Customer Reviews

She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First, I need to make a disclosure. I have been a fan of this character from the very beginning. I first read (or Byrne-stole) "Savage She-Hulk" #3 and a year later I bought my first comic around my birthday. In the past quarter-century I have seen Jennifer grow from a controversial female spin-off character of the Hulk (created to protect Marvel's rights in case the TV studio producing "The Incredible Hulk" decided to make a spin-off like "The Bionic Woman") to one of Marvel's most popular and recognizable heroines. I have seen Jennifer become a valuable and trusted member of both the Avengers and Fantastic Four. I wasn't sure there was anything new that could be done with this character, but Dan Slott ("Batman Adventures", "Arkham Asylum") proved me wrong.

Slott decided to do something that nobody seriously considered doing since the end of the original "Savage She-Hulk"---bring back She-Hulk's human alter ego, Jennifer Walters. At the end of that series, She-Hulk decided to remain big and green 24/7. Her personality would mellow out and she would abandon her "secret identity" altogether, so that her friends and colleagues would be more likely to call her "Jennifer" than "Shulkie" or "She-Hulk." When John Byrne wrote the book, he even took away her ability to change back to human form and she wasn't bothered one bit. So why bring "plain Jen" back at all? Well, Slott felt what Jen did was take the coward's way out---imagine if Billy Baxter decided to stay Captain Marvel forever or Superman decided never to be Clark Kent. For better or worse, Jen Walters is the heart of who she is, and by denying this she is denying an essential part of herself. It's one thing to believe this, but it's another to demonstrate to fanboys used to seeing Jennifer big and green all the time why she needs to be human. Surprisingly, this turns out to be fairly easy for Slott.

On the first page of this TPB, we are introduced to Jen Walters in a flashback when she was a law student at UCLA, years before she was shot and received the fateful blood transfusion that transformed her into the She-Hulk. While her fellow classmates in her dorm are having a loud party, Jen quietly studies in her room. Those same classmates are amazed when Jen graduates at the top of her class since they hardly remember seeing her at all. Her father takes a picture of Jen in her graduation gown. Then we cut to a present, where a wall of photographs reveal the exciting uninhibited life that Jennifer has lived as the Sensational She-Hulk. In the center of the wall is the same picture that Jen's father took many years before. It is the only picture of her in human form, suggesting that "Jen Walters" is the core of the celebrity superheroine known as the She-Hulk. As some radio "boss jocks" discuss She-Hulk's exploits the night before at a party where she dated a famous male underwear model named Mika, a trail of discarded clothing leads the way to the bedroom where we see a sleeping Mika and to our surprise (and hers) Jen Walters rather than She-Hulk. Why does she change in her sleep? Is it just an accident or is her subconscious is trying to tell her something? Anyway, Jen quickly "hulks out" before her lover can notice, and then has what she thinks is a great day. As a prosecutor for the NYC District Attorney's office, Jennifer helps not only get a quick legal victory but a record settlement for the state. As an Avenger, she helps save the world from a plot by AIM terrorists to freeze the planet. She-Hulk celebrates both victories with parties at Avenger Mansion and at the D.A. office. The next day, everything comes crashing down. Because she managed to personally save the lives of every juror because of her recent work as an Avenger, her recent legal victory is thrown out on appeal. The D.A. fires her not only to avoid the spector of future appeals, but also because he is tired of her irrepressible---and at times irresponsible---behavior. Things are not quite as bad at Avenger Mansion, but they are close. Captain America tells Jen that while they still want her on the team, she has to leave Avenger Mansion, and she is stripped of the privileges that she has recently been abusing. To add insult to injury, Mika dumps Jennifer because he thinks she is too shallow. But at the end of this very bad day there is a ray of hope. Holden Holliway, the head of the prestigous East Coast law firm of Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg, & Holliway offers her a job. The catch? Jennifer must report to work in human form and not as the She-Hulk.

Thus begins one of the most unusual and striking comic books published by Marvel. At GLK&H, Jennifer soon becomes a part of the exciting new legal field of "superhuman law", which tackles the unique legal problems in a world where superheroes actually exist. Should a man be allowed to sue his employer for an accident that makes him a powerful, handsome superhero? Should a ghost be allowed to testify at his own murder trial? Should the Amazing Spider-Man be allowed to sue "The Daily Bugle" for libel? Slott, unlike some other comic book writers *cough!*Chuck Austen*cough!* not only respects continuity, but peppers his stories with little nuggets that veteran comic book readers quickly appreciate. For example, one of the "gofers" of Jen's law firm turns out to be none other than the Awesome Android, an old foe of the Fantastic Four. In his new identity, "Awesome Andy" has quickly become one of the most endearing and popular supporting cast members. Also, the name of Jen's law firm pays homage to not only Martin Goodman, who founded Marvel Comics, but also Stanley "Stan Lee" Lieber as well as Jacob "Jack Kirby" Kurtzberg. The adventures we see in the book are not only funny, but they show a side to the Marvel Universe that few of us actually see. For the first time in a long, long time, we actually see character development with Jennifer as she reluctantly gets used to being human at least part of the time. Slott makes Jen's adventures in the courtroom as interesting as She-Hulk battles outside it. If there is a weakness of the book, there is not as much fist-pounding action as some fans may like. But for fans who want something a little different from your usual comic book, She-Hulk is just the ticket.

