Written by Harrison Wilcox
Art by Ryan Stiegman; Michael Babinski; Guru eFx; Ed Dukeshire; & Mayela Gutierrez
Cover Art by Ed McGuinness & Paul Mounts
SUMMARY:
Published for April 2011 by Marvel Comics, this mini-series finale is entitled “Man Hunt, Part 4.” In the snowy Himalayas, the original She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters) and her cheerful teenage cousin, Lyra (the daughter of Bruce Banner and Thundra from a distant alternate future), clobber Klaw and the sound-powered Byte android. The two villains are bonus hauls, as their other catch-of-the-day is the Mad Thinker.
Returning home to Manhattan, Jen sends Lyra reluctantly off to a high school formal dance to help her adjustment to contemporary society. Elsewhere, the Incredible Hulk is unable to prevent the Wizard’s escape from Nevada’s Gamma Base, as he intends some vengeful payback on Jen.
At Midtown High’s gymnasium, Lyra is encouraged by her new friend, Amelia, to dance with hunky Jake. Amidst the Wizard’s attack, Jake is critically wounded or even killed, attempting to protect Lyra. As a teenage Hulk, a bloodied Lyra is no match for the Wizard’s formidable energy blasts. Jen’s intervention may be Lyra’s only hope.
REVIEW:
Writer Harrison Wilcox’s well-played script has a few holes (i.e. how exactly is Jen informed of the Wizard’s escape, let alone deduces he will go after Lyra? What is Jake’s fate?). Still, this finale’s poignancy and nicely-conveyed messages re: Lyra’s emotional growing pains compensate for these unanswered questions.
Also, Jen’s contributions as Lyra’s surrogate ‘aunt/big sister’ add some wonderful character depth, in addition to the return of old flame Wyatt Wingfoot. In terms of the visuals (including a high-caliber cover image), the art team is on its ‘A’ game without being flashy. That said, the teen-friendly She-Hulks # 4 is an unexpected gem.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page is a colorful summary of this limited series-to-date. Also, there are cover reveals for Incredible Hulks # 621; Hulk # 29; Incredible Hulks # 622; and Hulk # 30. An interview with series writer Rick Remender is included in Marvel Senior Editor Stephen Wacker’s five-page look at a new Venom ongoing series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
