She-Hulk's biggest advocate in the 1980s was undoubtedly John Byrne who, halfway through an acclaimed run, decided to replace the Thing with the She-Hulk on the Fantastic Four. The Thing's dour, orange demeanour was replaced with Jennifer Walters' upbeat, green genes as the character finally began to find her feet in the Marvel Universe and, despite her impossible strength, become the voice of the average person looking in.
Having gained her own following, She-Hulk would return to the Avengers (after two separate clashes with the X-Men) before the team disbanded due to the machinations of Ravonna Renslayer and the Council of Cross-Time Kangs. While She-Hulk could have faded into obscurity at the close of the decade, next time I'll show you how John Byrne would come to her rescue again and make her sensational!
As always, I'd like to thank the guys over at the Marvel Chronology Project which I've used as a basis and then worked out my own version of the Marvel Universe continuity.
MCG Notes:
- Issue listings in blue & black: The must-read She-Hulk stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.
- Issue listings in grey: Part of She-Hulk's chronology, cameo appearances or stories of note that non-essential or no longer considered 'required reading'.
- Chronology: Every appearance of She-Hulk from this period is included in chronological order - mapping out his timeline rather than just the order the issues were released.
- Spoilers: The issue/story overviews may include spoilers, so be warned!
- WANT TO KEEP IT SIMPLE? Scroll down to THE CORE LIST to see a version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just a list of the essentials.
She-Hulk officially joins the Fantastic Four; She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters) returns to Earth after the war on the Beyonder's Battleworld, taking the Thing's place in the Fantastic Four's line-up while he remains back on the distant planet during SECRET WARS.
Avengers #243 (1984)
She-Hulk checks in with the Avengers and explains she's also joined the Fantastic Four during SECRET WARS / TOTAL WAR!
Fantastic Four #266-268 (1984)
There's a sombre mood at the Baxter Building after the Invisible Girl (Sue Richards) loses her baby towards the end of her pregnancy; She-Hulk fails to stop Doctor Doom's mask (the only part of him that survived the battle with Terrax) from escaping the Baxter Building when it takes on a life of its own.
Code of Honor #3 (1997)
She-Hulk cameo; the citizens of New York celebrate the return of the heroes.
She-Hulk assists the Avengers against Arnim Zola's Hulk Duplicates.
Fantastic Four Annual #18 (1984)
She-Hulk meets the Inhumans again, this time discovering a long-running battle between a Kree and a Skrull soldier on the moon.
Avengers #246 (1984)
She-Hulk attends Sersi's party which comes under attack by a rogue band of Eternals called the Delphan Brothers.
The Fantastic Four witness a beam of energy firing into the Hudson River.
Avengers #247 (1984)
She-Hulk contacts the Vision and Scarlet Witch to tell them Starfox has been kidnapped.
Fantastic Four #269(pp.13-22)-270 (1984)
First appearance of Terminus; She-Hulk meets Wyatt Wingfoot for the first time and is confronted by the gigantic Terminus.
Iron Man Legacy #9 (2011)
She-Hulk cameo; the Fantastic Four visit Tony Stark when he's down on his luck.
Spider-Man/Human Torch #4 (2005)
The Human Torch flirts with She-Hulk when she wears a maid's outfit to a costume party.
Avengers #249 (1984)
Thor #353 (1985)
She-Hulk is among the heroes defending New York from demonic invaders during THE SURTUR SAGA.
First appearance of Nathaniel Richards; the Fantastic Four travel to Other Earth (Earth-6311) to rescue Mister Fantastic's father, Nathaniel Richards, from his ex-wife, the Warlord.
Prince Namor: The Sub-Mariner #3 (1984)
She-Hulk cameo; the Fantastic Four listen to Namor's UN speech.
Questprobe #3 (1985)
She-Hulk cameo.
Amazing Spider-Man #259 (1984)
She-Hulk cameo; She-Hulk and Mister Fantastic discuss Spider-Man's Symbiote costume.
Fantastic Four #274 (1985)
She-Hulk visits the Invisible Girl and Mister Fantastic's new home in the suburbs, accidentally using her powers to give away their true identities during MONSTER MASH.