Before I go, I should mention something about the artwork. Most of the pencils in this trade paperback are done by the Argentine artist Juan Bobillo. Bobillo has a unique style that is unlike any other comic book artist I have ever seen. His She-Hulk has massive, muscular biceps and thighs, which taper off into very tiny feet and hands. His other characters also look a bit different from how they are seen in other books. As for me, I found that his artwork grabbed my eyes and didn't let go. The more I saw of Bobillo's work, the more I grew used to it and liked it. His style fits perfectly with Slott's sense of humor, but some people do not like it and think he makes She-Hulk look fat. Try to find pictures of Bobillo's work on-line to see if the book is right for you---I don't want you to waste your money. The other penciller---Paul Pelletier---needs no qualifications or apologies. His artwork is more conventional and he not only draws Jennifer beautifully, he draws her the way most fans expect to see her. The only way his artwork is a disappointment is if you get used to Juan Bobillo's style. One thing that you do NOT see under both artists---gratuitous cheesecake. If you expect to see lots of pics of She-Hulk taking showers or wearing bikinis, this book is not for you. If you are looking forward to seeing many panels of Jennifer ripping out of her clothes when she "hulks out", this book is not for you. The transformations in this book are depicted very quickly, and in a tasteful manner. Slott and Marvel want to use those changes for dramatic purposes, not as fetishes. That's about it for now. Go and buy this book---it's a great read!

This is a fun book. Not in an Archie Comics kind of way, but in a clever, modern, and thoughtful way. The writer, Dan Slott, sets a tone that is not self-conscious, the book never takes itself TOO seriously. And it really works! It's not corny or cheesy like you might expect. The book contains honest-to-god HUMOR, something missing from most super-hero books. The overall premise works well too. She-Hulk (aka Jennifer Walters) goes to work for a law firm and specializes in super-human cases. I disagree with the reviewer who said it was too much "Ally McBeal." Slott finds a great balance between courtroom drama, action, and comedy.

Both artists working on this book are excellent (Juan Bobillo & Paul Pelletier). Their styles are very different, but both serve the stories well. Bobillo depicts a more petite She-Hulk, and Pelletier draws a bigger, muscled-up version of her.

Happy reading!

I decided to give the first collection a try. I am so glad I did! These stories go against all of the current trends in comics today. Where other comics are mostly dark,
After hearing a lot of positive word of mouth about the new She-Hulk book I violent, and depressing, the stories in She-Hulk are creative, hopeful, and genuinely funny. Instead of getting one long, padded out story, you get one story after another in She-Hulk. I really felt like I got a lot of value for my money.

I've been reading comics for some time, but I've never really been interested in She-Hulk as a character. She always seemed very one note to me, just a big, green, female superhero. In this collection I was amazed to see how much character She-Hulk (and her alter-ego, Jen Walters) really had. She's a really fun and fleshed out person who lives in a fantastical, over the top world.

The main thrust of this series is that She-Hulk isn't just a superhero, she's a superhero-lawyer. And the fun comes from watching her work on cases that could only take place in a superhero world. There's a ghost who wants to testify at his own murder trial. There's an adventure that takes place at a dollhouse sized prison where they shrink supervillians. And in one of the funniest comics I've read in years, She-Hulk helps Spider-Man sue the Daily Bugle for all the times they've slandered him. I can't think of any other comic I've read that has been crammed full of so many different and clever ideas!

The art in this book is by two different artists. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. I liked the humor and weird approach of the first artist, and the more traditional comic book style of the second artist. But I think I might have liked it even more if just one artist did the art straight through the entire book.

If you enjoy a good read and you like fun in your comics, you owe it to yourself to buy this book!

Dan Slott makes me happy to read about Marvel superheroes again! Bravo! This trade collects the first 6 issues of SHE-HULK. Slott has a great sense of humor, and this book is intended to be a lighthearted take on the Marvel Universe. Jennifer Walters, lawyer and green Avenger, is having a personality crisis. She hates the vulnerable side of herself, but the green side keeps getting her into trouble. The Avengers give her the boot from the mansion, and she's off to fend for herself.

