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Ant-Man (2015)
Ant-Man #1 Cover B Skottie Young Baby Cover
Scott Lang has never exactly been the world's best super hero. Heck, most people don't even think he's been the best ANT-MAN - and the last guy invented Ultron and joined the Masters of Evil, so that's saying something. But when the SUPERIOR IRON MAN calls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott's going to get a chance to turn it all around and be the hero he's always dreamed of being. Sure he's been to prison! Sure he's been through a messy divorce! Sure he's been, um... dead. But this time is different! This time nothing is gonna stop the astonishing ANT-MAN!
Comic
First published January 7, 2015
About the author
Nick Spencer
1,015 books348 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 11, 2015
With the movie out, I thought I'd try to get my hands on this, and see if they did as well with the comic as they did the big screen version.
Ehhh. This first issue is ok.
To be honest, it didn't Wow! me like I was hoping..
But there were some really good lines sprinkled throughout, so I have hope that this is going to turn out to be a good title, eventually.
So this first issue sets up who Scott was/is, and gives a condensed past origin for him. Looking back, I think Spencer did a really good job hitting the major highlights of Lang's story.
Former affiliation with teams?
Check!
Bitchy ex-wife who (underneath it all) means well?
Check!
Good relationship with his daughter (except hard b/c of above angry ex-wife)? Check!
Shows off what Scott can do with tiny-man powers?
Check!
Addresses that he used to be sort of dead?
Check!
Sorry, I don't have a panel for that one, so just enjoy this lovely GIF, instead.
Ok, now that I think about what all Spencer covered in one issue, I'm sort of impressed. In fact, I was originally going to give this one 3 stars, but I think it actually deserves more.
Huh. Did I just talk myself into a higher rating?
Anne: That's pretty impressive!
Anne: Thanks, Anne. I love to hear from fans.
Anne: *giggles* I just love reading your reviews!
Anne: *flips hair* I'm so glad to hear that. I try my best.
Anne: Well...
Anne: What?
Anne: Feels like you've been phoning it in lately. You know, just...
Anne: Just...what?
Anne: You know, sometimes you just write nonsense.
Anne: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Anne: *raises eyebrow* Yes you do.
Anne: You know what? F-you! It's not like I'm getting paid for this shit!
Anne: Is that any way to talk to a fan?
Anne: I'm hanging up now.
Anne: You know I'm not actually on the phone with you right?
Anne: *click*
So, yeah. I'm thinking Nick Spencer was the right guy for this title. He did a great job with Superior Foes of Spider-Man, and he brings that same brand of offbeat loser humor to this issue. Now, it doesn't shine quite as brightly as SFoS...yet. But I'm kinda excited to get my hands on the next issue and see if he can work his magic on Ant-Man!
Ehhh. This first issue is ok.
To be honest, it didn't Wow! me like I was hoping..
But there were some really good lines sprinkled throughout, so I have hope that this is going to turn out to be a good title, eventually.
So this first issue sets up who Scott was/is, and gives a condensed past origin for him. Looking back, I think Spencer did a really good job hitting the major highlights of Lang's story.
Former affiliation with teams?
Check!
Bitchy ex-wife who (underneath it all) means well?
Check!
Good relationship with his daughter (except hard b/c of above angry ex-wife)? Check!
Shows off what Scott can do with tiny-man powers?
Check!
Addresses that he used to be sort of dead?
Check!
Sorry, I don't have a panel for that one, so just enjoy this lovely GIF, instead.
Ok, now that I think about what all Spencer covered in one issue, I'm sort of impressed. In fact, I was originally going to give this one 3 stars, but I think it actually deserves more.
Huh. Did I just talk myself into a higher rating?
Anne: That's pretty impressive!
Anne: Thanks, Anne. I love to hear from fans.
Anne: *giggles* I just love reading your reviews!
Anne: *flips hair* I'm so glad to hear that. I try my best.
Anne: Well...
Anne: What?
Anne: Feels like you've been phoning it in lately. You know, just...
Anne: Just...what?
Anne: You know, sometimes you just write nonsense.
Anne: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Anne: *raises eyebrow* Yes you do.
