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

Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Volume 1, is a collection of the first four issues featuring an ongoing Marvel superhero. Originally created in the '90s, Squirrel Girl received a reboot in 2015. She's a great role model for girls, brimming with self confidence, unafraid of physical confrontation but proving most effective when she makes personal connections and thinks creatively. Occasional cartoonish violence shows one tooth knocked out with red at the root. Lots of references to Marvel's vast superhero franchises including trading cards, a Tumblr page, Twitter hashtags, and other opportunities to find bonus content online.
Community Reviews
Great comic for the super-hero obsessed kid
Report this 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?
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
- Author: Ryan North
- Illustrator: Erica Henderson
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Superheroes, Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Marvel
- Publication date: September 1, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 128
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love graphic novels and strong girls
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate