REVIEW: ‘Ant-Man,’ Issue #3

Ant-Man #3 is written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Tom Reilly, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by VC’s Cory Petit. It’s published by Marvel Comics. “The Electric Ant” puts the spotlight on the most famous Ant-Man of all: Scott Lang! Lang is asked by Iron Man and Thor to help the Avengers transport a cell containing Ultron into the Microverse. But that transport is interrupted by the Black Ant, a Life Model Decoy of Eric O’Grady, as he’s been hired by Ultron to break the madman loose. Lang and his daughter Cassie, aka Stinger, find themselves in one of the biggest fights of their lives. But what does it have to do with the mysterious Ant-Man from the future?

Each issue in the Ant-Man series has been a character study centered on one of the men who’s held the mantle, and this issue marks Lang’s turn. In this case, it’s his status in the Marvel Universe as one of the “little guys.” As Cassie rightfully points out, her father’s helped save the world on multiple occasions and even beaten Doctor Doom! And he gets to show off that ingenuity throughout the issue, finding new ways to beat Black Ant as well as transport Ultron’s body to the teleportation site. The best parts of superhero fiction often have a hero using their powers and/or skills in new ways, and Ewing certainly excels at that. He also does well with character dynamics, as Scott is carefree but grows deadly serious when confronting Ultron and Black Ant.

Having done a 60s-styled throwback issue for Hank Pym and a 2000s-era issue for the real O’Grady, Reilly once again flexes his artistic muscles to depict a more modern Marvel Universe. Both of the Langs are wearing modernized suits with sleeker designs and state-of-the-line helmets. As for Ultron, he continues to pose a frightening figure, especially now that Pym’s body is fused with his. Reilly doesn’t shy away from how unsettling the sight of Pym’s kind face merged with Ultron’s hateful visage, depicting an image where the mad machine is literally looking down on a smaller Lang. I also love that Reilly is continuing to utilize Ant-Man’s shrinking effect in new ways. One image features Black Ant jumping and shrinking, making it look like his own shadow is chasing after him.

Finally, Bellaire delivers a bold set of colors throughout the issue, particularly in the background. The Avengers Mountain is shining chrome, while another image features the Langs flying through a cold blue night sky. But where Bellaire really excels is in the contrast between Lang and Black Ant’s suits. Both suits have a red and black color scheme, but Lang’s suit features a prominent amount of red. and Black Ant, well, he lives up to his name. Lang’s suit is also more brightly colored while Black Ant’s is darker than the night surrounding them. It’s a great way to signify a character’s alignment without them flat out saying “I’m a good/bad guy.”

Ant-Man #3 turns its focus on Scott Lang, as Al Ewing and Tom Reilly’s astonishing anniversary series draws to a close. I’m looking forward to the final issue, especially since it will reveal more about the future Ant-Man. It also puts a spin on one of my favorite Marvel villains, making him deadlier than ever.

Ant-Man #3 is available wherever comics are sold.