What do you think?
Rate this book
Marvel OGN
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe
Proof that we're living in the best of all possible worlds: THERE'S GONNA BE A SQUIRREL GIRL GRAPHIC NOVEL! It's a stand-alone adventure that's both great for new Squirrel Girl readers, and also for people who ALREADY know about how she can talk to squirrels and also punch really well! Behold: a story so HUGE it demanded a graphic novel! A story so NUTS that it incorporates BOTH senses of that word (insanity AND the weird hard fruit thingies) (they're fruits, did you know that?) (I didn't until I looked them up just now, so looks like we're all learning science from this solicit text for a comic book!) Squirrel Girl has defeated Thanos, Galactus, and Doctor Doom. TWICE. But in this all-new graphic novel, she'll encounter her most dangerous, most powerful, most unbeatable enemy yet: HERSELF. Specifically, an evil duplicate made possible through mad science (both computer and regular) as well as some Bad Decisions. In other words, SQUIRREL GIRL BEATS UP THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! YES. I CAN'T WAIT, AND I'M THE GUY WRITING IT.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2016
79 people are currently reading
1881 people want to read
About the author
Ryan North
548 books1,613 followersHi, I'm Ryan! I was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1980 and since then have written several books. You can read my Wikipedia page for more, or check out my author site at RyanNorth.ca!
I'm the author of the webcomic Dinosaur Comics (that's the comic where the pictures don't change but the words do, it's better than it sounds and I've also done crazy things like turn Shakespeare into a choose-your-own-path adventure, write a comic for Marvel about a girl with all the powers of a squirrel, or mess up walking my dog so badly it made the news.
I'm working on more stuff as we speak, hopefully it's good
I'm the author of the webcomic Dinosaur Comics (that's the comic where the pictures don't change but the words do, it's better than it sounds and I've also done crazy things like turn Shakespeare into a choose-your-own-path adventure, write a comic for Marvel about a girl with all the powers of a squirrel, or mess up walking my dog so badly it made the news.
I'm working on more stuff as we speak, hopefully it's good
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
July 19, 2019
Squirrel Girl is a comic I should like and she is a character I like. But to me the jokes fall flat and the art is atrocious. Each time I pick up one of her comics, it's an absolute slog to get through. Erica Henderson has to be the worst artist working on monthly comics today. Every character appears angry and constipated at best with a hare-lipped, slack-jawed yokel look. Here Squirrel Girl gets cloned and has to fight her evil self. Meh.
October 17, 2016
Despite the title, Squirrel Girl has never been a character built around solving problems with hyper violence. She talked Galactus out of eating Earth by offering him a healthier alternative. She convinced Kraven to back off by offering him a hunt more challenging. She, in general, will only get violent when an opposing force can not be reasoned with (this series is the reason that, canonically, Squirrel Girl has beaten up the entirety of the Avengers for being dismissive).
And based on this book, I kind of wish that North and Henderson could do their work entirely in graphic novel format. While the series usually has overarching stories, the cohesiveness of the format allows them to really build towards something. There's genuinely touching moments in this story that are allowed to flourish in the more open framework.
I also enjoyed the book because it points out an odd parallel between Squirrel Girl and Superman. Both are basically capable of dominating almost anyone, but both have too many morals and too much heart to want to. The only difference between Doreen and her clone is that only one believes the ends justifies the means.
And it's all done with some killer jokes. Squirrel Girl continues to be one of the funniest books coming out of Marvel at the moment, and it almost seems like its presence has encouraged a lot of other humor books at the publisher.
This book is a pretty solid jump off point for the series as a whole, since it's effectively standalone. If you enjoy this, I'd definitely recommend the other trades in the series.
And based on this book, I kind of wish that North and Henderson could do their work entirely in graphic novel format. While the series usually has overarching stories, the cohesiveness of the format allows them to really build towards something. There's genuinely touching moments in this story that are allowed to flourish in the more open framework.
I also enjoyed the book because it points out an odd parallel between Squirrel Girl and Superman. Both are basically capable of dominating almost anyone, but both have too many morals and too much heart to want to. The only difference between Doreen and her clone is that only one believes the ends justifies the means.
And it's all done with some killer jokes. Squirrel Girl continues to be one of the funniest books coming out of Marvel at the moment, and it almost seems like its presence has encouraged a lot of other humor books at the publisher.
This book is a pretty solid jump off point for the series as a whole, since it's effectively standalone. If you enjoy this, I'd definitely recommend the other trades in the series.
