One of the best new series to come out last year was Doreen Green’s solo title debut in The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Chronicling her departure from Avengers Mansion to major in computer science at Empire State University, the series has been a constant barrel of laughs as Squirrel Girl struggles to adjust to her new status quo whilst fighting all levels of villainy from Kraven The Hunter all the way up to Galactus. The series was a hit with fans and critics – and was even nominated for two Eisner Awards. As a result, it’s no surprise that Squirrel Girl was chosen to star in the latest entry of Marvel’s Original Graphic Novel line.
Through the wonders of mad science (computer and regular), Squirrel Girl ends up with an exact duplicate of herself which at first seems like a wonderful thing. However, things quickly go south when the disagreements between the two over squirrels’ role in society emerge and Squirrel Girl finds herself up against her most unbeatable enemy yet: herself!
Having retained regular series writer Ryan North and artist Erica Henderson, this standalone adventure fits perfectly alongside Squirrel Girl’s current exploits. North’s script is dependably punchy and hilarious, with plenty of squirrel related puns that if you’re not a fan of puns will drive you nuts (so sorry) – but it all adds to the series’ charm. Everything from Squirrel Girl’s chemistry with her university and super-hero friends (especially Iron Man who gets to show off the smarmy side we don’t get to see as often these days), the surprisingly touching and more intense moments like Squirrel Girl and her clone’s ethical argument over squirrels and her main sidekick Tippy-Toe’s rising to the occasion, to the series trademark footnotes at the bottom of almost every page, all make this a truly fun reading experience.
Henderson’s art is a perfect fit for North’s writing, managing to flit between adorable and hilarious at the drop of a hat. That and the little squirrel nuances that she slips into the title character which make her more than just a woman with a squirrel tail and ears. And with the presence of several of Marvel’s greatest heroes guest starring, Henderson gets to display plenty of action in her own unique style. You just have to look at her great cover that pays tribute to The Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe to see how great she melds action and comedy together.
Anyone reading The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series needs to pick this up and those who haven’t yet checked out one of the funniest comics published today will be well served by checking out this standalone instalment.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe is published 4 October by Marvel
9781302903039 h/b £20.99
Read a preview from Marvel
Post by Leo