Scott Lang, the astonishing Ant-Man, receives his own ongoing series in January 2015, penned by writer Nick Spencer and illustrated by artist Ramon Rosanas. The book kicks off with a call from Tony Stark, which plunges Lang into a whole new era of super heroics like only he can pull off.

Marvel.com: Nick, how did you come into this project? How did you feel when it was first offered to you?

Nick Spencer: I started lobbying for this back in the summer of 2013. [Marvel Editor-in-Chief] Axel Alonso and I had a great lunch in San Diego, and I told him then how much I'd love to do it then, but it was a bit early at the time and they were still working out what to do with [Ant-Man]. Then earlier this year, editor Wil Moss dropped me a note out of the blue, asking if I'd be interested in pitching it. I was ecstatic. Within a month or so, we were greenlit. It’s very nice when it works out like that. 

Marvel.com: Scott’s been through more than many other Marvel heroes—where's his head at when this book kicks off?

Nick Spencer: Barely above water. As you said, Scott’s been through a lot. He’s been through the ringer. Now he’s trying to start over, trying to build a new life; but his old mistakes, his ever-recurring character flaws, keep getting in the way. 

Marvel.com: Why is it important that he continue with the Ant-Man persona at this moment?

Nick Spencer: Well, for Scott, being Ant-Man is kind of his one big thing. No matter how much trouble it’s caused him, or how much it’s cost him, it’s still the thing that plucked him out of criminal obscurity and gave him a chance to be something. And when we open, he’s trying to spin it into something new. He sees an opportunity. 

Marvel.com: Speaking of which, what will Scott’s relationship with Tony Stark be like? Is there stress and strain there?

Nick Spencer: Oh, sure. Tony is like a gajillion times more successful than Scott. They’ve got history; plenty of potential for fireworks there. 

Marvel.com: So, what will original Ant-Man Hank Pym’s reaction be like to this? Will there be conflict?

Nick Spencer: It’s not something we're tackling too much right out of the gate, but obviously Hank’s shadow looms large in Scott’s life; I’m looking forward to him joining our story here, I think it will mean big things; I’ll say that much. 

Marvel.com: What about other forms of conflicts? What will Scott's new challenges—and we presume enemies—be like?

Nick Spencer: I’m excited about the new status quo we’re setting up for Scott. It’s going to get him in a lot of trouble. There’s some caper/heist stuff, some out-there sci-fi stuff, he’ll get to mix it up with some big players; it’s a fun mix. 

As for enemies, if you were a fan of what we did on SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN, I think you'll dig this take on the whole culture of costumed heroes and villains thing, as well. 

Marvel.com: Will memories of Scott’s late daughter Cassie play a part in the proceedings?

Nick Spencer: Of course. Cassie, and what happened to her, is one of the defining aspects of Scott’s life. It really drives everything in our book.

Marvel.com: In your opinion, what strengths does Ramon Rosanas bring to ANT-MAN?

Nick Spencer: Ramon is fantastic because he can do anything. He’s equally good at the human moments and the big action sequences. He uses the whole page very well; great comic timing, too. I’m excited to be working with him.

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