The Astonishing Ant-Man #8 – Comic Review and Breakdown
Genre
Superhero, Comedy, Crime
Main Characters
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Scott Lang / Ant-Man – The reformed thief turned superhero and father trying to make life work.
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Power Broker – A villain-turned-businessman exploiting the gig economy for criminal purposes.
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The Superior Foes (Beetle, Shocker, Speed Demon, Overdrive, and Boomerang) – A quirky lineup of C-list villains looking for work.
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Cassie Lang – Scott’s daughter, whose safety and happiness motivate much of his moral compass.
Writer
Nick Spencer – Known for his satirical tone and knack for blending social commentary with superhero storytelling, Spencer injects clever humor and relevant themes into this issue.
Artist
Brent Schoonover – Schoonover’s dynamic and expressive style captures both the absurdity and emotion of the series, keeping the visuals light but energetic.
Editor Details
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Editor: Tom Brevoort
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Assistant Editor: Wil Moss
Their oversight ensures a polished, cohesive product that balances humor with superhero action.
Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics
Imprint: Marvel Universe – Main Continuity
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In The Astonishing Ant-Man #8, Scott Lang’s life continues to spiral into chaos as a cast of misfit villains joins the fray. These aren't your typical big-name bad guys — they’re the quirky “Superior Foes,” now contracted through a criminal gig app called HENCH. Created by Power Broker, this app lets anyone with a smartphone hire supervillains. Unfortunately for all involved, the app is about as reliable as a broken toaster. While Scott tries to juggle his duties as a father and a hero, he also has to contend with buggy tech, unreliable henchmen, and a growing web of complications.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue forms part of the larger arc that explores the “gig economy of evil,” cleverly parodying real-world platforms like Uber or TaskRabbit. It also deepens Scott Lang’s character arc as a struggling, street-level hero trying to redefine what it means to be a good guy in a morally gray world.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans have interpreted the HENCH app as a biting satire of modern startup culture—where ethics take a backseat to convenience and monetization. There's also speculation about whether the recurring failures of the app and the awkwardness of the Superior Foes are metaphors for Scott’s own struggles with self-worth and reliability as a superhero and father.
Review Summary
Astonishing Ant-Man #8 thrives on humor and character-driven storytelling. Nick Spencer continues to find inventive ways to explore the superhero genre through a grounded, comedic lens. The quirky team of villains provides endless laughs, while the crumbling infrastructure of their criminal enterprise reflects the very real frustrations of the modern world. Brent Schoonover’s art style complements the tone perfectly—clean, expressive, and full of motion. Scott Lang’s balance of heartfelt sincerity and reluctant heroism remains at the core, giving emotional weight to the laughs. A unique and witty issue that continues to cement this series as a standout in Marvel’s lineup.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