Anne: You know what? F-you! It's not like I'm getting paid for this shit!
Anne: Is that any way to talk to a fan?
Anne: I'm hanging up now.
Anne: You know I'm not actually on the phone with you right?
Anne: *click*
So, yeah. I'm thinking Nick Spencer was the right guy for this title. He did a great job with Superior Foes of Spider-Man, and he brings that same brand of offbeat loser humor to this issue. Now, it doesn't shine quite as brightly as SFoS...yet. But I'm kinda excited to get my hands on the next issue and see if he can work his magic on Ant-Man!
January 8, 2015
Like the re-launched Guardians of the Galaxy comic familiarising readers in advance of the movie, Ant-Man gets a new Marvel NOW! title six months before we see the (pun not intended) big screen Ant-Man in theatres this July.
Scott Lang is divorced with a teenage daughter, Cassie, he rarely sees. He lives in a studio flat, doesn’t have a job, doesn’t have money and life in general is not great for this middle-aged reformed criminal turned superhero. Then Tony Stark offers him an opportunity to become his new head of security and things look like they could turn around for him. Will Scott become the father he wants to be to his kid?
This extra-long (and extra-expensive!) first issue sets out to introduce this relatively unknown character to new readers and does a fine job of that. It’s just that the way it’s done is a bit artless – Scott goes for an interview and we get a truncated version of his life story via that. Then writer Nick Spencer lays out what this series is going to be about and I immediately lost interest: it’s all about Scott wanting to be a good dad. Zzz…
There’s not much story besides exploring this and introducing Scott in the issue. Scott’s a reformed thief who used to break into offices and he does the same here to win over Tony Stark (or Superior Iron Man as he’s known these days even though, barring the armour, he’s indistinguishable from regular Iron Man). Spencer gives Cassie some boring dialogue where she rants about how The Hunger Games is a ripoff of Battle Royale - wow, never heard that before! – before sending her and her mother off to Florida. I’d say “because Plot” but actually it makes sense. I mean, if you were a parent in the Marvel Universe, wouldn’t you move away from New York City? The place is a lightning rod for all the evil in the universe because of Avengers Tower/the Baxter Building being slap bang in the middle of it! And it’s even more dangerous for Cassie being the daughter of a superhero!
I liked how Spencer and artist Ramon Rosanas used Ant-Man’s powers in this issue. He may have a studio flat, which is small for an adult, but shrink down? It’s MASSIVE! Ditto the small amount of toothpaste left in the tube. Shrink down, get inside the tube, and that small glob becomes huge. Need a flat? Buy a toy house, shrink down and move in! Need a big screen TV? Set up your phone to play a movie, then shrink down so it looks like a cinema screen! It’s very imaginative.
And while the creative team does a decent job of informing readers about Scott Lang’s character (which looks identical to Paul Rudd’s depiction, going by the recently released trailer), it’s a good self-contained issue – except it’s an ongoing series! A good first issue should ideally pump up the audience to read the next issue, and the next, etc. and this one doesn’t. I feel like I’ve got everything I need just from this and I’m now good! Nor does it whet my appetite for the movie which has to be one of its objectives.
The other thing too is that Scott does such a thorough job of telling you what a loser he is without really proving otherwise that you end up believing him – he IS a waste of time, why am I reading about him?!
The biggest problem though is that the divorced dad “doing right by his kid” (which is an actual phrase in the comic, ugh!) storyline doesn’t grab me at all. In that way, Ant-Man #1 is unfortunately looking a lot like the movie: it’s fine but not terribly exciting or fun.
Scott Lang is divorced with a teenage daughter, Cassie, he rarely sees. He lives in a studio flat, doesn’t have a job, doesn’t have money and life in general is not great for this middle-aged reformed criminal turned superhero. Then Tony Stark offers him an opportunity to become his new head of security and things look like they could turn around for him. Will Scott become the father he wants to be to his kid?
