She-Hulk, Vol. 4: Jen-Sational

She-Hulk by Rainbow Rowell

by Rainbow Rowell, Andrés Genolet (Artist), Ig Guara (Artist)

Jennifer Walters, Esq., is dusting off her adjective and kicking off a new era! The best hero-slash-lawyer in the Marvel Universe is about to remind you why she's SENSATIONAL, in a battle against her deadliest challenge yet! Hulks collide when Jen's incredible cousin pays a visit - and it's not a social call! Which villain is brave enough to try to bait Marvel's two strongest gamma-powered heroes (one with way better hair)? Then She-Hulk and her beau, Jack of Hearts, go on vacation - in space! But someone from Jack's past is looking for him. Someone deadly! Plus: MARVEL STUDIOS' SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW series writer Jessica Gao makes her Marvel Comics debut with a sensational bonus story! Collecting SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK (2023) #1-5.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Science Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

Rainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.

Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).

Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .

Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).

Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.

She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

More at rainbowrowell.com.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This latest She-Hulk collection is doesn't seem to have a whole lot going on that really ends up anywhere, but it's a fun, light, enjoyable read. She goes to a bar to hang out with Carol and Patsy, but Patsy's ex shows up and almost spoils the evening. She chats a bit with her cousin, but is he really? She meets up with Ben at a fight-club kinda thing, but it's not her kinda thing. The art lacks something in background and detail, but the faces are expressive. It had some cute bits and was fun. Excelsior, I guess.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

"She-Hulk: Jen-Sational" is an entertaining but fundamentally disappointing addition to Rainbow Rowell's otherwise promising series. The fundamental problem with this book is that it lacks substance. Much is promised and very little is delivered. Essentially, the book tries to move in a number of different directions and barely makes progress in any of them. Thus, the Punch Club gets an episode that leads nowhere. Likewise Jen and Jack 's romance continues but there is no real payoff or development. Other promising elements such as the rise of a rival female Hulk, the ongoing drama of Jen's legal practice and even the appearance of the original Hulk never manage to gather enough momentum to take off. Admittedly, there is a pretty good sequence towards the end involving Jen and her Gal Pals taking on a bunch of demons in a trendy night club. Unfortunately, this development also feels somewhat incomplete and is just too little too late. With any luck the next volume, if it happens, will actually go somewhere.

3.5 stars rounded to 3.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen-Sational is a good title for this book because, unfortunately, it's not sensational. The good vibes remain, but it somehow feels like less is happening here than in the previous entries. Characterisation remains a highlight, however, it will disappoint those who want a little more meat on the bones.

[Khurram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book. I actually wanted to give it 2.5 stars, but just my bias of liking the character made this a 3 star book. My main problem with this book is that nothing happens. The story has not moved, not in Jen's personal life or professional.

She-hulk and Jack are in a steady relationship, except nobody is supposed to know Jack is alive, but everyone does. The Hulk shows up a new/old villain from the last book shows up, then runs away. Jen gets an offer she thinks about.

I really hope something was set up from this book or it is a complete waste of time. I really hope the next book is better. The book finishes with a thumbnail variant cover gallery.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another pleasant visit with She-Hulk courtesy of Rainbow Rowell. Nothing much happens, per usual, but it's all so nice, who cares? Jennifer Walter hangs out with her boyfriend, her clients, her cousin, and her gal pals. Sometimes fighting happens, sometimes it's just time to emote. It all works.

[Paz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Technically a soft reboot, Sensational She-Hulk: Jen-sational is the continuation of Rainbow Rowell's run. It collects five issues and two short stories by different writers: One written by Jessica Gao about a guy shadowing She-Hulk at the wrong job, and the other written by Bobby Wilson featuring Jen's old lover Wyatt Wingfoot.