October 23, 2020
This is the greatest comic book that I have ever read. I'm pretty sure it's the greatest comic book of all time, and also that it's the reason why superheroes were invented. I cried a lot at the end, and I laughed uncontrollably the rest of the time. This gave me all the feels.
December 12, 2016
You know what Squirrel Girl doesn't do much of in her main series? Beat people up. Her whole thing is that she can compromise and talk it out with pretty much everyone. So when she finds herself fighting a warped clone Squirrel Girl who has all of her powers and none of her inhibitions, Squirrel Girl must watch the entire Marvel Universe fall!
This is great. If you're reading the main Squirrel Girl book, this is just like reading a three or four issue arc of that book, but all in one go, and with much higher stakes. There are so many little details in the pages, from the art to the dialogue, and yet it's always quintessentially Squirrel Girl.
I do not understand how Erica Henderson exists because she draws so much stuff here, and even manages to ink and colour most of her pages too, alongside drawing Jughead AND the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl solo series. It's insanity. And yet her art never slips.
<3 Squirrel Girl.
This is great. If you're reading the main Squirrel Girl book, this is just like reading a three or four issue arc of that book, but all in one go, and with much higher stakes. There are so many little details in the pages, from the art to the dialogue, and yet it's always quintessentially Squirrel Girl.
I do not understand how Erica Henderson exists because she draws so much stuff here, and even manages to ink and colour most of her pages too, alongside drawing Jughead AND the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl solo series. It's insanity. And yet her art never slips.
<3 Squirrel Girl.
April 10, 2017
This was a pleasant surprise, for it came out of low expectations to be an entertaining graphic novel.
This reader initially thought that this was collection of the monthly Squirrel Girl comic books but this is an all new novel-length story. I thought that having not read any of the issues except for the first would be a deterrent to enjoying this story, well, it almost was but the book itself, through flashback and dialogue, gave hints that allowed this reader to catch up at least enough to the basic information of the main character and her cast.
The surprise comes out of the fact that I never really read this series but I still found it entertaining.
This reader initially thought that this was collection of the monthly Squirrel Girl comic books but this is an all new novel-length story. I thought that having not read any of the issues except for the first would be a deterrent to enjoying this story, well, it almost was but the book itself, through flashback and dialogue, gave hints that allowed this reader to catch up at least enough to the basic information of the main character and her cast.
The surprise comes out of the fact that I never really read this series but I still found it entertaining.
February 12, 2017
The art alone is hideous.....then the clone too ugh.
December 10, 2016
Who knew that Squirrel Girl was powerful enough to take down the entire Marvel universe? With some outside-the-box thinking and the knowledge of a second year computer science student, it is possible! This story is hilarious. It's fun to see the references to other famous Marvel (and some DC) stories. Also, the ending has a lot of heart.
Want to read
January 13, 2017
October 24, 2017
Squirrel Girl's the best! And Squirrel Girl * 2 is more so. SG1 and SG2 prove that nobody can hope to beat squirrel power. SG2 takes on the Marvel roster and cleans their clocks! SG1, with her respect for others, and willingness to talk to solve problems, and help from Tippy Toe, must fight her doppelgänger to protect the world.
Lots of fun, with some moving moments, too.
Lots of fun, with some moving moments, too.
December 11, 2016
I like SG. She's fun and goofy and is a really good role model. It's also nice to see the Marvel Universe not taken so seriously all the time.
June 16, 2017
This standalone was so much fun! I felt like the series faltered a little bit (wasn't a big fan of the Choose your own adventure story - great in concept but hard to follow in terms of panels) but this standalone definitely revived my love for Squirrel Girl!
March 27, 2017
This is probably the best Squirrel Girl so far! So clever!
Observation A: artisanal cupcake depositories would make great secret bases.
Observation B: these were great ways to beat all the good guys and bad guys, and Observation C: compromise = good. ; )
Observation A: artisanal cupcake depositories would make great secret bases.
Observation B: these were great ways to beat all the good guys and bad guys, and Observation C: compromise = good. ; )
January 14, 2021
This is a cute book! I think, if I were quite a bit younger, I would've enjoyed it even more.
The thing about Squirrel Girl comics is that they remind me of Parks and Rec's "Li'l Sebastian" gag. It's a running joke that you have to suspend disbelief and stop questioning why anything happens/works out for them. A college sophmore with squirrel like abilities shouldn't be able to lay herself across train tracks to stop a train from derailing or take down the entire Marvel Universe, but the books asks you to believe that she can. It's fun and usually entertaining so, whatever.
