'Unbeatable Squirrel Girl' Joins the 'War of the Realms' Action

This April, WAR OF THE REALMS arrives in Midgard, and Malekith’s forces invade Earth... And the only one who can save us is Doreen Green, AKA the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! 

So that’s terrific. We’re in great hands and don’t need to worry at all! Phew.

Or at least we would be, if it weren’t for the complicating factor of an ancient Asgardian Squirrel Chaos God who’s decided she wants to be...friends?!

On May 8, Doreen and Ratatoskr fight Frost Giants in UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #44, a mighty WAR OF THE REALMS tie-in!

We chatted with writer Ryan North about how the War of the Realms seeps into Doreen Green’s life, what’s ahead for her and her newfound ally, and who he’s rooting for when the cosmic fight comes to Midgard!

Marvel.com: Tell us a bit about THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #44 and how the WAR OF THE REALMS is impacting Doreen Green's life and universe?

Ryan North: Well, Squirrel Girl has stayed out of all of the previous Marvel events, because otherwise the event would have been over in the space of a single issue. But the War of the Realms is, FINALLY, worthy of her attention. It's actually Loki that brings her into it, before it happens she's off in another dimension taking care of some business there. But when she finds out that the Frost Giants have taken over North America, and are threatening her friends and family there, she's ready to take care of it.

Marvel.com: Squirrel Girl is teaming up with an unlikely ally, Ratatoskr the Norse Squirrel God. How are you and artist Derek Charm approaching their interactions differently than their typically tense relationship?

North: Squirrel Girl in Ratatoskr have a history going back to her (first) fifth issue, so it's fair to say that there's some tension there. Erica Henderson is the one who created Ratatoskr's look, but Derek has been really pushing it in some fun and terrifying new directions. She's one of the villains that Squirrel Girl hasn't been able to reform, and they don't particularly like each other, so it's a lot of fun to see these two bounce off one another. It is not going well for Doreen or North America, I'll say that.

Marvel.com: What do you like about writing Ratatoskr?

North: She is someone who is fully confident in who she is, doesn't care what anyone else thinks  but still uses mind control to make sure everyone thinks she's great. I like the combination of super confidence and super insecurity there. Or maybe it's all confidence!  Ratatoskr has been alive for hundreds of thousands of years, so she doesn't particularly care what mortal life on Midgard thinks about her. She and Doreen basically form an unlikely partnership. It's a buddy comedy! With, you know, an ancient squirrel chaos god.

Marvel.com: How do you think the WAR OF THE REALMS will influence Squirrel Girl's choices in this story or will she be too distracted by Ratatoskr?

North: Squirrel girl's first priority is to save everyone. With her in charge of taking care of the entire continent of North America, it's a lot of people to save from Frost Giants.  She's up to the task, but Ratatoskr isn't exactly helping things. The last time they met, Ratatoskr mind controlled the Avengers, and forced Squirrel Girl to beat them up in 26 seconds. Hey, maybe she'll be her personal best in this arc!

Marvel.com: Who are you rooting for in the WAR OF THE REALMS?

North: I mean, I'm usually on the side of the humans, or at least the squirrels, but I've been writing these Frost Giants lately and some of them are PRETTY ADORABLE. Don't tell any humans I said that. Or any squirrels.

Marvel.com: Is there anything else that you want readers to know about this story?

North: That even though this is our first crossover with a major Marvel event, it’s still a Squirrel Girl comic! If you're only reading Squirrel Girl, you won't be lost, and the timing worked out so that there's no story being interrupted: it's a full Squirrel Girl arc through and through. And if you're not reading Squirrel Girl, this is the perfect time to start! This arc features friendship, giants, AND smooching. Also jokes.

THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #44, written by Ryan North with art by Derek Charm, goes on sale May 8! Pre-order your copy at your local comic shop now!