ANT #12
Writer: Erik Larsen
Artist: Erik Larsen
Colorist: Erik Larsen
Letterer: Ferran Delgado
Editor: Josh Eichhorn
Release Date: June 9, 2021
Publisher: Image Comics
What it’s about…
END OF STORY ARC
“THE ANSWER!”-Fourteen years after its previous issue was published, ANT returns for volume one’s awe-inspiring conclusion! This special one-shot wraps up the story already begun by series creator MARIO GULLY and serves as a completely self-contained introduction to ANT by superstar creator ERIK LARSEN. Hannah Washington has spent years looking for answers, and finally, her quest comes to its epic conclusion! Guest-starring the Dynamic Daredevil!
What I thought about it…
The previous issue of Ant’s series ended more than a decade ago with the main character dead. But this is a comic where only the Waynes and Uncle Ben stay dead, so of course, the ant is alive. Now Erik Larsen takes over as writer and artist as he picks up the story with Ant #12.
For the most part, this issue serves as a slate cleaning prologue for the brand-new Ant series Larsen is launching this summer. But that’s not to say Ant #12 can be easily dismissed. On the contrary, this comic is a perfect jumping-on point for readers who are unfamiliar with the character. Even though I haven’t read an Ant comic in several years, I never felt lost or wondered what was going on. The action was great and as usual, Erik Larsen delivered some solid visuals.
The writer/artist does everything he can to make new readers welcome: In the opening pages, Larsen gives readers a sense of what Ant’s abilities are, while in the middle section you learn more about her background. And the final pages set the stage for the new series quite nicely. Larsen even cleans up Ant’s continuity slate, keeping what works like Ant’s mysterious enemies and tossing what doesn’t.
I’ve been a fan of Erik Larsen ever since his original run on Amazing Spider-Man over 30 years ago, so it’s no surprise that his art delivered all the goods. The two-page splash of Ant was particularly nice and reminded me a lot of his Spider-Man days. But I also have to give credit to letterer Ferran Delgado who created word balloons, captions, and sound effects that are easy to follow and read, while also matching Larsen’s art style.
At the end of the day, Ant #12 was a satisfying issue that ends the original run and set up things to come. I first read Ant over a decade ago after finding a few issues in a dollar bin. I liked the character then, but I feel like I understand her better now. Under the guiding hand of Erik Larsen, she may just become another monthly pick-up for me.
Ant #12 grade: B+
The Nerds Uncanny 