Ant-Man #1: A Roundabout Review

Ant-Man, or rather Hank Pym was a founding member of the Avengers. He is probably also one of Marvel's first failed attempts to revitalize a character. Hank became Giant-Man, Yellow Jacket, and Goliath all early on in his career. During his West Coast Avengers days he gave up and just became Dr. Pym using his Pym particles to do all the work. Marvel once again tried to revitalize Ant-Man using a new character to fill the boots. Scott Lang, a criminal, attempted to do the right thing, much like years earlier when Luke Cage put aside his criminal ways. 

Scott Lang wasn't the greatest Ant-Man. He was flawed as a hero, but as a martyr, he was better. Marvel has a repertoire of heroes who have returned from the dead. Scott was no different. A week into the new year has a new Marvel #1. Multiple variant covers has Marvel feeling this is the next best thing, but how do you get people to believe that Ant-Man is the book to get. I imagine the check list looks as follows:

Bring Character Back from the dead: check

Create huge movie franchise: check 

Spread rumors: check

Hire all star cast: check 

Hire director: check

Publish new Ant Man comic: check.

But how good is it? Nick Spencer created an issue that stands alone. A solid opening with flashbacks allowing new readers and old ones alike get a feel for the character. Ramon Rosanas illustrates the tail with Jordan Boyd. I read along wanting to hate the thing from the beginning. I wanted Marvel to fail so I wouldn't have to spend a little more money every month. It looks like that isn't happening. The first issue is a good opening. The stage is set, now I'm waiting for the curtain to raise.

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