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Ant-Man (2015) #1-5
Homem-Formiga: Segunda Chance
Scott Lang nunca chegou a ser o melhor super-herói do mundo. Alguns acreditam que ele nem ao menos é o melhor Homem-Formiga, e olha que o cara anterior inventou o Ultron e se juntou aos Mestres do Terror! Mas uma oportunidade única surgiu (cortesia do Homem de Ferro Superior), e um inimigo de outros tempos retornou (ou algo assim…), então é hora de Scott Lang dar a volta por cima e se tornar o herói que sempre quis ser!
É isso aí! Uma nova vida, uma grande aventura, e isso significa que… ele precisa de uma grana emprestada. Pois é! Mas mesmo que ele já tenha passado pela prisão, por um divórcio e pela… morte… agora é diferente! Nada pode deter o incrível Homem-Formiga!
Reúne histórias que foram publicadas originalmente em Ant-Man 1-5, Ant-Man: Last Days e Ant-Man Annual.
É isso aí! Uma nova vida, uma grande aventura, e isso significa que… ele precisa de uma grana emprestada. Pois é! Mas mesmo que ele já tenha passado pela prisão, por um divórcio e pela… morte… agora é diferente! Nada pode deter o incrível Homem-Formiga!
Reúne histórias que foram publicadas originalmente em Ant-Man 1-5, Ant-Man: Last Days e Ant-Man Annual.
180 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
66 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spencer
998 books345 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
October 16, 2016
the humor was A+, but the plot was a little too convenient. Though I was surprised the direction the plot went in. Overall, enjoyable, but not mind blowing.
October 16, 2015
Who the heck would want to be an Ant-Man?
You shrink and do stuff. And you can command ants to do things:
“Get me a beer from the fridge, ant-lings.”
At least for Scott Lang, the current Ant-Man in the Marvel universe, the bar was set kind of low.
The previous two Ant-Men were:
A) Hank Pym - A crazy, wife-beater who created a robot that wanted to destroy all life on planet Earth
B) Eric O’Grady - An evil pervert douche-bag who liked to hang out in the women’s showers at Avengers HQ.
After giving Dr. Doom (Ha! I’m sure it was probably only a Doom bot) a whupping in FF, Vol. 1: Fantastic Faux, Lang finds himself on the job market.
Sadly, there’s not much of a market for a super hero with his particular skill set and the job interviews aren’t going to well.
Plus, his ex-wife and daughter have moved to Miami, a veritable hot bed of super hero/super villain activity.
He follows, starts his own security firm and soon finds himself interviewing guys in bear suits to fill his staffing needs.
And goes up against his old nemesis, Taskmaster.
Okay, Ant-Man doesn’t really have a nemesis. Can’t fault the guy forbeing delusional dreaming.
Nick Spencer, who wrote the most excellent The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Vol. 1: Getting the Band Back Together, gives this one a go and for the most part succeeds. The first issue is slow and talky but it picks up steam as it goes along. Spencer also does a swell job of incorporating what little past Scott Lang has accumulated in his solo stints at Marvel, which can be found here Ant-Man: Scott Lang.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed the movie, check this out. Spencer does a good job breathing life into a character that in other hands, could have been dull. It has oodles of Spencer’s trademark wit. My lone quibble would be that he seems to have completely ignored the fact that Lang’s daughter not only spent time in the Young Avengers, but is/was also sort of dead.
You shrink and do stuff. And you can command ants to do things:
“Get me a beer from the fridge, ant-lings.”
At least for Scott Lang, the current Ant-Man in the Marvel universe, the bar was set kind of low.
The previous two Ant-Men were:
A) Hank Pym - A crazy, wife-beater who created a robot that wanted to destroy all life on planet Earth
B) Eric O’Grady - An evil pervert douche-bag who liked to hang out in the women’s showers at Avengers HQ.
After giving Dr. Doom (Ha! I’m sure it was probably only a Doom bot) a whupping in FF, Vol. 1: Fantastic Faux, Lang finds himself on the job market.
Sadly, there’s not much of a market for a super hero with his particular skill set and the job interviews aren’t going to well.
Plus, his ex-wife and daughter have moved to Miami, a veritable hot bed of super hero/super villain activity.
He follows, starts his own security firm and soon finds himself interviewing guys in bear suits to fill his staffing needs.
And goes up against his old nemesis, Taskmaster.
Okay, Ant-Man doesn’t really have a nemesis. Can’t fault the guy for
Nick Spencer, who wrote the most excellent The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Vol. 1: Getting the Band Back Together, gives this one a go and for the most part succeeds. The first issue is slow and talky but it picks up steam as it goes along. Spencer also does a swell job of incorporating what little past Scott Lang has accumulated in his solo stints at Marvel, which can be found here Ant-Man: Scott Lang.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed the movie, check this out. Spencer does a good job breathing life into a character that in other hands, could have been dull. It has oodles of Spencer’s trademark wit. My lone quibble would be that he seems to have completely ignored the fact that Lang’s daughter not only spent time in the Young Avengers, but is/was also sort of dead.
July 15, 2016
Ant-Man looks for gainful employment. Hilarity ensues.
Confession time: Most of my exposure to Scott Lang, prior to the Ant-Man movie, was in various issues of Fantastic Four and FF. For some reason, I had a craving for his newer solo adventures and picked this up.
Second-Chance Man gives Ant-Man the "Hawkeye by Matt Fraction" treatment to a degree. Instead of Ant-Man fighting crime, he's fighting to pay his bills, first with a shot at working for Tony Stark, then in Miami, running a security business.