This volume is, sadly, my least favorite so far. Though I loved the beginning, She-Hulk love drama and the return of Amber, Rowell's villain from the first arc, and a surprising appearance by the Hulk, I just really did not like the last two issues. This mini-arc is all about a girls night out with Carol Danvers, Patsy and Jen. But it feels like Hellcat becomes the main character in Jen's title and I did not vibe with that. Also, these two issues are illustrated by a different artist and the difference is so jarring. Not to be too negative about it, I'll just say Andrés Genolet pretty art and gorgeous character design was really missed.

This volume though lighthearted and fun felt more like a filler. I like Rowell's slice of life vibes and low stakes, however this one entry in particular felt pointless. Though I really, really loved She-Hulk and the Hulk's dynamic here, especially their final conversation, I just felt like the overall volume was disappointing with a lack of development for characters and plot.

[Rahul Nadella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has nothing going on in it, and I like it more than almost any other book I'm reading right now. I don't know what that says about me or about comics, but Rowell's run continues to be very enjoyable. I hate we had to wait for this re-numbered issue but it was worth it. This is a romance, slice of life, action, comedy comic. All these things would normally turn me off but here the balance is handled with such skill and the words feel as though they come from a writer with such heart and a healthy respect for the characters that I get excited when I think about a new issue coming out. This comic is weird, endearing, goofy and heartfelt. The stakes still aren't really all that high here, but Rowell does an excellent job of making just about every character in this book compelling. This is the kind book Marvel wants to put out there to capture that imagined audience they've been searching for. Give people quality and you help a new audience to understand the beauty of this medium.

[Alex Sarll]

This makes much more sense as Volume 4 than with the spurious renumbering it got in singles; it's very much continuing the same story of Jen's obnoxious boss, the people who think they're entitled to a piece of her (sometimes literally), and especially of her romance with Jack of Hearts. I love the way Rowell plays superheroes' ability to make metaphor concrete with this: Jack's touch can make Jen lose all control; the risk is less if he's full of radiation, so contact needs him to fly too close to the Sun... Perfect. Guest spots include Jen's cousin, who in his current incarnation is not the most amenable of relatives, and Hellstorm, who thankfully has ditched the shaven head and goatee of some recent appearances, though it has to be said the art goes to pot a bit when Ig Guara takes over – possibly in a rush? At one point Jack seems to gain 20 years and 5 stone between panels, and I know Jen is less Amazonian when she's not green, but sometimes here she looks like a junkie.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve come to enjoy this series as a non-serious, fun, refreshing read. I read this comic with my wife as well, which boosts the rating a bit in my book!

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 4 out of 5]

É muito curioso como a Panini Comics Brasil vem ignorando sistematicamente os títulos da Mulher-Hulk. Mesmo com a série pela Disney+ ela não publicou aqui nenhum título regular dela. Agora, traz essa série de Rainbow Rowell que é um segundo volume, então o leitor pega os acontecimentos pela metade. Mas cavalo dado não se olha os dentes, né?! Rainbow Rowell é uma baita escritora de romances young adults que foi chamada pela Marvel para escrever Fugitivos (que a Panini Brasil também ignorou). Ela entende mais de Universo Marvel que muito machão por aí. Prova disso é o que ela faz com as histórias de Jennifer Walters neste volume, envolvendo muitos cantos da Casa das Ideias na trama. Comecei só observando o encadernado e quando vi já estava na penúltima história deste volume. Temos o Valete de Copas, Titânia, Andy o Androide, Vulcana, Felina e até mesmo o Filho de Satã. Muita, mas muita coisa da Hulka foi deixado de lado pela Panini. E o mais triste disso é que eram materiais legais e elogiados pela crítica. Só que se tem mulher no título e escrevendo o título, a PaniniTM não gosta.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

She-hulk and her scoring gang are pretty sweet. Still easy breezy reading, even the arch-villain pop-up didn’t kill the momentum.

Captain Marvel, Hellcat and She-Hulk? I’d like to see some dudebros attempt a pick-up line with these three - and LIVE.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know I needed a few issues of She-Hulk shilling with Hellcat and Captain Marvel but here we are.

