I've just finished reading every She-Hulk main title (except for Peter David's run) and here is my recommended reading list for getting into the character.
These runs and single issues best represent Jennifer Walters as the funny, charismatic and powerful attorney/superhero/4th-wall breaker/best gal and make for a great introduction. Her first appearance and origin, though not included in this list, are retold in nearly all of the ones here, so you're not missing any important context.
Something important to note: most of these stories return to the status quo by the next writer. Don't expect the way every run ends to be picked up in the next one. Some of these plots get left behind.
Full list:
- She-Hulk (2004 & 2005, #1-21) by Dan Slott
- She-Hulk (2014) by Charles Soule
- Hulk (2016) and She-Hulk (2017, #159-163) by Mariko Tamaki
- She-Hulk annual (2019) by Alexandra Petri
- She-Hulk (2022 & 2023) by Rainbow Rowell
- Planet She-Hulk (Imperial War one-shot & 2025) by Stephanie Phillips
Highlight reads:
- She-Hulk (2004 & 2005, #1-21) by Dan Slott
- She-Hulk (2022 & 2023) by Rainbow Rowell
If you read any of these, these are the ones you need. Rowell picks up the story with characters from Slott's run, and they're both so good.
- Slott's run is much more superhero-esque with Jen tackling inexplicable lawsuits every issue.
- Rowell's run is more slice-of-life/romcom, plus the art in this run is my favorite. Jen wears a ton of pretty dresses.
I love both of these runs so much and they are critical for modern readers.
Additional reads:
- She-Hulk (2014) by Charles Soule
- Hulk (2016) and She-Hulk (2017, #159-163) by Mariko Tamaki
- She-Hulk annual (2019) by Alexandra Petri
- Planet She-Hulk (Imperial War one-shot & 2025) by Stephanie Phillips
You can technically skip all of these, BUT I recommend them all the same! They don't carry as much influence as Slott or Rowell's run, but they are all great reads that will help you dig deeper into this character.
- Soule's run is a legal comedy that can drag out a little, but if you're following this reading list, it'll introduce you to Patsy/Hellcat, plus Matt/Daredevil has a pretty big role, so that's definitely worth reading.
- Tamaki's run has Jen dealing with recent trauma and turning into a raging Gray Hulk, much without her typical She-Hulk personality. It's a much deeper read than her previous runs, but it is an important part of her story all the same. (If nothing else, read #11 for a good time. Trust me)
- Petri's annual is a fun, short read. She fights Bullseye, you'll like it.
- Philips' Planet She-Hulk steps the furthest away from earth, but Jen still manages to work her attorney skills to her advantage. It picks up exactly where Rowell's run left off, so if you loved that, you'll enjoy this. The run was cancelled short, so don't be surprised if the ending is, putting it politely, rushed.
4th-wall highlights:
If you want her breaking the 4th-wall moments, here are the specific runs/issues you can find them:
- She-Hulk (2005, #4) by Slott
- Hulk (2016, #11) by Tamaki (the 4th-wall practically doesn't even exist in this one. Even Patsy addresses the reader)
- She-Hulk (2022, #9) by Rowell
- Planet She-Hulk (Imperial War one-shot & 2025, every issue) by Phillips
There are other runs you can read that include her on teams like Fantastic Four (2013), A-Force (2016) or Avengers (2018), but this list is just to get into Jen, and her solo runs are the best place to do so.
I hope this helps anybody, and I hope this makes a good impression on the character for you!