Written by Mariko Tamaki
Art by Diego Olortegui; John Tyler Christopher; Federico Lee; & VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Art by Rahzzah
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for May 2018, this untitled ‘Legacy-numbering’ issue concludes the Jen Walters Must Die storyline. Having recruited best friend Patsy Walker as her fellow chaperone at a high school prom, Jennifer Walters quietly watches over a recent client’s daughter, Bethany Bellamy, who is the mutant now known as ‘Burn.’
Outside the elegant Hotel Harriet in Manhattan, bigoted protesters protest the growing presence of mutants in schools. Bethany is spitefully targeted. An infuriated She-Hulk and Hellcat take action outside the hotel. Meanwhile, Jen realizes that the upscale law firm she has joined isn’t what she had hoped for.
Note: Unlike several issues in this current storyline, Issue # 163 doesn’t have a variant cover.
REVIEW:
Even if writer Mariko Tamaki’s script reiterates a-familiar Marvel sermon re: mutant acceptance vs. racial bigotry, the story is still very well-played.
Smartly balancing Jen’s compassion for Bethany with Patsy’s friendly prodding over Jen’s own green-and-gray issues as a Hulk, Tamaki does some excellent work. The extra sub-plot re: Jen’s latest law firm gig is predictable, but Jen’s upbeat decision is perfectly in tune with her well-established sense of ethics.
Impressively, the art team’s high-caliber visuals (including the intriguing cover image) make She-Hulk # 163 a complete entertainment package.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
On the credits page, a recap of Jennifer’s recent stint as the ‘Gray She-Hulk,’ (i.e. coping with Bruce Banner’s murder and her own recovery from life-threatening injuries suffered against Thanos) is presented.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
