Review: A Hulk-sized issue
September 29, 2022
Disney’s new Marvel Studios outing in phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” has seen controversy since the first episode aired on Aug. 18. The show has elements of social commentary as well as being very entertaining.
One of the main themes the show tackles is feminist issues. This has sparked outrage among certain fans who believe this is a case of virtue signaling. It often seems that women face hardships for simply existing.
Representation matters in the media for many people because they can see themselves in these characters. “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” is a great example of this, just ask GHC student Samantha Johnson. “I think it’s cool that a woman is the main character,” Johnson said.
“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” is a good addition to the other female-led Marvel projects such as “Black Widow,” “Captain Marvel” and “Wandavision.” For over a decade, men have dominated the lead role in most MCU projects. It is to be hoped that “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” will be successful and continue the trend of female-led MCU projects.
However, some fans are less than enamored by the feminist views of the show.
As Youtuber Critical Drinker says, “Lame attempts at witty humor and an extra large helping of complaints about how generally awful and stupid men are.” First, wit is subjective and second, the show has very few negative references about men.
On the other hand, others like GHC Procurement Manager Kyle Wheeless said, “I think it’s a step in the right direction for Marvel and helps boost character development for Jennifer Walters.”
When not a superhero in the form of She-Hulk, main character Jennifer Walters is an accomplished attorney which lends this series a relatability factor. The many pop culture references and women’s important role in it, such as her usage of the in-universe dating app Matcher, shows that society has unrealistic beauty standards for women, which is inherently misogynistic.
Jennifer Walters’ dual identity as an attorney and superhero while facing the tribulations of patriarchal society sends the message that no matter how much success a woman achieves, she still endures trials for just being a woman.
The current trend in entertainment media such as books, movies and television to promote inclusivity for minority and women’s stories is valuable because it enriches our society. Marvel Studios is to be applauded for continuing with their newest project “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” It’s long past due that everyone sees a glimpse of themselves with the entertainment we regularly consume.
Eve • Oct 6, 2022 at 7:38 pm
{spoilers} The problem is that she isn’t a competent attorney – in fact, she is a terrible one. She makes law student errors (what kind of lawyer wouldn’t check to see why a suit malfunctions?) and refuses to act on the best interests of her clients because she cares more about a dress that she is going to wear. When embattled in her own legal issues, the only way to save herself is by having the same shallow men on Matcher come and publicly parade that they aren’t interested in her if she isn’t She-Hulk. Intentional victimization to win a court case isn’t exactly a good look for women – especially when you consider that it’s over one woman using another woman’s identity to sell makeup. These are the epic battles that She-Hulk fights. This is Disney giving us a superhero women can relate to – a hero so wrapped up in men, makeup, dresses, and wedding dates that she can’t even perform her job correctly? This is not a win for women or for Marvel.