Since I've been public about my cautious enthusiasm about Red She Hulk, I should be equally vocal on how much Hulk #15 sucked. Everything about the character roll out has been a publicity stunt. Set up in the story for a "surprise introduction", instead Marvel leaked teaser images months in advance, dashing whatever legitimate shock the appearance would inspire. This is also the first character in memory who debuted on a cover instead of in a story, appearing on a variant Hulk #14.

And then there was Hulk #15 itself. A by the numbers "brawl" issue showing second tier heroes (sans Deadpool and Wolverine) trading barbs with second tier villains. The 13th and 14th issues were surprisingly good, showing the Loeb still has a bit of a knack for character development when he can keep himself away from mindless fights.

For this, the reader is rewarded with a single splash page of Red She Hulk, set up with a pretty contrived scenario (an explosion catches Domino and Elektra but only this new character emerges from the flames). Not a score for originality, and not pulled off well at that. Ian Churchill's art for the character reminded me more of the way Warner Brothers cartoons used to mock rednecks (big bare feet and torn cover-alls) than a pin-up payoff after months of teasing.

But as a reader I was thrown a bone: [link]

Where a very engaged Loeb reveals that Pak will ultimately handle Red She Hulk's origin.

Also its fun to point out Marvel's theory of multiple Wolverines, where the next Incredible Hulk and Hulk will both feature Wolverine and are supposedly taking place at the same time.