She-Hulk helps protect Franklin Richards from Spider-Man's alien Symbiote costume.
Fantastic Four #275(pp.1-20) (1985)
A magazine threatens to run photos of She-Hulk, taken while she sunbathes topless on the Baxter Building roof; this brings Jen closer to Wyatt Wingfoot.
First appearance of Ahmet Abdol as the Living Planet; first appearance of Apocalypse (unnamed); She-Hulk is among the heroes who rise up to defend Manhattan when the Living Pharaoh (Ahmet Abdol) returns, transforming himself into the Living Monolith again; Ahmet Abdol is ultimately transformed into a Living Planet.
Fantastic Four #276 (1985)
She-Hulk and Wyatt Wingfoot become an item during TO ALL THINGS AN ENDING.
The Thing returns to Earth, but reassures She-Hulk he won't be coming back to the Fantastic Four during TO ALL THINGS AN ENDING / WRAITH WAR.
Fantastic Four #275(pp.21-22) (1985)
The magazine feature She-Hulk's topless photos is release, ony for it to have been 'colour-corrected' at the printer's in error.
Thing #25 (1985)
Fantastic Four #278-279 (1985)
First appearance of Hate-Monger (HM Unger); first appearance of Kristoff Vernard as Doctor Doom; the Fantastic Four discuss convincing the Thing to return to the Fantastic Four when the Baxter Building is destroyed by Doctor Doom and launched into space; 'Doom' is revealed to be Kristoff Vernard, the real Doctor Doom's ward who houses Doom's memories and personality following the villain's apparent death during DOOMSDAY PLUS ONE.
She-Hulk is arrested while trying to defend Wyatt Wingfoot during WITH MALICE TOWARDS ALL.
Secret Wars II #2(pp.1-5) (1985)
Wyatt Wingfoot talks She-Hulk out of smashing them both free from the Police truck during WITH MALICE TOWARDS ALL / SECRET WARS II.
Fantastic Four #280(pp.11-22)-281 (1985)
First appearance of Sue Richards as Malice; She-Hulk is defeated by the Hate-Monger's lackey, Malice, who is revealed to be the Invisible Girl; Malice is defeated with help from Daredevil during WITH MALICE TOWARDS ALL.
Fantastic Four #282 (1985)
Despite interruptions from the Beyonder, the Fantastic Four apprehend the Hate-Monger, only for him to be killed by the Scourge of the Underworld; the Fantastic Four pursue the Psycho-Man into the Microverse during WITH MALICE TOWARDS ALL / SECRET WARS II.
Fantastic Four #283-284 (1985)
First appearance of Sue Richards as the Invisible Woman; She-Hulk breaks free of Psycho-Man's slave pits and helps defeat the Psycho-Man during WITH MALICE TOWARDS ALL.
Marvel Graphic Novel #18 - The Sensational She-Hulk (1985)
Avengers #259 (1985)
She-Hulk cameo; She-Hulk briefly catches up with Captain America during THE WAR TO END ALL SKRULLS.
Fantastic Four #285 (1985)
'Alicia Masters' immortalises She-Hulk as a statue; She-Hulk attempts to pin the Beyonder during SECRET WARS II.
Fantastic Four Annual #19(pp.1-31) (1985)
Fantastic Four Annual #19(pp.32-39) / Avengers Annual #14(pp.29-39) (1985)
Fantastic Four Annual #19(pp.40) (1985)
The Fantastic Four and the Avengers get caught in the middle of a civil war between the Skrulls during THE WAR TO END ALL SKRULLS.
Secret Wars II #5 (1985)
First appearance of Boom Boom (Tabitha Smith); She-Hulk cameo; the Avengers and Fantastic Four attack the Beyonder, believing him to be a threat thanks to Boom Boom during SECRET WARS II.
Longshot #4 (1985)
First appearance of the Fatboys and Major Domo; She-Hulk and Spider-Man pursue Longshot, believing him to be a thief.
Fantastic Four #286 (1986)
The Fantastic Four discover Jean Grey (Marvel Girl of the X-Men) is alive during THIRD GENESIS.