This book had a lot of little bits and pieces to read like author's notes at the bottom of the page, super villain trading cards and so many references to Marvel's history that I don't doubt Ryan North definitely did his research.
The art and the colors are bright and refreshing. Overall, this was a pretty fun book, but again, I think it would've been outstanding if I were younger.
The thing about Squirrel Girl comics is that they remind me of Parks and Rec's "Li'l Sebastian" gag. It's a running joke that you have to suspend disbelief and stop questioning why anything happens/works out for them. A college sophmore with squirrel like abilities shouldn't be able to lay herself across train tracks to stop a train from derailing or take down the entire Marvel Universe, but the books asks you to believe that she can. It's fun and usually entertaining so, whatever.
This book had a lot of little bits and pieces to read like author's notes at the bottom of the page, super villain trading cards and so many references to Marvel's history that I don't doubt Ryan North definitely did his research.
The art and the colors are bright and refreshing. Overall, this was a pretty fun book, but again, I think it would've been outstanding if I were younger.
July 12, 2017
I've read several Squirrel Girl graphic novels and she is probably one of my favorite Marvel characters. That being said, this one kind of missed the mark for me. Basically while helping Tony Stark with a new invention, Squirrel Girl clones herself. Now there are two Doreens, one going by her middle name, Aileen. After seeing a squirrel hit by a car, Aileen determines humans have made the earth a terrible place to live (can't argue with her there) and mounts a takeover by herself and tons of cloned squirrels. In doing so, she single-handedly takes on tons of Marvel characters with the original Squirrel Girl and her friends trying to stop her.
I was kind of overwhelmed by the artwork in this book. Anyone who has read Squirrel Girl books knows what I'm talking about when I say there is always TONS of information packed on each page. There's art, dialog and often random commentary. In this graphic novel, some of the commentary was so small I pretty much decided early on to skip it. Also, it became rather monotonous to see Aileen battle superhero after superhero and easily defeat them and then absorb their powers.
I grabbed this one from the library and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either and it sort of just hits the middle of the line for me. On the plus, I recently saw that Freeform is making a Squirrel Girl series and I'm really up for that.
I was kind of overwhelmed by the artwork in this book. Anyone who has read Squirrel Girl books knows what I'm talking about when I say there is always TONS of information packed on each page. There's art, dialog and often random commentary. In this graphic novel, some of the commentary was so small I pretty much decided early on to skip it. Also, it became rather monotonous to see Aileen battle superhero after superhero and easily defeat them and then absorb their powers.
I grabbed this one from the library and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either and it sort of just hits the middle of the line for me. On the plus, I recently saw that Freeform is making a Squirrel Girl series and I'm really up for that.
January 27, 2019
This was suitably epic. It's basically a bigger, badder issue of Squirrel Girl, which is not a bad thing. Ryan and Erica bring the quality funny as always. Life is swell!
As the title implies, there's a certain amount of beating up of various Marvel characters that goes on in this book. Since it's right on the back cover, I don't think it's saying too much to reveal that most of those beatings are courtesy of an evil duplicate (why are good duplicates not a thing … although, technically, the original hero would be the good duplicate, I suppose. Never mind this parenthetical then.) Needless to say, by fighting herself--a self who has defeated Dr. Doom (twice) and Galactus among others--SG has her work cut out for her …
This was loads of fun! Ryan and Erica make a great team, and their run on Squirrel Girl is one of the most consistently entertaining comics around. I’ve heard Erica’s artwork described as “ugly” which I guess I can kind of see, but I think “cartoony” is a better descriptor. She doesn't draw supermodels in spandex, but her characters have a certain solidity that I find appealing. I’ve mentioned it before, but her style reminds me of Joe Staton’s work. Good stuff!
Granted, being a big fan of Squirrel Girl, it was pretty much a given that I was going to like this book. Still highly recommended though!
As the title implies, there's a certain amount of beating up of various Marvel characters that goes on in this book. Since it's right on the back cover, I don't think it's saying too much to reveal that most of those beatings are courtesy of an evil duplicate (why are good duplicates not a thing … although, technically, the original hero would be the good duplicate, I suppose. Never mind this parenthetical then.) Needless to say, by fighting herself--a self who has defeated Dr. Doom (twice) and Galactus among others--SG has her work cut out for her …
This was loads of fun! Ryan and Erica make a great team, and their run on Squirrel Girl is one of the most consistently entertaining comics around. I’ve heard Erica’s artwork described as “ugly” which I guess I can kind of see, but I think “cartoony” is a better descriptor. She doesn't draw supermodels in spandex, but her characters have a certain solidity that I find appealing. I’ve mentioned it before, but her style reminds me of Joe Staton’s work. Good stuff!
