She-Hulk Vol. 1 #1 – 12
She-Hulk Vol. 1 #1–12 (2004) – A Bold Blend of Law and Superpowers πΌπ§¬
Genre
Superhero • Legal Drama • Action-Comedy • Slice of Life
Main Characters
-
Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk π’ – A top-tier lawyer and gamma-powered Avenger trying to balance courtroom battles with cosmic threats.
-
Augustus "Pug" Pugliese π – A loyal and straight-laced legal colleague at Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway.
-
Mallory Book π – Ambitious and competitive lawyer often clashing with Jen in court.
-
Awesome Andy π¦Ύ – A reformed android who assists at the law firm and communicates via chalkboard.
-
Holden Holliway π§ – The senior partner of the firm who hires Jen to head their Superhuman Law Division.
-
Various Marvel heroes & villains – Including Spider-Man, Hercules, Titania, and more who cross her path both in and out of court.
Writer
Dan Slott – Known for his clever, continuity-rich storytelling, Slott brings humor, depth, and sharp dialogue to She-Hulk’s world.
Artist
Juan Bobillo (Issues #1–4, #7–12) – His stylized, cartoon-like visuals give the comic a whimsical charm.
Paul Pelletier (Issue #5–6) – Brings a more traditional superhero aesthetic in contrast, adding dynamic range to the series.
Editor Details
Tom Brevoort – As the series editor, Brevoort ensured a strong balance of legal realism, Marvel lore, and character-driven storytelling.
Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics
Brand: Marvel Knights – Aimed at a slightly older readership, blending superhero storytelling with mature themes.
Release Year
π 2004 – 2005
Brief Plot Summary
Jennifer Walters finds herself disbarred from practicing law due to her unpredictable She-Hulk persona dominating her life. Given a second chance, she's hired by the firm Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway—a practice specializing in superhuman legal cases. To keep her job, she must promise to work as Jennifer, not She-Hulk. This kickstarts a series of bizarre, hilarious, and often poignant cases involving time travel lawsuits, ghost testimonies, and parole hearings for villains.
All the while, Jen wrestles with her dual identity, the loss of personal agency, and her place in both the legal and superhero worlds. Each issue brings a new case and another step in her personal evolution.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
-
“Single Green Female” (Issues #1–4) – Jen is forced to take on her human form permanently while adapting to the role of superhuman lawyer.
-
“Cause & Effect” (Issue #6) – A legal tangle involving time travel and accountability that directly ties into Marvel continuity.
-
“The Good Old Days” (Issues #7–12) – She-Hulk is drawn back into hero work just as she begins to settle into her legal role, testing her limits.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
π Some fans interpret Jen’s constant struggle between being herself and She-Hulk as an allegory for professional women managing societal expectations—strong, confident in one form but expected to "tone it down" to be taken seriously.
π§ The comic’s metatextual elements, including references to Marvel’s editorial decisions and breaking the fourth wall (a nod to John Byrne’s earlier run), suggest Slott's subtle critique of superhero genre norms and identity politics.
Review Summary
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10
Dan Slott’s She-Hulk is a refreshing, genre-bending series that cleverly merges Marvel’s rich continuity with legal satire and heart. The writing sparkles with witty dialogue and layered character development, making Jen one of the most human superheroes in the Marvel universe. Juan Bobillo’s art, though divisive, captures the whimsical, offbeat tone perfectly, while Pelletier adds energy and structure. It’s a fun yet emotionally grounded series that isn’t afraid to poke fun at superhero tropes while carving out its own niche. Fans of Ally McBeal, courtroom drama, or unconventional Marvel stories will find a lot to love here. ⚖️π
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)