Spencer knows his way around an Ant-Man story. Prior to his recent adventures, I thought Ant-Man was right up there with Hawkman and the Atom in terms of lameness. Spencer took the ant-covered ball and ran with it in this one, pitting Scott against menaces like Darren Cross, the Taskmaster, and, most fearsome of them all, his ex-wife.
Scott's relationship with his daughter Cassie is the heart of the book. He uproots his life and turns down a job with Tony Stark to be with her. When she gets into trouble, he assembles an ace team to help get her back, a team consisting of Grizzly and Machinesmith, whom I hope factor into future volumes.
Good stuff. Second-Chance Man was an entertaining way to spend an hour avoiding housework. Three out of five stars.
Confession time: Most of my exposure to Scott Lang, prior to the Ant-Man movie, was in various issues of Fantastic Four and FF. For some reason, I had a craving for his newer solo adventures and picked this up.
Second-Chance Man gives Ant-Man the "Hawkeye by Matt Fraction" treatment to a degree. Instead of Ant-Man fighting crime, he's fighting to pay his bills, first with a shot at working for Tony Stark, then in Miami, running a security business.
Spencer knows his way around an Ant-Man story. Prior to his recent adventures, I thought Ant-Man was right up there with Hawkman and the Atom in terms of lameness. Spencer took the ant-covered ball and ran with it in this one, pitting Scott against menaces like Darren Cross, the Taskmaster, and, most fearsome of them all, his ex-wife.
Scott's relationship with his daughter Cassie is the heart of the book. He uproots his life and turns down a job with Tony Stark to be with her. When she gets into trouble, he assembles an ace team to help get her back, a team consisting of Grizzly and Machinesmith, whom I hope factor into future volumes.
Good stuff. Second-Chance Man was an entertaining way to spend an hour avoiding housework. Three out of five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2016
Scott Lang is divorced, jobless, and middle-aged in a ruthless job market full of younger, more qualified people who don’t have a criminal record. More than anything though he wants to be a good dad to his teenage daughter Cassie, so he goes for the job of head of security at Tony Stark’s company to get back on his feet. Except that’s the start of Ant-Man’s BIG problems, wha whaaaa!
The effect of Matt Fraction and David Aja’s Hawkeye on Marvel can’t be understated - it was a game-changer, the effects of which we’re still seeing. Without it we might not even have titles like Ms Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Howard the Duck, Guardians of the Galaxy, She-Hulk, FF, Hellcat, Vision, All-New Hawkeye (of course), and numerous others - yes, I know these titles existed prior to their run but Hawkeye showed a new angle and approach to superhero comics they didn’t use before. Street-level characters often overlooked and barely known to readers given a shot in the arm by finding the humour in their underdog charm and freedom to reinvent themselves as (somewhat) relatable to ordinary people.
Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber’s Superior Foes of Spider-Man was probably the closest thing to a clone of Fraction/Aja’s Hawkeye. Superior Foes mimicked the visuals, tone, and storytelling approach of Hawkeye to a T and, in its short three-volume run (it was never intended to be an ongoing), did well because of it.
Take away the powers and the father/daughter angle and Nick Spencer’s Ant-Man is a new Fraction Hawkeye book in all but name - until about halfway through. Spencer writes Scott Lang’s voice as identical to Clint Barton’s wise-cracking, down-on-his-luck schlub who gets laughed at by everyone for being a lame hero.
What Spencer does after the halfway point though is turn this into another version of Superior Foes with Scott in the Boomerang role and a couple of Z-list villains in tow (a guy in a Grizzly outfit and another who eats AA batteries) as his compadres who have to break into a bad guy’s lab - the new Beetle even cameos at the Stark interview! It’s surprising how blatant a copy it is!
All of which is to the good. I loved Fraction/Aja’s Hawkeye and enjoyed Spencer’s Superior Foes. Sure it’s derivative but Spencer - or anyone - channelling those titles is very welcome to this reader. The story itself though is a bit boring to me. Scott wanting to be a good dad and setting up a security business? Ehhh...
Maybe it’s because I don’t have kids that I didn’t really give a fig whether he and Cassie got along, but that whole “doing right by his kid” stuff just felt corny. It’s a big part not to like though and more often than not I found myself reading something else after just a few pages of this one - Spencer just couldn’t hook me (though I eventually finished it).
Otherwise Second-Chance Man is a strong first new outing for Ant-Man. Great art from Ramon Rosanas, inventive use of Ant-Man’s powers (both as a struggling single dad and a superhero), good sense of humour, and the story has some moments throughout. It just doesn’t have a very compelling storyline to hold my attention for long.
Hey, at least it’s not Eric O’Grady Ant-Man, right?
The effect of Matt Fraction and David Aja’s Hawkeye on Marvel can’t be understated - it was a game-changer, the effects of which we’re still seeing. Without it we might not even have titles like Ms Marvel, Squirrel Girl, Howard the Duck, Guardians of the Galaxy, She-Hulk, FF, Hellcat, Vision, All-New Hawkeye (of course), and numerous others - yes, I know these titles existed prior to their run but Hawkeye showed a new angle and approach to superhero comics they didn’t use before. Street-level characters often overlooked and barely known to readers given a shot in the arm by finding the humour in their underdog charm and freedom to reinvent themselves as (somewhat) relatable to ordinary people.
Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber’s Superior Foes of Spider-Man was probably the closest thing to a clone of Fraction/Aja’s Hawkeye. Superior Foes mimicked the visuals, tone, and storytelling approach of Hawkeye to a T and, in its short three-volume run (it was never intended to be an ongoing), did well because of it.
Take away the powers and the father/daughter angle and Nick Spencer’s Ant-Man is a new Fraction Hawkeye book in all but name - until about halfway through. Spencer writes Scott Lang’s voice as identical to Clint Barton’s wise-cracking, down-on-his-luck schlub who gets laughed at by everyone for being a lame hero.
What Spencer does after the halfway point though is turn this into another version of Superior Foes with Scott in the Boomerang role and a couple of Z-list villains in tow (a guy in a Grizzly outfit and another who eats AA batteries) as his compadres who have to break into a bad guy’s lab - the new Beetle even cameos at the Stark interview! It’s surprising how blatant a copy it is!
All of which is to the good. I loved Fraction/Aja’s Hawkeye and enjoyed Spencer’s Superior Foes. Sure it’s derivative but Spencer - or anyone - channelling those titles is very welcome to this reader. The story itself though is a bit boring to me. Scott wanting to be a good dad and setting up a security business? Ehhh...
Maybe it’s because I don’t have kids that I didn’t really give a fig whether he and Cassie got along, but that whole “doing right by his kid” stuff just felt corny. It’s a big part not to like though and more often than not I found myself reading something else after just a few pages of this one - Spencer just couldn’t hook me (though I eventually finished it).
Otherwise Second-Chance Man is a strong first new outing for Ant-Man. Great art from Ramon Rosanas, inventive use of Ant-Man’s powers (both as a struggling single dad and a superhero), good sense of humour, and the story has some moments throughout. It just doesn’t have a very compelling storyline to hold my attention for long.
Hey, at least it’s not Eric O’Grady Ant-Man, right?
October 2, 2016
Another superheroes-like-you-and-me (you know: losers) type story in the Hawkeye tradition--nothing earth-shattering, but enjoyable enough.
August 13, 2015
I feel like I need to get this out of the way first thing: the last time I saw Cassie she died (Avengers: The Children's Crusade) and the last time I saw Scott he was mourning her (FF, Vol. 1: Fantastic Faux). So to see her on the page, alive, and absolutely nobody talking about the whole dead thing? Weird and kind of jarring. Apparently, she was resurrected somewhere during Axis, but I didn't know that, and it's really strange to have nobody at all in this book talk about it. Is there some kind of magical amnesia at work? Really active denial? Spencer just not wanting to talk about it? I don't know.
But as you can see from my star rating, I was able to get past that. Spencer's Ant-Man reminds me, in many ways, of Fraction's Hawkeye, which is a great thing. It also matches the tone of the movie, which I really liked. Overall, it's a fun book, with plenty of humor, good action sequences, and a bit of heart thrown in for good measure. From my experience with the character, Ant-Man (as Scott Lang, at least) is defined by his love for and relationship with his daughter, and that's rightfully at the center of this book.
Since the first issue acts as a sort of incomplete primer on the history of Scott Lang (which, as mentioned, totally avoids saying that Cassie had been dead and stuff, while mentioning that Scott had died. so weird) which makes it a great place for a new reader to jump on. The movie is going to raise at least a little interest in the character, after all. I feel like people who liked the movie would like this book as well.
But as you can see from my star rating, I was able to get past that. Spencer's Ant-Man reminds me, in many ways, of Fraction's Hawkeye, which is a great thing. It also matches the tone of the movie, which I really liked. Overall, it's a fun book, with plenty of humor, good action sequences, and a bit of heart thrown in for good measure. From my experience with the character, Ant-Man (as Scott Lang, at least) is defined by his love for and relationship with his daughter, and that's rightfully at the center of this book.
Since the first issue acts as a sort of incomplete primer on the history of Scott Lang (which, as mentioned, totally avoids saying that Cassie had been dead and stuff, while mentioning that Scott had died. so weird) which makes it a great place for a new reader to jump on. The movie is going to raise at least a little interest in the character, after all. I feel like people who liked the movie would like this book as well.
January 15, 2016
So Scott Lang is a divorced ex-con looking for work. He also happens to be Ant-Man, but that doesn't appear to be enough to convince anyone to hire him.
Have you ever spent time with someone who is sure they are funny when you know they're not? That's Scott Lang.
I mean this didn't even put a smile on my face, but it did keep my eyes rolling. Every attempt at humor just annoyed me more. I know people like this in real life, I don't want to read about a fictional hero like this too.
Second-chance man clearly isn't a volume for me.
Have you ever spent time with someone who is sure they are funny when you know they're not? That's Scott Lang.
I mean this didn't even put a smile on my face, but it did keep my eyes rolling. Every attempt at humor just annoyed me more. I know people like this in real life, I don't want to read about a fictional hero like this too.
Second-chance man clearly isn't a volume for me.
March 15, 2016
A down on his luck Ant-Man, former criminal, can't seem to get a break finding a job so he opens up his own security business and takes some villains along for the rider. They're not real villains because the real ones are ashamed to have this Ant-Man as their opponent.
There is definitely some great humor in this one.
A good start to the series.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
There is definitely some great humor in this one.
A good start to the series.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
December 13, 2015
NOOOO why did it have to end? :(
Ant-Man is awesome. Marvel is my life. And Nick Spencer is THE BEST! I loved everything about it.
