#Marvel #SheHulk #45 (1992) - 10/10
Pin-ups and recaps.
1️⃣ The planet Dandesh IV - As planned, She-Hulk is now a prisoner along with those she set out to rescue. But getting out is proving to be more difficult than she anticipated.
2️⃣ Plot wise, we learn a bit more about how the others came to be in the cells. And we get a recap of an old #FantasticFour issue. This is important because it gives Jen an unorthodox method of getting a message out. Setting up the (amusing) cliffhanger.
3️⃣ Before all that, Byrne includes 11 pages of pin-up art in the story. Each page shows #SheHulk in old-time glamour girl poses. By doing each one in a very different style, Byrne pays tribute to a wide variety of artists and photographers. Included are #JoeDeMers, #GeorgeHurrell, #FritzWillis, #AndréDeDienes, #AlbertJosephMoore, #AlbertoVargas, and #PhilippeHalsman. It's pretty cool.
4️⃣ Particularly when you understand the historical context of what he's doing.
During World War II, for instance, the #VargaGirl pinup was a major military morale booster. Halsman didn't just do glamour, of course, but his iconic images of #MarilynMonroe #AudreyHepburn & #BrigitteBardot are acclaimed to this day. De Dienes is likewise tied to Monroe forever because he discovered her. And so on.
5️⃣ So, why is Byrne doing this? Well, in the script he takes some shots at hot '90s artists like #RobLiefeld & #JimLee - and the way they draw women. Then passing it off as a story.
It's pretty funny. And whether you agree with him or not, you have to admire the clever way he makes his point.
6️⃣ Sometimes, with his scripts, Byrne tries my patience. But not when he delivers smart issues like this. He's clearly passionate about this topic. And his ability to morph styles is impressive. The pin-up are undeniably classy, as well as erotic. Which, of course, is the point he's making.
On Sale Date: September 1, 1992.
#JohnByrne (15 of 19).
RikerDonegal