When I was a kid, I used to think superheroes had to be all flashy powers and serious faces to be cool.
Then I came across Squirrel Girl – a hero with squirrel powers (yeah, squirrels) who somehow defeated Doctor Doom by straight-up flooding him with an army of furry rodents.
It sounded so ridiculous, I couldn’t believe it actually happened – but it did, and it worked.
Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of her being “unbeatable” and can’t help but wonder: is there anyone out there who could actually take her down?
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Her Wins and Losses – Yes, She Has Lost Before
Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, has a reputation for winning against seemingly impossible odds. But has she ever lost?
Yes, though the circumstances of her defeats make them interesting to analyze.
In one story, she intentionally lost to Mole Man’s monster to stop him from pursuing her romantically. This wasn’t a true defeat but a decision driven by her priorities.
Similarly, Kraven the Hunter managed to defeat her in a playful hand-to-hand fight and hang her upside down.
Yet, this wasn’t a serious loss either – they share a mutual respect and even work together against cruelty to animals.
Outside of her main continuity, darker alternate universes tell a different story. In Marvel Zombies, a zombified Luke Cage killed her.
In Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, she likely didn’t survive Deadpool’s over-the-top rampage.
These instances show that her “unbeatable” nature is deeply tied to the comedic and lighthearted tone of her usual stories.
The “Unbeatable” Label – What It Really Means
Squirrel Girl’s victories often come in ways that break the mold of traditional superhero battles.
She’s not a character who wins through overwhelming power or flashy moves. Instead, her victories are unconventional and creative, often leaning heavily on humor.
Take her first major win, for example. In Marvel Super-Heroes (Vol 2) #8, she defeated Doctor Doom by summoning a swarm of squirrels to overwhelm him.
Her writers also play a significant role in shaping her victories. In the acclaimed Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series, Ryan North emphasized her empathy and creativity.
For instance, when Galactus threatened Earth, she didn’t fight him. Instead, she helped him find a planet full of nuts to satisfy his hunger.
These kinds of solutions highlight her intelligence and ability to connect with others, even cosmic entities.
This storytelling style reinforces her “unbeatable” image. It’s not just about whether she can win – it’s about how she wins in ways that feel unique and even heartwarming.
Could a Joke Villain Beat Her?
Fans have often speculated about which villains could realistically take down Squirrel Girl.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular suggestions are comedic or unconventional villains, like Big Wheel, Paste Pot Pete, or even Kite Man (from DC).
These suggestions aren’t about brute strength but about matching her in creativity and absurdity.
Squirrel Girl’s ability to turn seemingly ridiculous situations into victories makes this kind of matchup fascinating.
In the past, she’s defeated powerful foes like Thanos and Fin Fang Foom using unexpected tactics.
A fight against a joke villain like Big Wheel wouldn’t come down to who’s stronger – it would likely be a battle of wits or even humor. And that’s where Doreen truly shines.
Some fans also point to Isca the Unbeaten, a mutant whose power guarantees her victory in any contest.
While Isca’s ability seems like a perfect counter to Squirrel Girl’s reputation, Doreen’s empathetic nature might still lead to a surprising outcome, like finding common ground instead of fighting.
Squirrel Girl as a Different Kind of Hero
What sets Squirrel Girl apart is that she doesn’t rely on traditional superhero methods to save the day.
Instead of diving headfirst into battles, she often uses her intelligence and compassion to resolve conflicts.
Her stories appeal to all ages, particularly younger readers, because they show that violence isn’t always the answer.
Doreen proves that you don’t need to punch your way out of every situation.
Whether it’s talking Kraven out of his vendetta against Spider-Man or helping Galactus find an alternative to destroying Earth, she focuses on solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Her abilities might sound odd at first – talking to squirrels, superhuman strength, and a bushy tail – but they’re surprisingly effective.
In one instance, she defeated Bi-Beast by directing squirrels to bring smelly garbage to the battlefield, forcing everyone to hold their noses.
So, Can Anyone Truly Beat Squirrel Girl?
The answer isn’t straightforward. Canonically, she has lost a few times, but her defeats often depend on the context and tone of the story.
In her main continuity, she remains unbeatable because of her intelligence, creativity, and heart.
Even in matchups with joke villains or seemingly unbeatable foes, Doreen’s unique approach to heroism gives her an edge.
At the end of the day, Squirrel Girl isn’t just about whether she wins or loses.
Her real superpower lies in showing us a different way to be a hero – one that values kindness, cleverness, and a touch of humor.