Incredible Hulk #316 (1986)
She-Hulk stays with Bruce Banner in the hospital while he recovers from being separated from the Hulk.
New Mutants #37 (1986)
Fantastic Four Annual #19(pp.32-39) / Avengers Annual #14(pp.29-39) (1985)
Fantastic Four Annual #19(pp.40) (1985)
The Fantastic Four and the Avengers get caught in the middle of a civil war between the Skrulls during THE WAR TO END ALL SKRULLS.
Secret Wars II #5 (1985)
First appearance of Boom Boom (Tabitha Smith); She-Hulk cameo; the Avengers and Fantastic Four attack the Beyonder, believing him to be a threat thanks to Boom Boom during SECRET WARS II.
First appearance of the Fatboys and Major Domo; She-Hulk and Spider-Man pursue Longshot, believing him to be a thief.
The Fantastic Four discover Jean Grey (Marvel Girl of the X-Men) is alive during THIRD GENESIS.
Incredible Hulk #316 (1986)
She-Hulk stays with Bruce Banner in the hospital while he recovers from being separated from the Hulk.
New Mutants #37 (1986)
She-Hulk comes to Sunspot's aid when he struggles to lift a fallen crane, but ends up taking all the glory during SECRET WARS II.
Fantastic Four #287 (1986)
The Fantastic Four and the 'Invincible Man' attack the Latverian Embassy in search of the real Doctor Doom.
Fantastic Four #288 (1986)
Secret Wars II #9 (1986)
Avengers #266 (1986)
The Fantastic Four witness the return of Doctor Doom, join the final conflict with the Beyonder and help the Molecule Man save the Earth during SECRET WARS II.
Fantastic Four #289-292 (1986)
Mister Fantastic is pulled into the Negative Zone while She-Hulk and the others find themselves stranded in time in the middle of World War II.
Marvel Fanfare #37[2/2] (1988)
Mister Fantastic tries to mess with time to get all of his projects done and spend time with his family; She-Hulk prepares to go to a show with Wyatt Wingfoot.
Thing #36 (1986)
West Coast Avengers #10 (1986)
She-Hulk clashes with the new Ms Marvel (Sharon Ventura) while trying to find out why the Thing has mutated even further during THE SEARCH FOR THE THING.
Incredible Hulk #321-323 (1985)
She-Hulk helps apprehend the rampaging Banner-less Hulk.
Fantastic Four #293, 295 (1986)
She-Hulk and the West Coast Avengers investigate the black dome that's appeared around Central City, only for them to disappear by the time the Fantastic Four arrive; She-Hulk is reunited with the Fantastic Four in time to face the Great Co-ordinator.
Power Pack #23, 25 (1986)
She-Hulk cameo; Franklin Richards avoids talking to his parents about is returning powers; the FF soon realise Franklin's gone missing.
West Coast Avengers Annual #1 (1986)
She-Hulk reunites with the Avengers just as they discover they''ve been betrayed by one of their own during SINS OF THE PAST.
Power Pack #26 (1986)
The Fantastic Four continue their search for Franklin Richards.
Power Pack #28 (1987)
The Fantastic Four get a lead on Franklin Richards' whereabouts, only to end up battling Snarks in space.
Fantastic Four #296-298 (1986-1987)
The Thing is cured by the Mole Man and returns to the Fantastic Four; She-Hulk remains on the team when they battle the alien Darbians, Umbra and Jaagur.
Comet Man #4 (1987)
New hero Comet Man accidentally upsets She-Hulk.
Mephisto Vs #1 (1987)
Mephisto attacks the Fantastic Four, though he has a bigger plan in mind during MEPHISTO VS.
Fantastic Four #299 (1987)
She-Hulk tries to snap the Thing out of his self-pity the only way she knows how.
Fantastic Four #300 (1987)
She-Hulk attends the wedding of the Human Torch and 'Alicia Masters'.
Silver Surfer #1 (1987)
The Fantastic Four successfully free the Silver Surfer from the bond created by Galactus that holds him to Earth.
Avengers #278-279 (1987)
She-Hulk returns to the Avengers, now located on Hydrobase; the team clash with Tyrak and choose Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) as their new chairman.
