Howard The Duck #6 (2016) – Comic Book Review & Breakdown
Genre
🦸♂️ Superhero, 🦆 Satire, 😂 Comedy, 🌀 Multiverse Adventure
Main Characters
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Howard the Duck – A cynical, wisecracking anthropomorphic duck caught in bizarre superhero misadventures.
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Squirrel Girl (Doreen Green) – The relentlessly optimistic and overpowered hero with the ability to communicate with squirrels.
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Rocket Raccoon – A sharp-tongued, tech-savvy raccoon from the Guardians of the Galaxy.
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Kraven the Hunter – A classic Marvel villain with a peculiar soft spot for offbeat battles.
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Beast (Hank McCoy) – The blue-furred mutant from the X-Men, providing intellect and some unexpected levity.
Writer
✍️ Chip Zdarsky – Known for blending outrageous comedy with sharp character work, Zdarsky infuses this issue with his signature self-aware humor while grounding the chaos in clever storytelling.
Artist
🎨 Joe Quinones – With clean lines, expressive characters, and colorful, energetic layouts, Quinones elevates every gag and emotional beat.
Editor Details
🛠️ Wil Moss (Editor) – Moss ensures the story maintains narrative cohesion across this crossover event, balancing tone and character moments while managing multiple guest stars with flair.
Publisher and Brand
📚 Marvel Comics
🏷️ All-New, All-Different Marvel
Release Year
📅 2016
Brief Plot Summary
In the hilarious conclusion of the “Animal House” crossover with The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Howard the Duck teams up—reluctantly—with Squirrel Girl to tackle a bizarre crisis. The duo finds themselves navigating absurd hijinks involving cosmic chaos, ridiculous team-ups, and even a “very cool” van. Through Howard’s cynical lens, readers witness an adventure that questions what it means to be a “real” hero…while poking fun at almost every Marvel trope along the way. 🦆💥🐿️
Notable Arcs or Storylines
Animal House (Part 2) – This storyline began in The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #6 and concludes here, showcasing a team-up no one expected but everyone needed. It's a satire on Marvel crossovers, power scales, and heroism.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
🤔 Squirrel Girl as the Ultimate Hero? – Fans often point out that Squirrel Girl’s carefree but effective methods contrast sharply with Howard’s jaded worldview. The issue playfully suggests that optimism and compassion might just be the truest superpowers.
🧪 Howard as the Multiversal Linchpin – Given his frequent reality-hopping, some theorize Howard’s role in the Marvel Universe as a subtle stabilizer between bizarre dimensions—one feathered step from being a cosmic constant.
Review Summary
Art: Joe Quinones' visual storytelling shines through expressive panels, dynamic action sequences, and a delightful flair for comedic timing. 🎨
Story Quality: Zdarsky delivers another sharp script, packed with gags, clever dialogue, and unexpected heart. The pacing keeps things brisk, even as the characters spiral through layered absurdities. 📝
Character Depth: Despite the satirical tone, Howard and Doreen both get moments of surprising sincerity, revealing layers beneath the laughs. 💫
Verdict:
Howard the Duck #6 is a joyful, chaotic ride that pokes fun at superhero clichés while celebrating the heart behind them. A must-read for fans of offbeat Marvel tales! ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
