Marvel Premiere #47
Published and © by Marvel, April 1979
Title: “To Steal an Ant-Man!”
Synopsis: A former burglar, feeling like he’s out of options to save his critically ill daughter, steals the Ant-Man costume.
Writer: David Michelinie
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Bob Layton
Review: Writer David Michelinie delivers the broad strokes of an epic origin tale here: A handsome rogue gives up a life of crime for the good of his plucky, young daughter, but returns to his felonious ways in an effort to save said child’s life. But there are some issues: An extensive flashback saps the story of momentum and tension. Meanwhile, readers aren’t necessarily convinced Scott Lang needs to become a burglar again. (Perhaps try asking boss Tony Stark for help? Rumor has it, he knows a thing or two about using technology to address inoperable heart conditions!) Top-shelf art, though.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “Perhaps I am a little jaundiced – the thing is, after all, quite well drawn and well scripted – but it strikes me as yet another wasted effort.” – K. Williams, BEM #23, April 1979 … “Acceptable superheroics.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: John Byrne and Bob Layton are a fantastic superhero art team.
Notable: First appearance of the Scott Lang Ant-Man, Cassie Lang and Darren Cross.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 12p British variant of this issue, as well as a Marvel Legends reprint. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Hey, uh, wh-why don’t you guys, er, bug off, huh?” – Scott “Ant-Man” Lang, new to the world of super-quips
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 16, 2023.
