The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 2 #8 – Comic Review & Breakdown
Genre:
Superhero, Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Main Characters:
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Doreen Green / Squirrel Girl – A computer science student with squirrel-like powers, exceptional strength, and an unbeatable optimistic spirit.
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Nancy Whitehead – Doreen’s roommate and closest friend, known for her grounded attitude and love for cats.
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Tippy-Toe – Doreen’s loyal squirrel companion who often provides tactical support and comic relief.
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Brain Drain – A reformed supervillain now living with Doreen, offering philosophical insights and dry humor.
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Ken Shiga / Koi Boi – A fellow student and part-time superhero, helping Doreen navigate the world of heroics and social challenges.
Writer:
Ryan North – Known for his witty, character-driven writing style, North masterfully blends humor, action, and heart in this issue, continuing to redefine how superhero stories can be told.
Artist:
Erica Henderson – With expressive character designs and comedic timing in visual storytelling, Henderson’s artwork complements the quirky tone of the series while maintaining clarity during action scenes and emotional beats.
Editor Details:
Wil Moss – Senior editor at Marvel overseeing the series, known for curating offbeat and refreshing narratives in the superhero genre.
Publisher and Brand:
Marvel Comics – Published under Marvel’s main line, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl represents one of the company’s most acclaimed all-ages, humor-oriented superhero titles.
Release Year:
2016
Brief Plot Summary:
In The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 2 #8, Doreen Green faces an unusual triad of challenges: a towering monster threatening the city, a revolting old man causing chaos, and the surprisingly stressful task of navigating the world of online dating. As she juggles high-stakes heroics with the vulnerabilities of personal relationships, Doreen’s unshakable spirit and offbeat sense of humor are put to the test. Titled “I Kissed a Squirrel and I Liked It,” this issue offers a perfect mix of over-the-top superhero action and charmingly awkward romantic misadventures.
Notable Arcs or Storylines:
This issue is part of a broader narrative that explores Doreen’s attempt to balance everyday life with superhero duties. It also continues the subplot involving Brain Drain’s integration into society and Doreen’s attempts to help him adapt to normal life, adding layers to the overall character dynamics. The issue stands out as one of the most humorous entries in the series, pushing the theme of “relatable absurdity” to new levels.
Fan Theories or Interpretations:
Some fans interpret this issue’s emphasis on dating and awkward social dynamics as a commentary on how superheroes (especially less conventional ones like Squirrel Girl) must navigate mundane challenges in contrast to world-ending threats. The online dating subplot has sparked discussions on Reddit and fan forums regarding Doreen’s potential romantic orientations and her representation of introverted or socially awkward personalities in a positive light.
Review Summary:
Issue #8 delivers a strong blend of humor, character development, and clever storytelling. Ryan North’s writing continues to shine with natural dialogue, self-aware commentary, and heartfelt sincerity. Erica Henderson’s illustrations strike the perfect balance between quirky and clear, enhancing both comedic and action-packed moments. The comic excels at presenting a superhero who is relatable, unique, and genuinely kind without losing sight of the fun and absurdity of comic book storytelling.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