This was a ton of fun. It even kept Hellcat's shitty life intact, giving us a glimpse into the shit she's dealing with, which makes me want to go and read that mini-series. I'm scared for Jack and She-Hulk but hoping things somehow magically work out.

A 4 out of 5.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Rainbow Rowell's direction, She-Hulk continues to be a pleasant, upbeat series that focuses on characters and daily life with just a touch of superheroics thrown in. Jen-Sational sees our hero basically just hanging out with her friends and lover for five issues, and honestly, sometimes that's enough. Sure, there are some punchy moments, but they're comparatively forgettable.

[Kyle Dinges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of Rowell's fantastic run on She-Hulk. This one is a bit more action-focused than previous volumes but continues to be well-paced and funny.

Rowell might be the best writer at Marvel right now. If you haven't at least checked out this run on She-Hulk you should!

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun volume and continuation of She Hulk. There's some fun stuff that happens with Hulk and the weird science couple return to wreak havoc. Rainbow Rowell always make this book fun to read which I guess is its main selling point.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright. Not that great but mediocre read.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Jennifer Walters has been working very hard to create a new version of normal for herself. She has a job. She has an apartment. She has a fight club. She even has a steady boyfriend. Yet the rest of the Marvel universe can't seem to leave her alone.

Then there's Jack of Hearts. The boyfriend. He's...a point of trauma in Jen's past. But he's trying to get a hold of his powers (so he doesn't eat hers). It's complicated.

Review:

Wow. There's a lot to unpack from She-Hulk Vol. 4. We have hero-drama, friend-drama, relationship-drama, and even Hulk-drama. Drama is apparently the name of the game in this volume, and that's a bit of good and bad.

I won't go into all of the drama details because that would spoil it. But I will say that there were tense moments and thought-provoking implications, and overall, it was a delightful read. There's no denying that Jen is a human under her costume, and moments like these remind us of that.

Despite the drama, She-Hulk Vol. 4 is a fun and relaxing read. I've really enjoyed the series as a whole. It's been nice to have She-Hulk back, front-and-center. I know it isn't going to last, but still!

Highlights:
She-Hulk
Relationship Drama
Hulk Dramas (lot of that)
Lots of Cameos

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[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This is Volume 4 in the She-Hulk comic series.

Jennifer and the characters in this comic have really grown on me. I enjoyed this volume. Although the last comic didn’t really fit with the others IMO. Also I wish that more had happened.

I’m still looking forward to seeing what’s next for these characters.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/-Ja_1wF1BDA

Enjoy!

[Brandon Skanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Walters does what we all do: trying to have a bit of a life, but something always gets in the way.

[Juan Francisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menos redondo, pero igual de gustoso. El camión de Hulk me sobra.

[jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slice of life.

[Dane Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Benjamin Kimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rainbow Rowell continues her fun She-Hulk romance run with this book. Rowell’s She-Hulk is always a fun change of pace from typical superhero fare. Yea there’s still some fighting and good superhero action. But the main focus of this book is fun slice of life superhero stuff. Jen’s life does get turned around when the Hulk destroys a city block and she gets caught up in it and the public hate her. Se we see her running around as Jen a little more, but it’s a fun book. Andrés Genolet has a style that lends itself to slice of life. He focuses more on facial expression and body language than big bombastic action which is good for this book. I really enjoy She-Hulk.

[Lance McNair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the previous three trades, with weaker art in the later issues, but still good stuff.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen is always a fun character, a great balance between fighter and lawyer/lover. Now that I think about it, she's the lighthearted version of Daredevil, who always seems so intense! LOL
Highlights:
- Jen continues her relationship with Jack of Hearts, just as he continues to better control his powers. In fact, he has found out if he fills up on radiation to his almost breaking point, he can be intimate with Jen without draining her gamma.
- Hulk shows his face in Jen's neighborhood, accusing her of tracking him, but it is soon revealed to be another gamma girl, Anathema, who was turned by experiments with Jen's blood. The chaos causes people to turn against She-Hulk via public opinion.
- Jen, Carol, and Patsy head out for a night on the town, but get pulled into a fight with demons at Patsy's favorite nightclub. This ends with another invitation to join the Avengers, which Jen said she'd consider.... even though it might cause strife with Jack.

