Dedicate A Tree

Having just finished the first story-arc of Nick Spencer’s 2015 ‘Ant-Man’ series (#1 to 5), I enjoyed it so much I felt compelled to share my experience.

The story starts with Ant-Man/Scott Lang - Marvel’s every-man - looking to start over. With hopes of convincing his ex-wife he’s a positive influence in his daughter’s life - and should be a part of it - Lang’s looking for a job and the stability it brings. His desires are relatable, motivations are commendable, and methods… unconventional.

Spencer has honed a delicate balance between self-deprecation, ignorance (borderline self-delusion at times), and confidence which creates a charm and humbleness to make it impossible not to like Lang.

Through a series of events, Lang soon finds himself in Miami starting a small business ‘Ant-Man Security Systems’, where he runs into an interesting mix of reputable and odd-ball characters. Humorously, he spends much of his time trying to convince almost everyone he interacts with that he’s worthy of the future he’s trying to build, despite preconceptions of him being the joke of the superhero community. The theme neatly parallels the reality the series faces in winning over novice readers.

The series offers a level of self-awareness executed perfectly. Not only does Ant-Man have some harsh truths thrown his way, but other characters do to.  Crossfire is called a third rate Bullseye knockoff. Ouch. It’s all part of the fun here, as the conversations between the characters could easily be the conversations you’d hear at your local comic book store.

The highlight of the series so far is the exchange between Ant-Man and his less than enthused ‘arch nemesis’ Taskmaster. It had me laughing out loud, and precisely sums up Lang’s place in the Marvel Universe.

It’s refreshing to read a series not about a global catastrophe, but instead having a character’s livelihood and family being in danger. And that’s it, really, for all the hilarity and well executed action, the series really works due to intimate moments and the personal journey. Trying to build trust with his ex, defining his ambitions as a father, and achieving self-worth in a world which seemed happy to have moved on without him, all ensure you’re invested through each issue and nicely compliments the jokes and action.

There’s nothing ant-sized about the bucket loads of fun you’ll find packed within the series. Each issue is full of charm, hilarious back and forth, meta jokes, great action, and just the right amount of quirkiness. This is a series I wholeheartedly plan to continue picking up each week.

4.5/5

Growing up, I was an emo-kid. Unashamedly so. I wore that slur like a badge of honour: “You’re damn right I’m an emo-kid, and you should definitely check out my i-pod. You want a playlist?” I guess now I’d be called an emo-adult? Maybe. I guess, if my age group still gave a shit about categorising everybody through their music tastes (a simpler time) I would be. Then again, the term ‘emo’ evolved to represent make-up, hair-straightened, noughties-glam-rock, so I don’t think the modern use of ‘emo’ would be thrown my direction.

The Get Up Kids were - and still are - a big deal to me. The same can also be said for the whole scene. Which is why I enjoy Matt Pryor’s Nothing to Write Home About podcast so much. Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids) interviews/shoots-the-shit with some figures from the scene which are my versions of rock stars, including the likes of Mike Kinsella (American Football, Owen), Chris Conley (Saves the Day), Jim Adkins (Jimmy Eat World), Norman Brannon (Texas is the Reason) to name but a few.

It’s fascinating to hear the people from bands which helped mould my emotional spectrum talking shop; they trade tour and war stories; talk about inter-band relationships; provide retrospective views, offering an unparalleled insight to the scene which I loved growing up; and also it’s great to hear what they’re up to now. They’re aware and openly talk about the scene blowing up and having record-companies throwing attention and money at any band they could.

Sadly, Matt Pryor is possibly the most jaded dude in the industry. This is mainly highlighted and becomes a problem when listening to a few of the episodes over a short period of time. I don’t think he’d like me and my openness to use the term ‘emo’ at all. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder and to be honest it gets a bit exhausting. Fortunately, his guests generally keep a positive swing on things.

The podcast’s main issue is Matt interrupting his guests. This happens often and it drives me absolutely bonkers. If it wasn’t for the guests themselves I wouldn’t continue to listen to the podcast, because Matt Pryor is super cynical. Please let them finish their sentences. Ple-.

A real positive is that Matt interviews guys from newer bands, such as Modern Baseball and Into It. Over It. In theory, providing an opportunity to branch out and give the podcast longer life.

If you were ever interested in the late 90’s/early noughties emo/indie scene, this pod-cast is worth a listen. Providing great guests in a relaxed conversational atmosphere, offering a ‘behind-the-music’ type insight.

Recommended listening: The Washed Up Emo Podcast