Avengers #281-285(pp.1-21) (1987)
Dionysus causes She-Hulk to rampage in the street as part of the Olympian Gods' plot for revenge against the Avengers for Hercules' defeat at the hands of the Masters of Evil; the Avengers are taken to Olympus where they clash with the gods until Zeus realises his mistake.
Mephisto Vs #4(pp.1-21) (1987)
Thor #381(p.4) (1987)
Mephisto Vs #4(pp.22-25) / Thor #381(pp.7) (1987)
The Avengers clash with Mephisto when his plan to steal Thor's soul is revealed during THIS HALLOWED ARMOR / MEPHISTO VS.
Fantastic Four Versus The X-Men #1-4 (1987)
When the X-Men turn to Doctor Doom for help fixing Shadowcat's powers, they find themselves at odds with the Fantastic Four; She-Hulk returns to the FF in time to lend a hand against the rogue mutant team.
X-Men Vs The Avengers #1-4 (1987)
She-Hulk soon finds herself opposing the X-Men again, this time in the name of apprehending Magneto so he can stand trial for his various crimes.
West Coast Avengers Annual #2 (1987)
Avengers Annual #16 (1987)
Two teams of Avengers face-off against Freedom Force before getting themselves caught up in the Grandmaster's grudge match with Death; She-Hulk briefly dies at the hands of 'Drax the Destroyer' from the Legion of the Unliving during WAR OF THE ELDERS OF THE UNIVERSE.
Avengers #285(pp.22)-290 (1987-1988)
First appearance of Heavy Metal); the Avengers give up the search for the missing Captain America to focus on apprehending the Fixer and the Awesome Android; the Super-Adaptoid recruits robotic allies to form Heavy Metal.
Hulk Family: Green Genes #1[1/5] (2008)
She-Hulk runs into the grey Hulk in Las Vegas, but doesn't believe he's really her cousin (Bruce Banner is believed dead at the time) due to his vicious nature.
X-Factor #32 (1988)
She-Hulk cameo; a group of alien Xartans disguise themselves as the Avengers and attempt to steal the sentient Ship from X-Factor.
Avengers #295-297 (1988)
Doctor Druid mentally manipulates She-Hulk into defeating Thor and the Black Knight, allowing Kang-Nebula to take over their minds; She-Hulk eventually breaks free and thwart Kang-Nebula's plans; Doctor Druid and Kang-Nebula are sucked into a time-vortex the Avengers disband during FUTURES IMPERFECT.
Fantastic Four #321 (1988)
She-Hulk visits the Thing while he recovers from the beating he took from the Hulk, only for Ms Marvel/She-Thing to physically take her frustrations out on She-Hulk during PRIDE GOETH BEFORE THE FALL.
Solo Avengers #14[2/2] (1989)
She-Hulk dukes it out with Titania for the first time since the 'Secret Wars'.
A version of this reading order without story descriptions, page-by-page breakdowns or less important appearances - just a list of the essentials:
She-Hulk's reading order continues:
Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus vol.2
Includes...
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.4
Includes...
The Fantastic Four and the 'Invincible Man' attack the Latverian Embassy in search of the real Doctor Doom.
Fantastic Four #288 (1986)
Secret Wars II #9 (1986)
Avengers #266 (1986)
The Fantastic Four witness the return of Doctor Doom, join the final conflict with the Beyonder and help the Molecule Man save the Earth during SECRET WARS II.
Mister Fantastic is pulled into the Negative Zone while She-Hulk and the others find themselves stranded in time in the middle of World War II.
Marvel Fanfare #37[2/2] (1988)
Mister Fantastic tries to mess with time to get all of his projects done and spend time with his family; She-Hulk prepares to go to a show with Wyatt Wingfoot.
Thing #36 (1986)
West Coast Avengers #10 (1986)
She-Hulk clashes with the new Ms Marvel (Sharon Ventura) while trying to find out why the Thing has mutated even further during THE SEARCH FOR THE THING.
She-Hulk helps apprehend the rampaging Banner-less Hulk.