Slott really hits his stride when Walters takes a new job at a law firm handling superhuman cases. Ghosts, shapeshifters, crushers of universes... it's all in a day's work. In this world, Marvel comics are admissible evidence in court, so Jen starts a pull list of origin stories to get up to speed. The Danger Man story is hilarious -- on it's own, a 10/10.

Be sure to read more of Slott's work in GREAT LAKES AVENGERS.

I don't care what anyone says, I like this quirky babe. I've brought it in to work to share with others and everyone think's I'm weird for reading a book called "She-Hulk" ... until they read it too.

This book is filled with laugh out loud moments. David E. Kelley would be proud to hear that Dan Slott is a fan of his, and it shows. She-Hulk is exactly the character Ally McBeal would be if Ally McBeal were a superpowered jade giantess.

And I also like the art of the first four issues -- never has a seven foot tall green chick looked so cute; it reminds me of a well-drawn Sunday comic strip, like "Rose is Rose" or something. The art of the last two issues is plainer but also adequate. I look forward to more in this series -- I have heard that it is being cancelled but then re-issued after the next arc.

Pick this one up, you won't be disappointed!

I bought this first compilation through Amazon last week on a complete whim. I occasionally pick up a graphic novel or collection out of my comfort zone of mainstream comics (Batman, Justice League, Avengers) and artsy titles (anything by Alan Moore). Usually my dabbling leads to ruin. She-Hulk, however, is a great little comic will worth checking out.

Mainly, She-Hulk is a fun-loving, smart, down-to-earth character, someone completely loveable. This new take on her being a more Jenifer Walters superhuman attorney is inspired; when she represents Spider-Man in a case against the Daily Bugle for slander, for instance, I was tickled to death. She-Hulk also manages to work her way through cases and conflicts in the most creative, clever ways, especially for someone whose sole power is essentially super strength. In anyone else's hands, she'd be punching her way through every panel of every issue, but here we see legitimately entertaining, funny, creative story telling.

Don't expect TOO much--it's a light comic--but I give it five stars because it gives you what you want from a light comic: a great time. Also, the art is quite good in that it FITS that light tone so well. Somewhere between Byrne's "every woman looks like a man" brawniness and an Image-style soft-porn, pin-up girl, we see a stylized, sexy, but respectfully sassy She-Hulk. Have a good time and check this one out.

Clever and colorful, with an intriguing story arc full of delightfully obscure character cameos-- The new She-Hulk had me chortling from the first issue. I only wish I'd known about it when it first came out, especially given the legal subject matter, which is handled admirably by the author. What a riot. There are two volumes of this series, and having read both, I deem both to be enjoyable, highly entertaining reads. Keep an eye out, though, folks for the NEW She-Hulk comics coming out now, penned by Mr. Slott, which are looking great so far, in the same quippingly charming style as the TPBs. My only complaint is occasionally with the art, which has changed a lot between artists, and seems even to change much from frame to frame. Most of the time the art is great, but occasionally the art (esp. certain covers) is a little cheesecake-ish (a la Dawn/Witchblade/Other Crap-- barely covered, cheesy pose, unrealistic "porn star" physique for someone with supposed super-muscles). Overall, it's a great title, and one people not otherwise immersed in the Marvel 'verse can easily pick up and enjoy. It has a fresh perspective, fun dialogue, and great story lines. I'm so putting framed She-Hulk covers in my office when I graduate law school. :)

I tried not to like this book. Why? Because I'm a huge She-Hulk fan. Now, that may not make any sense, but anyone who's ever been a true fanboy should understand my reasoning - it's sure going to be hard to share such a wonderful character with a bigger audience. For a long time She-Hulk was more or less under the radar, a B character at best but lower than that most of the time. Sure, she was an Avenger; but so was Triathlon (I'd like to apologize to Kurt and George for that). Yet since Dan Slott has taken over Jen has been pushed more into the spotlight, so I suppose I'll have to let go.

Humour books are getting harder to find in mainstream comics, so the decision to bring She-Hulk back to that either seemed like a brilliant idea or a blunder. Her last series, featuring people like John Byrne and Brian Hitch, lasted 60 issues as a humour book, and until recently was the longest running Marvel title to feature a woman as its star (congrats to Spider-Girl for taking that spot). But does Dan Slott's She-Hulk stack up? As much as it pains me to admit; yes it does. Slott stumbles in the first issue, but for the rest of this trade is dead on. She-Hulk is approached to join a law firm that's dealing with superheroes and villains (much like the series Superhero Law; check it out if you can find a copy). The one condition is that Jen Walters must be the lawyer, not She-Hulk.

