The Upcoming Marvel Event: A New Look for She-Hulk Raises Concerns
The much-anticipated Imperial event is set to present She-Hulk with a striking new design, yet some fans worry that this transformation could jeopardize the character’s integrity. Acclaimed writer Jonathan Hickman is collaborating with artists Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini to explore fresh narratives within Marvel’s cosmic realm, which will include a revised trajectory for the Hulk Family. While the updated aesthetics for the Hulks are undeniably appealing, they may inadvertently lead She-Hulk down a precarious path.
In addition to his work on Imperial, Hickman is also writing the latest chapters of Ultimate Spider-Man.
Recent discussions with the creators featured on Comicbook.com have shed light on their artistic processes, accompanied by glimpses of interior artwork. One particularly intriguing page depicts She-Hulk alongside the Hulk and presumably Amadeus Cho, all adorned in barbarian-inspired attire.
The designs drawn for the Hulk Family evoke nostalgia for the landmark World War Hulk storyline of the 2000s, introducing a radically new direction for She-Hulk that risks reversing years of character growth.
The Unique Identity of She-Hulk
Public Perception: She-Hulk vs. The Hulk
Since her introduction over four decades ago, She-Hulk has consistently set herself apart from her cousin, Bruce Banner. Legend has it that her creation stemmed from Marvel’s desire to secure trademark rights ahead of a potential female version of the Hulk due to the popularity of the TV series. Co-creators Stan Lee, John Byrne, Dan Slott, and Rainbow Rowell have all contributed to making Jennifer Walters a standalone character.
In fact, She-Hulk is so confident in her identity that she often prefers to remain in her green form. In stark contrast to her cousin’s struggles, She-Hulk maintains control over her transformations, retaining her intelligence and humanity—a challenge Bruce has faced throughout his existence as the Hulk. Additionally, Jennifer has built a successful career as a world-renowned attorney, specializing in representing super-powered individuals.
The arcs of Hulk and She-Hulk within the Marvel Universe reveal significant differences. Bruce has long been portrayed as humanity’s adversary, hunted by both the government and fellow heroes. In contrast, She-Hulk enjoys widespread respect and acceptance, never seeking a cure for her condition, showcasing her comfort in her “green”skin.
Struggles Faced by She-Hulk in Recent Years
From Intelligence to Impulsivity: She-Hulk’s Turbulent Journey
However, the past decade has not been kind to She-Hulk. A significant shift occurred, during which she was portrayed as gray—echoing her cousin’s early appearances. Subsequently, under Jason Aaron’s Avengers story arc, fans watched in horror as she lost control over her own humanity. Despite her efforts to retain her intelligence, She-Hulk was ultimately subjected to manipulation, transformed into a lethal weapon by Russian agents before being rescued by the Avengers.
Following this tumultuous period, She-Hulk renewed her identity as a formidable attorney and gamma mutate, coinciding with her transition to the live-action realm in the acclaimed Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. This program embraced the classic portrayal of She-Hulk, blending humor with courtroom drama, paralleling her new comic series that captured a similar whimsical tone. After a long absence, She-Hulk appeared to be on a path back to her roots.
Imperial Event and Its Implications for the Hulk Family
Drawing from Classic Hulk Narratives
Currently, She-Hulk is not featured in any monthly title, while The Incredible Hulk series nears its conclusion, paving the way for a new status quo within the Hulk Family through the Imperial event. This upcoming release promises to redefine Marvel’s cosmic narrative landscape. Hickman’s reputation for revitalizing characters suggests that his approach in Imperial will introduce an invigorating vision for the Hulk mythology. Previously, in titles such as GODS, he unlocked an array of narrative potential existing within the Marvel Universe’s diverse corners.
While specifics surrounding Imperial’s plot remain under wraps, it’s clear that the Hulk Family will be central to this new saga. The themes and visuals reminiscent of the powerful Planet Hulk and World War Hulk arcs suggest that She-Hulk and her relatives will face significant cosmic challenges. These legendary narratives depicted the Hulk’s castaway saga on a gladiatorial planet, leading him to ascend to power via his formidable strength and gladiatorial armor.
Both Planet Hulk and World War Hulk are treasured chapters in the Hulk’s legacy, and revisiting these storylines may empower Bruce Banner, who has struggled for direction since the conclusion of Immortal Hulk.
The Future of She-Hulk in a Gladiatorial Era
Assessing She-Hulk’s New Journey
This time, it appears that She-Hulk is poised to join the Hulk on an expansive cosmic adventure. Echoing the visual aesthetics established during Planet Hulk, She-Hulk’s new gladiatorial armor presents her in a striking and fearsome light. While the exact role she will assume in this cosmic narrative remains uncertain, her impressive transformation is bound to instill fear in her adversaries.
Despite potential fanfare surrounding this evolution, I approach this direction for She-Hulk with reservation. The defining traits that established She-Hulk as one of Marvel’s most compelling characters have persisted for over 40 years, and merely aligning her with Bruce’s persona could threaten her uniqueness. The past shows that mimicking Bruce’s savage nature has not boded well for her character. While I will stay open-minded until Imperial’s release in June, I remain cautious about the implications of She-Hulk’s transformed trajectory.
Source: Comicbook.com
Don’t miss the launch of Imperial #1 on June 4 from Marvel Comics!