PLANET SHE HULK #4: Lover’s Quarrel

Love was once in the air, Jack of Hearts was living out Matt’s dream of laying in bed with She Hulk until one day now the two find themselves on opposite ends of the battlefield. The fate of Sakaar now rests upon the shoulders of a lovers quarrel with the two fighting to the death!

Creative Team: Stephanie Phillips (WRITER), Emilio Laiso (ART and COVER), Fabi Marques (COLORS), Joe Caramagna (LETTERS), and Sonia Oback (COVER COLORS).

This is a joint review by  Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast and  Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Matt: It really is something seeing someone else live out your dreams of laying there with She Hulk however, I would not survive a punch from her so it works out. Speaking of punches, this issue really cranks the intensity up a notch as this is no ordinary defense trial. Jen must now fight Jack of Hearts with whom she loves if she hopes to save Sakaar. This issue is full of clever moments from Stephanie as there are various ways that Jen is able to manipulate the energy Jack harnesses against him without killing Jack or herself. There is a lot of emotion packed into this issue as it truly feels personal and no longer simply Jen representing Quade against Korven. The issue ends on an utterly shocking note and I truly don’t see how this ends other than all out war breaking out!

Megan: It’s been some time since we’ve seen She-Hulk reunited with her love, Jack of Hearts! Unfortunately it’s under the worst of circumstances. As apart of this defense trial to save Quade’s life, She-Hulk has to fight and the person Korven has chosen if, of course, Jack of Hearts. What’s interesting is that this isn’t the Jack she knew before. This Jack’s mind is completely wiped clean of any memories so he’s nothing more than a vessel. Maybe this makes it easier for She-Hulk to fight him, maybe it doesn’t. Either way, She-Hulk has to win to save Quade’s life from Korven.

There was a lot more emotion in this issue than the others and it was perfectly handled and well-balanced by Stephanie Phillips. There’s so many layers to She-Hulk that continue to get pulled back in this series, but the fourth issue definitely shows the most vulnerable side of her. Along with that, we get some great action from She-Hulk in the fight to save Quade. We also end on a very surprising note that will live in my head rent free until the next issue drops.

The Art and Letters:

Matt: Emilio and Fabi spare no detail in ensuring that every muscle, every line, everything is drawn out as She Hulk and Jack battle. One of my favorite things within the art is showing how “normal” Jen can look when she is She Hulk and not in battle and then on a dime have her shredded from head to toe. The energy in the colors is simply off the charts as these panels during the battle are bright cosmic bursts. The final page itself is beyond shocking largely due to how they bring certain things to the front which helps leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Megan: Throughout Planet She-Hulk, the artwork has been top quality, and I’m glad to see that continue with the fourth issue. In Planet She-Hulk #4, there’s a fantastic amount of attention paid to the details of the characters. Whether it be She-Hulk’s sadness or Quade’s hopelessness, it’s easy to see the characters living in their emotions and expressing them. Along with this, there were some great focal points of the pages thanks to the vibrant colors juxtaposing the muted colors of Sakaar. All in all, the artists outdid themselves once again!

Final Thoughts:

Matt: 10/10 Planet She Hulk #4 takes an emotional toll on us as it is heavy from start to finish. She Hulk must battle her own emotions while balancing the lives of an entire planet which is no easy task. The entire team is continuing to deliver such a fun story that keeps the reader engaged every step of the way.

Megan: 10/10. Planet She-Hulk gets better and better with every issue! With the huge cliffhanger we were left on, I’m very excited to see what chaos ensues in the next issue!

Overall Grade: 10/10