Ant-Man is awesome. Marvel is my life. And Nick Spencer is THE BEST! I loved everything about it.
August 5, 2015
3.75 out of 5
good book with some good writing and nice art i love how it does not take it self seriously, i enjoyed it but i disagree a little with all the praise. I did like this book but the first half of it is super boring and has way to much useless dialogue and a lot of gibberish inner monologue, i rate the first half like 2.8 out of 5 (The overall villain is kinda sucky as well). But i found the second half to be very enjoyable like 5 out of 5 so i just tried to average it out lol. I really like how Ant-Man hires help to work at his company from the former super baddies club, I really hope they all stay together and maybe add a couple more guys it reminded me to Superior Foes Of Spider man which i loved and am saddened its gone i really want that series back and with Nick Spencer here im hoping Ant-Man Can be Marvels successor to that title. i recommend this title if you like to explore the superhero universe and also like b level hero's and a lot of comedy.
good book with some good writing and nice art i love how it does not take it self seriously, i enjoyed it but i disagree a little with all the praise. I did like this book but the first half of it is super boring and has way to much useless dialogue and a lot of gibberish inner monologue, i rate the first half like 2.8 out of 5 (The overall villain is kinda sucky as well). But i found the second half to be very enjoyable like 5 out of 5 so i just tried to average it out lol. I really like how Ant-Man hires help to work at his company from the former super baddies club, I really hope they all stay together and maybe add a couple more guys it reminded me to Superior Foes Of Spider man which i loved and am saddened its gone i really want that series back and with Nick Spencer here im hoping Ant-Man Can be Marvels successor to that title. i recommend this title if you like to explore the superhero universe and also like b level hero's and a lot of comedy.
August 30, 2016
This is hilarious. Rarely do I give anything 5 stars, especially, you know...(whispers) Marvel. But this is grrrrreat. The writing is funny, strong, the action is exciting and believable, the artwork is gorgeous, and Ant-Man is not the stock character I thought he was. A self-admitted loser, divorcé, unemployed ex-thief and ex-convict, Scott Lang is not your average super hero. He's the anti-hero underdog wisecrack jerkoff who's a delight to watch narrate, screw up and somehow win by luck and accident. He's you and me and all of us. He's the terra firma Star-Lord. But he's so much deeper than Peter Quill. He's got confidence issues, he has a derelict New York studio apartment without power he can't afford, he can't pay his phone bill, he's trying to be a good father but his ex absolutely hates him. Hell, he's a third rate version of a third rate hero no one has ever heard of. But guess what, America, he's earned my respect. And he has a badass sidekick. Yeah, the tall guy in the Grizzly suit.
Ant-Man (in costume) applies for a head of security position with Iron Man. Turns out he's best qualified out of all the applicants because he's willingto break into Stark's apartment to do anything to get the job done. But Ant-Man wants to be there for his daughter, so he shrinks onto the next flight to Miami where his ex and daughter have suddenly moved to get away from him. He doesn't tell Stark about any of this, he just bails, so Stark is pretty pissed.
Once in Miami, Ant-Man decides to start his own private security firm. Why not? Iron Man was going to hire him. "Who knows how to not get your stuff stolen better than the guy who used to steal your stuff?" But first he needs a bank loan (hilarity and violence ensue, a mysterious bank CEO appears to be hiding something). Ant-Man even pays for a billboard that appropriates an endorsement from Iron Man. The panel where Stark says he's going to sue had me cracking up.
Just as Ant Man is getting his new life together, old foes return for REVENGE. Taskmaster is hilarious, I never knew he even existed. Ant-Man mocks him for his costume design, is he a ghost pirate or what? What I find interesting is that this reboot isn't completely discontinuous, it actually sequels old issues of Ant Man from the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately those comics are out of print so they'd be pretty hard to find except in an equally hard to find omnibus. That said, I like that these volumes continue the original Ant Man and fit into the larger Marvel Universe.
One complaint I have also doubles as a praise. Lots of the comedy is topical, so while it's funny now that Ant Man jokes about finding villains on LinkedIn and Tumblr, those jokes won't make a lot of sense in ten let alone twenty five years. So the longevity of the comedy will seem pretty outdated pretty quick. But it's quite funny for now. So thanks Marvel for giving me the funny.
Ant-Man (in costume) applies for a head of security position with Iron Man. Turns out he's best qualified out of all the applicants because he's willing
Once in Miami, Ant-Man decides to start his own private security firm. Why not? Iron Man was going to hire him. "Who knows how to not get your stuff stolen better than the guy who used to steal your stuff?" But first he needs a bank loan (hilarity and violence ensue, a mysterious bank CEO appears to be hiding something). Ant-Man even pays for a billboard that appropriates an endorsement from Iron Man. The panel where Stark says he's going to sue had me cracking up.
Just as Ant Man is getting his new life together, old foes return for REVENGE. Taskmaster is hilarious, I never knew he even existed. Ant-Man mocks him for his costume design, is he a ghost pirate or what? What I find interesting is that this reboot isn't completely discontinuous, it actually sequels old issues of Ant Man from the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately those comics are out of print so they'd be pretty hard to find except in an equally hard to find omnibus. That said, I like that these volumes continue the original Ant Man and fit into the larger Marvel Universe.
One complaint I have also doubles as a praise. Lots of the comedy is topical, so while it's funny now that Ant Man jokes about finding villains on LinkedIn and Tumblr, those jokes won't make a lot of sense in ten let alone twenty five years. So the longevity of the comedy will seem pretty outdated pretty quick. But it's quite funny for now. So thanks Marvel for giving me the funny.
