CREDIT: Marvel
Rating: 4/5 – A Fun, Lighthearted New Series Starring Squirrel Girl?
by ComicSpectrum senior reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
First appearing in an issue of the second volume of Marvel Super Heroes, Doreen Green, a.k.a.,Squirrel Girl hasn’t been the most popular of characters. This isn’t all that surprising considering she has the peculiar power of being able to speak to squirrels, as well as and thankfully, mutant powers that give her super strength so she can stand alongside the heroes she hangs out with. In the first issue of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, writer Ryan North and artist Erica Henderson embrace her quirkiness, buck teeth and all and present a fun first issue that will cater to all ages.
As we first meet Squirrel Girl, she’s stopping a burglary while singing her self created theme song in the same tune as the 1960s Spider-Man cartoon theme. That sets the tone for this book going forward as Doreen looks to move out of Avengers Mansion and attend Empire State University. This leads into a seemingly all too convenient encounter with Kraven that although diminishes Kraven’s threat as a villain, adds another layer of humor and cheerful banter. Ryan North makes Doreen an endearing and innocent character, and that’s what makes this book stand out. She isn’t supposed to be so serious, or put into the same type of scenarios as the Avengers. Even her slightly off appearance is embraced, and wonderfully so by artist Erika Henderson.
Primarily a video game artist, Henderson does a great job of making Doreen seem “real”. It’s a cartoony look, but Doreen has a pair of buckteeth, and because she has a large tail, she’s drawn with as Doreen says, “a conspicuously large and conspicuously awesome butt”. Henderson makes Doreen just a bit awkward looking which is exactly as you’d expect her to look. Her clean lines make the book a joy to look at and the bright colors by Rico Renzi add to the bright and cheery feel.
Much like the Ms. Marvel title , Marvel is giving readers another all ages book without having to set it in an all-ages line like their Marvel Adventures titles. Doreen is a funny, engaging and original character in this book and is probably closest to what original creator Will Murray had in mind when he first created her back in the early 1990s. This is a carefree book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s enjoyable entertainment, and although I’ve never imagined uttering the following, I’m looking forward to reading more of the lighthearted adventures of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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