Ant-Man #1 cover by Mark Brooks |
I'll backtrack slightly. I was at my local comic book shop (great people by the way—check out yours now, if you haven't already) picking up my weekly pull list. On the counter is a stand for notable new comics the shop wants to make everyone aware of (and try to sell more of). This week's spot light was none other than Ant-Man #1. While my pile of books was scanned for purchase, I quickly flicked through a copy, I had heard good things anyway. Seeing me do this, the owner remarked how funny it was and highly recommended the read. So there I was, cash in hand, just a little bit left to splurge, it wasn't going to break the bank, so why not? On a whim, I got the book.
Best decision this week!
I digress, let's get back to the task at hand, there is so much more that can be said of Ant-Man #1.
From the start writer Nick Spencer makes bold, decisive choices about characterization. The setup is smoothly achieved, all the while presenting a rough-hewn Scott Lang as Ant-Man. Ultimately, though, this is a story about personal redemption.
The job he didn't know he wanted, but needed. |
There are pure moments of loveliness here. The relationships explored of Lang's immediate family are a fantastic touch to the narrative and only enhance this book. In this regard, Ant-Man #1 has the feeling of being Hawkeye-esque. Following in the award-winning style of Matt Fraction and David Aja, Marvel may be onto a winner here.
The book has a familiar superhero feeling, but places the central characters squarely in reality, akin to what we would expect from today's New York setting. The modern pop culture references and down-on-your-luck tone combined with a narrative style and artwork that is dramatic in an incredibly accessible way are a recipe for a hit series.
Ant-Man shows why its size that matters |
Acknowledgement must go to the letterer, Travis Lanham, for allowing the story to flow. Given the scope of the narrative, backstory, and setup involved in a first issue, there was a lot of work here for Lanham, which he pulled off superbly. Mention should also go out to colorist Jordan Boyd on this issue. The colors of any comic have a profound effect on the final book, and with Ant-Man #1, the right approach has been utilized. The colors are not grabbing for attention. They are grounded: soft and subdued, supporting the final product, not clamoring for showmanship. Please understand is a skill from any colorist. The tone and feel Boyd provides is spot-on.
Ant-Man takes on Iron Man |
As always, if you have read Ant-Man #1, please tell us what you thought. We want to hear your thoughts and opinion, so leave a comment below or head on over to the Fanboys Anonymous Facebook or Twitter depots and make your mark there. Make sure you come back this way next next month for issue #2.
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