May 9, 2015
Hmpf. So, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Hold the presses. I actually thought that this was funny, and pretty good.
I found the issues to read, not only because I wanted to know more about Ant-Man before Marvel's movie release, but also because I became curious about Scott Lang after reading Brian Michael Bendis's Alias Omnibus about Jessica Jones.
Nick Spencer leverages Ant-Man's (not even the "real" Ant-Man, Dr. Pym) B-list (C- or D-list hero status) to write self-deprecatingly humorous series that makes fun of comic book camp, especially back-from-the-dead occurrences, and anchors it by focusing on Scott Lang's struggles to be a better man, and especially father. This could be another instance of Marvel being surprisingly successful at capitalizing on one of its lesser-known, frequently-thought-of-as-campy properties (e.g. Guardians of the Galaxy). Plus, everyone likes an underdog/redemption story. The subtitle for the trade is even "Second Chance Man." :)
I like the cheesy jokes and pop culture references (which might actually be a detraction later on), as well as how Scott Lang assembles his team out of B-list recovering villains. I think that "older" comic readers (meaning not really that old, but 30s and older) would particularly enjoy this story arc, not only because they might be able to relate to a dude trying to reinvent himself/realizing that he didn't accomplish what he wanted to in his youth/dealing with his ex-wife, but because there are several jokes that revolve around competing with Millenials and wanting a job with health benefits.
While I didn't love the art, it's solid, and, so far, I like the way that Ant-Man is drawn when he shrinks and does things while he's ant-sized, to emphasize that his powers are actually kind of cool, not as lame as the name Ant-Man makes them sound. I think that Mark Brooks could do a better job depicting what the world looks like from the perspective of an ant-sized man, but I think that he gets better with each issue and will continue to get better.
I found the issues to read, not only because I wanted to know more about Ant-Man before Marvel's movie release, but also because I became curious about Scott Lang after reading Brian Michael Bendis's Alias Omnibus about Jessica Jones.
Nick Spencer leverages Ant-Man's (not even the "real" Ant-Man, Dr. Pym) B-list (C- or D-list hero status) to write self-deprecatingly humorous series that makes fun of comic book camp, especially back-from-the-dead occurrences, and anchors it by focusing on Scott Lang's struggles to be a better man, and especially father. This could be another instance of Marvel being surprisingly successful at capitalizing on one of its lesser-known, frequently-thought-of-as-campy properties (e.g. Guardians of the Galaxy). Plus, everyone likes an underdog/redemption story. The subtitle for the trade is even "Second Chance Man." :)
I like the cheesy jokes and pop culture references (which might actually be a detraction later on), as well as how Scott Lang assembles his team out of B-list recovering villains. I think that "older" comic readers (meaning not really that old, but 30s and older) would particularly enjoy this story arc, not only because they might be able to relate to a dude trying to reinvent himself/realizing that he didn't accomplish what he wanted to in his youth/dealing with his ex-wife, but because there are several jokes that revolve around competing with Millenials and wanting a job with health benefits.
While I didn't love the art, it's solid, and, so far, I like the way that Ant-Man is drawn when he shrinks and does things while he's ant-sized, to emphasize that his powers are actually kind of cool, not as lame as the name Ant-Man makes them sound. I think that Mark Brooks could do a better job depicting what the world looks like from the perspective of an ant-sized man, but I think that he gets better with each issue and will continue to get better.
July 30, 2015
oh my god, this was SO funny. I had several legit LOL moments. (Not surprising, given how funny Nick Spencer's The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Vol. 1: Getting the Band Back Together was, but notable.) It really reminds me of Hawkeye, Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon--same sort of low-key, down on his luck, lower-tier superhero, with a similar comedic sensibility.
I've never read any other Ant-Man comics with Scott Lang, but I did enjoy the movie overall so I picked this up. I think if you liked the humor of the movie, you'd like the book. If you're protesting the movie due to lack of lady characters, I feel you, and this book isn't much better. Actually it's worse. But Cassie is great in it, and Scott and Cassie have some completely delightful moments.
I just looked to see if this is ongoing, because it seems to wrap up pretty neatly? But I just googled and it is ongoing! I will keep reading and keep my fingers crossed that some more ladies get involved ASAP. (I'm stalking Nick Spencer's Tumblr and some people have asked if Darla will be involved in future books and he's being coy about it, attn Caroline.)
I've never read any other Ant-Man comics with Scott Lang, but I did enjoy the movie overall so I picked this up. I think if you liked the humor of the movie, you'd like the book. If you're protesting the movie due to lack of lady characters, I feel you, and this book isn't much better. Actually it's worse. But Cassie is great in it, and Scott and Cassie have some completely delightful moments.
I just looked to see if this is ongoing, because it seems to wrap up pretty neatly? But I just googled and it is ongoing! I will keep reading and keep my fingers crossed that some more ladies get involved ASAP. (I'm stalking Nick Spencer's Tumblr and some people have asked if Darla will be involved in future books and he's being coy about it, attn Caroline.)
April 22, 2017
Funny. I read volume 1 when it came out (The volume 1 that comes after this volume 1...yeah...fucking Marvel). So this was like going back before what I read.
So Scott is the new Antman. He fun, he has a kickass teenage daughter, and he's about to start his job with Tony. Sounds sweet right? WRONG. We move right to miami. I felt like the editors wanted Spencer to do things here and there and he went along with it. It felt rushed at spots, and even more so in the next volume.
