Ant-Man is known for his tiny stature. But he also hasn’t produced many “big” comic moments over the years either.
Despite being one of the founding Avengers way back in 1963, Ant-Man has been relegated to the shadows. The perpetual underdog has been forced to share the spotlight, mostly appearing in team-up books alongside other characters.
Although recently, this has changed. With the MCU films (and Paul Rudd’s hilarious performance), interest in the character has risen steadily. As popularity has increased, so too has the number of Ant-Man comics. Even though he’s headlined his own books more frequently since the film was released, there are still plenty of classic titles to choose from.
Fans are now discovering how rich and complex the character truly is. Since he’s never been a top-tier hero, creators have had more freedom to explore in-depth, sophisticated stories. Ant-Man comics have routinely straddled the line between hero and villain, showing a man who struggles with relationships and living up to expectations. The weight and relevance behind these stories are palpable.
To honor the tiniest Avengers, we’ve narrowed down our “shortlist” of the best Ant-Man comics.
Marvel Premiere #47-48 (1979)
Debut entries can be hit or miss. Although readers are first introduced to Scott Lang in the pages of Avengers #181, this two-issue story features him in the Ant-Man suit for the first time. It establishes the character as a good-natured guy, while still packing in a lot of character development. Scott Lang, desperate to save his daughter from a life-threatening illness, reverts to his criminal past and breaks into the home of Hank Pym. He is looking for jewelry and cash. Instead, he finds the scientist’s shrinking suit. Aware of this the entire time, Hank Pym allows Scott Lang to keep the Ant-Man suit as long as he uses it for good. Written by Bob Layton, this should sound familiar to most fans. This arc served as the primary origin story in Ant-Man’s first MCU movie.
Tales To Astonish #35 (1962)
Any list of Ant-Man comics wouldn’t be complete with the story where it all began. Although Hank Pym first appeared in issue #27 of this series, he perfected the serum here. This story shows the hero fashioning the iconic helmet that enables him to communicate and control insects. Legendary creators Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby spin a tale that lays the foundation for the future Avenger.
Ant-Man & The Wasp #1-5 (2018)
While many vintage comics exude the nostalgia of the Silver Age, many newer Ant-Man comics share stories that reflect a more modern interpretation of the character. Ant-Man & The Wasp #1-5 captures the latter. A direct tie-in with the MCU sequel by the same name, Mark Waid’s storytelling is much more in line with the cinema style. Readers are treated to a fun, easy-to-follow romp. As Scott Lang tries to make it back to earth for his daughter’s birthday, the duo is entangled inside the microverse.
The Astonishing Ant-Man #1-13 (2015)
Scott Lang puts his spin on “hero for hire.” He tries to turn his superpowers into a for-profit security business. Scott Lang’s life is a rollercoaster, juggling his responsibilities as businessman, superhero, and father. When he seemingly fails at all the above, Ant-Man finds himself at a crossroads: continue to be heroic or go back to his former life of crime. As with most of Nick Spencer’s work, hilarity ensures. Of all the Ant-Man comics on this list, MCU fans will appreciate this arc the most. The Scott Lang depicted here is a direct descendant of Paul Rudd’s interpretation of the character. It’s lighthearted and silly with the right amount of emotional weight.
Avengers #500 (2004)
This landmark issue is also perhaps the most tragic. Brian Michael Bendis delivers a gut-wrenching anniversary issue that launched the Avengers Disassembled event.
The oversized story includes many noteworthy plot points, including She-Hulk dismembering Vision. But the most memorable is the death of Scott Lang. Jack of Hearts, known for his inability to control his powers, explodes and kills the Avenger.
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6-7 (2011)
Spoiler alert. Comic deaths rarely last. Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6-7 proves this point. Scott Lang’s death is retconned in this arc, which is the chronological follow-up to Avengers #500.
The Scarlet Witch, who’s drifting between the mutant’s savior and destroyer at the moment, pulls Scott Lang into the future. This resets and explains away his absence and the previously-mentioned explosion. While this is one of the best Ant-Man comics, it is also crammed full of action. This story features an epic fight between the Avengers, X-Men, and Doctor Doom.
Ant-Man: Season One (2012)
If you aren’t tired of origin stories, the Season One entries are fantastic re-imaginings. At the helm of this original graphic novel is Tom DeFalco and Horacio Domingues.
The acclaimed creators pen a tale that breaks down who Hank Pym is at his core. They unravel his affirming qualities and expose his flaws, as a scientist, husband, and man. It’s a tremendous exploration of the original Ant-Man’s fears and insecurities and how these demons fuel his drive.
It’s also a great introduction to the titular hero’s key supporting characters, like Janet Van Dyne, Giant-Man, Goliath, and Yellowjacket.
Avengers: Rage of Ultron (2015)
The story of Hank Pym and Ultron, his worst creation, will always be inextricably linked. Ultron first appeared in 1968 but returns to wreak havoc in this original graphic novel. When the powerful A.I. conquers the birthplace of Thanos, the Avengers must unite to end this threat once and for all.
Yet this isn’t a classic cosmic slugfest. At its roots, Rick Remender weaves a narrative that is about a father and a son. Hank Pym feels a sense of responsibility for his murderous, robotic “child.”
As he grapples with his actions, Hank Pym must be prepared to make sacrifices. In recent years, Marvel has shied away from the OGN format. This is an excellent pickup for anyone wanting a self-contained, insular story.
Irredeemable Ant-Man #1-3 (2006)
Hank Pym and Scott Lang, despite their flaws, are constantly trying to redeem themselves. However, Eric O’Grady doesn’t follow a similar path. The lesser-known Ant-Man isn’t destined or fated to become a superhero. He stumbles upon the Ant-Man suit out of sheer luck.
As the name implies, Irredeemable Ant-Man isn’t about “doing the right thing.” Rather, Eric O’Grady chooses to use his powers for personal gain. Although this title never quite caught on with fans, Robert Kirkman’s three-issue origin story is a great place to check out another side of Ant-Man comics.
Avengers Academy: Fear Itself #14-20 (2011)
All sides of Hank Pym’s life have been explored through Ant-Man comics. Avengers Academy puts him in a new role: teacher and advisor. Yet the Avenger is still at his most heroic.
In this storyline, Hank Pym faces off against juiced-up, Asgardian-powered villains to save his students and the world. This story, written by Christos Gage, is collected in trade paperback.
FF (2012) #1
Ant-Man is no stranger to team books. However, the Fantastic Four is the last place many would expect him to show up. With the original team taking a hiatus to examine alternate dimensions, a new group was chosen. Scott Lang, She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing are the hand-picked successors.
Penned by Matt Fraction, Ant-Man mourns over his daughter’s death while trying to be a mentor to the next generation of the Future Foundation. Mike Allred’s pencils are unique and produce a distinct vibe. This run is kooky and highly regarded, especially in an era where Marvel was actively avoiding producing any Fantastic Four comics.