Another expertly written Volume of She-Hulk, with great balance between fighting and love. Enjoying the run so much, I might have to read some of Rowell's novels.

Recommend.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Every issue is a great read. And fun.

[Ricky Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She-Hulk Vol 4: Jen-Sational" by Rainbow Rowell, Andrés Genolet, Ig Guara, and Dee Cunniffe is a delightful addition to the She-Hulk saga. Rowell’s narrative strikes a perfect balance between superhero action and heartfelt moments, making Jennifer Walters a relatable and compelling protagonist. The blend of humor, legal drama, and personal growth is engaging, offering a refreshing take on the character.

The artwork by Genolet and Guara is vibrant and dynamic, capturing both the larger-than-life superhero sequences and the more intimate, character-driven scenes with equal finesse. Cunniffe's coloring enhances the visual storytelling, adding depth and energy to each panel. The creative team's synergy is evident, making each page a visual treat.

One of the standout aspects of this volume is its character development. Jen's journey through personal and professional challenges is portrayed with nuance, and her interactions with supporting characters are rich and authentic. The storyline is well-paced, blending episodic adventures with an overarching plot that keeps readers hooked.

While the volume is highly enjoyable, it occasionally leans too heavily on comedic elements, which might detract from the tension in key moments. Nevertheless, "She-Hulk Vol 4: Jen-Sational" is a thoroughly entertaining read that fans of the character will appreciate. Four out of five stars for this engaging and visually stunning comic.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great volume and seriously this is so good. I love this whole run and well this run didn't need a new #1 but I am glad they're continuing with the original trade numbering.

I love how this one actually shows Jack and Jen together and her being more open about him and well that intro with Fight club was so awesome lol, then the team up with Hulk and bringing back that plot element vs April booth and yeah I wished they addressed that story fully but its a slow burn but the convo she has with Hulk is so good, I love how it gives the watching the sunset on the beach scene just like the show and allows for the cousins to bond.

Then there is the thing with her and Patsy and Carol teaming up and that was such a fun team up, like them hanging out and chilling and well demon attack and sort of a focus on Patsy and its so funny how Rainbow handles these wild scenarios and make it seem so normal in these characters life and thats such a good thing like she finds humanity in these superheroes life and her writing of Jen and Jack is just amazing, its a slow burn but you can see how close they have become.

And those 2 short stories where one she is teaching the son of her dad's friend super-hero-ing and how funny it becomes and the story with Wyatt, its seriously so good and I love it, these moments make me just love Jen even more.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rainbow Rowell's She-Hulk continues to be disappointingly OK. I mean I really think it says everything that the best issue in this volume was Jen, Patsy, and Carol going to a bar. The second best bit was Jen talking to Hulk (likely a purposeful reflection of a scene in the recent She-Hulk tv series). These were teams, and increasingly it's obvious that Rowell writes great teams.

As for the rest: it's forgettable.

Part of the problem is that 24-or-so issues in, Rowell hasn't convinced me to like Jack. He's a slacker whose only purpose seems to be to get it on with Jen. With the same beats about we-can't-touch-I-sucked-up-radiation-blah-blah-blah repeated again and again. When you base their whole relationship around that, and then much of the comic on THAT, it falters. (If I wanted to read classic Rogue & Gambit, I would, except they're both interesting characters.)

But, still OK.

Other things I'm sick of: Marvel constantly rebooting books, even right in the middle of runs; and graphic novels with titles that are totally non-identifying.