She-Hulk

You’re gonna like her when she’s angry

By VincentVanSpock

Just a few days ago, Marvel released a full trailer for the She-Hulk TV show coming to Disney+ on August 17th 2022. The show stars Tatiana Maslany as the titular character, Mark Ruffalo reprising his role as Bruce Banner/Hulk, and Tim Roth making his return as Abomination/Emil Blonsky. But is the Marvel fandom ready for what She-Hulk has traditionally brought to the table?

She-Hulk, in the comics, has represented far more than just “Female Hulk.” While much of Hulk can be summed up in 2 words “Hulk Smash,” She-Hulk is far more complex and provides representation for a new audience. Created in 1980, Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk was designed as a satire of the overly sexualized female superheroes. She-Hulk in the comics leans into that sexualization and embraces it. It appears that the TV series is doing that as well. This is a form of feminism that tells women it is ok to enjoy sex as much as men do without the harassment that often comes with it.

Many people are not ready for this. There are still entire cultures and countries, that Disney+ functions in, who aren’t going to allow this type of Women’s empowerment. But should that stop Disney from showing She-Hulk in all her giant green glory? NO! Sex is a natural part of life. Most people have it. Some people have it only for pleasure and not for reproduction. Women are allowed to have sex with as many people as they want. It is pointless to praise men for sleeping around while berating women for doing the same. You physically cannot have sexually active straight men without sexually active straight women. Get over it!

That being said lets talk about the 500 pound elephant in the room, the Bad CGI. A lot of people are absolutely losing their minds over some shots. Personally, it doesn’t bother me as much and I feel it shouldn’t bother you either, for a few reasons. First, the show hasn’t come out yet. The CGI will absolutely be better when it releases in August. Second, even if it isn’t, Marvel has combined CGI and practical effects in order to help suspend our disbeliefs. Certain shots will keep even the keenest eyes guessing what’s real and how they did it. Finally, if CGI is all you are noticing while watching this show, then there is far more wrong with it than just CGI. In theater, we have a saying, if people are worried about the paint then we didn’t do our job.

I for one am excited for this television show. It has potential to be a funny, sexy, Law show similar to Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, or Single Female Lawyer (For all my Futurama loving friends out there). The Marvel aspect of the show also has potential to open the door for great cameos and build ups for future titles. All I know for sure is, I am green with envy at whoever this Hulk gets to smash.