“When Hank Pam, the original Ant-Man, retired from the job, another man rose to the occasion (err, stole the costume) — none other than Scott Lang! His somewhat sordid past behind him, Scott took on the size-changing, ant-communicating abilities of ANT-MAN!”
-Prologue, Ant-Man #1 2015 (Nick Spencer)
I first have to start by saying that, honestly, Ant-Man wasn’t and hasn’t been everyone’s favorite superhero. Even though it’s one of Marvel’s oldest characters, reaching over to the beginnings of the company and the first published issues (somewhere after Fantastic Four); it sadly has been forgotten, along with others, due to the Avengers’ long-lasting glory. (Let’s not forget either that Ant-Man was one of the original Avengers founding members along with his pal The Wasp- one you’ll get to see too in the upcoming movie of the same name.) –>
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Given all, when I heard that they were going to launch an Ant-Man #1, even though I knew it was because of the upcoming movie, I had to check it out. And let me tell you it was really worth it.
One of the first things I really liked about this series was that even though it was a relaunched #1 issue it didn’t give you the typical origin story. The story went straight to the plot. Of course, while you read, the narrator – Scott Lang- gives you some sort of flashbacks to let you know how everything came to be. So with that the story maintains a new-yet-classic vibe. This particular series maintains one plot, given it ends on the fifth issue and now the last one. (Marvel’s relaunching most of its series due to the grand Secret Wars cross-over event; starting again in October with All New-All Different Marvel Universe.)
Some other elements I really liked about this series is a new take where the superhero doesn’t have the typical relationship problems due to his double life. In this case, Scott has issues, but with his family, specially his teenage daughter. Scott keeps trying to be there for her, but his ex-wife and mother of his daughter makes it almost impossible for him. She thinks he’s a bad example and could bring danger to her and their daughter. Of course, it makes sense, but he’s really trying.
Again, I loved the narrating style. Scott brings a very funny tone to the story and really gives a taste of Paul Rudd’s interpretation of the character in the upcoming movie.
BUT, if there was something I didn’t love was the secondary characters…we get a grizzly bear for a sidekick, if you read it, it does make sense. But really, a guy in a grizzly bear costume? And they could have done a better job with the villain. Not the greatest. And I really didn’t feel either the integration within the Marvel Universe as a whole. We get a few moments of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, but not much else.
In the end, if you’re looking for nice and fresh superhero story with just the right amount of Marvel, then I totally urge you to go and read it. If you are too, new to the Marvel world of comics I totally recommend starting with this series.
As a mentioned, Marvel’s relaunching a lot of series so you’ll sure want to follow this awesome new blog to join the PATH and stay tune to all the upcoming comic book hauls, reviews, and news!!
Much book love and happiness,
check my out my review of Marvel's new Ant-Man series on my blog!! #Marvel "When Hank Pam, the original Ant-Man, retired from the job, another man rose to the occasion (err, stole the costume) -- none other than Scott Lang!
