- Written by: Stephanie Phillips
- Art by: Aaron Kuder
- Colors by: Sonia Oback
- Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramagna
- Cover art by: Aaron Kuder, Sonia Oback (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: November 5, 2025
Planet She-Hulk #1, by Marvel on 11/5/25, leaps onto Sakaar with Jennifer Walters fighting for order in a world fueled by chaos – a time and money gamble for any collector looking for more than interplanetary muscle.
First Impressions
The opening pages are a neon punch to the gut, mixing reluctant heroism with snark and cosmic desperation. Jennifer Walters immediately sets the tone: you’re thrown into her exasperation and sardonic edge before the story even takes its first real swing. Within three pages, expectations for revenge, galactic customs, and green-skinned mayhem are front and center, refreshingly fast, but with just enough sarcasm to remind you it’s a She-Hulk book.
Recap
In the aftermath of Bruce Banner’s absence, She-Hulk is stranded on Sakaar, tasked with keeping peace after the death of Hiro-Kala and the planet’s new power vacuum. She-Hulk, now reluctant protector, watches over Sakaarians during five days of imposed peace meant to honor Hiro-Kala’s five wives; a patchwork truce on the edge of collapse.
Plot Analysis
Jennifer Walters, a.k.a. She-Hulk, finds herself begrudgingly attending the bizarre wedding of Korven Blackjaw to one of Hiro-Kala’s widows, expected to slaughter a ceremonial beast in the gladiatorial arena as a gesture of goodwill and strength. Gladiatorial violence is the opening act, quickly turning into a negotiation for a spaceship with Rowan Creed, the planet’s monopoly merchant lord – her ticket home, if she plays her cards right.
As the festivities march on, She-Hulk’s role shifts from ceremonial killer to political pawn, manipulated by leaders pursuing the throne and merchant lords upping the price for her help. Every conversation is thick with ulterior motives; Jennifer is forced to balance her legal mind, superhero strength, and a mounting sense of exasperation at the planetary game of thrones.
Suddenly, chaos erupts: wedding crashers storm the scene, blood is spilled, and the true Sakaarian struggle for power ignites in earnest. She-Hulk’s supposed five-day stint spirals into food fights, assassination attempts, existential observations, and genuine risk, as the Thousand Eyes cult claims rightful rule by force.
The issue ends with She-Hulk battered but undeterred, her temporary reign devolving into full-scale violence, tragic losses, and a promise of further Sakaarian chaos to come, leaving readers on a cliffhanger and Jennifer wanting out more than ever.
Writing
The script moves at a brisk, punchy pace. Jennifer’s dialogue is sharp, consistently funny (or not, depending on your tastes), and keeps the narrative pressing forward without stalling for exposition. Dialogue lands with intent, mixing legal jargon, pop culture quips, and dry observation, ensuring every scene serves double duty for character and plot. Story structure is linear, clear in progression, but never feels formulaic; flashbacks are well-placed and keep the tension high.
Art
Visually, the book is dynamic, with panel layouts that accentuate the chaotic mood without becoming visually confusing. The use of bright color palettes makes Sakaar and its denizens pop, but every scene is readable at a glance, a rare feat with cosmic battle sequences. Mood shifts are efficiently communicated through palette changes and character scale, helping the narrative feel larger-than-life but always focused.
Character Development
She-Hulk emerges as the frustrated, deeply relatable protagonist. Her reluctance and dry wit are balanced by genuine competence and flashes of vulnerability. Secondary players, like Conrad the royal consul and Rowan Creed, are given just enough motivation to be more than generic obstacles; each contributes meaningfully to the central theme of survival and ambition in lawless territory. The comic delivers character consistency, with Jennifer’s motivations driven by obligation, annoyance, and a surprisingly sincere desire for order amidst rampant chaos.
Originality & Concept Execution
This “Planet Hulk, but legal drama” twist feels fresh, melding gladiator spectacle with courtroom banter is a clever riff on the Sakaar saga. The premise is never lost in the cosmic shuffle; Jennifer’s struggle to impose order and maintain her integrity is surfaced in every scene. Some tropes (political machinations, arena fights) are familiar, but She-Hulk’s uniquely satirical voice delivers on the new premise.
Positives
Jennifer’s personality is the stand-out, transforming standard superhero tropes into a barbed, witty exploration of duty versus desire. The book’s linear plot and snappy, well-crafted dialogue make each page a pleasure to read, while the art team’s clarity and color sense provide high-impact visuals that enhance both combat and comic relief. The blending of genre elements – legal drama, gladiatorial action, and cosmic politics – adds measurable entertainment and value for fans of both Hulk lore and She-Hulk’s quirky take on heroics.
Negatives: Buyer Beware
Though the pacing rarely stumbles, the issue’s abrupt transitions between chaos and plotting occasionally leave the reader reaching to keep up with secondary characters and political motivations. Some side characters fade in and out with little chance for development, and the repeated “She-Hulk wants to go home” beats can feel a bit redundant by the last page. While Sakaar is visually distinct, the planetary politics risk blurring into generic comic faction tropes, slightly diminishing the impact of the comic’s big swings.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
The Scorecard
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): [3/4]
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): [3/4]
Value (Originality & Entertainment): [1/2]
Final Verdict
Planet She-Hulk #1 gets a hearty nod for its relentlessly sharp wit and visually punchy storytelling, but comes up just short of legendary status thanks to some narrative clutter and underbaked side players. If you have limited shelf space and a budget primed for entertainment with a side of sarcasm, this issue is well worth it. Just don’t expect profound cosmic revelations between the nacho jokes and monster slaying.
7/10
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