Granted, being a big fan of Squirrel Girl, it was pretty much a given that I was going to like this book. Still highly recommended though!
October 21, 2016
A+++
This is so funny and clever and great, definitely works as a stand-alone if (FOR SOME REASON) you haven't read any Squirrel Girl yet. Also like a kiiind of deep investigation of problems of late-stage capitalism and the concept of superheroism in general?
Also I hardly ever comment on art when I review comics, because I am a monster, but I will pause to admire Erica Henderson for her art! Love the variety of body types on display and also Tony Stark's goofy face. Also I think Ryan North understands the core of what I personally like about Tony Stark sooooo much he's so great in thisssssss
Also did I say it's so funny, because, it's so funny
This is so funny and clever and great, definitely works as a stand-alone if (FOR SOME REASON) you haven't read any Squirrel Girl yet. Also like a kiiind of deep investigation of problems of late-stage capitalism and the concept of superheroism in general?
Also I hardly ever comment on art when I review comics, because I am a monster, but I will pause to admire Erica Henderson for her art! Love the variety of body types on display and also Tony Stark's goofy face. Also I think Ryan North understands the core of what I personally like about Tony Stark sooooo much he's so great in thisssssss
Also did I say it's so funny, because, it's so funny
March 27, 2017
God Bless All Ages Comics.
I needed some good silliness and I got it and I am pleased. Also I am sad that we didn't see Tippy-Toe-Thor in costume.
I needed some good silliness and I got it and I am pleased. Also I am sad that we didn't see Tippy-Toe-Thor in costume.
July 17, 2019
Un cómic muy simpático donde aparecen Iron man, Spiderman, Thor, Hulk y varios héroes muy queridos. Bastante divertido pero los dibujos no son los mejores.
July 30, 2018
This is silly, irreverent, smart writing and goofy, illogical, cartoony drawing. This shit should be a slam dunk for me to just blow through it. There’s tons of rabid fans out there for USG, and I like to align myself with such fans.
It couldn’t take me more than a couple of hours to read a book like this, and yet it’s taken me at least two weeks of carrying this hardback around the house like it’s my personal albatross.
What gives? Am I a broken, cynical ass? Or is there an essential ingredient missing from this book for people like me?
If I had to guess, it feels like there’s no *danger* for squirrel girl here. I mean, there’s some similarities to the Supergirl TV show here (smart, sassy writing, feminist leanings, lots of Bechdel test passings, silly in-jokes, funny character moments) - but once in a while you actually feel the pull of *danger* to Supergirl, and wonder/worry how she’s going to solve the conflict.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl? It’s a great hook - an on-paper-lame fourth-stringer is secretly one of the most unbeatable super heroes? Sure I bought in hard - and yet as it plays out, I feel so lacklustre in reading, like there’s nothing significant to look forward to. Like every story is entirely forgettable (which is nuts when she talks Galactus out of eating Earth), of no consequence, like revolving door plots that are interchangeable (when they’re clearly not).
I can’t really put my finger on it, but as hard as I try to read a North/Henderson Squirrel Girl Comic the right way, I just feel like I’m missing something obvious in how others are enjoying the hell out of it.
Is it possible this is one of those things where everyone loves the concept so much that they’re willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of the stories, and are just repeating “I love it!” to each other until we all are caught up in loving something we’re not connecting with?
I’m sure it’s not, but it makes me wonder if the glorious attempts to love this (that which deserves to be loved in this day and age) are overshadowing the lack of decent storytelling chops (while overemphasising the tactical triumph of a post-modern skill with dialogue and asides).
I’m going through continue to struggle with this series - I *have* to try to get it - because otherwise I’m losing out on a singular touchstone of modern comics.
It couldn’t take me more than a couple of hours to read a book like this, and yet it’s taken me at least two weeks of carrying this hardback around the house like it’s my personal albatross.
What gives? Am I a broken, cynical ass? Or is there an essential ingredient missing from this book for people like me?
