Let's be honest... of the huge slate of new ongoing titles that Marvel's launching this month, this is the one that caught people's attention the least. That's how I felt, anyway. She-Hulk? I was expecting more of the silly super-hero spoof storytelling from the second such series from John Byrne in the 1990s. Well, I suppose I didn't know what to expect at all, but I certainly didn't expect this to be one of the strongest new ventures from Marvel in the last couple of months. Slott has captured a thoroughly grounded feel here. This is a book about the human desire to escape oneself, and the need to face the truth of ourselves no matter what. Slott's script hides the incredible relevance of his characterization here behind a curtain of wonderful humor, and the art is sexy, playful and effective.
She-Hulk has it all. She's adored by billions for her life-saving actions as an Avenger. She's revered by the media for her public dalliances with celebrity hunks and parties without equal. And she's respected by her peers in the legal profession for her keen mind and charisma. You'd think she'd be on cloud nine, wouldn't you? She thinks she should be as well... until her life of fun, cheers and success begins to crumble. There's only one person who can help her keep everything together, but she's the last person She-Hulk wants to get her out of a bind.
Bobillo's depiction of the title character actually puts me in mind of pop art from the 1930s and 1940s. It's as though Bobillo has cast Bette Davis or Greta Garbo as the She-Hulk. In an odd way, I'm also reminded of Betty Boop here. Still, the artist captures the power and personality of the character perfectly. I'm reminded of Kyle (Plastic Man) Baker's style here as well, crossed with that of Alan (JLA: Another Nail) Davis. Color is an important factor in a comic book about a super-heroine defined by her green skin, and Churcky does a great job with the colors. That's especially true given the fact that Bobillo's art is quite detailed, bordering busy.
We all dream of fame and fortune. Of reaching the pinnacle of our professions. Of nights of unending pleasure during which we are the center of attention. Slott explores why such avenues ultimately lead to emptiness. It's because they're inherently selfish, requiring others to be props as opposed to players in our lives. The writer also serves up a satirical look at super-hero action that brings a smile to the reader's face.
Who I am with my girlfriend isn't the same person I am when I'm at work. There's Don the Dutiful Son, and Don the Bratty Brother as well. Don the Driver and Don the Hard-Ass. We all have multiple facets of self, and this book is about one in conflict with the other. It's about hiding parts of ourselves from the rest of the world and being forced to face up to those efforts. Despite the fantastic elements of the storytelling here, this is a remarkably down-to-earth story about a bookworm dying to be the homecoming queen.
