Sensational She-Hulk (1989) 8

John Byrne brought life to Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk after her original series, 1977 to 1982, was cancelled.

The Hulk’s cousin knocked around in various team books until Byrne wrote and drew Marvel Graphic Novel number 18: The Sensational She-Hulk in 1985. It took a few years, but her second solo-series appeared on newsstands in 1989, again, under the watchful eye of Byrne.

Sensational She-Hulk (1989) 8

The talented writer/artist guided her through the first eight issues before being let go by Marvel. He returned and continued to both write and draw the book beginning in issue 31 to 46. Taking a break for issue 47, he returned for issues 48 through 50 before departing the title for good.

In this, the end of Byrne’s first run, Santa Claus makes a guest appearance, though his true identity was not revealed until his profile was released in Marvel Holiday Special 2006.

Titled The World’s Greatest Detective, Jennifer teams with Nick St. Christopher as she attempts to prosecute a serial killer. Realizing the evidence is circumstantial at best, she and Christopher attempt to find proof enough to convict the felon.

Christopher uses several unorthodox methods as they travel half way around the world seeking evidence.

Readers are kept guessing as to who the mysterious Christopher really is during the story. They are given enough circumstantial evidence of their own to make supposition, but his true identity is not revealed in this issue.

Sensational She-Hulk is satirical at life both in and out of the Marvel U. The flavor of the character would be preserved in future representations and series.

Jennifer would have a “special holiday issue in Sensational She-Hulk 36, Plastic Snow and Mistletoe.