The New She-Hulk Could Be Weaker Than Marvel Fans Realize
Jennifer Walters' classic form returns in a new preview for She-Hulk #1, but is she prepared to go back to normal after years as a savage Hulk?
Warning! Contains preview pages for She-Hulk #1!
Famed lawyer/hero She-Hulk is back in her classic form, but it might be a rough adjustment for her when it comes to subduing villains. A new preview for She-Hulk #1 shows Jennifer Walters taking on her recurring foe, Titania, but the bout doesn't appear to be heavily in She-Hulk's favor.
The cousin of the Jade Giant, Jennifer Walters, was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema as a female version of the Hulk. Unlike her fellow green family member, She-Hulk retains her original personality and demeanor while gaining strength comparable with Bruce Banner. However, the last several years have seen Jen become more like her cousin. The end of Civil War II saw her become a Grey She-Hulk, while Avengers depicted Jen as a more muscle-bound and savage being similar to Bruce's Hulk. The changes were recently undone in Avengers #50, which returned She-Hulk to her smaller, smarter, but no less strong form. But the recent changes to Jen may have taken a small toll in her fighting skills.
A new preview for She-Hulk #1 by Rainbow Rowell, Roge Antonio, Rico Renzi, and VC's Joe Caramagna kicks off with action, showing Jen throw down with her rival Mary MacPherran, aka Titania. Titania seems eager for a rematch with the She-Hulk she remembers, but Jen tries to find alternate ways of ending the fight. Walters reminds Titania that their fights usually end with Titania in jail, but Mary sees the engagements as the only time she can fight at full force. The two continue their tussle before She-Hulk asks Titania some personal questions about her life. Despite the brief connection, Titania gets the upper hand, squarely asking Jen "What is wrong with you, Walters?"
While Titania's low blow may be a cheap shot, her question raises a good point. For someone who claims that every match-up ends in her victory, She-Hulk seems reluctant to end the fight as quickly as possible. Instead, Jen focuses on trying to disarm Mary, informing her that they don't need to fight at all, with She-Hulk even taking the time to inquire about her relationship and living status. It's possible that the transition for She-Hulk back to her usual self has caused her to reflect on her recent changes. After living as a more anger-driven Hulk, it seems Jen wants to avoid conflict where she can and give in to rage less by resolving conflicts peacefully. However, this clearly puts her at a disadvantage when it comes to villains like Titania, who aren't going to stopped with pleasantries.
The return of She-Hulk's traditional self may be welcomed by fans, but Jen Walters is going to need some time before she's back to her old fighting self again. She-Hulk #1 will be available in shops and online January 19th, 2022.