Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips & Jonathan Hickman(writers). Emilio Laiso(artist). Matt Milla(color artist). VC’s Joe Caramagna(letterer). Francesco Mortarino & Raúl Angulo(cover artists).
Published by Marvel Comics
Catch up with Imperial #1 here!
*Imperial War: She-Hulk #1 will be reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Matt, Derek, and Megan!*
The Story & Writing
Megan – Continuing the gargantuan cosmic war of Imperial, Jen Walters was left on New Sakaar to keep the peace. She only needed to last there for five days, but that’s proving trickier than she anticipated. To honor King Hiro-Kala’s death and give his five widows a chance to mourn, the citizens are expected to go five days without violence, which seems like an easy ask. However, Jen is realizing rather quickly that that’s asking too much of the citizens of New Sakaar. While Jen is doing her best to tame the masses, there’s a very mysterious murder that’s taken place in the palace. Jen must put her investigating skills to the test to find out who’s committed the crime.
With Stephanie Phillips and Jonathan Hickman behind the story, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have yourself an excellent read and a great addition to the Imperial event. Imperial War: She-Hulk #1 does a great job at capturing Jen’s relatability, while putting her in an otherworldly situation that only a superhero could be involved in. Along with some great Hulk Smashing and She-Hulk branded fourth wall breaks, it was a fun read all around!
Matt – She-Hulk is my girl through and through, and Stephanie nails her tone both in comedic timing and just smashing the problem. I have never related to something more than when Jen mentions caffeine powering her every day, either. This moves the over arching Imperial story along as we get some much needed answers however, we get left with a bit of cliff hanger which means there may be more to come!
Derek – Stephanie Phillips and Jonathan Hickman were able to tap into what makes Jennifer Walters such an excellent character, putting her in a fish out of water story on a planet completely alien to her in every way. The inclusion of her back story was a smart way to get the reader into She-Hulk’s head for those that are not familiar with the character. The pacing was on point, the mystery was interesting, the conclusion was funny and satisfying. This is exactly the type of tie-in that Imperial needed.
The Art
Megan – Thanks to Emilio Laiso, Matt Milla, and Joe Caramagna, the artwork of Imperial War: Planet She-Hulk #1 was as exciting as the storyline was. I really enjoyed each panel that showed She-Hulk using her fighting skills, as the artists really put you right into the action alongside Jen. Emilio Laiso did an excellent job at bringing the character’s emotions to life, which really elevated the story. Alongside Laiso, Matt Milla, who handled the colors, really captured the energy of this completely different planet and gave it a great otherworldly vibe.
Matt – She-Hulk is a beast, they nailed the detail in every muscle as Jen is punching her way through problems and coming across as larger than life. What made this comic hit was Laiso, Milla, and Caramagna all giving her personality at the same time. The coloring made Sakaar stand out beautifully, and the various creatures on the planet brought about diversity at the same time. This issue was action-packed and gorgeous.
Derek – The art team elevated the story perfectly. The action and emotion displayed was excellent. The action was fast and frenetic, and the hits had the weight that you would want from a She-Hulk story. When she smashed I could almost feel the panel shake. Absolutely no notes, I loved the art in this book.
Final Thoughts
Megan – 8.5/10. I really enjoyed the story and I think Imperial War: Planet She-Hulk #1 is an excellent addition to the Imperial event.
Matt – 10/10. This issue has it all: comedy, action, intensity, and a fun who-dun-it all wrapped into one issue. I am excited as this may have been my favorite of the Imperial arc so far!
Derek – 10/10 Witty humor, great action, and a well written inner monologue pair perfectly with mystery and intrigue to make this a worthy addition to the, already incredible, Imperial story.
Overall Grade – 9.5/10
Let us know in the comments below what you thought of Imperial War: She-Hulk #1!
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