There’s no denying that the 2020s have been off to a rough start for Marvel adaptations due to the floundering of the MCU. While X-Men 97 and Deadpool and Wolverine have found success, the best Marvel adaptation of the decade isn’t a show or movie at all; it’s a podcast. Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show is a fun, comic-accurate, heartfelt podcast adaptation that was largely overlooked and deserves more credit.
An In-Universe College Radio Show
Unlike Marvel’s other podcasts, which are straightforward audio dramas, Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show is presented as a college radio show hosted by the characters. This gives the show a unique structure, functioning largely as a call-in show set inside of the Marvel universe. This sets the show apart and makes its universe feel more lived in than any other adaptation I’ve ever experienced.
A Window Into The Mundane
The Comic’s Creative Team
The characters in the Squirrel Girl podcast also shine through, feeling true to their comic book selves due to the show being written by comic writer Ryan North. Dorren Green is joined by her supporting cast from North’s comics including her roommate Nancy Whitehead, fellow heroes Chipmunk Hunk and Koi Boy, as well as reformed villain Brain Drain. Each character is given enough room to show off their personalities through individual segments and frequent guest appearances.
In addition to characterization, Ryan North brings the heartwarming positivity and sincerity of his comics to the Squirrel Girl podcast. The show explores its heroine’s belief in empathy, logic, and communication as tools for superheroism. Its positivity is infectious, and it never feels saccharine or preachy despite its clear sense of morality.
The Live-Action Squirrel Girl We Never Got
The voice cast for the Squirrel Girl podcast does a stellar job of bringing the characters to life. Milana Vayntrub (Lily from the AT&T commercials) reprises her role as Doreen Green after playing the rodent-themed superhero in the famously unaired New Warriors pilot. Vayntrub is joined by voice actors Crystal Lucas Perry, Leo Sheng, Davied Morales, Peter Hermann, Erica Schroder, and Tina Benko.
Captures The Spirit Of The Legendary Comic Run
When I listened to Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show, I was reminded of the early MCU movies that adapted B-list Marvel characters with a focus on comic accuracy. The podcast is a pitch-perfect adaptation of Ryan North’s comic run, rooted in the character’s definitive comic arc. However, unlike most adaptations, it doesn’t just adapt a story from that comic but picks up where North’s run ended, making it feel like a genuine part of the canon.
A great adaptation is defined by its ability to capture the source material’s spirit while leaning into the strengths of its new medium, and the Squirrel Girl podcast manages to do both expertly. At a time when the MCU has drifted from comic accuracy with characters like Ms. Marvel, it’s a reminder that direct adaptations can still work. It’s also a testament to the value of involving comic creators in the creative process.
News
IT’S FINALLY OVER! Catherine In Tears Over Heartbreaking Revelation About William, per insider
With his recent visit to Anglesey for the first time as the Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force station, it was a return to…
“It can never be quite the same…”: Royal expert reveals sad detail about Kate Middleton & Camilla’s relationship
Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton have had an exceptional relationship for over a decade. As the Princess of Wales never got to meet her “real” mother-in-law, Camilla…
Heartbreaking Update! Prince William shocks fans with devastating news
Let’s just say that he’s not in the mood to be accepting anyone’s apology, no matter how sincere it may be. There’s a new report that suggests…
Meghan is ready to sue when she learns King Charles has REMOVED her and Harry’s inheritance and all their privileges
Painful! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Lose Inheritance Snub By King Charles For Allegedly Disrespecting the Monarchy The Windsor family has been no stranger to drama over…
EXCLUSIVE NEWS: Queen Camilla Gives Rare Update on King Charles’ Health amid His Cancer Treatment
While visiting a cancer center, the Queen briefly spoke about her husband seven months after his diagnosis became public Queen Camilla shared an upbeat update about how King Charles is…
THE END! Furious Prince William’s Secret Plan To Deal With Harry After Explosive UK Reunion Exposed
Prince William, the future king, has had it with his little brother Harry’s endless drama. After Harry’s bombshell memoir “Spare” rocked the royal family, it seems William…
End of content
No more pages to load