She Hulk Byrne Years
I find it amusingly odd that the post which, so far this year, has generated the most heat, passion, and controversy on my blog, was not one where I ventured an opinion at all.
It was one where the opinions of Critical Drinker and Ace of Spades riled up discussion on a topic about as anodyne and noncontroversial as can be imagined: namely, suggestions to improve “woke” storytelling by use of pro storytelling tools and tactics.
For the record, the reason why I venture no opinion is that I have not seen, and have no intention ever to see, the show being discussed.
I have no intention ever to see the show being discussed precisely because I am a fan of the John Byrne run on SHE HULK in the comics, back when comics were good, and what Byrne did was a tightrope-balancing act of cheesecake, comedy, superheroics, and breaking the fourth wall to wink at the audience. His work was also drenched in call-backs, cameos, and little bits of nostalgic fan service. It was not long-running, nor a great success, but it was likeable.
The previous run was meant to be serious, and Jennifer, like her cousin, both lost her wits and memory when she transformed into the monster. Under the pen of John Byrne, she turned into a curvy pinup model, big and green, becoming sassy and staying that way.
Below, for your viewing pleasure, is a not-quite complete slideshow of the John Byrne covers, with one or two others added for variety.
About John C Wright
John C. Wright is a practicing philosopher, a retired attorney, newspaperman, and newspaper editor, and a published author of science fiction. Once a Houyhnhnm, he was expelled from the august ranks of purely rational beings when he fell in love; but retains an honorary title.
