I first met Doreen Green, the indomitable Squirrel Girl, through Marvel Rivals in 2025. Her unbridled energy, the way she swings her enormous tail, and that battle cry—“eat nuts and kick butts”—hooked me instantly. But the real magic started when I dug into her comic book roots. Diving into Squirrel Girl’s comics is like discovering a secret stash of acorns hidden in an old oak; you never know what delightful treasures await. Her journey from a obscure 1992 backup story to headlining her own series is a furry masterclass in charm and sheer power. Here are the issues that turned me into a believer.

The Humble Beginning That Humbled Doctor Doom

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Everything traces back to Marvel Super-Heroes #8 (1992), Squirrel Girl’s debut. This was a fill-in story for an Iron Man annual, the kind of tale that usually gets forgotten. Yet within those pages, a star was born. A teenaged Doreen crosses paths with Iron Man and, astonishingly, defeats Doctor Doom all by herself—using nothing but her squirrel agility and a swarm of furry friends. I remember reading that for the first time and feeling like I’d stumbled upon a golden acorn in a pile of leaves. It’s the perfect starting point for any collector, and seeing Iron Man’s grudging admiration sets the tone for her entire career: never judge a hero by her fluffy cheeks.

The Great Lakes Avengers and a Holiday Miracle

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Squirrel Girl’s second appearance came in the Great Lakes Avengers miniseries—a lovable parody team with a curse for terrible names. Mr. Immortal, Flatman, Doorman, Big Bertha… they’re the underdogs of the Marvel Universe, and Doreen fits right in. But the real eye-opener is the GLX-Mas Special #1. This issue is the rocky road ice cream of superhero comics: unexpected chunks of epic villain battles embedded in a creamy holiday confection. In one festive special, Squirrel Girl defeats M.O.D.O.K., Galactus, and even Thanos! Yes, the Thanos she beat was later revealed to be a clone, but the debate still rages among fans. Watching her outwit cosmic-level threats with squirrels and spunk felt like witnessing David taking down three Goliaths using only a slingshot made of sarcasm.

The Unbeatable Run That Redefined a Hero

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If you only read one series, make it The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North and Erica Henderson. This is where Doreen truly comes into her own, juggling college life with her secret identity in a way that feels remarkably grounded. The humor is sharp, the art is expressive, and the series established the costume and personality that Marvel Rivals players now adore. Reading it feels like sipping a cold lemonade with fresh mint on a blistering summer afternoon—every page refreshes you. Volume 2 continues that momentum, and issue 43 even introduces a winter costume that I desperately hope becomes a skin in the game.

Team-Ups That Show Her Range

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Doreen isn’t just a solo act. She spent a charming stint as nanny to Luke Cage and Jessica Jones’ child in the New Avengers series—brief panels that prove she can slot into any corner of the Marvel Universe. Later, in U.S. Avengers, she becomes a main member of a government-baked super-group led by Roberto Da Costa. Watching her stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Red Hulk and Iron Patriot made me appreciate her versatility. And for a dose of pure, youthful joy, Marvel Rising pairs her with Ms. Marvel in a team that crackles with chemistry. These crossovers remind me that Squirrel Girl is the metronome that keeps even the wildest teams in rhythm.

The Epilogue and Beyond

Marvel Unlimited subscribers can access the Squirrel Girl Infinity Comic, an epilogue where Doreen starts a podcast and leans on other heroes for advice. It’s a cozy curtain call—like a warm cup of cocoa after a long day of squirrel-powered crime fighting. Tippy, her squirrel companion, even gets solo animal adventures alongside Jeff the Land Shark, which are pure joy.

Looking back from 2026, Squirrel Girl’s comic legacy feels more vibrant than ever. Whether you’re a lapsed reader or a Marvel Rivals player curious about the lore, these stories are a testament to the fact that great power can come in the fluffiest package. So go ahead, grab a few issues, and remember: when life throws you Doombots, respond with squirrels.