There’s a new Hulk in town, as Marvel promotes a surprise hero to Bruce Banner’s former title. It’s a decision that comes at the exact right time, as Bruce loses his powers over in his own comic.
She-Hulk Is “The New Hulk”
As the Ruler of Sakaar, Jennifer Walters Is Fighting Not to Become Her Cousin
In today’s Planet She-Hulk #1 – from Stephanie Phillips, Aaron Kuderm, Sonia Oback and Joe Caramagna – Jennifer Walters attempts to keep control of the barbarian world of Sakaar En Nevo. Left behind to prevent war in Hulk’s stead, She-Hulk finds herself forced to bow to the violent culture, worrying that she’s being shaped into her cousin’s warlike doppelgänger.
Things are made worse when Jennifer attends a wedding ceremony, only to be addressed as “The New Hulk.” Under Hulk and his son Hiro-Kala, Sakaar En Nevo has learned to see gamma mutates as the ultimate symbol of ‘might makes right.’
Jennifer believes in justice through a complex system of laws which treat everyone the same. However, holding Sakaar En Nevo together is forcing her to settle feuds not through diplomacy and legal philosophy, but by breaking with her fists and cutting with her sword.
By the end of the issue, it’s clear that one of the primary themes of Planet She-Hulk will be whether Jennifer can resist being turned into “The Next Hulk” by the planet her cousin rebuilt in his image.
Our Take on She-Hulk Becoming the New Hulk
With Bruce Banner Off the Board, Marvel Needs a Green Goliath
When Hulk first left Sakaar En Nevo in Jennifer’s hands, he promised to return within five days. However, over in Incredible Hulk, Bruce just had his powers stolen by the demonic being known as the Eldest.
The Eldest has stolen the Hulk’s body and strength, becoming the ruler of Earth’s monsters and setting out to assemble an army of titans as the Infernal Hulk. It’s therefore the perfect time for She-Hulk to step into the Hulk’s role as a gamma-powered enforcer of justice.
As one of Earth’s greatest lawyers, She-Hulk has dedicated herself to the law – indeed, it’s saved her from her monstrous potential on more than one occasion. However, on a planet that will tear itself apart without a Hulk to guide it, will She-Hulk stand by her principles, or be seduced into the life of a demigod warlord who smashes anyone who opposes her?
Planet She-Hulk #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
- First Appearance
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The Incredible Hulk (1962)
- Alias
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Robert Bruce Banner
- Alliance
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Avengers, Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, Pantheon, Warbound, S.M.A.S.H., Secret Avengers
- Franchise
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Marvel