Weekly Comic Book Review

Peter David (Writer,) Val Semeiks (penciler), Victor Olazaba (inker,) Chris Sotomayor (colors)

This issue continues the She-Hulk in prison story line that Peter David started last month. The story fills in some of our heroine’s personal history, specifically her disbarment and the end of her legal career. As Jennifer Walters, our protagonist is introduced to a Mr. Arthur Moore, alias Dark Art, a rather tongue-in-cheek name for a villain. Jennifer’s task is to provide the defense at Mr. Moore’s trial, a task which she takes on reluctantly, but successfully fulfills. The story turns when it gets to the aftermath of the trial. Jennifer becomes enraged at her client, transforms into her green-skinned alter ego, and a good old-fashioned smackdown ensues with damaging results to our heroine’s career. The issue concludes with an unexpected twist that opens up several questions which I’m sure will be investigated next issue.

This has been one of my favorite titles in recent months. Peter David usually presents the issue full of wit and humor that centers the playful interaction of She-Hulk and her Skrull sidekick Jazinda . But Jazinda has been absent these past two issues giving David time to fill in some of the back story. I’m sure, at least, I hope, she’ll return as the story seems primed to move forward. David has been painting a very reflective She-Hulk, one who has questioned her role as a hero in recent months. She seemed ready to retreat from life as a hero before ultimately embracing it. Here, she continues here self-reflection through her dialogue with her cellmate retelling the tale of her fall from legal grace. She raises questions of her own rolethat I’m sure will be delved into further as this story arc moves forward.

While I come to this book for the story and scripting Val Semeik’s art has been growing on me. He does a solid job. The story is well paced and She-Hulk looks decent. The scenes at the beginning and end of the book featuring the villain, Moore, are among the highlights of the book. The fight scene is convincing, too, as we are treated to a She-Hulk with all her savagery unleashed. This has been a consistently good book, one I look forward to reading every month. Recommended. (Grade B+)

- Arthur Cooke