Marvel’s She-Hulk follows the adventures of Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, the cousin of Bruce Banner. Jen has recently left the Avengers to return to being a full-time lawyer. Now working for her former adversary Mallory Book, the firm’s strict “no super-human clients” policy has loosened since Jen’s arrival. The return of friend and fellow Avenger Jack of Hearts, who was previously presumed dead, has shaken up Jen’s life outside of work. As the pair investigate Jack’s return and lack of powers, they become intimate. Written by Rainbow Rowell with art by Luca Maresca, colors by Rico Renzi, and letters by Joe Caramagna She-Hulk #7 dives deeper into Jen’s relationship with Jack in an issue bursting with personality.
A mysterious force has put a damper on Jack’s powers. While he and Jen were investigating the mystery, they were attacked by a Hulking superhuman named Mark, whose wife insisted the attack was an accident, though Jen remains unconvinced. This issue opens with Jen and Jack waking up in bed together. As they’ve spent more time together, the pair have become close, and the opening scene is a wonderfully cute morning-after exchange as the two continue to bond. When Jen leaves to stop by work, she is greeted by a new client who desperately needs her help. The ensuing conversation is hilarious and perfectly paced. From there, She-Hulk is drawn into an action-packed adventure that ends with a shocking cliffhanger.
Rowell is exceptional at balancing the humor and heart in this book. It’s a genuinely funny read with tons of sarcasm and the perfect amount of referential humor. Even simple narration boxes that introduce new characters are used in clever ways to further the narrative and inject personality into the story. The narrative pacing is spot-on. Scenes move briskly, and pages often end with the punchline of a joke that consistently lands. Every character feels genuine. Their motivations and moral boundaries are clearly established.
Maresca’s art is great throughout. She-Hulk is as stunning as ever. The creative overlaying of panels and intelligent blocking in each scene make the art fun and engaging. The perspective from inside Jen’s cramped office is particularly impressive. Character design and wardrobe choices allow everyone to stand out. Maresca captures characters’ expressions in a clear, emotive way, and when the action starts, it does so with force.
Renzi’s colors are excellently rendered. The contrast of pink decor in the bedroom against Jen’s green skin is particularly striking. The green used for Jen is a huge focal point throughout the issue. Caramagna’s lettering is just as solid. Dialogue is placed on the page with intent, and the variation in text size in speech bubbles distinguishes whispers and shouts effectively.
She-Hulk is a blast to read. The character relationships are the strongest part, and witty dialogue gives everyone a moment to shine. The book covers a lot of ground, from relationships to courtroom preparation to action, and it handles each scene with care. It’s an easy page-turner that will leave fans of She-Hulk satisfied. With She-Hulk #7, Rowell and the rest of the creative team deliver a thoroughly enjoyable read with a lovable cast of characters.
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