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Parents' Guide to

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1, Nos. 1-4

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Quirky supergirl brings fun back to comic books.

Book Ryan North Graphic Novel 2015
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1, Nos. 1-4 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

RITBeast
RITBeast Adult
December 23, 2020
age 6+

Great comic for the super-hero obsessed kid

Squirrel girl tends to find non-violent solutions to typically violent comic book scenarios. Hippo the hippo on a rampage? Well, that's understandable, dude got transformed into a half-human hippo against his will. While they strive for non-violence, the default is still "Eats nuts, kicks butts" (and she did beat up the avengers, even if they were being jerks), so I can't give it a full-throated non-violent recommendation. Very educational for older kids as well though as Ryan North often adds in fun facts and computer science concepts throughout.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

It's time for THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL to come out of hiding in the Avenger's attic so she can make her way in the outside world, and going off to college is as good a place to start as any. Moving into the dorms, finding your way to class on time, and learning how to get along with a roommate are more than enough for anyone's plate. But add a dash of Iron Man, a heaping helping of Whiplash, and a planet-sized Galactus to Doreen Green's helping. As Squirrel Girl, she'll need the help of friends, furry and otherwise, and all the courage and smarts she can muster to save the world this time.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

After a long period of doom and darkness in the comic-book world, Marvel's new supergirl bursts on the scene and knocks the hinges off the door by bringing the fun (and funny) back. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is a breath of fresh air in superhero-dom, not only because she's loaded with girl-powered positivity but because she fully embraces the silliness of all things squirrel.

Tweens and up will enjoy the corny yet witty jokes as North's writing easily balances them with exciting action and a suspenseful story arch. Henderson's vivid, dynamic illustrations ably enhance the flow, keeping eyes moving and pages turning. A bonus at the very end reprints the very first appearance of Squirrel Girl as she tries to impress Iron Man and join the Avengers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl a good role model. What do you like about her? What makes her a superhero?

  • Why do you think the character of Squirrel Girl was given her own comic series?

  • If you could have any superpower, what would you want it to be? Why?

Book Details

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