This extra-long (and extra-expensive!) first issue sets out to introduce this relatively unknown character to new readers and does a fine job of that. It’s just that the way it’s done is a bit artless – Scott goes for an interview and we get a truncated version of his life story via that. Then writer Nick Spencer lays out what this series is going to be about and I immediately lost interest: it’s all about Scott wanting to be a good dad. Zzz…
There’s not much story besides exploring this and introducing Scott in the issue. Scott’s a reformed thief who used to break into offices and he does the same here to win over Tony Stark (or Superior Iron Man as he’s known these days even though, barring the armour, he’s indistinguishable from regular Iron Man). Spencer gives Cassie some boring dialogue where she rants about how The Hunger Games is a ripoff of Battle Royale - wow, never heard that before! – before sending her and her mother off to Florida. I’d say “because Plot” but actually it makes sense. I mean, if you were a parent in the Marvel Universe, wouldn’t you move away from New York City? The place is a lightning rod for all the evil in the universe because of Avengers Tower/the Baxter Building being slap bang in the middle of it! And it’s even more dangerous for Cassie being the daughter of a superhero!
I liked how Spencer and artist Ramon Rosanas used Ant-Man’s powers in this issue. He may have a studio flat, which is small for an adult, but shrink down? It’s MASSIVE! Ditto the small amount of toothpaste left in the tube. Shrink down, get inside the tube, and that small glob becomes huge. Need a flat? Buy a toy house, shrink down and move in! Need a big screen TV? Set up your phone to play a movie, then shrink down so it looks like a cinema screen! It’s very imaginative.
And while the creative team does a decent job of informing readers about Scott Lang’s character (which looks identical to Paul Rudd’s depiction, going by the recently released trailer), it’s a good self-contained issue – except it’s an ongoing series! A good first issue should ideally pump up the audience to read the next issue, and the next, etc. and this one doesn’t. I feel like I’ve got everything I need just from this and I’m now good! Nor does it whet my appetite for the movie which has to be one of its objectives.
The other thing too is that Scott does such a thorough job of telling you what a loser he is without really proving otherwise that you end up believing him – he IS a waste of time, why am I reading about him?!
The biggest problem though is that the divorced dad “doing right by his kid” (which is an actual phrase in the comic, ugh!) storyline doesn’t grab me at all. In that way, Ant-Man #1 is unfortunately looking a lot like the movie: it’s fine but not terribly exciting or fun.
January 13, 2015
This is definitely a good entry point into the character ahead of the movie. I thought the writer did a good job of capturing the kind of person Scott Lang/Ant-Man is, and his struggles with commitment to working and being a family man, and not just focusing on his super power at the cost of him being two-dimensional. Additionally, the Tony Stark/Iron-Man cameo was great.
February 27, 2015
3.5/5
This a good entry point for Ant-Man, who I've never read before.
Ant-Man is breaking and entering on Iron Man's apartment. Why? Let's back up to this morning where Ant-Man is interviewing for a position in Stark Industries. The interview serves well to see how clumsy Scott Lang can be and to provide his background story. That way we learn how he is quickly and it doesn't feel shoehorned.
Although you have to wonder was the point in the whole Stark shenanigan when he ends up moving to Miami at the end of the issue, the mission was enjoyable to read.
Lang's ex-wife is the weakest point of the issue. Without experiencing first hand their marriage, it's difficult to understand why she is so weary of Lang, especially when he looks like such a good father. The chemistry between him and his daughter is the thing I liked most (the Battle Royale bit was real fun, I'm with you there).
I'm intrigued by the new Miami setting, so many comics are set in NY and you know, it's not the only city in the world.
This a good entry point for Ant-Man, who I've never read before.
Ant-Man is breaking and entering on Iron Man's apartment. Why? Let's back up to this morning where Ant-Man is interviewing for a position in Stark Industries. The interview serves well to see how clumsy Scott Lang can be and to provide his background story. That way we learn how he is quickly and it doesn't feel shoehorned.
Although you have to wonder was the point in the whole Stark shenanigan when he ends up moving to Miami at the end of the issue, the mission was enjoyable to read.
Lang's ex-wife is the weakest point of the issue. Without experiencing first hand their marriage, it's difficult to understand why she is so weary of Lang, especially when he looks like such a good father. The chemistry between him and his daughter is the thing I liked most (the Battle Royale bit was real fun, I'm with you there).
