The Ultimate Universe has debuted its new version of She-Hulk, and radically reinvented the character in the process. Not only has the publisher introduced a completely different idea for the character’s origins, but she’s brought an equally astounding ‘Hulk Army’ along with her.
Ultimates #3 by Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri follows the eponymous team as they explore an island horrifically altered by gamma radiation in the Pacific Proving Grounds, a territory controlled by this universe’s Bruce Banner. The characters Iron Lad, Thor, and Lady Sif make their way through the island, battling the gamma-irradiated wildlife until they finally meet the island’s protector: She-Hulk.
Meet Marvel’s New Ultimate She-Hulk: Lejori Zakaria
This version of She-Hulk is Lejori Joena Zakaria, an inhabitant of the island who was exposed to gamma radiation as a child by this universe’s version of Bruce Banner, along with the rest of the island. Though the citizens of the island refused to allow Banner to drop the bombs, he did so anyway and left the citizens to live in the fallout. As a result, Lejori and the other inhabitants found themselves altered by the gamma radiation, along with the rest of the island.
Lejori serves as the island’s protector, as the rest of the island’s inhabitants have been irradiated by Bruce Banner’s gamma experiments. Unfortunately, the gamma radiation has proven lethal to many of the inhabitants and left them in agony, necessitating Lejori’s protection.
Related
Ultimate Wolverine is Officially Revealed (Replacing Bucky as Marvel’s New Winter Soldier?)
The official reveal of the new Ultimate Wolverine has arrived, unleashing a new, wild design for the X-Man in Marvel’s bold new Ultimate Universe.
The few survivors of the island have been permanently altered by the gamma radiation, such as Abram, an infant who transforms into a monster when upset. When Iron Lad mentions the idea of moving them elsewhere, Lejori tells him that they have nowhere else to go.
Our Take on The New Ultimate She-Hulk
Similarly to her mainstream counterpart, Lejori possesses super strength and enhanced durability. In addition, she’s also similar to this universe’s Bruce Banner due to her being intelligent while in her gamma mutate form. While her friends and family fell ill because of the gamma radiation, Lejori stands out as an outlier due to her becoming stronger as a result of it. These abilities, her intelligence, and her rage towards Banner make her a powerful ally for the Ultimates.
Lejori Joena Zakaria is a radical reinvention of She-Hulk for the Ultimate Universe, continuing the trend of the Ultimate Universe’s altered history having dramatic ramifications for everyone within. Her backstory and character flesh out the world building of this universe and serve to further emphasize the necessity of The Ultimates’ mission to fix the world. As she joins the Ultimates and helps in their fight against the Maker’s Council, there is no doubt that she will be a rich addition to the team’s lineup.
Ultimates #3 is available now from Marvel Comics.
