BY KAYLEE BREWSTER
As a self-admitted film addict, I watch a lot of movies. And when you watch a lot of movies you can’t help but watch a few comic-book adaptations.
I particularly love a good superhero flick, and have come to realize that movies are not enough to quench my thirst for comics. So I started reading them, which has led to a new addiction — comic books.
Here are some newly released comics that stand out. I welcome you to join me at Comic Book Addicts Anonymous meetings. Don’t worry, we’re friendly, but we will argue to the death about who would win a fight between ... Well, never mind.
“Ant-Man” Issue No. 1 written by Nick Spencer and artists Ramon Rosanna and Jordan Boyd
Ant-Man is a hot topic as Marvel studios is releasing its film based on the comic this year. Tip: Read the book before you watch the movie.
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The story follows Scott Lang as the current Ant-Man, and focuses more on his domestic life rather than that of his superhero alter-ego.
Although the story isn’t exactly action-packed, it does a good job of setting up who Scott is and what he can do as Ant-Man.
Where “Ant-Man” really shines is in its humor. The writing isn’t afraid to poke fun of its titular hero commenting on how his superpowers might seem a little lame compared to those of other heroes.
The artwork is not the most realistic or detailed in terms of style, but it still shows emotion without a cartoonish look.
“Ant-Man” is the perfect introduction if you want to get to know him before the film.
“The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” Issue No. 1 written by Ryan North and artists Erica Henderson and Rico Renzi
“What? Squirrel Girl?” is the usual reaction to this title. Yes, it’s about Squirrel Girl, aka Doreen Green, who has the proportional strength and speed of a squirrel. And she talks to them. Squirrel Girl is heading to college and she has to maintain her secret identity, which is harder than it looks.
Squirrel Girl works because of its silly fun. While the writing doesn’t take itself seriously, our hero does. Although she might be naive in how to be a regular person, she is capable of handling villains. And her naivety doesn’t make her dumb, it makes her human — and the writing funny.
The artwork looks like a Saturday-morning cartoon, which helps with the light, fun tone. Squirrel Girl’s getup and appearance is perfect as well, all the way down to her acorn earrings and buck teeth.
If you want kid-friendly, kooky fun, get “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.”
“The Death of Wolverine” Issue Nos. 1-4 written by Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven
Yep, you read that right. The death of Wolverine. Marvel Comics has decided that the fan-favorite clawed, beer-drinking, beserker-raged, immortal mutant will die. Or “die” in comic-book terms.
The artwork for “The Death of Wolverine” is simply beautiful. McNiven has become one of my favorite artists for his realistic and detailed drawings. It makes you pause at every panel.
But the real reason to pick up “The Death of Wolverine” is to read the emotional journey of the mutant finally meeting his long-avoided death. It’s everything fans of “Wolvie” could ask for, and it’s perfect for his character.
“The Death of Wolverine” is a must-read for Wolverine aficionados — and it might break your heart.
Brewster can be reached at (208) 848-2238 or by email at kbrewster@lmtribune.com.