I'm intrigued by the new Miami setting, so many comics are set in NY and you know, it's not the only city in the world.
February 3, 2015
Great introduction to this incarnation of Ant-Man. I really liked this first issue and I'm glad it's one of my pick-ups. I'll gladly pick this run up.
Scott Lang is a very likeable character. An antihero. I love how he casually uses his powers. How he, being kind of broke, shrinks down to ant-size to brush his teeth with the little tooth paste that he has left. Or how he buys a toy appartement to actually live in. There are some funny moments. Tony Stark makes a fun cameo.
I like the art, the references to pop culture and how the characters and story is set up in this fisrt issue. I'm curious to see where this story will go from here.
I highly recommend this to any one. It's worth checking out.
Scott Lang is a very likeable character. An antihero. I love how he casually uses his powers. How he, being kind of broke, shrinks down to ant-size to brush his teeth with the little tooth paste that he has left. Or how he buys a toy appartement to actually live in. There are some funny moments. Tony Stark makes a fun cameo.
I like the art, the references to pop culture and how the characters and story is set up in this fisrt issue. I'm curious to see where this story will go from here.
I highly recommend this to any one. It's worth checking out.
March 17, 2021
This came out just before the movie and I guess at this point it would be hard for anyone to separate Paul Rudd from Ant-Man (and thats not a bad thing). Rudd by the way ran over Jennifer Anniston's foot with a Segway on the cast of friends. There is also a great Conan podcast where he talks about how awkward he made it on the final taping of Friends as he was the outsider
Anyways this comic is a great and entertaining intro to the comic book character even if you have no background info and Rudd was perfect for the role, good job casting!!!
Other highlights
- Mad Men reference
- Scott's resume is double sided
- Kobayshi Maru reference (from Star Trek)
- Father daughter scenes are sweet
Anyways this comic is a great and entertaining intro to the comic book character even if you have no background info and Rudd was perfect for the role, good job casting!!!
Other highlights
- Mad Men reference
- Scott's resume is double sided
- Kobayshi Maru reference (from Star Trek)
- Father daughter scenes are sweet
August 29, 2018
Little goofy of a start, but I like it.
January 3, 2020
I tried hard to enjoy it but couldn’t for the life of me.
March 23, 2017
My new favorite super-hero written by a writer I knew was awesome from the first time I read some of his work.
I'm essentially Ant-Man. This must be what it's like to be black or Asian or LGBT and finally find a hero that's just like you. I may not be single or unemployed, but the parts about him dealing with custody, visitation, and a crazy baby-mamma.... let's just say it's nice to see aspects of my life show up in one of my favorite genres.
God and the hilarious dialogue tho-----!!!!
Thanks Nick!!!!!
I'm essentially Ant-Man. This must be what it's like to be black or Asian or LGBT and finally find a hero that's just like you. I may not be single or unemployed, but the parts about him dealing with custody, visitation, and a crazy baby-mamma.... let's just say it's nice to see aspects of my life show up in one of my favorite genres.
God and the hilarious dialogue tho-----!!!!
Thanks Nick!!!!!
August 10, 2015
All right! I think this one rather rocked. So so much better than the other two Ant-Man comic series I read, and even though I've never read any of the Pym stories, I'm not entirely certain I want to, either.
This one, on the other hand, has good humor, good art, and a snappy story. I'm finding little fault in it, and I'm even including that weird frame where the Thing had a girl's head. What the hell was up with that?
Anyway, the Ant-Comics are redeemed! Gotta love a slacker hero.
This one, on the other hand, has good humor, good art, and a snappy story. I'm finding little fault in it, and I'm even including that weird frame where the Thing had a girl's head. What the hell was up with that?
Anyway, the Ant-Comics are redeemed! Gotta love a slacker hero.
August 13, 2016
Before reading this comic I only had watched the film. I knew nothing more about ant-man. I chose to read this volume because I read a recommendation at http://www.zonanegativa.com/top-10-co... that put this volume number #5 in a top ten list of best stand-alone marvel comics of the past decade. And it's well earned.
October 19, 2018
It's a very good book.