On the good side Scott is a lot of fun. He really does make you smile a lot of the time while reading. His daughter is awesome and watching them together works really well. Also the side characters he gets in this series (and later keeps in the next volume) are great. I mean you got a guy dressed up like a bear. Not transformed into a bear. Dressed up as a freaking BEAR. I mean...just awesome.
So yeah it's a fun little read. The main plot is mindblowing but the characters are fun and that's what matters.
So Scott is the new Antman. He fun, he has a kickass teenage daughter, and he's about to start his job with Tony. Sounds sweet right? WRONG. We move right to miami. I felt like the editors wanted Spencer to do things here and there and he went along with it. It felt rushed at spots, and even more so in the next volume.
On the good side Scott is a lot of fun. He really does make you smile a lot of the time while reading. His daughter is awesome and watching them together works really well. Also the side characters he gets in this series (and later keeps in the next volume) are great. I mean you got a guy dressed up like a bear. Not transformed into a bear. Dressed up as a freaking BEAR. I mean...just awesome.
So yeah it's a fun little read. The main plot is mindblowing but the characters are fun and that's what matters.
September 15, 2023
Enjoyed this one a lot, you can see that this was definitely linked with the movie it had a very similar feel to that. A mostly fun story exploring Scott Lang as Antman, not much else to say it was an entertaining read!
April 3, 2017
Ant-Man Security Solutions: "Who knows how to not get your stuff stolen better than the guy who used to steal your stuff?"
This comic is an absolute blast. Seriously, it's one of the funniest comics I have ever read. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion and that's one of the highest compliments I can pay a comic that's designed to provide a lighter fare.
Nick Spencer's writing is just perfect for this title. The humor is equal parts intelligent, slapstick and self-aware of Ant-Man's place in the Marvel pecking order: He's a small timer. Pun intended.
Long story short, Scott Lang isn't dead anymore, but he might as well be. Lang can't catch a break. He has no money, no job, no place to live, no credibility and a criminal record nipping at his heels. But will that stop him or dampen his wit? Hardly.
We are treated to a well-paced adventure where Scotty tackles all kinds of tasks thrown his way, from interviewing for jobs and trying to find an apartment to fighting villains who vary from a guy in a grizzly bear suit to gold-making Nazi robots to his ex-wife.
In the backdrop we actually have a compelling overarching story line (with a familiar villain if you saw the movie) that has suitable stakes for the tone of the book.
I would really, really recommend you pick this up.
This comic is an absolute blast. Seriously, it's one of the funniest comics I have ever read. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion and that's one of the highest compliments I can pay a comic that's designed to provide a lighter fare.
Nick Spencer's writing is just perfect for this title. The humor is equal parts intelligent, slapstick and self-aware of Ant-Man's place in the Marvel pecking order: He's a small timer. Pun intended.
Long story short, Scott Lang isn't dead anymore, but he might as well be. Lang can't catch a break. He has no money, no job, no place to live, no credibility and a criminal record nipping at his heels. But will that stop him or dampen his wit? Hardly.
We are treated to a well-paced adventure where Scotty tackles all kinds of tasks thrown his way, from interviewing for jobs and trying to find an apartment to fighting villains who vary from a guy in a grizzly bear suit to gold-making Nazi robots to his ex-wife.
In the backdrop we actually have a compelling overarching story line (with a familiar villain if you saw the movie) that has suitable stakes for the tone of the book.
I would really, really recommend you pick this up.
July 5, 2015
Nach dem Riesenerfolg von HAWKEYE hat Marvel nun mit Scott Lang einen weiteren Protagonisten aus dem bürgerlichen (Anti-)Helden-Leben ins Rennen geschickt.
Scott, ein verurteilter Einbrecher und aktueller Ant-Man, steht nicht gerade auf der Erfolgsseite im Superhelden-Biz. Eigentlich würde es ihm schon genügen, wenn er eine kleine Sicherheitsfirma aufmachen und das Sorgerecht für seine Tochter bekommen könnte. Doch neben einigen Ganovengegnern ist es vor allem der Alltag, der ihn ins Schwitzen bringt...
Die Stories sind mittelprächtig und Scott Lang ein nicht unsympathischer Held, der aber leider recht stereotyp daher kommt. Also kein Vergleich mit Hawkeye. Die Zeichnungen und die Colorierung allerdings sind klasse und retten locker den dritten Stern.
Man darf hoffen, dass sich die Serie, die Potential hat, dynamisch weiter entwickelt.
Und falls man sich etwas wünschen dürfte: die WASP ist doch viel zu charmant, um sie einfach von Ant-Mans Seite zu nehmen!
Scott, ein verurteilter Einbrecher und aktueller Ant-Man, steht nicht gerade auf der Erfolgsseite im Superhelden-Biz. Eigentlich würde es ihm schon genügen, wenn er eine kleine Sicherheitsfirma aufmachen und das Sorgerecht für seine Tochter bekommen könnte. Doch neben einigen Ganovengegnern ist es vor allem der Alltag, der ihn ins Schwitzen bringt...
Die Stories sind mittelprächtig und Scott Lang ein nicht unsympathischer Held, der aber leider recht stereotyp daher kommt. Also kein Vergleich mit Hawkeye. Die Zeichnungen und die Colorierung allerdings sind klasse und retten locker den dritten Stern.
Man darf hoffen, dass sich die Serie, die Potential hat, dynamisch weiter entwickelt.