Fantastic Four #293, 295 (1986)
She-Hulk and the West Coast Avengers investigate the black dome that's appeared around Central City, only for them to disappear by the time the Fantastic Four arrive; She-Hulk is reunited with the Fantastic Four in time to face the Great Co-ordinator.
Power Pack #23, 25 (1986)
She-Hulk cameo; Franklin Richards avoids talking to his parents about is returning powers; the FF soon realise Franklin's gone missing.
West Coast Avengers Annual #1 (1986)
She-Hulk reunites with the Avengers just as they discover they''ve been betrayed by one of their own during SINS OF THE PAST.
Power Pack #26 (1986)
The Fantastic Four continue their search for Franklin Richards.
Power Pack #28 (1987)
The Fantastic Four get a lead on Franklin Richards' whereabouts, only to end up battling Snarks in space.
Fantastic Four #296-298 (1986-1987)
The Thing is cured by the Mole Man and returns to the Fantastic Four; She-Hulk remains on the team when they battle the alien Darbians, Umbra and Jaagur.
Comet Man #4 (1987)
New hero Comet Man accidentally upsets She-Hulk.
Mephisto Vs #1 (1987)
Mephisto attacks the Fantastic Four, though he has a bigger plan in mind during MEPHISTO VS.
She-Hulk tries to snap the Thing out of his self-pity the only way she knows how.
Fantastic Four #300 (1987)
She-Hulk attends the wedding of the Human Torch and 'Alicia Masters'.
Silver Surfer #1 (1987)
The Fantastic Four successfully free the Silver Surfer from the bond created by Galactus that holds him to Earth.
Avengers #278-279 (1987)
She-Hulk returns to the Avengers, now located on Hydrobase; the team clash with Tyrak and choose Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau) as their new chairman.
Dionysus causes She-Hulk to rampage in the street as part of the Olympian Gods' plot for revenge against the Avengers for Hercules' defeat at the hands of the Masters of Evil; the Avengers are taken to Olympus where they clash with the gods until Zeus realises his mistake.
Mephisto Vs #4(pp.1-21) (1987)
Thor #381(p.4) (1987)
Mephisto Vs #4(pp.22-25) / Thor #381(pp.7) (1987)
The Avengers clash with Mephisto when his plan to steal Thor's soul is revealed during THIS HALLOWED ARMOR / MEPHISTO VS.
Fantastic Four Versus The X-Men #1-4 (1987)
When the X-Men turn to Doctor Doom for help fixing Shadowcat's powers, they find themselves at odds with the Fantastic Four; She-Hulk returns to the FF in time to lend a hand against the rogue mutant team.
She-Hulk soon finds herself opposing the X-Men again, this time in the name of apprehending Magneto so he can stand trial for his various crimes.
West Coast Avengers Annual #2 (1987)
Avengers Annual #16 (1987)
Two teams of Avengers face-off against Freedom Force before getting themselves caught up in the Grandmaster's grudge match with Death; She-Hulk briefly dies at the hands of 'Drax the Destroyer' from the Legion of the Unliving during WAR OF THE ELDERS OF THE UNIVERSE.
First appearance of Heavy Metal); the Avengers give up the search for the missing Captain America to focus on apprehending the Fixer and the Awesome Android; the Super-Adaptoid recruits robotic allies to form Heavy Metal.
Thor #390 (1987)
She-Hulk cameo; Hydrobase is invaded by Seth's forces.
West Coast Avengers #31 (1988)
She-Hulk cameo; Captain Marvel informs the West Coast Avengers of Iron Man's recent attack on Captain America.
Alpha Flight #61 (1988)
She-Hulk cameo; the Avengers watch the televised coverage of Alpha Flight's trial.
Damage Control #1 (1989)
The Avengers battle a giant robot during DAMAGE CONTROL.
Avengers #291-294 (1988)
First appearance of the Council of Cross-Time Kangs; first appearance of Marrina as Leviathan; first appearance of Ravonna Renslayer as 'Kang-Nebula'; Marrina is transformed into Leviathan by the Council of Cross-Time Kangs, leaving the Avengers with no choice but to kill her; under Nebula-Kang's influence, Doctor Druid coerces the remaining Avengers (including She-Hulk) into electing him as Chairman when Captain Marvel leaves the team during FUTURES IMPERFECT.
