Warning: contains spoilers for She-Hulk #1!
Despite being one of the founding members of the Avengers, the Wasp never seems to get the credit she deserves—but that is starting to change. In She-Hulk #1, on sale now in print and digital, She-Hulk is attempting to regain her footing after recent events—and she is getting help from none other than the Wasp herself: Janet Van Dyne.
The Wasp is not only a founding member of the Avengers (she named the team as well) but she is one of Marvel’s oldest heroes overall. Janet borrowed Ant-Man’s shrinking technology to help her father fight an alien, and afterward assumed the name Wasp and fought evil alongside Ant-Man. She would join with Ant-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor as the charter members of the Avengers. She would go on to be one of the team’s longest-serving members, even serving as chair on several occasions. The Wasp has served as an inspiration to many female heroes in the Marvel Universe, and yet this amazing hero never seems to get the credit she is due. Most discussions of the Wasp center around her relationship with Ant-Man, dismissing her many other accomplishments. Yet now that is starting to change, and in She-Hulk #1, Marvel gives the Wasp her due. The issue is written by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Roge Antonio, colored by Rico Renzi and lettered by Joe Caramagna.
The last few months have left She-Hulk attempting to rebuild her life and career. As She-Hulk navigates her day, including her awkward first day at a new law office. As she rides home, readers learn that she is running late for an appointment with someone, revealed to be Janet Van Dyne. A text box introduces her as “Janet Van Dyne, Wasp. Former everything. Current everything. Icon.” The Wasp has provided She-Hulk with a place to live while she saves money for a place of her own. The Wasp is also providing moral support for She-Hulk, offering to take her shopping “like the old days.” She-Hulk assures Wasp she has everything under control, and Wasp lets She-Hulk she is there if she needs her.
The Wasp’s introduction in this issue acknowledges her as an “icon,” recognizing her amazing career. Furthermore, her actions in this issue further justify such a label; the Wasp is helping She-Hulk in more ways than one, providing her financial and logistical help while she sorts her life out. The Wasp has been down on her luck at times as well and remembers what it was like, and she does not want to see She-Hulk suffer. There was no mention of her relationship with Hank Pym, which has sadly come to define the character in the eyes of many. Instead, all that is great about the Wasp is allowed to shine through here, reminding Marvel fans why the Wasp truly is an “icon.”
The Wasp is a founding member of the Avengers, but all discussions of all-time greats tend to not focus on her, and her role in founding the team was completely erased in the MCU. However, Marvel is finally acknowledging just how great a character the Wasp truly is.