Written by Mariko Tamaki
Art by Bachan; Federico Blee; VC’s Travis Lanham; & John Tyler Christopher
Cover Art by John Tyler Christopher
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for December 2017, this untitled 28-page issue has criminal defense attorney Jen “She-Hulk” Walters egged on by best friend Patsy “Hellcat” Walker re: a Friday night blind date. Meeting up at an upscale French restaurant, Jen’s date night only gets worse when She-Hulk is suddenly attacked by a cyborg army.
Reminiscent of John Byrne’s take on She-Hulk, this story’s omniscient writer frequently butts in with her own commentary re: Jen’s supposed thoughts. When Hellcat joins in, the two BFF’s might still salvage their evening in downtown New York. Then again, who is the shadowy stalker is exterminate She-Hulk?
REVIEW:
Considering her sitcom-style premise isn’t remarkable, writer Mariko Tamaki still delivers an entertaining homage updating John Byrne’s vintage “breaking-the-fourth-wall” comedy version of She-Hulk. The creative team’s choice of a Valentine’s Day pink for Tamaki’s clichéd ‘thought balloons, for instance, is a LOL contrast to Jen’s ultra-crummy blind date. Whether it is an irritated Jen vehemently disagreeing with Tamaki’s invasive thought balloons or Hellcat’s humorously repetitive texting to She-Hulk for date updates, Tamaki admirably nails every joke on cue.
It wouldn’t have hurt had there been a few extra pages extending this story, but the end result likely would have been the same. Tamaki’s witty script is further bolstered by glossy top-caliber visuals by the art team (including a spot-on cover image). Both beautifully-rendered and cheerfully undemanding, Hulk # 011 is a gem of a read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a full-page “In Memoriam” remembering legendary comics writer/editor Len Wein. As the next issue, a full-page cover reveal of She-Hulk (Legacy) # 159 is provided. Also incorporated is a smaller view of its homage variant cover.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
