How to find and buy my new She-Hulk comic
A lot of the information here is copied from my How To Read Runaways guide. I wrote a separate post, all about getting to know She-Hulk as a character — find it here .
Are you considering a dive into comics to read my new She-Hulk series for Marvel?
THIS WOULD MAKE ME SO HAPPY. First, because I’m grateful that people want to read the things I write. And second, because COMICS ARE GREAT, AND I WANT YOU TO HAVE GREAT THINGS.
But I understand that you might not know where or how to start…
"I can't wait to read your new comic book! How does one ... acquire such a thing?"THIS IS NOT A STUPID QUESTION. Comics can be really confusing and intimidating. (Even for people who have been reading comics for 30 years and now work in comics.)
The goal of this post is to make it REALLY EASY for you to find and read She-Hulk. I don't want you to have any Cath-avoiding-the-dining-hall feelings. (And I also don't want the book to get canceled before all the big surprises we have planned!)
ONE BENEFIT TO BUYING SHE-HULK: GORGEOUS COVERS BY JEN BARTEL
So let’s start with some comic book basics...I've been asked if I’m writing for the new Disney+ She-Hulk show. Nope, this is a monthly comic book. I’m the writer, and Rogê Antônio is the artist. It kicks off January 19th.
A comic book works sort of like a TV show. Companies like Marvel commit to a certain number of monthly issues. And if the series sells well, they keep making them. Like TV shows, comics get canceled if numbers are low, sometimes before they’ve found their audience.
Comics read like a TV show, too – long story arcs told over multiple issues. It’s an exciting way to read: lots of cliffhangers, lots of looking forward to the next installment. When a comic book plot pays off after six months, it’s deeply satisfying.
"Do I need to learn 500 years of Marvel history to understand She-Hulk?"Heck no. I wrote a separate post with an introduction to the character, and with specific comics recommendations. But everyone who starts reading Marvel comics jumps in midstream. The books are written for new and old readers. Our first issue is a good place to start.
"Yes, but how do I actually purchase this comic book?"You actually have a few options here …
1. Pre-order from your local comic book store.
This helps the series the most. It lets comic stores know the book is in demand, so they can order more copies – which keeps a book from being cancelled. You can even set up a “pull file,” which is like an in-store subscription. You can do this right now! Pre-orders can make or break a comic book before it even hits shelves. (Here's a Vox story that breaks this down more dramatically.)
2. Buy a digital copy.
You can buy and read She-Hulk (2022) online on Comixology. Comixology is a good choice if you think you might like to read other digital comics, too.
3. Through the mail.
Marvel still sells monthly comics subscriptions! This is a good option if you don’t have a comic book store near you, you hate leaving the house, or you love getting mail. (Or all three!) (It will not surprise you to hear that I used to buy my comics this way.) Subscribe to She-Hulk through Marvel here. Also, some comic book shops offer pull lists through the mail. Here's how to order through Midtown Comics in New York City.
4. Wait for the trade paperback.
Comic books are collected in five- or six-issue collections that are sold wherever books are sold. I read a lot of comics like this. The downside of this option is that a title can be canceled while you wait for the trade. It’s kind of like expressing support after the fact. THAT SAID, this is a fun way to read comics; it’s how comics get into libraries; and I’ll take your eyeballs anyway I can get them. 💛