Nick Fury vs SHIELD #2 (1988)
She-Hulk cameo; SHIELD approaches the Avengers for help in apprehending Nick Fury when he discovers the organisation has been corrupted; the Avengers turn SHIELD down.
She-Hulk runs into the grey Hulk in Las Vegas, but doesn't believe he's really her cousin (Bruce Banner is believed dead at the time) due to his vicious nature.
X-Factor #32 (1988)
She-Hulk cameo; a group of alien Xartans disguise themselves as the Avengers and attempt to steal the sentient Ship from X-Factor.
Avengers #295-297 (1988)
Doctor Druid mentally manipulates She-Hulk into defeating Thor and the Black Knight, allowing Kang-Nebula to take over their minds; She-Hulk eventually breaks free and thwart Kang-Nebula's plans; Doctor Druid and Kang-Nebula are sucked into a time-vortex the Avengers disband during FUTURES IMPERFECT.
She-Hulk visits the Thing while he recovers from the beating he took from the Hulk, only for Ms Marvel/She-Thing to physically take her frustrations out on She-Hulk during PRIDE GOETH BEFORE THE FALL.
Solo Avengers #14[2/2] (1989)
She-Hulk dukes it out with Titania for the first time since the 'Secret Wars'.
- Fantastic Four #265-268
- Fantastic Four Annual #18
- Fantastic Four #269-281
- Secret Wars II #2
- Fantastic Four #282-284
- Marvel Graphic Novel #18 - The Sensational She-Hulk
- Fantastic Four #285
- Fantastic Four Annual #19
- Fantastic Four #286-300
- Avengers #278-285
- Fantastic Four Versus the X-Men #1-4
- X-Men Vs The Avengers #1-4
- West Coast Avengers Annual #2
- Avengers Annual #16
- Avengers #286-297
- Fantastic Four #321
- Solo Avengers #14
- 1989-1991: Sensational!
- 1991-1994: Still Sensational!
Includes...
Avengers Annual #14
Fantastic Four #265-293, 295
Fantastic Four Annual #18-19
Secret Wars II #2
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.4
Includes...
Fantastic Four #265-267
Marvel Universe by John Byrne Omnibus vol.2
Includes...
Marvel Universe by John Byrne Omnibus vol.2
Includes...
Avengers Annual #13
Marvel Graphic Novel #18 - The Sensational She-Hulk
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.5
Includes...
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.5
Includes...
Fantastic Four #268-275
Fantastic Four Annual #18.
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.6
Includes...
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.6
Includes...
Fantastic Four #276-284
Secret Wars II #2
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.7
Includes...
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.7
Includes...
Avengers Annual #14
Fantastic Four #285-286
Fantastic Four Annual #19
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.8
Includes...
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne vol.8
Includes...
Fantastic Four #287-293, 295
Secret Wars II
Includes...
Secret Wars II
Includes...
Secret Wars II #2, 9
Fantastic Four Epic Collection vol.17: All in the Family
Includes...
Fantastic Four Epic Collection vol.17: All in the Family
Includes...
Fantastic Four #296-300
Fantastic Four Versus The X-Men #1-4
Avengers Epic Collection vol.17: Judgement Day
Includes...
Avengers Epic Collection vol.17: Judgement Day
Includes...
Avengers #278-285
Avengers Annual #16
West Coast Avengers Annual #2
X-Men Vs The Avengers #1-4
X-Men vs Avengers/Fantastic Four
Includes...
X-Men vs Avengers/Fantastic Four
Includes...
Fantastic Four Versus The X-Men #1-4
X-Men vs the Avengers #1-4
Avengers: Heavy Metal
Avengers #286-293.
Hulk: Broken Worlds
Includes...
Avengers: Heavy Metal
Avengers #286-293.
Hulk: Broken Worlds
Includes...
Hulk Family: Green Genes #1
Sensational She-Hulk by John Byrne Omnibus
Includes...
Sensational She-Hulk by John Byrne Omnibus
Includes...
Marvel Graphic Novel #18 - The Sensational She-Hulk
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