Here' a breakdown of what each tale in this book entails:

Issue 1: Jenn's partying leaves her fellow Avengers more than upset with her, and she is asked to move out of the mansion. Things get worse at work when its brought up that every case she's ever worked on could get thrown out, due to the fact that saving the world would almost assuredly bias a jury. 5/10

Issue 2: Jenn know works in a new supernatural law firm as Jenn Walter's, not the Sensational She-Hulk. Her first case is against a chemical company charged with giving a once normal man incredible powers, but Is more noteworthy for the introduction to the new supporting cast. 8/10

Issue 3: After a tragic accident leaving one man dead, a tricky new staragy is put in place by Jenn's firm: using the man's ghost as a witness. 7/10

Issue 4: Sick and tired of always getting pounded in the press, Spider-Man sues J. Jonah Jameson for damages. Two problems though: Scorpion is going to the courthouse for J.J.'s blood - and Peter Parker is being sued by Spider-Man too!? 8/10

Issue 5/ Issue 6: Jenn has to visit a very special prison here; one holding the worlds smallest villains! This is due to Hank Pym's Pym particles, which can be used to shrink anything. There's a catch though; a group of deadly super-villains have escaped - ON She-Hulk! Can she overcome the miniscule might of Tiger Shark and the tiny terror of Whirlwind? And if she does, how does she deal with the of the villains!? 7/10



Should you buy this book? ~ sigh ~ yeah, I guess. Dan Slott carves out a funny corner of the Marvel Universe, and the art, while not for everyone, fits the tone of the book. The supporting cast is starting to get developed nicely, and it features the Awesome Android. Can you ask for anything better than the Awesome Android? The answer is no.

We meet Jennifer Walters as she studiously applies herself to law school, ignoring the ruckus of a dorm party. She graduates in the top ten percent of her class. Snap forward several years and Jen is now a successful lawyer, a celebrity, and a party girl. She's also the She-Hulk - large, green, and super strong. She's the woman of the hour until she loses her job and gets kicked out of the Avengers mansion for abusing her Avengers privileges.

Just as she's reached a low point, she's offered a job at a powerful and mysterious law firm. Now her battles with super heroes, super villains, and the supernatural mostly happen in court.

Single Green Female has a fun sense of humor. When the jokes become self-referential they fall flat - such as when Jen discovers that Marvel comics can be used as court documents - but luckily most of the jokes and action stay out of our universe and firmly in Jen's universe.

The small stories - each generally covering one case - give a whimsical take on how super powered people would fit into a litigious society. They're fun to read, but except for one involving Spider-Man they're not terribly memorable. Jen is an interesting enough character; rarely anyone else is. In fact, my favorite character (after Jen, of course) was Awesome Andy, a sentient android who does grunt work for the firm and who appears on only a handful of pages.

I prefer the art of the first four issues in this collection, which is more cartoon-like than the later art. I especially like how Jen is drawn in her regular human form; cute without being over-the-top glamourous.

She-Hulk has been described often as a character who turns convention on its head - a strong, self-possessed female character (best drawn and written by John Byrne in the late 1980s and early 1990s), she revels in the fact that she is a superhero and tries to show that, yes, it actually is pretty easy bring green. In many respects, she is the exact opposite of the Hulk. That, however, was before this volume. Dan Slott takes an insightful (and, I suppose, postmodern) look at She-Hulk. Splitting time between her work as a lawyer and member of The Avengers, Slott starts out by portraying Shulkie as a party girl who has let her celebrity and joie de vivre for superheroics get the best of her - to the detriment of her reputation as both a lawyer and a superhero. Turning the John Byrne model of She-Hulk on its head, Slott paints her as a woman whose superheroism is more a liability than a benefit.

And this is where the fun begins - hitting rock-bottom, Shulkie is offered a job in a legal firm dealing in (as a later volume so aptly puts it), "superhuman law" - but only if she can hack it as her alter-ego, Jennifer Walters, not as the jade giantess. Cases hilarious and poignant comes across her desk, and Slott seems never to tire of taking Busiek-like liberties with the mechanics of the superheroic. And all the while Jennifer must deal with the fact that maybe, just maybe, the superpowers she thought were giving her an edge might just be holding her back.

The only thing holding this volume back is the art. The issues in this volume (and in volume #2) are split between a more conventional (and, to my taste) preferable illustration style and one that is more impressionistic in its interpretations of beloved Marvel characters. To each his own, but I would have preferred that they picked an artist and stuck with them. All in all, however, this is a great addition to anyone's graphic novel library - fun, fresh, and often hilarious, "Single Green Female" is not to be missed.