In today’s comic book review we go over, the story in Tales to Astonish #45 that features Ant-Man and The Wasp caught in “The terrible Traps of Egghead!”. For those of you who have been following along, we seen Egg Head in Tales To Astonish #38. but worry not, if you did not read that classic issue; as this one offers a wonderful and in-depth recap,  summing up that story in about a page and a half.

In this issue, Egghead comes out of his complete mental breakdown with the goal of seeing revenge and eliminating Ant-man.  this change is brought about by a couple of other criminals whom were defeated by ant-man hiding out in the Bowery near him.

This leads to a in-depth and complex plan that only Egghead could have devised, one that has many steps, and seems completely foolproof to capture the wasp and then annihilate ant-man.

Story

I diabolical plot of a super-genus can be good if and when its done correctly. We have seen it done incorrectly quite a lot in the past few reviews of evil super-genus. Such as the uncompelling stories of the Wizard.  But Egghead as a super-genus is more interesting by far.

His plan’s and plots are quite interesting and deeply thought out.  perhaps even more importantly, it’s not all about the gadgets he designs, as much as it is about his plan.

Art

I found that this issue used panels like the one on the right in interesting ways, putting them at the end of the line, to create a dynamic and artful flow to the reading of the issue.  As i read the story, i liked the use of these larger panels, as they allowed us to see more detail, and  be drawn into the story more without taking up too much more page space.

But not just with the panel layout, but the art in general was done quite well, and I feel Don Heck did a great job doing this  Ant-Man Story. showing the great facial expression, and having wonderful lines showing detail were needed.

He also did a great job with eggheads disguise,  to make him less recognizable.  at firs I thought the change of appearance and addition of hair was a mistake, but then it hit me as I continued reading that it was quite intentional.

the action and movement in the work is also quite easy to see in this issue,  having been done quite well,  adding to how fluid the story seems, and feels.

All these things add up to make this issue come to life as you read it, complementing and adding to what was already  quite a good story. perhaps even being key in having made the story good.

Originality & Continuity

This story is a stellar example of Originality and continuity. One that could be looked at as inspiration and even groundbreaking for whats to come.

The story is quite original, the plot and designed methods are compelling as Egghead engages in his plan to eliminate ant-man.  I can also tell that in writing this it was a well thought out story to create such a well thought out plan.

Continuity is where this story picks up most of its points though,  first and foremost it builds upon last issue, where the wasp was introduced.   This issue takes that, sticking with it and starts to build upon the character and the new dynamic at play.

But Just as important, is how this story fits Egghead in with his existing history against ant-man.  It sticks to what was established for him as well,  even with not knowing about the wasp at first.   This could not have been done better.

Characters & Development

The Wasp and Ant-Man

This issue we have the first full issue of them both working as a team.  With this being the case, it is the issue where their dynamic begins to develop.  This works quite well, as the characters are not clear on the dynamic themselves.  The Wasp, or at least Janet Van Dyne wishes to have a relationship with Dr. Henry Pym.

At the same time while Dr. Pym is attracted to Janet, he see’s her as more of a child, and his role as more of her mentor. He also has a compelling reason for not wanting love again, established in the last issue.

This Dynamic is what will make Ant-Man and the Wasp an interesting team, their stories all the better in the issues to follow.

Egghead

Egghead also grows in this issue, seeming to be the menace that is aways just beyond capture, the one who intends to come back again and again to try to put an end to ant-man.

By building upon what was already established, I feel they begun the steps to make Egghead the kind of lasting Super-villain that could return over and over.

Comic Book Review Summery

Sometimes all the pieces, fall together perfectly letting the story and art to flow naturally and to give us the continuity and development to the ongoing epic that we desire.  “The Terrible Trap Of Egghead” from Tales To Astonish #45, is one such story where this happened. building upon the ongoing ant-man epic we have come to love, and helping to bring the wasp fully  into the fold.