She-Hulk’s Biggest Difference From The Hulk

Marvel fans eagerly await the highly anticipated She-Hulk series from Disney+. But newcomers may wonder, who exactly is She-Hulk? Dedicated comic readers familiar with her origins know that she’s a milder version of her iconic, rage-filled cousin. While the two green, Gamma-powered titans may seem similar in abilities – super strength, green transformations, and anger to spare – there’s a key difference that sets She-Hulk apart from Bruce Banner’s Incredible Hulk.

Bruce Banner and Jennifer Walter’s transformations are somewhat similar. Both are exposed to Gamma radiation, which changes them into giant green, monster-humanoid characters. It’s a comic book take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. However, The Hulk and She-Hulk’s character and power sets aren’t identical, and that’s a good thing for Jennifer. Because Bruce experiences the Gamma radiation first-hand, his transformation remains more beast-like than Jennifer’s. Readers see Jennifer receive a blood transfusion from Bruce in 1980’s The Savage She-Hulk #1. Unlike Bruce, Jennifer retains more control over her Hulk form, as well as her emotional intelligence. It’s this unique twist on the Hulk figure that makes She-Hulk’s stories so captivating to readers.

In several comics and Marvel films, Bruce struggles to both control and escape his Hulk counter part. While he helps lead and join several teams, like The Avengers, his out-of-control powers often lead to in-fighting and surrounding destruction. His anger is is proportionate to his strength, and even small bouts of stress can trigger Banner’s green transformation. Much of his stories deal with the inner turmoil between Bruce and Hulk, usually with Bruce resenting and hating his Hulk form. Jennifer also has her share of internal struggles, but these are often more politically and intellectually driven. Unlike Bruce, Jennifer welcomes her Hulk form as a coping mechanism. If her human self is too stressed, She-Hulk can take a hit for Jennifer; and it goes both ways. If Jennifer needs to get something done that only her human version can accomplish, her Hulk side allows her to take charge. She-Hulk represents a symbiotic relationship while the Hulk, more often than not, sticks to a parasitic overtone. Some amazing examples of She-Hulks emotional intelligence are on brilliant display in the latest Immortal Hulk issues. 

Previous stories establish that the Hulks are immortal: they die, arrive in some form of an after-life, then return to the living world. In The Immortal She-Hulk #1, readers are treated to Jennifer and She-Hulk’s shifting inner monologue as she reflects on her several deaths. As the narration changes, so does Jennifer’s physical form, showing readers how she’s coping with her latest trauma. Her Hulk form even has a touching discussion with Thor as they swap stories about experiencing death. Thor asks if it would be easier to discuss such a profound topic with Jennifer as he knows She-Hulk has a limited vocabulary. She-Hulk declines because, “…too heavy for Jen. She-Hulk needs to bear it.”  She-hulk also makes it a point to explain that – as She-Hulk – while her vocabulary is limited, it doesn’t make her Hulk form stupid. It’s just easier to explain her thoughts when she’s human, showcasing how she utilizes the strength of She-Hulk to help her cope with trauma that’s too much for her human mind.

The Marvel films seem to be steering Bruce Banner’s Hulk into the emotional intelligence route rather than keeping him in his usual beast-mode form, so it will be interesting to see how the two Hulks develop on screen. Will Hulk revert back to his savage side to make space for She-Hulk’s intelligent Hulk? Or will She-Hulk and Professor Hulk make an unlikely, delightful pair of witty Hulks? Viewers will find out soon!

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