If I had to guess, it feels like there’s no *danger* for squirrel girl here. I mean, there’s some similarities to the Supergirl TV show here (smart, sassy writing, feminist leanings, lots of Bechdel test passings, silly in-jokes, funny character moments) - but once in a while you actually feel the pull of *danger* to Supergirl, and wonder/worry how she’s going to solve the conflict.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl? It’s a great hook - an on-paper-lame fourth-stringer is secretly one of the most unbeatable super heroes? Sure I bought in hard - and yet as it plays out, I feel so lacklustre in reading, like there’s nothing significant to look forward to. Like every story is entirely forgettable (which is nuts when she talks Galactus out of eating Earth), of no consequence, like revolving door plots that are interchangeable (when they’re clearly not).
I can’t really put my finger on it, but as hard as I try to read a North/Henderson Squirrel Girl Comic the right way, I just feel like I’m missing something obvious in how others are enjoying the hell out of it.
Is it possible this is one of those things where everyone loves the concept so much that they’re willing to overlook the obvious vapidity of the stories, and are just repeating “I love it!” to each other until we all are caught up in loving something we’re not connecting with?
I’m sure it’s not, but it makes me wonder if the glorious attempts to love this (that which deserves to be loved in this day and age) are overshadowing the lack of decent storytelling chops (while overemphasising the tactical triumph of a post-modern skill with dialogue and asides).
I’m going through continue to struggle with this series - I *have* to try to get it - because otherwise I’m losing out on a singular touchstone of modern comics.
November 26, 2016
Doreen Green, as a character, will always have my undying love, but I gotta say, the plot in TUSG has been pretty thin for a while now, to the point where I probably wasn't going to rush to continue. This OGN got me back on board, though. Beating up super villains (and heroes) is all well and good, but I need to dig into a little bit of the protag's personal life to really get a lot out of it. I felt the Doreen/Allene scenario helped in that department (and was thankful it didn't devolve into the usual "now we can't tell who's the original and who's the clone" trope). The running commentary was spot-on as well and didn't drag me down. A++++
August 5, 2018
I love North's Squirrel Girl and this graphic novel was a delight. An interesting roster of characters mixed with an engaging plot, all with excellent humour and a dash of fun facts. What else could you want from a reading session on a Sunday afternoon :)
December 12, 2016
Squirrel Girl is the best.
March 28, 2018
This was a straight up delight. I've never read a Squirrel Girl comic before, but if the rest are like this, I'm all in.
May 10, 2021
fun fun fun
February 26, 2017
So I REALLY wanted to love this one, because it's Squirrel Girl, but I just didn't. The storyline just wasn't my cup of tea. However, because it IS Squirrel Girl, it still gets 3 stars from me.
November 28, 2017
This was pretty cute. I doubt I'd read it again so I'm happy I borrowed it from the library, but it was definitely a fun romp with thousands of squirrels.
August 9, 2017
4.5. Extremely endearing, very funny. Could, however, have taken a more interesting/nuanced approached to the intra-species kinship stuff with allenne.
March 30, 2018
Absolutely delightful.
March 18, 2017
Squirrel Girl is life.
September 24, 2017
I expected this one to be longer than it was -- or did it feel shorter than it actually was? I'm not sure. It's about the same length as one of the Squirrel Girl TPBs even though it's a standalone graphic novel. It was just too short! Yes, the thing that kept me from giving The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe five stars is that IT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH. Good thing I'm not an official reviewer because I'm sure that's a terrible illogical reason to dock points.
(Heretical aside: Also I think North's running commentary at the bottom of each page can be funny but it's starting to bug me having to read the bottom of EVERY page; I think reading this on the Kindle didn't help with that issue because the type was very small and light and difficult to read.)
Those are four very solid stars it's got, though; it's packed full of the silly hijinks and jokes and puns that make this title such a reliable escape and mood-lifter. And two Squirrel Girls! A chart detailing the order and methods to use to beat up the entire Marvel Universe most efficiently! Discussion of the pronunciation of Magneto! There is no bad here. (Except the two things I mentioned earlier, and even those things aren't really BAD, so they don't count anyway.)
(Heretical aside: Also I think North's running commentary at the bottom of each page can be funny but it's starting to bug me having to read the bottom of EVERY page; I think reading this on the Kindle didn't help with that issue because the type was very small and light and difficult to read.)
Those are four very solid stars it's got, though; it's packed full of the silly hijinks and jokes and puns that make this title such a reliable escape and mood-lifter. And two Squirrel Girls! A chart detailing the order and methods to use to beat up the entire Marvel Universe most efficiently! Discussion of the pronunciation of Magneto! There is no bad here. (Except the two things I mentioned earlier, and even those things aren't really BAD, so they don't count anyway.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews