DECONSTRUCTED: Â PART ONE

Jennifer Walters has always battled for justice–whether it was as a razor-sharp attorney in the courtroom or as her sensational alter ego, super hero She-Hulk.

But recent events have shaken Jen to her core. Â During the Civil War, She-Hulk suffered critical wounds during a clash with Thanos, and fell into a coma. Â When she awoke, she learned that her cousin, Bruce Banner A.K.A. The Original Hulk, was executed by fellow super hero, Hawkeye. Â Jen is awake, healing but what will the world hold for her now?

The She Hulk is no more, now Jen is only . . .

HULK

Obviously this is a strikingly different Hulk title, but also an equally different take on Jen Walters. Â If you are hoping for exciting green hulking out moments you will be disappointed. Â Mariko Tamaki, aptly titles this opening arc, Deconstructed and Jen is indeed tore down; although physically, the healing process appears complete. Â The story is carried largely by Jen’s own internal monologue driving home her obvious PTSD via Thanos and Hawkeye. Â This issue is a slow walk through Jen’s first day back to work, replete with the typical uncomfortable interactions anyone who has suffered personal tragedy can relate to. Â Mariko does a good job showing the emotional and psychological anguish Jen is going through. Â Â This is not done subtly and doesn’t require “critical reading” but that’s ok for me. Â I never felt as if I was being force-fed the issue,Â nor did IÂ feel IÂ was getting a cheap Hulk replacement.

Hulk’s rage and struggle to control this rage was what I always loved about The Hulk. Â I don’t want a Hulk who takes selfies, says things like “that’s lit” or flashes the deuces on every page. Â I want a Hulk who is inÂ pain, real relatable pain! Â Well I think we may be getting just that from Ms. Tamaki.

Nico Leon provides excellent crisp line work to accompany the script. Â Leon translates the pain of Jen’s anxiety from script to illustration perfectly. Â The emotional turmoil can be followed from panel to panel through Jen’s face and bodily language. Â Colorist Matt Milla continues the narrative emotion usingÂ his color palette. Â Again this is not difficult to spot the tonal shifts, Mr. Milla saturates muted or vibrant green and moves to muted blues capturing the rage and despair respectively.

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If you have stuck aroundÂ this far, CHEERS! Â I say go out andÂ pick this title up. Â I will grant you, it is paced rather slow but I feel this is intentional and necessary given the topic. Â I am eagerly looking forward to continuingÂ this opening arc.

SOLID 4.25 gamma irradiated donuts for this opener!

[yasr_overall_rating]

Written by: Â Mariko Tamaki
Art by: Â Nico Leon
Colors by: Â Matt Milla
Lettering by: Â VC’s Cory Petit