Und falls man sich etwas wünschen dürfte: die WASP ist doch viel zu charmant, um sie einfach von Ant-Mans Seite zu nehmen!
November 25, 2015
Every time I get pissed off with all the crossover 'events' and terrible cash-in books Marvel cranks out on a regular basis I read a book like the new Ant-Man title and I remember why I don't just cancel my Marvel Unlimited subscription.
Just like on his previous book, The Superior Foes of Spider-man #1, Nick Spencer shows us all that there really is no such thing as a bad character... just writers who don't know how to use them. (By 'bad character' I'm talking about the likes of Grizzly and Machinesmith; I feckin' LOVE Scott Lang!)
This book is crammed to the antennae with action, laughs and good old fashioned heartfelt feels. The story is engaging, the characters are well-written, the artwork is great, the dialogue sparkles... To be honest, Ant-Man has everything I want from a comicbook in spades! I hope it has a good, long run.
Just like on his previous book, The Superior Foes of Spider-man #1, Nick Spencer shows us all that there really is no such thing as a bad character... just writers who don't know how to use them. (By 'bad character' I'm talking about the likes of Grizzly and Machinesmith; I feckin' LOVE Scott Lang!)
This book is crammed to the antennae with action, laughs and good old fashioned heartfelt feels. The story is engaging, the characters are well-written, the artwork is great, the dialogue sparkles... To be honest, Ant-Man has everything I want from a comicbook in spades! I hope it has a good, long run.
December 18, 2015
I've been wanting to read an Ant-Man comic since the movie (which was a pleasant surprise) in July. Every time I go to start reading a new character I get lost on where to begin, however so many people told me to start here and I'm so glad I did. It was funny, had great dialogue and the art style was exactly what I was in the mood for. While this is not the beginning of Scott Lang's story, Nick Spencer definitely feeds you enough info for you to follow along. Definitely surprised with how much I enjoyed this one.
November 28, 2015
I definitely had higher expectations for this. Nick Spencer's Superior Foes books were very enjoyable, and it's clear Marvel considers him one of their handful of writers to take on the sillier, more self-deprecating and tongue-in-cheek titles. Unfortunately, all the jokes in these comics fell completely flat, and I couldn't care less about the characters by the end of it.
February 24, 2018
Very enjoyable and Good humor!
February 8, 2021
Four stars for the humor, more like two for the big-bad portion of the plot.
This is Scott Lang's Ant-Man, and he's looking for a job. Any job. He's been dead for a while, and he really needs the work. Like most of the best superhero comics I've read, the main thrust of the plot is more on the day-to-day street level type action rather than the big cosmic world-ending events that tend to characterize comics. The biggest thrust of the plot? Scott is trying to remain part of his daughter's life, and to be respectable enough a member of society that his ex-wife will let him be part of their lives.
The humor is great. Scott Lang lends himself to humor, and Nick Spencer does a great job of really nailing Scott's voice. Here he's meeting up with third-rate villains, dealing with arch-nemesis's that don't want to be associated with him, and driving everyone insane. It's fun. It's quick. It's the sort of story that is way too fun to read and the art is top-notch.
The only trouble is the final third or so of the book. Here it's more... well... we've trod this path before and it really isn't that special. It's too convenient and got an eyeroll from me, in spite of some great lines that were thrown around here and there during it. What could've been a great book was brought down a couple levels for that, but hey, it was still fun.
So, all in all?
Good enough that I'm looking forward to read Nick Spencer's Astonishing Ant-Man run.
This is Scott Lang's Ant-Man, and he's looking for a job. Any job. He's been dead for a while, and he really needs the work. Like most of the best superhero comics I've read, the main thrust of the plot is more on the day-to-day street level type action rather than the big cosmic world-ending events that tend to characterize comics. The biggest thrust of the plot? Scott is trying to remain part of his daughter's life, and to be respectable enough a member of society that his ex-wife will let him be part of their lives.
The humor is great. Scott Lang lends himself to humor, and Nick Spencer does a great job of really nailing Scott's voice. Here he's meeting up with third-rate villains, dealing with arch-nemesis's that don't want to be associated with him, and driving everyone insane. It's fun. It's quick. It's the sort of story that is way too fun to read and the art is top-notch.
The only trouble is the final third or so of the book. Here it's more... well... we've trod this path before and it really isn't that special. It's too convenient and got an eyeroll from me, in spite of some great lines that were thrown around here and there during it. What could've been a great book was brought down a couple levels for that, but hey, it was still fun.
So, all in all?
Good enough that I'm looking forward to read Nick Spencer's Astonishing Ant-Man run.
January 16, 2022
Man, I love Ant-Man, especially Scott Lang. My man is just trying to do the best for his daughter but he's a disaster.
Here we follow Scott as he moves to Miami after his ex moved his daughter there. In Miami he has the idea to make a security business- as he says who better to protect your stuff than someone who used to steal your stuff? But of course things can't go smooth for him so random villains keep showing up to fight him.
The first being an actual bear man who has him confused with a past Ant-Man but then he starts to work for him. We have Taskmaster attacking who Scott considers to be his rival but then Taskmaster is like uh no and I cackled.
Then we have some villain's son who Scott had previously killed (or something) wants to bring said villain back. Also he called his weird pink naked father daddy so idk what was going on with those dudes besides weirding up my day.
Scott has a computer / internet dude (like literally) join his team as well and I gotta say, while I thought his team from the movies was fun, bear dude and internet guy were so much cooler???