April 23, 2015
Wanted to like this more than I did.
The good: Scott is a good dad, the new suit is snazzy, it was a good intro to Ant-man's history for newer readers, decent art and moving him to a setting you don't see many super heroes based is nice.
The bad: Ant-man is a loser! Have we mentioned he's a loser? He's marvel's Aquaman.
Every freakin' page this happens.
The loser is piled on with a shovel and at no point does Scott act like he doesn't think he's anything but a loser.
It's not funny and after a couple pages it wasn't even that interesting.
I'd like to try a couple more issues, see if we start with Scott at rock bottom and the rest is him building up, but if it stays at this Kieth Giffen's JLA-level, then I'll move on.
Oh yeah, and Tony Stark is a complete dick the whole issue. Is this the radical change of the Superior Iron man? Tony is a jerk?
The good: Scott is a good dad, the new suit is snazzy, it was a good intro to Ant-man's history for newer readers, decent art and moving him to a setting you don't see many super heroes based is nice.
The bad: Ant-man is a loser! Have we mentioned he's a loser? He's marvel's Aquaman.
Every freakin' page this happens.
The loser is piled on with a shovel and at no point does Scott act like he doesn't think he's anything but a loser.
It's not funny and after a couple pages it wasn't even that interesting.
I'd like to try a couple more issues, see if we start with Scott at rock bottom and the rest is him building up, but if it stays at this Kieth Giffen's JLA-level, then I'll move on.
Oh yeah, and Tony Stark is a complete dick the whole issue. Is this the radical change of the Superior Iron man? Tony is a jerk?
September 15, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ISSUE!
Coming from someone who has never read any Ant Man comics - I thought this was a fantastic introductory issue into the life of Scott Lang as as Ant Man. He has the perfect balance of witty humor and heartfelt emotion, I was in love with his character from page one. His effort and determination to try and provide a better life for his daughter was precious. Also, the trying to steal the source code from Tony Stark scene had me in stitches.
Coming from someone who has never read any Ant Man comics - I thought this was a fantastic introductory issue into the life of Scott Lang as as Ant Man. He has the perfect balance of witty humor and heartfelt emotion, I was in love with his character from page one. His effort and determination to try and provide a better life for his daughter was precious. Also, the trying to steal the source code from Tony Stark scene had me in stitches.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2015
A fun and funny comic, only reason I picked this up was because of the upcoming movie. Edgar Wright is one of my favorite directors and if he thought this stupid superhero would make a good story, that was enough for me. He really is a lame and stupid superhero and he knows it, but I think he might just turn out awesome. I'll be reading this monthly as it's released.
July 26, 2015
A absolute blast of a read with lively art work funny writing a perfect reintroduction to
a character who's had a very interesting comic history but very easy to understand for new readers who know nothing of ant mans history will find a lot to like in fact I would easily compare this to Hawkeye another marvel comic
That is very down to earth an relatable I recommend checking this out
a character who's had a very interesting comic history but very easy to understand for new readers who know nothing of ant mans history will find a lot to like in fact I would easily compare this to Hawkeye another marvel comic
That is very down to earth an relatable I recommend checking this out
June 15, 2017
Really enjoyed it. Gave me background information about the character.
I don't really know much about Ant-Man so this was a fun read. May be picking up the second issue to see where it's heading.
I don't really know much about Ant-Man so this was a fun read. May be picking up the second issue to see where it's heading.
January 7, 2015
Clever beginning of a series.
August 4, 2015
Picked this up from my LCS today and it's the best Marvel related comic I've read in a while. Scott Lang is a witty, funny, and compelling protagonist who's almost instantly likable.
January 10, 2015
scott lang is such a great hero and loves cassie so much it fucking gives me chest pain, life is so unfair.
January 12, 2015
Great Start. I'm on board!
January 30, 2015
Great standalone story. I don't even feel the need to read any more issues! :)
Read
September 1, 2015AM am v.1
June 12, 2015
Cara: 4 stars.
Emily: 3 stars.
Emily: 3 stars.
June 17, 2016
Sugar Pop 2016 challenge - graphic novel
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews