The New Green: Fred Van Lente on Savage She-Hulk
That’s right, Lyra, the genetically-engineered daughter of the Hulk and Thundra, is the focus of this new 4 issue mini-series written by Fred Van Lente with artwork by Peter Vale. With covers provided by J. Scott Campbell, this story focuses on Lyra’s deadly mission into the mainstream Marvel Universe and how her presence effects a number of characters—ranging anywhere from Norman Osborn to her namesake (and cousin), Jennifer Walters, the original She-Hulk!
Newsarama contacted Van Lente to talk about the particulars of this fresh take on an emerald favorite. Newsarama: The She-Hulk monthly is winding down and recent events in that other big green guy's book seem to indicate that some big changes are in store for a Jade Giantess...but not necessarily Jennifer Walters; where does All-New Savage She-Hulk pick up? Fred Van Lente: All-New Savage She-Hulk is a series starring Lyra, the daughter of the Hulk and Thundra that first appeared in Jeff Parker's Hulk: Raging Thunder one-shot a while back, then appeared again with a story in Hulk Family. She received enough of a positive fan response to earn her a try-out in a brand-new mini-series.But that doesn't mean we've forgotten all about Jennifer Walters—she's not going to let her "She-Hulk" title go without a fight.
NRAMA: For those who may have missed out on how she came to be, not to mention be a young adult in the present day, can you give the quick version of Lyra’s origin? FVL: In Hulk: Raging Thunder it was revealed that in her post-apocalyptic world, in which women and men are at constant war, Thundra was being sent back to our era to collect genetic material to forge a more perfect warrior. She got her hands –er, tongue—on the Hulk's DNA and the result of that mingling was Lyra, who has the power of her parents combined with extensive military training—a formidable opponent, to say the least.Also, it may turn out that the post-apocalyptic world Lyra comes from...in which sterilized men and women produced by cloning engage in perpetual war with one another... is a logical conclusion of certain other aspects of "DARK REIGN," and this is why Lyra has come to this specific time period in the first place...
NRAMA: Does this story draw upon old Hulk family related plot threads? FVL: It will continue Lyra's story from her appearance in Hulk Family #1, if that's what you mean... (Not that you need to have read that tale to understand this one. You don't.)NRAMA: Will this project lead into another She-Hulk monthly book?
FVL: You, the readers, will decide that by voting with your wallets. There's a lot of potential in this character, and lots more stories I want to tell, so please vote early and often.She has plenty of Bruce Banner in her, so you wouldn't want to see her when she's angry. Although maybe for different reasons...
NRAMA: To close, is there any truth to the statement, "It ain't easy being green"; and if so, what can fans expect from All-New Savage She-Hulk? FVL: No, it definitely isn't easy, not when you have the heavies of two eras on your heels, A.R.M.O.R., the Dark Avengers, Jennifer Walters...and more!This is an adjective I generally try to avoid using, but I feel confident in declaring this the most "Kirbyesque" thing I've ever done, with the post-apocalyptic landscape, weird technology, inter-dimensional threats and just the sheer amount of big-budget smashing action we've come to know and love from a comic with the word "Hulk" in it. It's really been a blast, and I hope people enjoy it.