Marvel Announces New Jennifer Walters Hulk Book from Mariko Tamaki and Nico Leon

Jennifer Walters, a.k.a. She-Hulk, has been one of the most consistently well-regarded Marvel heroes, even if she’s had trouble maintaining a series since she debuted in 1980.

Marvel is giving her another shot, though, with a new book simply titled Hulk from writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Nico Leon, per The A.V. Club.

Based on the creative team’s comments, the book will find Walters in a darker place, dealing with the fallout of this summer’s Civil War II event, which saw her accidental wounding by War Machine, as well as the death of her cousin, the original Hulk, Bruce Banner.

Tamaki said of Walters’ transformation after Civil War II:

Jen is absolutely shaped by the trauma she’s experienced. Much of it was inspired by thinking about how different people deal with the hard things that happen in their lives, how memory, trauma, can infuse our whole being, be a physical presence in our lives. I was really into the idea of a Hulk, of the ability to transform into something close to monstrous, that’s still human, and heroic. It was interesting to think about what’s human about Hulk and vice versa.

Leon said of the new book’s art:

I think one of the most interesting and unique challenge in drawing her in this series will be to share with the readers her inside struggles. All heroes have their own internal struggles, but in this series, Jen will be dealing with something new and huge that is happening inside her own mind. The great challenge will be to share that feeling with the readers. It is a serious topic and it needs our most careful approach.

And Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso said of the book’s title:

The title She-Hulk evokes light-hearted stories about a Jennifer Walters who is at peace with herself and in full control of her powers. This isn’t that book. On the other hand, the title Hulk implies all of the baggage that comes with that comic’s 50+ year history—the ongoing battle with the monster within—and that’s why it’s more appropriate for this series.

Recently, Marvel has been taking steps to diversify both its characters and its creators, and hiring Tamaki and Leon is another step in the right direction.

Hulk’s first issue debuts in December. Find the full cover for Hulk #1 below, with art by Jeff Dekal.