After a literal sensational start, Sensational She-Hulk returns this week with its fourth issue. In it, Rainbow Rowell and Ig Guara send Jennifer back to work, remind us of her complicated love life, and show just how messy but great Hellcat can be in She-Hulk’s life. It’s a certifiably great mix of the various aspects of She-Hulk’s day-to-day while setting up the next villain that needs punching.
I’ve been down on She-Hulk over the last two issues, partly because the story slowed down when Hulk entered her life. This issue is a return to form after the excellent first issue. Marvel has always been good at taking a hero of fantastic power and lowering them to a relatable place in their day-to-day life. We get that right off the bat now that She-Hulk is facing backlash from protestors while trying to keep it together in her day job. Instead of focusing on just that, though, this issue allows Jen to let her hair down and relax. If only being a superhero was that simple.
The first eight pages of this issue zip along quickly, showing She-Hulk’s chaotic life, be it listening to ridiculous cases in her office, heading to court to support clients, and being bombarded with jerks in the street. Her life is anything but glamorous, especially since Hulk has turned the general public against her. Once she finally gets home, she’s looking forward to locking herself away with Jack of Hearts for the weekend. Her relationship is complicated, but it’s one of the best things in her life right now. Enter Hellcat.
Being a lawyer isn’t as glamorous as most seem to think!
Credit: Marvel
Rowell writes a great Hellcat who is spunky and ready for adventure. She’s high energy and doesn’t take no for an answer. We’ve all had or had a friend like this in our life, which is good for many, especially those who are introverted and never want to leave the house. There’s a drama that comes with Hellcat, be it her background or how she’s not a huge fan of Captain Marvel, as Rowell reminds us. The three heroes go out on the town, and interesting, nuanced character dynamics are always at the center of focus.
Guara and color artist Dee Cunniffe do a fabulous job grounding the story. She-Hulk may be tall and green, but she goes about her day grumbling with frustration, and you can feel that in her expressions. Jack of Hearts, meanwhile, is calm and a bit dense in an endearing way. You want to take care of him like Jen does. Hellcat steals the show in the expressions department, be it how she looks when eating a deviled egg or her utter disgust at She-Hulk’s wardrobe.
Sensational She-Hulk remains grounded in a way only Marvel Comics superheroes are. Thi sis the world outside our window, complete with crappy day jobs and messy friends. Sensational She-Hulk is brilliantly energetic and deeply real.
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