Review: ‘The Sensational She-Hulk’ #5 Isn’t That Sensational
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
A disruption in their girls’ night causes problems for Hellcat, She-Hulk, and Captain Marvel. Can the trio save Hellcat’s favorite bar from demonic destruction? Also Captain Marvel asks a major question about team-ups that may upend She-Hulk’s world. What will She-Hulk’s response be, and will Hellcat butt in to this conversation?
Overall
5.3/10Artist Jen Bartel does a somewhat standard “heroes coming toward the reader” cover. However, the visual effects in the background and bottom foreground enhance the execution of this otherwise high-quality piece.
The “Marvel Masterpieces” variant cover is by art team Greg Hildebrandt and Tim Hildebrandt. It looks like a comic book trading card from the mid-1990s, but it has the failing of a boobs-and-butt pose.
Artist Matteo Lolli and colorist Rachelle Rosenberg are responsible for the “Marvel ’97” variant cover. Some of the trade dress appears to be reusing the work of artist John Byrne. Yet, there is no indication in the credits about whether this is the case or Lolli is recreating the image. Looking at the cover, it is easy to to guess what the case is due to how off Lolli’s She-Hulk looks. As for the colors, Rosenberg does a fine attempt at mimicking Marvel’s usual color scheme from this prior time period (X-Men ’97).
The final variant cover is by artist Pablo Villalobos and colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu. With the exception of another boobs-and-butt pose, this cover has a mostly high quality, and arguably hilarious, design.
Writer Rainbow Rowell does well at creating believable discussions in this issue. There are also some nice references throughout. Unfortunately, certain bits of omniscient narration make this issue feel more likely to read better in a collection. Not to mention there is a problem with how Rowell does not create a fully satisfying reason for this issue’s action. Speaking of things that aren’t satisfying, “the can they/can’t they” romance going on with the main character is lacking passion.
The interior visuals are by artist Ig Guara and colorist Dee Cunniffe. Guara does a fine job with the opening pages. However, as the issue goes on, Guara is less and less consistent. This problem is most notable with faces, and to an extent the proportions. It is also worth noting that Guara creates some panel compositions that make no sense. Luckily, the vibrant and consistent selection of hues that Cunniffe applies distracts slightly from these problems.
Letterer Joe Caramagna does a great job placing the text. He also does a decent job emphasizing certain bits of text with italics.
The Sensational She-Hulk #5 is out now from Marvel.
