Warning: contains spoilers for She-Hulk #1!
Although he was one of the founding members of avengers, the Wasp never seems to get the credit she deserves, but that’s starting to change. In She-Hulk #1, on sale now in print and digital, She-Hulk attempts to regain her footing after recent events – and she gets help from none other than the Wasp herself: Janet Van Dyne.
The Wasp isn’t just a founding member of the Avengers (she also named the team), but she’s one of Marvel’s oldest heroes. Janet borrowed Ant-Man’s shrinking technology to help her father fight an alien, then took the name Wasp and fought evil alongside Ant-Man. She would join Ant-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor as founding members of the Avengers. She would go on to become one of the longest-serving members of the team, even serving as president on several occasions. The Wasp has served as the inspiration for many female heroines in the Marvel Universe, and yet this incredible heroine never seems to get the credit she’s due. Most of the Wasp talk centers around his relationship with Ant-Man, dismissing his many other accomplishments. However, this is beginning to change, and in She-Hulk #1, Marvel gives the Wasp its due. The issue is written by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Roge Antonio, colored by Rico Renzi and lettered by Joe Caramagna.
The past few months have left She-Hulk trying to rebuild her life and career. As She-Hulk navigates her day, including her awkward first day at a new law firm. As she returns home, readers learn that she is late for a date with someone, who turns out to be Janet Van Dyne. A text box presents it as “Janet Van Dyne, Wasp. Former all. All current. Icon.” The Wasp provided She-Hulk with a place to live while she saves money for a place of her own. The Wasp also lends moral support to She-Hulk, offering to take her shopping “just like the good old days”. She-Hulk assures Wasp that she has everything under control, and Wasp lets She-Hulk be there if she needs her.
The introduction of The Wasp in this issue recognizes her as an “icon”, acknowledging her incredible career. Plus, his actions in this issue further justify such a label; the Wasp helps She-Hulk in more ways than one, providing financial and logistical assistance as she sorts out her life. The Wasp also got lucky sometimes and remembers what it was like, and she doesn’t want to see She-Hulk suffer. There was no mention of her relationship with Hank Pym, which sadly has come to define the character in the eyes of many. Instead, everything great about the Wasp is allowed to shine here, reminding Marvel fans why the Wasp truly is an “icon.”
The Wasp is a founding member of the avengers, but all talk of the all-time greats tends not to focus on her, and her role in founding the team has been completely erased in the MCU. However, Marvel is finally acknowledging just how much the character Wasp is really.
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