I wish we had seen more shrinking / growing things instead of just Scott talking but it was so funny he ONLY wears his Ant-Man suit the entire time lmao like dude why.
He lives in a doll house though and that is so freaking cute.
Here we follow Scott as he moves to Miami after his ex moved his daughter there. In Miami he has the idea to make a security business- as he says who better to protect your stuff than someone who used to steal your stuff? But of course things can't go smooth for him so random villains keep showing up to fight him.
The first being an actual bear man who has him confused with a past Ant-Man but then he starts to work for him. We have Taskmaster attacking who Scott considers to be his rival but then Taskmaster is like uh no and I cackled.
Then we have some villain's son who Scott had previously killed (or something) wants to bring said villain back. Also he called his weird pink naked father daddy so idk what was going on with those dudes besides weirding up my day.
Scott has a computer / internet dude (like literally) join his team as well and I gotta say, while I thought his team from the movies was fun, bear dude and internet guy were so much cooler???
I wish we had seen more shrinking / growing things instead of just Scott talking but it was so funny he ONLY wears his Ant-Man suit the entire time lmao like dude why.
He lives in a doll house though and that is so freaking cute.
August 19, 2015
Look, I’ve had a really shitty week. This, with its wry sense of humor, is just what I needed. Ant-Man is one of those superheroes, not unlike Aquaman, who’s frequently the butt of jokes. This comic, through strong writing, does a lot for humanizing the character with self-deprecating comedy and making the reader root for the underdog. Scott Lang’s kind of a fuck-up and an ex-con, but is otherwise a fairly normal guy who loves his daughter more than anything and is just trying to get his life together. Of course, he also happens to do some superhero-y stuff whether he wants to or not. Tons of hilarity ensues.
If you've seen the Ant-Man movie or haven't actually read an Ant-Man comic before, this would be a good introduction.
(The only thing puzzling to me was Scott’s daughter Cassie in this storyline. If you’ve read Allan Heinberg's Young Avengers you’ll know Cassie as Stature, but there’s no mention of that in this narrative. She seems aged down and has a “normal teenage life." Just a bit of puzzlement. Carry on.)
If you've seen the Ant-Man movie or haven't actually read an Ant-Man comic before, this would be a good introduction.
(The only thing puzzling to me was Scott’s daughter Cassie in this storyline. If you’ve read Allan Heinberg's Young Avengers you’ll know Cassie as Stature, but there’s no mention of that in this narrative. She seems aged down and has a “normal teenage life." Just a bit of puzzlement. Carry on.)
July 11, 2015
Idiotic.
Right off the bat. Ant-man fights an ATOMIC-POWERED NAZI ROBOT that's been keep in sleep mode since WW2. Okay, now. Think about that for a moment. And just exactly how dumb that is.
It just gets worse from there. Spencer has made a nifty hero into a grade F schmuck. He's become such a loser it's painful to read every page. Scott Lang's fiery red mane has been turned brown *An insult to all Scottish-Americans like myself* as a bow to the Marvel film I presume.
And what's up with Cassie? How was she made so much younger? Was she umm de-aged? And so buffoonish? It's as if she's never had super-hero experiences of her own? WTF? C'mon, wasn't she an Avenger herself?
This book is insulting to Ant-man fans, Scott Lang fans, Scottish-Americans and Marvel supporters.
Avoid it like the plague.
Right off the bat. Ant-man fights an ATOMIC-POWERED NAZI ROBOT that's been keep in sleep mode since WW2. Okay, now. Think about that for a moment. And just exactly how dumb that is.
It just gets worse from there. Spencer has made a nifty hero into a grade F schmuck. He's become such a loser it's painful to read every page. Scott Lang's fiery red mane has been turned brown *An insult to all Scottish-Americans like myself* as a bow to the Marvel film I presume.
And what's up with Cassie? How was she made so much younger? Was she umm de-aged? And so buffoonish? It's as if she's never had super-hero experiences of her own? WTF? C'mon, wasn't she an Avenger herself?
This book is insulting to Ant-man fans, Scott Lang fans, Scottish-Americans and Marvel supporters.
Avoid it like the plague.
November 15, 2015
Pretty standard Spencer stuff here, highly irreverent (and funny!) but still with some affection for his characters' feelings. Plenty of throwbacks and nods to his work on Superior Spider-man, including appearances by Beetle and Grizzly. Definitely worth checking out, not far off in tone from the recent Ant-Man film.
I give this volume 3 out of 5, because...
I give this volume 3 out of 5, because...
October 12, 2019
Scott Lang is really a dick in this. Spencer can write funny (see much of the Superior Foes of Spider-Man), but he also has a tendency for the comedy to go too far into creepy (see The Fix) and this one goes over the edge. The artwork is that functional stuff that featured in the Fraction/Aja Hawkeye series.
June 30, 2015
This gives me a ton of hope for the upcoming Ant-Man movie. The character is funny and incredibly heart felt. I know the movie is going to differ in a lot of ways, but there's definitely a solid base to build on. I'll absolutely be reading the next volume.
November 17, 2015
Captivating, funny and charming, in the same vein as Fraction's Hawkeye. A really great follow-up to those who are fans of Fraction's tone. It should be easy to pass this one on to friends who see the film and know there is something to enjoy for anyone.
February 9, 2016
3.5-4
Speaking of Ant-Man, I can't wait for the second movie, man.
Speaking of Ant-Man, I can't wait for the second movie, man.
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