optimism and carefree spirit when it's needed most? What about that sharp sarcastic wit? Well, the later may be on display, but it's used in the wrong direction (that seemingly was David's intent). Oh, and the artist, Jon Boy Myers? He absolutely needs to be the She-Hulk artist. Here and recently in SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #2, Myers reveals every trait of the Sensational One that I've described in just a few panels -- the humor, the sexy, and the power -- ALL there.
Brian Reed's story of a team up between She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, and Spider-Woman seems to be a dream story I've wanted since I was a kid, but other than it including She-Hulk, it doesn't belong here. The point of have a second chapter in this special could have reflected how the other women view She-Hulk, a heroine who's out lasted them both. Instead there's a lame excuse for the three to engage in a brief fight, to team up, beat the bad guys, and go home (?). There's none of the usual She-Hulk humor or really anything else to speak of in this soon-to-be-forgotten story.
Lastly, a reprint of a fun story from the mid-Nineties SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK series, by John Byrne, ends SHE-HULK SENSATIONAL. I was probably seven or eight when it was first published and I was pleased to see how well the tale still holds up today. Marvel Comics needs to get on the ball and reprint Byrne's She-Hulk work in a collected edition for new readers to experience. If this special did anything for someone unfamiliar with the Jade Giantess, it hopefully helped show why people still clamor for more She-Hulk, especially after reading the innovative approach Byrne took to one Jennifer Walters -- the sensational She-Hulk!
~ Hype